Monorail tracks Hitachi SAFEGE
This mod includes monorail tracks present in Japan: straddled Hitachi monorail (e.g. Tokyo, Tama Toshi, Osaka, etc.), and suspended SAFEGE systems used for Chiba and Shōnan monorails (tracks are different). Both SAFEGE systems also include separate tracks for use as switches and inside tunnels. Hitachi monorail beams can be of various width, but this translates into ~2 pixels of difference and thus is not reflected (standard width Tokyo monorail beam is depicted). The pack also includes AVP invisible tracks for use in suspended systems and certain "buildings" for use with switches.
Monorail tracks have substantial differences from regular railroad tracks and as a result tracks in this mod require different techniques for building.
All tracks – double traction
– To build double traction, start with one track first. Then add the second track using parallel tool (press V) and going in the same direction as you did on the first track. Check that track shadows are on the same side for both tracks. For suspended monorails this will also ensure smooth switch/turnout graphics.
– If you ever need to reverse track direction, build a segment in the desired direction with more nodes, and connect to the track you want to reverse. (Break it into smaller segments to reverse a long line).
Suspended SAFEGE tracks (Chiba, Shōnan):
– Because trains run under the tracks, which is not possible in NIMBY, a two-level system is used. (1) Lower level – use the included invisible tracks (or any other you prefer) – these are the tracks the trains should run on. (2) Upper level – use the Chiba or Shōnan tracks. Trains should not run on these tracks (they will be above them if they do).
– To make track building and maintenance easier, Chiba and Shōnan track graphics are off-center. Build them using parallel tool (V), always going in the same direction for proper shadows and switches, and attaching them to the lower level track at 0.34m offset. This will ensure the train (which runs on lower level) is centered relative to the SAFEGE track. The reason for this system is it makes it easier to both attach switches to the right level and also maintain the nodes if you need to adjust them.
Building switches – Hitachi
– Hitachi system switches move the entire monorail beam on transversal tracks to connect to another branch, which is not possible in NIMBY. Switches in this mod illustrate cutouts along the track to allow the lower sides and wheels of the train to pass, using included buildings. This approach effectively shows all possible positions of the beam.
– For proper beam shadow continuity, build the continuous track on the shadow side: e.g. if shadow is on the right, build continuous track going right-most. Make all other tracks (including straight direction if applicable) branches.
– Make all switch branches the same length and cut main direction track to coincide with them. Extend all these segments past the point the beams clear from each other.
– Add AVP monorail Hitachi switch plate building under each segment. Adjust width to eliminate gaps.
– Add AVP monorail Hitachi switch gap building on both sides of each segment. This will create deep cutouts between beams that illustrate how train sides and wheels can pass through the switch.
– Use AVP monorail drop shadow building for any track segment to show elevation.
Building switches – SAFEGE
– SAFEGE switches are covered by the concrete beam, with no visible details, but the beam is wider than the regular track beam.
– Connect both lower and upper level switches – ensure they are connected to the right track. The 0.34m offset helps see this. You can also hide one of the map levels to check proper connections.
– Cut main track segment to correspond to the first segment of the branch. Convert both into switch track type.
– For track crossovers, if the beams do not align perfectly, build the crossover in the opposite direction.
– Switch track types do not have shadows (they would overlap and not look good). Therefore add beam and drop shadow buildings manually. Use AVP monorail SAFEGE shadow building for beam shadow. Use AVP monorail drop shadow building to create track elevation. Adjust building positions as desired.
– Switch track type is not for use for switches inside tunnels – it has a different purpose.
Building tunnels – Hitachi
– Switch plate building cannot be used in the tunnel as it will be under the track and not visible.
Building tunnels – SAFEGE
– To show the train between the tunnel floor and the beam, use the switch track tunnel version instead of the invisible track for the lower level. The tunnel version is centered for this purpose.
