The Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) Shape File Manager v2.5 (SFM25) is a utility developed to modify and manage (shape) and
(shape definition) files. It serves as an update to Paul Gausden’s original version 2.4a and adds features like MIP Map level adjustments object rotation Elvas Tower Installation Guide
The installation is "super simple" as it does not use a traditional installer, but rather a file-based setup. Elvas Tower File Placement : Unzip the
archive and copy all contents into your existing SFM folder, or a new dedicated folder (e.g., C:\Shape File Mgr\ Dependency : Ensure the file ffeditc_unicode.exe same folder . This file is typically found in the default MSTS UTILS/FFEDIT directory. Browser Requirement : SFM25 runs as an HTML Application ( ). It requires Internet Explorer
to be installed on your PC to function correctly, though it does not need to be your default browser. Shortcut Setup : Create a desktop shortcut to
. If you are upgrading from an older version, update the "Target" path in your existing shortcut properties to point to the new Elvas Tower Key Features
Once installed, SFM25 allows for several non-destructive edits to MSTS models: Compression/Uncompression
: Toggles shape files between binary and text formats for editing.
: Changes the size of objects in the X, Y, and Z directions. Transformation
: Reverses objects (180° rotation) or rotates them 90° clockwise/counter-clockwise. Offsetting
: Shifts an object's position relative to its original pivot point. LOD Adjustments
: Manages distance levels and MIP maps for better performance. Transport Tycoon Forums Troubleshooting Common Issues Windows 11 Compatibility
: Some users report errors when attempting to compress or decompress files on Windows 11 using SFM. Alternatives like the FFEDIT_Sub utility TSRE5 toolset are recommended for modern operating systems. "Not a Valid Win32 Application" : If you see this error, ensure the file is set to open with the Microsoft (R) HTML Application host ) rather than a standard web browser. Elvas Tower alternative tools for Windows 11? Elvas Tower: Shape File Manager 25 5 Jul 2015 —
Getting Started with MSTS Shape File Manager v2.5 If you are a veteran of Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) or a creator exploring Open Rails, you know that managing .S files is essential for customising your rail experience. Shape File Manager v2.5 (SFM25) is a lightweight utility designed to make simple changes to these files without needing complex 3D modelling software. What Does SFM v2.5 Do?
SFM25 acts as a graphical interface for the FFEDITC_UNICODE.EXE utility. Key features include:
Compression/Uncompression: Easily open .S files to edit them in Wordpad or another Unicode editor. Scaling: Resize objects along X, Y, or Z axes. msts shape file manager 25 install
Positional Shifts: Move a model relative to its pivot point.
Visual Adjustments: Change distance levels (LOD), texture lighting modes, and rotate or reverse objects. Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Installation is straightforward but requires specific files to be in the right places.
Download SFM25: You can find the utility in the Elvas Tower MSTS Download Library or similar community sites like Trainsim.com.
Unzip the Files: Extract the contents of the zip file into a dedicated folder (e.g., C:\SFM25).
Add FFEDITC: Locate FFEDITC_UNICODE.EXE from your MSTS UTILS/FFEDIT folder. Copy this file into your SFM25 folder.
Create a Shortcut: Right-click sfm25.hta and select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut). Configure the Application:
SFM25 runs as an HTA (HTML Application) and typically opens via Internet Explorer or a similar engine.
Once open, you may need to point the program to your Unicode editor (like Notepad or Wordpad) in the options menu. Troubleshooting Common Issues
"Not a valid Win32 application": If you get this error when clicking the HTA file, right-click it and ensure it is set to "Open with" the Microsoft (R) HTML Application host.
Missing Files: Ensure the entire contents of the original FFEDIT folder are copied to the SFM folder to avoid missing dependency errors.
Windows 10/11 Compatibility: SFM25 works on modern systems, but you should avoid installing it in protected directories like Program Files to prevent permission issues. Elvas Tower: Shape File Manager v2.5
MSTS Shape File Manager (SFM) v2.5 is a essential utility for Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) and Open Rails designed to perform simple modifications on shape ( ) and shape definition (
) files. It provides a graphical interface for tools that would otherwise require command-line knowledge. Elvas Tower Key Features of Version 2.5 Compression & Decompression FFEDITC_UNICODE.EXE to compress or uncompress binary shape files for editing. Scaling & Shifting
: Adjust the size of models in X, Y, and Z directions or shift a model's position relative to its pivot point. Rotation & Reversing The Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) Shape File Manager v2
: Easily rotate objects by 90 degrees (clockwise or counter-clockwise) or reverse them (180-degree rotation) about the Y-axis. LOD Management
: Adjust distance levels (Level of Detail) to optimize simulator performance. MIP Map Adjustment
: Configure MIP map levels, a feature specifically updated for version 2.5. Texture Mode Modification
: Change the lighting and texture modes of matrices, including fixes for "shiny" locomotives. Integrated Editing : Includes a configurable Unicode editor to modify files directly. Elvas Tower Installation & Setup Guide
To ensure the utility functions correctly, it should be installed within your primary simulator directory. Elvas Tower : Locate the SFM v2.5 download on community sites like Elvas Tower
: Extract the files into a subfolder within your main MSTS or Open Rails directory (e.g., ...\Train Simulator\utils\SFM Dependencies FFEDITC_UNICODE.EXE from your simulator's UTILS\FFEDIT
folder into the same folder as SFM to enable compression features.
file. If Windows does not recognize it, ensure it is set to open with Microsoft HTML Application Host (mshta.exe) or a compatible browser like Internet Explorer. Modern OS Compatibility : Users on Windows 11
may encounter errors with compression; in these cases, using alternative tools like
is recommended for uncompressing files before using SFM for edits. Elvas Tower alternative utilities for managing Open Rails assets on modern operating systems? Elvas Tower: Shape File Manager v2.5
Shape File Manager v2.5 (SFM25) is a essential utility for Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) and Open Rails developers, used to modify .S (shape) and .SD (shape definition) files. It is a refined version of Paul Gausden’s original v2.4a, updated by Huecuvoe. Installation & Configuration Story
Unlike modern software with automated installers, SFM25 is an "HTA" (HTML Application) that requires manual setup and specific file associations. Download and Placement:
Download the SFM25 package from community repositories like Elvas Tower.
Extract the files into a dedicated folder. It is recommended to place this folder within your main MSTS directory or a specialized utility folder (e.g., B:\SFM25) to keep it close to the assets you intend to edit. Launching the Application: The primary executable is sfm25.hta.
Common Pitfall: If you double-click the file and it attempts to open in a web browser like Internet Explorer or Edge, it may fail or display an error such as "not a valid Win32 application". Step 4: Create a Shortcut
The Fix: Right-click sfm25.hta, select Open With, and choose the Microsoft (R) HTML Application Host (mshta.exe). Configuring FFEDITC:
SFM25 relies on the ffeditc_unicode.exe tool (found in the MSTS UTILS\FFEDIT folder) to compress and uncompress shape files.
Upon first launch, you must point SFM25 to the path of this executable so it can perform these background tasks. Key Features of Version 2.5
SFM25 provides several functions that are not available in standard text editors:
Compression/Uncompression: Toggles shape files between readable text and optimized binary formats.
Scale and Shift: Resize models or move their pivot points (origin).
Rotation: Rotate objects by 90 or 180 degrees about the Y-axis.
Texture & LOD Editing: Adjust MIP Map levels, Texture Lighting modes (including specular fixes), and distance Levels of Detail (LOD). System Compatibility
Windows 7/10/11: While older, the utility is reported to work on modern systems, though it may require administrative permissions if your MSTS folder is located in C:\Program Files (x86).
Editor Choice: You can configure SFM25 to use your preferred Unicode-compatible text editor (like Notepad++) for direct .S file edits. Shape File Manager - Swindon & Highworth Light Railway
Uncompressed S files can be: * Compressed. * Scaled X/Y/Z directions along with . SD and . WAG/. ENG (V2. 0) including animations. Claranet Soho Elvas Tower: Shape File Manager 25
ShapeFileManager.exe..exe file and select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).Locate a trustworthy source (e.g., UKTrainSim, TrainSim.Com, or Elvas Tower). The typical filename is:
SFM_2_5_25.zip or ShapeFileManager25.zipDo not confuse with MSTS Shape File Viewer – SFM is for editing, not viewing.
Key contents of the ZIP:
ShapeFileManager.exe (main program)ffedecode.exe / ffenencode.exe (FreightAnim tools)Readme_SFM.txt or Help_SFM.pdfunicode support files.Shape File Manager (SFM) is a critical utility for Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) developers and route builders. MSTS uses .s (shape) files to define 3D models. These files are compiled and not easily readable by humans.
SFM allows users to:
The version often referred to as 2.5 is typically the final or most stable release created by the community (originally developed by a programmer known as "Decapod").