Dear mwra,
I have a same trouble using your starter file for TinderBox v.8.5.0.
[Starter file updated for v8.5.0]
Right-hand side"map view" completely turned black.
I can not change even follow your advices, to open your starter tutorial file , then Document Settings (Cmd+8), Colors tab and select ‘Tinderbox 7’ and apply.
Still black colour ! with TinderBox 8.6.5 under Sierra OSX 10.12.6.
thx and regards, WAKAMATSU kunimitsu
I got this former tutrial from
Scripting a tour through a map.
by Lizard-of-Oz.