A 3D Modeling Question

[Trainsimmer07]

I'm designing a Union Pacific Wide Vision Caboose (CA 7-10 Series) First 3D model that I'm designing for Trainz. With the graphics in Trainz, will a 1/8" diameter bolt even show up? ( I am also aware it might also depend on how good of a graphics card I have and I can't update the graphics card any further than I have.)

I know from my 3D modeling MSTS experiences that a bolt that size just does not show unless your right on top of the model.

Thanks

 

[whitepass]

No it would not show, more like a 1" one would and it should be done with the normal map.

 

[Trainsimmer07]

Thanks whitepass. Well, I'll need to go back and makes those bolts bigger!!!

 

[nicky9499]

You notice whitepass mentioned "it should be done with the normal map"?

This means you don't actually model the bolt but use a special texture (also called a bump map) to make it look like a bolt.
Modeling tiny details takes a huge toll on your poly count (and performance).

 

[paulhobbs]

Modeling tiny details takes a huge toll on your poly count (and performance).

I think you meant to add 'if you don't use LOD'. There are situations where you can get very close indeed to the bolts or rivets (the front of a steam loco tender wen viewed from the cab for example) and it can be very obvious that the details are not modelled in 3D. The PLL open wagons are about 7500 polys each but because of LOD there can only be a maximum of 2 or 3 displayed on the screen at any one time.

Paul

 

[nicky9499]

OP is modeling a cab - where the user's viewpoint typically stays in the same place and thus LOD is not required. However on all other points you are correct.

 

[RRSignal]

A "cab" is not the same thing as a "caboose", which is what the OP said he was modelling. So, LoD is pretty relevant here.