Advice for Beginner

[Malcolmkeithley]

I have a basic layout of the 1910 era Cascade Route over the Cascade Pass. As a beginner to working on a layout, I would appreciate advice on the best places to gain knowledge on how to proceed. I would be happy to share the route if anyone is interested in taking a look at it. I also have all of the necessary rolling stock modeled but need to have the models optimized for Trainz. Advice on who can do the work would also be appreciated; I can compensate an expert if they would like to work on the project. Thank you.

 

[JCitron]

I don't have time to help you other than through the forums due to me working on a number of non-Trainz projects.

As far as route building goes, start small and learn the tools first. Plan on scrapping many small routes before working on a larger more permanent project. Take apart other people's routes and sessions to see how they did things. Many of the great routes on the DLS and available from the Content Store will show you many insights on how to do and how not to do things.

Once you gain these insights, you can start working on your larger project. If you are serious about the route, you may want to consider using TransDEM. TransDEM is a third-party application available from Dr. Ziegler. The program costs roughly $30 and will allow you to import real-life DEM data and place topographic maps and images in place. The route with topographic maps and real-life DEM data from the National Geologic Survey will be ready to lay tracks on and place other assets such as trees, buildings, bridges, etc.

For model optimization, you may want to consult with the content-creators specific forums. People will be able to answer your questions regarding this aspect of Trainz.

 

[martinvk]

Liked he said, start small and experiment. You learn by doing and unlike a physical model, there is no sawdust nor anything to break. Abandoned projects are just some bytes on your hard drive, easy to delete. You didn't mention which version of Trainz you are using. Some answers and advice will be different depending on the version.

 

[whitepass]

Finding rollingstock form 1910 is very hard to find.

 

[johnwhelan]

What exactly do you have? Blender sources for the models? Which version of blender? do your modellers know about pbr textures? Do you care?

 

[Malcolmkeithley]

I don't have time to help you other than through the forums due to me working on a number of non-Trainz projects.

As far as route building goes, start small and learn the tools first. Plan on scrapping many small routes before working on a larger more permanent project. Take apart other people's routes and sessions to see how they did things. Many of the great routes on the DLS and available from the Content Store will show you many insights on how to do and how not to do things.

Once you gain these insights, you can start working on your larger project. If you are serious about the route, you may want to consider using TransDEM. TransDEM is a third-party application available from Dr. Ziegler. The program costs roughly $30 and will allow you to import real-life DEM data and place topographic maps and images in place. The route with topographic maps and real-life DEM data from the National Geologic Survey will be ready to lay tracks on and place other assets such as trees, buildings, bridges, etc.

For model optimization, you may want to consult with the content-creators specific forums. People will be able to answer your questions regarding this aspect of Trainz.

Thank you. Your advice is perfect.

 

[Malcolmkeithley]

What exactly do you have? Blender sources for the models? Which version of blender? do your modellers know about pbr textures? Do you care?

I will have to look back and see if I have Blender sources. It has been quite some time since I have looked. The models were first made for my documentary avalanchenow.com
Frankly, I will have to look up what pbr textures are - shows you what little I know. Thanks for your reply. I'll see what I can find out about the models.

 

[Malcolmkeithley]

Finding rollingstock form 1910 is very hard to find.

Agreed, I had an engine, snowplow, passenger car and a mail car modeled for first use in my documentary avalanchenow.com

 

[Malcolmkeithley]

Liked he said, start small and experiment. You learn by doing and unlike a physical model, there is no sawdust nor anything to break. Abandoned projects are just some bytes on your hard drive, easy to delete. You didn't mention which version of Trainz you are using. Some answers and advice will be different depending on the version.

I am using Trainz 2022