I'm am considering on making my own Trainz content (Locomotives, Rolling Stock, Buildings, etc) and most people recommend using Blender. I have nothing against Blender personally but does anyone know any other 3d modeling softwares that I can export models into Trainz with. And since I'm using a MacBook it would be best if they were compatible with it.
Blender or....?
- Thread starter Taizahn
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johnwhelan
Well-known member
Basically there is no other free software that comes close to it's capabilities. I'm not sure if you can create from blender on a MAC. Possibly using FBX into one of the more modern versions of trainz such as TS22. Do be aware that there is a major learning curve to creating content and if you start in a different product then find you need the capabilities of Blender that will be another learning curve to go through.
Cheerio John
Cheerio John
The main alternative to Blender is 3DSMax, but that is incredibly expensive. Blender is the best option if you are looking for free software and there should be no problem using it on Mac as the FBX exporter is built into Blender rather than reliant on external plugins (The now obsolete IM exporter was a plug-in that only worked on Windows). Some people also use sketchup, but that can't really be used for locomotives and rolling stock so isn't suitable for your purposes.
The other advantage of Blender is that it is very widely used both inside and outside of trainz so there are plenty of tutorials etc. available on the web both trainz specific and general.
The other advantage of Blender is that it is very widely used both inside and outside of trainz so there are plenty of tutorials etc. available on the web both trainz specific and general.
PhilChorusch01
Well-known member
Other than Blender or 3ds Max 
I would recommend using Amabilis 3d Crafter 10. You can download the free version.
* hint: download the exe file for Windows 7 +' DON'T, whatever you do is it download via Windows 10/11 Microsoft Store...
The Windows 7 + version works PERFECTLY on Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11 32/64 bit systems, without any issues.
You don't need the Professional version of 3d Crafter 10, it is optional if you wish to purchase the software, for all the advanced tools to be unlocked.. I recently purchased it this year '2024', to import Train Sim Modeler DST files to export to Wavefront OBJ to import into Blender
You could also do this in the free version using the 3ds export option, fixing faces and rescaling models maybe required!
You could also use Gmax, Sketchup and Maya.. Don't get too worried about trying to get Gmax registered, there is a 'LEGAL' workaround to register Gmax if you wish to go old school pretty much any software that exports to FBX your good to go 
Amabilis 3d Crafter can be found here http://amabilis.com/
I would recommend using Amabilis 3d Crafter 10. You can download the free version.* hint: download the exe file for Windows 7 +' DON'T, whatever you do is it download via Windows 10/11 Microsoft Store...
The Windows 7 + version works PERFECTLY on Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11 32/64 bit systems, without any issues.
You don't need the Professional version of 3d Crafter 10, it is optional if you wish to purchase the software, for all the advanced tools to be unlocked.. I recently purchased it this year '2024', to import Train Sim Modeler DST files to export to Wavefront OBJ to import into Blender
You could also do this in the free version using the 3ds export option, fixing faces and rescaling models maybe required!You could also use Gmax, Sketchup and Maya.. Don't get too worried about trying to get Gmax registered, there is a 'LEGAL' workaround to register Gmax if you wish to go old school
pretty much any software that exports to FBX your good to go Amabilis 3d Crafter can be found here http://amabilis.com/
johnwhelan
Well-known member
I think most of these are windows software.Other than Blender or 3ds Max
* hint: download the exe file for Windows 7 +' DON'T, whatever you do is it download via Windows 10/11 Microsoft Store...
The Windows 7 + version works PERFECTLY on Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11 32/64 bit systems, without any issues.
You don't need the Professional version of 3d Crafter 10, it is optional if you wish to purchase the software, for all the advanced tools to be unlocked.. I recently purchased it this year '2024', to import Train Sim Modeler DST files to export to Wavefront OBJ to import into Blender
You could also use Gmax, Sketchup and Maya.. Don't get too worried about trying to get Gmax registered, there is a 'LEGAL' workaround to register Gmax if you wish to go old school
Amabilis 3d Crafter can be found here http://amabilis.com/
Cheerio John
Follow-up: Amabilis is now defunct, having been on life support for about ten years, so it is no longer advisable to recommend 3D Crafter. Blender has emerged as the best alternative to paid options, offering nearly all the features of 3D Crafter, aside from a couple of wizards that were mainly time-savers.
It's kind of strange that the choice is between free (Blender) and £1,962 a year (or £246 a month) for 3DSMax and there's nothing in between. Surprised no-one's offering a £100 a year 'consumer' 3D modelling app, but maybe there isn't a market niche for it? (especially with success of Blender.)
amigacooke
Well-known member
johnwhelan
Well-known member
Trainz accepts .fbx format files. There is a fair range of software that can export .fbx format files including some free ones. One of the difficulties is Blender is a very rich environment and there is a learning curve with any of the software. Do you really want to spend hours and hours learning a product only to find out it doesn't have the same capabilities as Blender and you'll need to start again with Blender?
Cheerio John
Dinorius_Redundicus
kuid 68213
Paul,
There is now a low-cost subscription version of 3DS Max available with a license designed for independent 3D creators, such as hobbyists. It's called 3DS Max Indie. The annual subscription is currently equal to $320 US. You can read a bit more Trainz discussion about it in this recent Forum thread and follow the link in there to see the official Autodesk web page.
Could be useful for creators on Windows PC's, wanting to upgrade from gmax.
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WestSideRailways
Active member
They call that LOW COST.....
If they think that I am paying them A$475 a year they are dreaming....
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zatovisualworks
Veteran but blossoming
Hi there,
Have a look at this --> https://forums.auran.com/threads/3ds-max-indie.180244/#post-2044002
3ds Max still counts!!!
Have a look at this --> https://forums.auran.com/threads/3ds-max-indie.180244/#post-2044002
3ds Max still counts!!!
Dinorius_Redundicus
kuid 68213
They call that LOW COST.....
If they think that I am paying them A$475 a year they are dreaming....
Yes, $475 AU is not as good as $0 and I too hate the concept of subscriptions. However, it is about 10 times less than their traditional, professional Max licences, and unlike gmax, it’s a full-function edition of Max. If I didn’t already have Max 2012, I would probably go for Max Indie rather than go back to kindergarten level at Blender.
It’s viability of course depends on your financial position, how much 3D creation you actually do, your desire to stay with a gmax style of program and the need for more advanced features, updates and other support.
WestSideRailways
Active member
I have no problems with subscriptions. But i do 3d modeling for my own enjoyment , which means i do not get paid to do it and Blender does the job....(it might be kindergarten to YOU, but it just right for me.!) have not touched gmax for eons.
Some part of the Max Indie product would be for product support including helpdesk. You don't get that with Blender although a Google search with the right words can find all sorts of answers. Not quite the same as Autodesk support but pretty good in my view.
Trainz Blender users often say we only use about 10% of Blender's capability. Perhaps less. I'm sure the same could be said for the expensive 3D tools such as Max and Maya. I'd rather not be paying for something I never use. I could afford Max Indie and, as I said elsewhere, tried Maya LT (light) for about 3 years but couldn't make the switch from Blender.
I do have several subscriptions for modelling and programming purposes.
Trainz Blender users often say we only use about 10% of Blender's capability. Perhaps less. I'm sure the same could be said for the expensive 3D tools such as Max and Maya. I'd rather not be paying for something I never use. I could afford Max Indie and, as I said elsewhere, tried Maya LT (light) for about 3 years but couldn't make the switch from Blender.
I do have several subscriptions for modelling and programming purposes.