gmax

[RRSignal]

Migration from one program to another is probably the hardest thing to do. Makes more sense to learn something once and stick with it. Again, Blender is not hard to learn, but if nobody should think they're going to pick up a good 3D modelling program in half an hour; it needs several hours at least even with good tutorials.

 

[Zeldaboy14]

GMax is old, Blender is confusing, and 3DSMax...well, look at the price! Sketchup is definitely the way to go for a new starter, as it has an easy to learn interface and a nice exporter too (RubyTMX, check out the thread over in freeware announcements). The only problem with sketch up is the textures, no matter how hard you try they always look a bit rubbish. I have not experienced any loss in FPS by using Sketchup assets, those damn speed treez are much worse!
My advice is to use Sketchup now and move on to blender when you get good at it.

Finally! Someone agrees with me! I have the same as you thought nathanmallard!

 

[sparky15]

http://gryllus.net/Blender/3D.html

Until you learn the basics of 3D design, the program means Jack. This guy teaches 3D to high school kids using Blender. No matter what, you have to learn the basics before you can do anything. Follow the links on this guy's site to learn more. The video tutorials are great and can be downloaded. May not be Trainz related but there is a learning curve to anything you do.*