how easy is gmax to use???

[class1987]

does anybody know how easy gmax is to use because im thinking of creating some rolling stock 4 trainz and some of the tutorials are so hard to understand because i have autisum and struggle with what i need to do when i read them

can some one help please thanks

also what is the best model software gmax/ 3ds max????

 

[john259]

I think it's fair to say most people find gmax and other similar 3D modelling programs take a great deal of time and effort to master. However, a few people have a natural talent for it and pick it up quickly.

There are tutorial books available, for example gmax Bible by Kelly Murdock is quite good, but they are all very expensive unless you can find a second-hand copy on sale.

I think gmax is not recommended for creating assets for TS2009 but I'm not sure.

There's more information in the asset creation section of the Trainz wikibook.

Hope this helps, John

 

[bendorsey]

Gmax has a rather steep initial learning curve (like a vertical wall, ha ha) because it is so different then most other graphics programs. I had done a lot of work with CAD programs and thought "Gmax can't be that bad". WRONG. I couldn't even make a box the first time I tried it but like most everything if you keep at it and aren't afraid to stop - erase - and start all over it does come together and is well worth the effort and whatever you do - don't forget there are a lot of folks willing to help.

Ben

 

[whistlehead]

Try http://www.worldoftrainz.com/Pages/Tutorials_TRS2006/GmaxRollingStockTutTRS.htm It's a simple tutorial demonstrating how to make a flatcar. Read it all the way through, every step, while you make the model.

Having autism myself, I know how some things can be confusing, I've even been reduced to tears once.

Then, once you've done that, try the loco tutorial. DON'T do the loco tutorial before the flatcar tutorial.

I hope this helps and good luck,

Chris

 

[john259]

gmax's own built-in tutorial, in which you make a mace (the medieval weapon), is very good for an introduction to the basic principles and user interface. I found UVW mapping very tough going and animations defeated me. I hope you get further than I did.

John

 

[bchester]

Hello Class1987,

Welcome to the wonderful world of content creation!

First off, let me give a direct answer to your question: GMax is extremely difficult to learn initially.

Second: 3ds Max is far, far, better. But..........

GMax is free, 3ds Max is around $3900.00 Cdn.
3ds is just as difficult to learn initially as is GMax.

GMax is a very powerful tool with a lot of different capabilities. It is an old program though and is "no longer supported" by it's creators. Having made that statement however, there is an incredible amount of information available on the web and in book stores to provide direction on using it to create models in general. For specifics on implementing your creations in Trainz, these forums along with the CCG (Content Creation Guide) will get you there.

If you have never used a 3d modeling program before, I would actually recommend a different product call Blender. Like GMax, Blender is a "free" program. Unlike GMax it is still under active development and will continue to grow and improve over time. Unlike GMax, Blender can create Normal Maps which is/are essential for high quality models. Like GMax, Blender has a very active user base both here and on the Web.

Paul Hobbs has some excellent tutorials but they may be too advanced for a first time project but I would still recommend them. His tutorial were the only ones the actually cleared the path for me to create something in Blender. I had struggled for more than 6 months and had not even produced a brick box in game. You can find his tutorials at http://www.44090digitalmodels.co.uk/ He has tutorial for Blender, GMax and general skinning technics that will help regardless of what 3d application you choose. His tutorials on GMax will show you how to configure it for use with the Trainz exporters. A very good site to know.

Hopefully I have not clouded the issue here. I think it is important that you consider all the options prior to committing to GMax.

Have Fun,

Bricey

 

[johnwhelan]

Have a look at Blender, there are a number of videos around that take you through the basics.

My personal view is GMAX is getting a little long in the tooth and the more I used it the more I got frustrated with it. All the 3D CAD programs have a learning curve, GMAX is just a little more vertical than anything else.

Also although people talk about GMAX has limitations when used with TRS2009, it doesn't do Normal mapping out of the box and other versions of Trainz support Normal mapping certainly TC3 does so think of it as being limited even with other versions of Trainz than TRS2009.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Trainz/Software_Used_for_Content_Creation

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Trainz/Tutorial_for_Blender

Are two places to start from.



Cheerio John

 

[dmdrake]

Not!

I have never seen the words gmax and easy used in the same sentence by any gmax user.

Dave

 

[bendorsey]

Gee Dave - I can't imagine why:hehe:

Ben

 

[john259]

Introductory information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_computer_graphics_software
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blender_(software)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gmax

 

[whistlehead]

I have never seen the words gmax and easy used in the same sentence by any gmax user.

Dave

GMAX is EASY!

 

[hminky]

I am new to Trainz and looked into modelers. I like Blender and had real success with it. It takes awhile to understand it's point of view but with the Paul Hobbs tutorials and videos on the 'net I had a slab flat car done in no time.

I find modeling with it is easier than Gmax after you get a handle on what it wants to do.

When I got to this point in Paul's tutorial the light came on and I understood most of what Blender is about.
Then I made a "sorta" flatcar:

I used the 3d canvas tutorial from here as a basis:

http://www.geocities.com/thegrindre/pagetuts.html

I did it in the three; 3d Canvas, Gmax and Blender. Blender was the easiest to model with but the hardest to understand.

Harold

 

[Johnk]

Sadly, no 3D software is easy to use unless it's designed specifically for a specific project. Both gMax and Blender are designed to create more complex animated games, so many of the features and commands are wasted on us.

Blender seems to be taking over from gMax, mainly because Blender is still a work in progress, improving by leaps and bounds every day. gMax on the other hand is old, tired and definitely in need of a new coat of paint.

If you go to the Tutorials section of the Trainz Resources Directory, or type Blender in the search box, you will find dozens of excellent video and printed tutorials. Some by Iamar and Paul Hobbs will put you on the right track I'm sure. There are a few gMax tutorials there also, but Blender does seem to be flavour of the month.

All I can say is good luck. I have yet to learn one of these programs myself.

 

[Dinorius_Redundicus]

I was defeated by gmax and by all the so-called good tutorials for most of my Trainz years. Then I came across some tutorials written for dummies by a dummy (to quote her own words).
http://trainz.christrup.net/

They broke the ice for me, because they were step-by-step simple, lots of pictures and didn't assume you knew anything. After that, I was in a better position to understand the other tutorials or just to dive in and learn by experience. If you're as dumb as I am, you might benefit from a visit to that website too.

Whichever path you choose, we all wish you luck and I'm sure will provide assistance here on the Forum. I think anyone who knows gmax always feels some sympathy for the newbie.

~ Deane

 

[klambert]

I recently printed out all of 44090 but all I can make is a wheel. I cannot understand the intructions. I learn by someone showing how me how to use something not reading it. Its a case of Click on the button and the thingy will do something. I click on the button nothing happens or something entirely different happens. Trouble is with me is that if I cant do it or it takes a while to master I dont bother with it.

 

[hminky]

I found the blender video tutorials at:

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

Someone said that knowing how to "make the frog" tutorial isn't helpful but the more you see how a program works the easier it is to master. Master the program rather than master what you intend to build with the program. Gather as much knowledge as possible.

Harold

 

[narrowgauge]

Gmax is easy to use, but somewhat difficult to learn. I have used it for seven years so I am biased and like many others, I learned it by using it and making mistakes, no tutorials back then.

Judging by the posts on the forum, Blender is easy to learn, but I found it very difficult to use.

The major difference is that Gmax requires you to remember where a specific function can be found in the very extensive menu system, if you are good at map reading and finding your way around, Gmax is for you. On the other hand, if you are a competent typist happy to use both hands and can remember a multitude of non-intuitive two character key combinations then you will succeed with Blender.

If Blender had the Gmax menus it would be perfect. Gmax was built for Windows, Blender was made when DOS was king

In both, you have to be able to visualize in three dimensions, for some people that is the most difficult part.

Narrowgauge

 

[Ronayne]

To use Gmax or not use Gmax

Would Gmax be a good program to build Trainz content with, or are there easier or better programs?

 

[johnwhelan]

Would Gmax be a good program to build Trainz content with, or are there easier or better programs?

Assuming you don't have $4,000 for 3ds then if you are starting from scratch then go Blender, if you are finding GMAX is unreliable or wish to use Normal mapping (ie more detail without the polys) then go Blender.

If you are familiar with GMAX and can live with it's limitations then use GMAX.

Cheerio John

 

[narrowgauge]

Ronayne

They are both good programs, both free to download, and both will make content for Trainz.

I would say that Gmax is the best, others would recommend Blender, neither are 'easy' if you are hoping to make a locomotive today and use it tomorrow.You have to learn whichever one you choose and that can take time and patience. That last is the important part, patience. Things will go wrong and you have to start again, it will happen, I know from experience.

Download them both, see which method of working you prefer, they are different, and then work hard at your choice. If you have questions, search the forums, search with Google, read the help files, it is all out there.

Finally, making your first model and seeing it in Trainz, is worth all the hard work.

Narrowgauge