New 3d Content?

[kmapplebeck]

Its been some years now since I have been in the Train Sim /3d Sim world so forgive me please... I got into this addiction back when MSTS first came out and after a couple years of being frustrated with it, I took it off my drive.

I have had some of the older versions of Trainz and played with them from time to time and tonight downloaded 2009 with the intention of embracing this version and doing the custom route I wanted to do in MSTS but was never able to totally finish. The Route being the Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Northern RR Co. (Waterloo RR, WLO) during the late 1960's into the early 1970's. Waterloo RR's biggest customer at that time was the John Deere Waterloo Tractor Works (2 and 4 wheel drive Ag tractors). Lots of empty flats and lots of flats loaded with 2/3 tractors each, Gons and Boxes...
The WLO is close to my heart as my Grandfather retired as a conductor in 1973 from the WLO, during the time it was being totally absorbed into the ICG. I beleive if I remember right, it covered approx 33 miles of trackage within Waterloo/Cedar Falls.

To get to the real jist of this...

What software is being used to create 3d content?
Some of what I have seen about re-skinning looks to be the same as MSTS so I am familiar with that whole process (Which if anyone is intereted in taking on some Skin creation for me let me know and I can tell you and show you what I'm looking for. I have never been good at painting skins.

I was working on some passenger cars back with MSTS and due to my frustration everything that I had created was deleted ( I know, I know, CD's are cheap and I should have just burned everything and I would have it now to go back to to reference).

Anyway, I was using some program from some company that put out a 3d creation software that was pretty crappy, but worked for creating MSTS 3d content. I seem to remember reading back when Trainz first came out that MSTS content would work in Trainz, Is this still true?

The other thing, Am I missing something, but looking through the forums here, I haven't seen anyone chatting about new content creation.

Thanks for any advice

Robert

 

[Johnk]

Hi kmapplebeck,

Before you get shot down in flames, some of the questions you ask have been asked and answered a hundred times before. May I strongly suggest that you use the search facility available above using keywords to best describe your questions.

Blender and gMax are both the free software items of choice.

You will learn much by heading off to the Trainz Resources Directory where you will find all the software listed, plus links to download sites, dozens of tutorials etc., etc.

Good Luck.

 

[mjolnir]

The other thing, Am I missing something, but looking through the forums here, I haven't seen anyone chatting about new content creation.

There is some chatting about new content creation in these boards, but a good bit of the chatting goes on in 3rd party forums, and probably even more in private messages and emails between creators. Search these forums for "new content creation", follow some of the links in Avatars to 3rd party sites, and browse their forums, and look for for tutorials. They're out there, and if you'll have more fun enjoying this, or other games, if you learn how to find information.

ns

 

[Johnk]

Snippet: you'll have more fun enjoying this, or other games, if you learn how to find information.

Agreed. Also "chatting" as such isn't encouraged on the forums except maybe in the Community and Prototype sections. Elsewhere it could be considered as waffle by some. These forums are really meant for Q & A and or announcements.That's how I see it anyway, but then I'm an old "stick in the mud!"

 

[johnwhelan]

I suggest you start by looking at asset creation section of the wikibook Trainz.

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

I have a personal preference for Blender and the step by step process is described here.

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

Paul Hobbs has created tutorials in both GMAX and Blender. There is a learning curve on both but Blender the more modern of the two, is more capable and faster to learn.

You will need a graphics editing program, paint.net, GIMP are both free GIMP is more capable but for the price Paintshop pro works very well. Version XI has the colour changing bit which is useful and runs on single cpu machines, XII seems to demand dual or faster processors.

Work through the tutorials mentioned above and don't try anything too complex on your first attempt.

Auran has a content creator's guide, the TC3 one is the latest, TS2009 picks up more errors than earlier versions and can still be used to make content for earlier versions. http://www.auran.com/TRS2006/uploads/Image/files/CCGTC.pdf

The latest current coaching stock seems to use cut outs for the windows with a transparent plane behind. I have a Blender source for the window that can be changed in size. The S&C TS2009 add on / TC3 UK coaches seems to be close to the state of the art at the moment unfortunately they use some of the built ins from TC3 / S&C. There are some from Wessex_Electric_Nutter floating around the forum some where which are to a similar standard.

Content creation is still supported here but Trainzdev http://www.trainzdev.com/ is the place for "heavy" support.

Cheerio John

 

[kmapplebeck]

Thanks for the Info everyone....

 

[whistlehead]

I, for one, talk a lot about my new content creation (being relatively new in the field, I still find it really satisfying when I make a good model), as can easily seen in my 24ngtrainz WIP and release thread, in the Freeware announcement area.

The forums, to me, are quite a bit about having a chat, but don't go overboard or you'll be fed to the sharks (I'm clocked up a total 2 weeks banned). Officially they are still mainly for Auran and the Members to post their creations and thoughts on things, and help people out, but without a bit of gossip it would be a bit boring.

Also, never use bold, Larger than normal text, colours OR CAPS LOCK, as that is considered rude here (Only place I can get away with it).

I hope you enjoy your stay!

Chris :wave: