i would like to thank everyone before i ask any questions but i know there will be some here soon. like how do i make a custom layout from a rail system that was abandond that i use to walk on as a kid? to how do i find the skins for the ones i need to paint for the rolling stock and steam and diesels. i am going for a very realistic look with all the trains and trolley. i have looked in the dl manager and there was nothing there for them then i looked up the original style to the latest one of it after it was sold most the ones i am looking for are from the deleware otsego rail road. but the original was the fonda johnstown gloversville. looking at the 1860s to 1930s when this was in operation. i have the 2006 version any one that has any ideas for this project i would like to thank you before hand.
Hello Minchmotors and welcome to the Trainz forums.
There are many ways to build your old railroad, and among them is using realistic terrain created by DEM files. These are digitally recreated maps that are downloaded from NGS and other sites on the Internet. Other postesr can help you here with the links.
Once the files are downloaded, they can be imported into Trainz using a special utility called HOG. Do a search on the forums about HOG. There are quite a few that come up on this all the time. It's relatively easy to use.
The other method is to use TrainzDem by GeoPhil. This is a payware program that will import DEM maps and produce the terrain and place track where it is supposed to go. I have never personally used the program, but many people have and swear by it. The program also imports Google Map files so you can see where to place buildings, etc. and landscape the terrain properly.
To recreate the old paint schemes of the FJG, you need to reskin the rollingstock. This is done using any photo editing program such a GIMP, PhotoShop, or PaintShed Pro. The files for the rollingstock and locomotives are TGA files, and can be edited and saved as new content. Using CMP duplicate the content you wish to edit, and save under new name. You can the edit the new files without risking losing the originals. If you want to upload the content to the DLS, make sure you obtain permission from the original authors first and give credit where credit is due.
Buildings and other objectsthat have already been created by other people, can be edited the same way as the rollingstock. If you want to create brand new content, you need a 3D modeling program such as 3dS Max, G-Max, or Blender. There are tutorials on this as well. This can be a time consuming process as it takes time to learn how to use these programs, and the learning curve can be quite steep.
Anyway, you've found a program that is more than just a game. In fact this program can become a way of life that will consume you every day from the time you wake up until you go to sleep. Like a real model railroad, you'll fine many things to do from kitbashing (customizing) to route building (layout building) to scripting, which is like wiring, and many other things to do. The best part is building your old railroad and getting into the cab of a locomotive and going for a ride along the ROW.
Now that Trainz has entered your life, you'll find yourself ignoring everything else that happens in the household including spouses, work, homework, and anything else that needs to be done.
John
