Bogies and other misc questions.

simont141 · Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2003 8:40 pm

I've got a few questions about using 3D Canvas to make models, and I'll appreciate any help offered from anybody.

1/ If I am looking at a digram at 100% that has been scanned at 200dpi, what number would I use to convert pixels into inches?

2/ When doing bogies for a loco/wagon, do you need to model every component of it? eg. the actualy bogie, spring, etc?

3/ How do I make an extruded object centre on the frame?

Thats all for now, But i'm sure i'll ask some more later Razz

Thankyou in advance for any assistance you may wish to offer.

Simon

www.prr.org.au

Vulcan Foundry · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2003 10:37 am

For calculating pixels into inches when you know the scanned dpi figure I would suggest you have a look at Paul's Formula at this link

http://www.railpage.org.au/steam4me/trainsim/tutorials/Steam3DC/part_1.htm

As far as modelling every component on the bogie, I guess its a matter of choice for most modellers, but also in saying this you must also take account for the total end poly count of the objects you are building. To check the actual poly count of a object in 3D Canvas make sure you use the count triangles script which will give you the actual figure of your poly count. MSTS like most 3D games relies on triangles for its calculations and not the actual number of faces a particular object has.

What I tend to do in regard to bogies is to apply a tga texture onto a scaled cube to give the illusion of the bogies being there (good photo helps). Then in order to give depth you can build any thing you want and add to this face on the scaled cube to get a 3D look. For springs use cylinders, hoses etc...you get the drift. This will keep your end poly count low down. Others may have other methods but you must weigh up the end result you are trying to acheive against the amount of polygons used in creating the look you are after. Just remember to remove any downward facing and unseen faces with whatever you do.

In order to centre an object on its frame, which is what I think you are asking, you will find the center selection on frame button on your object operations panel (Third row down, fourth button from the left). This will centre your objects frame, but be warned in doing this it will move your object immediately to its axis and may pull it away from where you are currently working.

Hope this helps
Cheers !

simont141 · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:01 pm

Thankyou very much for those tips, it certainly has helped me. I've almost finished the basic model now, so I'll be able to export it and see how it goes! Thanks once again.

Simon

www.prr.org.au