What do I need to make scenary model in train sim.

TA 2000 · Posted: Wed May 14, 2003 3:00 pm

Can anybody help me on what I need to make scenary models in train sim. And is it easy to make models.

Thanks
Tom

Cheers,
Tom

Vulcan Foundry · Posted: Thu May 15, 2003 11:17 am

Hi Tom,

In order to create any item for MSTS be it scenery, Rolling stock, strutures etc. you must have a 3D modelling program.

The main ones used for MSTS are 3DS Max, GMAX, Train Sim Modeller and 3D Canvas. All of the above you must buy (Except GMAX which is free) before you can make models and successfully export them into MSTS.

Yuri has done a comparision between most of the programs available at

http://www.railpage.org.au/steam4me/trainsim/tutorials/which3d.html

which should give you some guidance. All are very good at what they do, but yet they are all very different in how they do it. Train Sim Modeller is usually available to buy off the shelf at your local Computer retailer while the others must be downloaded off their respective sites. Each programme will take a while to get used to before you are able to create any content. GMAX, although it is free, it very difficult to learn. Train Sim Modeller is good but has a few bugs and lacks any support from it's creator and also lacks some more advanced operations that other programs can performto make model creation easier.
My personal choice is 3D Canvas from Amabilis software. It will take a while to learn but it is easier than GMAX and smacks the pants of Train Sim Modeller in many operational functions.

How long while it take to create content ? Well this depends on your patience threshold and your will to succeed and learn. Good 3D Modellers are not born, they learn and learn and learn through using their software both with success and trial and error.

Cheers !

"To err is human. To blame somebody else for it shows managerial potential"

rowie · Posted: Thu May 15, 2003 5:16 pm

Vulcan Foundry · Posted: Fri May 16, 2003 11:33 am

They are the same as Tranzrail's DX Class Loco, right down to their original color scheme.

I am currently using 3D Canvas 6.0, which I fully intend to upgrade to 6.4 very soon.

I should apologise to everyone in not having my models out by now but about 6 months ago my house got ripped off and I lost all my PC gear (The lot including my backup drive) and the models went with it. No point crying about it I thought, so I am starting all over again with 3D Cavas this time. I will only announce when I have reached a reasonable stage.

Cheers !

"To err is human. To blame somebody else for it shows managerial potential"

rowie · Posted: Fri May 16, 2003 12:27 pm

Vulcan Foundry · Posted: Fri May 16, 2003 1:01 pm

Thats right. One of the handy facts to know is that many of the narrow gauge Australian Locos are not all that different from each other with many of the ex QR Diesels and Tranzrail locos making their way to Tassie.
They are usually modified prior to arrival or when the get here, however many of the basic structural parts are exactly the same.

Will contact you when I get past the basic structural stage on the DX so that I can Modfiy it into a 2600 class.

"To err is human. To blame somebody else for it shows managerial potential"