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"Some basic questions about 3d objects in MSTS"

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sundevil_1997 (20 posts)
Jan-22-02, 01:22 AM (EST) "Some basic questions about 3d objects in MSTS" Ok, first question....what is the CHEAPEST method of making 3d objects that can be used in MSTS? I'm not a cheap person...but I have a feeling that my complete lack of talent in this area does not warrant a high expense. I'd rather find out I have no talent for free!Seconds....can the cars and engines already included in the game be used as "props"? As objects in the world instead of consists, AI trains, etc.?I'll stop with that for now. I've got an idea for an interesting activity...but no tools! Thanks all. Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
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Subject Author Message Date ID RE: Some basic questions about 3d o... JimStrenk Jan-22-02 1 RE: Some basic questions about 3d o... NorfolkSouthern_37 Jan-22-02 2 RE: Some basic questions about 3d o... sundevil_1997 Jan-22-02 3 RE: Some basic questions about 3d o... DKlemm Jan-22-02 4 RE: Some basic questions about 3d o... sundevil_1997 Jan-22-02 5 RE: Some basic questions about 3d o... DKlemm Jan-22-02 6

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JimStrenk (171 posts)
Jan-22-02, 01:38 AM (EST) 1. "RE: Some basic questions about 3d objects in MSTS" The two most often mentioned inexpensive tools are 3D Canvas and Train Sim Modeler. TSM from Abacus runs $39.00 if downloaded or $49.00 as retail box version.I just got my copy of TSM as a Xmas present purchased 12/06/01 at amazon.com on 1/19/02. I just started playing with it, and for the most part, should address most, if not all, your modeling needs. While it is NOT 3D Studio MAX ($5,000.00) its beauty lies in the fact that when finished, TSM create all required MSTS files for inclusion into specific routes. This fact easily outweights any deficiencies that it may have.As far as I know, no other surface modeler provides the integration with MSTS that TSM does, regardless of price. TSM currently does not support file importation, so purchasing it as a "translator" for a different surface modeler won't work. Please note however, several forum members have begun uploading complete TSM objects to this site for inclusion into your routes for inspection purposes. I suspect that you'll see a lot more in the coming months. Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
NorfolkSouthern_37 (96 posts)
Jan-22-02, 02:03 AM (EST) 2. "RE: Some basic questions about 3d objects in MSTS" im a 3d max 4 owner, and i will still eventually get tsm to help me learn how to do the models right for the game.
yes, and also you can use the train models as props if you place them in the shapes dir and ref file.-Justin Cornell
aka NorfolkSouthern_37
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sundevil_1997 (20 posts)
Jan-22-02, 10:27 AM (EST) 3. "RE: Some basic questions about 3d objects in MSTS" Great! Thanks all for the input. I'm still wary of plunking down even $40 to discover I can't even make a cube look good. Besides, I feel that if I wait long enough, the entire world will be modeled and ready for download. Now if I could just get my cable internet to work right again..... Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
DKlemm (1037 posts)
Jan-22-02, 01:50 PM (EST) 4. "RE: Some basic questions about 3d objects in MSTS" Get TSM. Until I got it I had never created an 3d object in my life. I'm not able to show you the bridges I've done, but I think they look professional. I'll post screens when I get home tonight.Go to the engine forum and do a search on a SD20 by ICSD20. I believe he never did 3d work before TSM and you tell me if his model looks like it. I'd argue not, he did excellent work. You only hurt yourself by not getting it.Also, you will need a paint program like PSP7 to do the textures.David Klemm
Illinois Central Route
Illinois and St Louis Divisions
Ver 0.6 uploaded
Working on Decatur IL
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sundevil_1997 (20 posts)
Jan-22-02, 07:19 PM (EST) 5. "RE: Some basic questions about 3d objects in MSTS" Ok, final question. It affects how I'll go about this, so that's why I wanna know....Is there some way to control whether certain objects in the world are visible or not? Or does that require modifying the route itself? I know that some things are different for night, so...is it possible to make something invisible for night, but visible for day? Or some other "trigger" that controls an objects visibility? Thanks. If not, I think I can still do what I'm aiming for....but it'd be neat if it did. Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
DKlemm (1037 posts)
Jan-22-02, 10:35 PM (EST) 6. "RE: Some basic questions about 3d objects in MSTS" Each object has a level that it can be seen at based on the setting in the option menus. So if set the item to a level of 10 and the user has their computer set to 9 or lower, they won't see. I don't know of a way to have something visible during the day and not at night other than painting the night texture all black.David Klemm
Illinois Central Route
Illinois and St Louis Divisions
Ver 0.6 uploaded
Working on Decatur IL
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