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GeneralWilly (23 posts)
Apr-08-02, 07:57 PM (EST) "Train Modeling Programs?" Hi,I am looking to buy a modeler so I want to know the best modeler that has great results,easy enough to use for a novice, and not to expensive.
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Subject Author Message Date ID RE: Train Modeling Programs? Stew Apr-08-02 1 RE: Train Modeling Programs? harveype Apr-08-02 2 RE: Train Modeling Programs? FozzyBear Apr-08-02 3 RE: Train Modeling Programs? troub Apr-08-02 4 RE: Train Modeling Programs? Dria Apr-09-02 5

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Stew (114 posts)
Apr-08-02, 08:11 PM (EST) 1. "RE: Train Modeling Programs?" Two possibilties exist. TrainSim Modeler from Abacus http://trainsimulatorworld.com/ or 3D Canvas from Amabilis http://www.amabilis.com/3D Canvas (3DC) is a free download so that you can try it out but will need to purchase a registration in order to get the MSTS export capability. Personally I find the learning curve kind of steep on this one, but then that's only me. Many people have had great success with it.TrainSim Modeler (TSM) doesn't have demo download. It was written specifically to create MSTS Trains and Objects. The learning curve isn't as steep but it does work somewhat differently than 3DC. Many people have had great success with it as well.Cost of them both is about the same.Only you can decide what is best for you self.Stew Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
harveype (79 posts)
Apr-08-02, 08:29 PM (EST) 2. "RE: Train Modeling Programs?" Hi I use 3d canvas there are two really good basic user made tutorials on amabilis that will help you understand 3D Canvas they are making a wagon and animating connecting rods. 3d canvas is the only 3D modelling program I have ever used and from what I read here and on other forums it is much more versitile than TSM but as said takes a little getting use too. Dont forget that you will also need a graphics editor like Paint shop Pro or Adobe to create textures.I would recomend 3D Canvas. Peter Harvey Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
FozzyBear (909 posts)
Apr-08-02, 08:52 PM (EST) 3. "RE: Train Modeling Programs?" LAST EDITED ON Apr-08-02 AT 09:36 PM (EST)
>I am looking to buy a
>modeler so I want to
>know the best modeler that
>has great results,easy enough to
>use for a novice, and
>not to expensive.
>Thanks
As has already been pointed out there are two options, It's Horses for courses.
TSM from Abacus, Easy to learn but more restricted in it's capabilities. has poor support from Abacus themselves, although the author of the program is very helpful. Has a few bugs which may not get fixed in a hurry! Lacks Boolean operations, which makes cutting holes in components or making tools to cut or add to another component impossible. Does have a built in exporter for Train Simulator models, although this again is a little restrictive and requires a lot of manual work before the model will run in the sim..... Some good results have been achieved with it, as has been pointed out, but For me, its restrictions far outweigh its benefits or performance.
3D Canvas From Amabilis, Costs about the same, has no steeper a learning curve if you follow the wagon building tutorial first. Comparable of results that match those of much more expensive 3D software. Does have a few bugs just like TSM BUT the difference here is that it receives program updates about a couple of times a month and has supurb quality of support with tutorials that actually work. Has a much more comprehensive exporter built in which means that you have to know nothing about Model Component Hierarchy, it can sort all that out for you. Unlike TSM Outputs all the files needed to have a complete running locomotive. Including Cab and Sound, already set up and ready to run.
Personally, I'd recommend you try out 3D Canvas, but In the end, where you put your money is entirely up to you.Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear) Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
troub (344 posts)
Apr-08-02, 09:03 PM (EST) 4. "RE: Train Modeling Programs?" I don't even understand the steep learning curve everyone keeps talking about. I had tried modelling in the past, and gave up because I couldn't figure out how to do anything with the interface, with all those damned views at once looking at your object in all different directions at once. 3DCanvas I picked up on immediately! Just drag, drop, and sculpt basically. That's to get started. Now, I've learned to use the orthographic views in conjunction with diagrams to get some really interesting and accurate stuff, but to start out with 3DC's approach to modelling couldn't be easier, IN MY OPINION. As has been mentioned, you can certainly download the free version and try it out for yourself. . .Just in case anyone decides to say anything about it, yes I have TSM, also. I've seriously tried to make complex objects in it, but never got very far before I gave up .troub
MSTS: Illinois Central Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
Dria (14 posts)
Apr-09-02, 08:30 AM (EST) 5. "RE: Train Modeling Programs?" Slightly off the topic, I apologize for that, it's amazing to see how different persons approach 3D modeling.I am a professional industrial designer, and I have a long experience in technical drafting, so the three views are my usual way of working, and I have a thorough knowledge of perspective, as well, thus I'm perfectly comfortable with such an interface; Instead, it's rather difficult for me to use a diagram in the background. I prefer to input the sizes from my keyboard; the idea of "manual sculpting" is something I am just beginning to get acquainted with, as I was used, in Autocad, to tell the program: "Fillet! 5 mm radius! the edge is THIS (click)" and a perfect machined-looking rounded edge came out; now in Max (and low-poly) I shall simulate rounded edges with some prismatic imitation; isn't it disgusting? And I'm not yet sure of what he really means when he pretends he is in the "world" coordinate system (even worse when he says "pick", I click and then he picks God knows what coordinate, x y and z in apparently random directions), for he seems to be creating objects everywhere even when I input three coordinates I know to be the correct one in THAT coord sys . With trials, errors and tutorials I am now able to have him model almost all what I want, but with the Autocad approach I could have finished three millimetric locomotives in the time I put to make three quarters of my first one.Unfortunately, I am running a single cylinder computer which is only able to run 3DC freeware in an extremely stuttering way, but it looks like a very good program, if I hadn't Max (2.5, that's why he runs) I probably would buy 3DC; but to tell you the truth, I have never seen TSM.Don't let a program overwhelm you; if it was written by humans, it can be understood. (at least, compelled to work in some way ).Andrea "Dria" Obinu
Savona, Italyhttp://dria.monrif.net Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

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