All you need to start loco design?

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"All you need to start loco design?"

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melvinrafi (3 posts)
Jul-16-01, 10:40 PM (EST) "All you need to start loco design?" Hi guys!Some of you flightsimmers out there may remember me from MelJet Project 747... well, fyi it's still alive and will be back soon. Anyway, back to the topic...I have been reading the many posts lately and I'm slightly confused as to exactly which programs I need to design locos for MSTS.I gather that Discreet's 3D Studio MAX is an essential. However, which version do I need? Is it 3D Studio MAX R3.1 or the new 3DS MAX 4?Also, what other sources of information (provided by MS or otherwise) do I need before starting? What other programs are required? Is there somewhere which lists step by step procedures?I would really appreciate any information. Thanks.Best regards
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Subject Author Message Date ID RE: All you need to start loco desi... Xacto Jul-17-01 1 RE: All you need to start loco desi... melvinrafi Jul-17-01 2 RE: All you need to start loco desi... Xacto Jul-17-01 3 RE: All you need to start loco desi... Hack Jul-17-01 4 RE: All you need to start loco desi... davereage Jul-17-01 5 RE: All you need to start loco desi... melvinrafi Jul-17-01 6

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Xacto (144 posts)
Jul-17-01, 00:07 AM (EST) 1. "RE: All you need to start loco design?" LAST EDITED ON Jul-17-01 AT 00:08 AM (EST)Hi Melvin, if you can get ahold of 3dsmax, that will be your best choice for modelling objects for the sim. I believe that any version of max will work, I know for certian that 2.5 and 3.1 will work. Information is just coming out about a possible inexpensive alternative to max, so that's good news. You will also need a relatively new version of a good graphics program such as Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop. PSP 6 or 7 are the only versions that can save the proper files for transparency and I'm not sure what versions of PS will work correctly.The rest of the tools and documentation are found in the sim itself. The conversion utilities are in the Utilities folder and the documentation is on the first CD in the TechDocs folder. This board is also a great resource for information, just use the search feature to find that info and print it out. If you get into the advanced stages of making a custom loco, you will probably also want to get a good sound editing program.Good luck with it, if you are experienced with FS add ons, you should be able to pick up the theory quickly,Cliff Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
melvinrafi (3 posts)
Jul-17-01, 00:45 AM (EST) 2. "RE: All you need to start loco design?" Cliff,Thanks a lot for the reply. A lot of info summarized in one single message - thanks!By the way, when you mentioned 3dsmax in the first line, were you referring to version 4? The reason I'm asking this is because versions prior to 4 were commonly known as "MAX" while the new version 4 has been shortened to 3dsmax4.Thanks anyway! I'll let you guys know of any progress.Best regards
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Xacto (144 posts)
Jul-17-01, 00:51 AM (EST) 3. "RE: All you need to start loco design?" I was just refering to max in the general sense, it appears that most versions of it will create a valid 3ds file for the sim.Cliff Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
Hack (96 posts)
Jul-17-01, 02:33 AM (EST) 4. "RE: All you need to start loco design?" FWIW, the name has always been 3D Studio Max, but only recently Discreet has shortened the name to 3ds max. As well, 'Max' and '3DS Max' is what the program is commonly refered to in the 3D industry. Kinda' like Federal Express going with 'FedEx' because of a common user lingo. Cheers!
Marc - 3DTrains
http://www.3dtrains.com
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davereage (93 posts)
Jul-17-01, 09:18 AM (EST) 5. "RE: All you need to start loco design?" Glad to see some of the flightsim community's skilled designers interested in MSTS!Dave Remove | Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top
melvinrafi (3 posts)
Jul-17-01, 10:15 AM (EST) 6. "RE: All you need to start loco design?" Thanks for all the help guys. Just to let you know, I plan to build a model of the F40PH once I'm able to actually buy MAX (probably have to save up a thousand bucks first!). Also on my list are gallery cars as used by the CalTrain rail commutes operating between San Francisco and San Jose/Gilroy, CA.In the meantime, I'll just have to read up more.Best regards
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