The future of train sim models

I'm kinda surprised that no one has come up with a program to port MSTS models into Trainz. With some newer train sims on the horizon, it would be nice to take current models and port them over to the newer sims. I know I'm going to be awfully reluctant to redo models from scratch for each sim. Has anyone ever given some consideration to a standardized format for models for all sims to use?Ted Curphey
funnelfan@icehouse.net

Railfanning the Northwest
http://www.icehouse.net/funnelfan/

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RE: The future of train sim models, sstyrnol, Oct-06-04, 02:48 AM, (1) RE: The future of train sim models, plainsman, Oct-06-04, 03:16 AM, (2) RE: The future of train sim models, KeltikSylk, Oct-06-04, 09:55 AM, (3) RE: The future of train sim models, pwillard, Oct-06-04, 12:18 PM, (4) RE: The future of train sim models, pwillard, Oct-06-04, 05:15 PM, (5) RE: The future of train sim models, buzzbenz, Oct-07-04, 09:26 AM, (6) RE: The future of train sim models, sstyrnol, Oct-07-04, 09:33 AM, (7) RE: The future of train sim models, NorthShore_364, Oct-07-04, 06:33 PM, (8) RE: The future of train sim models, Vulcan Foundry, Oct-07-04, 10:34 PM, (9)

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I *think* the problem is the different architecture. You'd need the original model for it.Then it could only be done by the authors of the model.Cheers!Sebastian

Visit my "sebastian's trains pages" at http://www.freewebs.com/sstyrnol ...

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When one of those new sims arrives, maybe that will be possible??
Bob

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One of the reasons I entertained learning GMAX was the fact that it would work with both sims. The idea was to release a MSTS version and Trainz version of every model...Unfortunately I can't get the hang of the interface. I'm still way more proficient in TSM.It would be nice if we could get Abacus to make one more tweak to TSM so it saves to more standard format. Don't think that's gonna happen though. They're pretty much over MSTS.Same goes for an "industry standard". Unless you have a group like the NMRA, that set the standards for other scales in model railroading, to set standards for "V-Scale". Of course, all the publishers would have to agree on the recommended standards.Does 3D Canvas work with Trainz?Frank MusickMoving America into the 19th Century!

www.kelticsylk.com

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Does 3D Canvas work with Trainz?Apparently not if AURAN can help it... They have provided the developer of 3D CANVAS with NO support or approval or even the courtesy of an answer to emails, so that... is the answer... or lack of one.Re: Converting to trainz. Yes, it's possible, but only for GMAX or 3D CANVAS.That's why I bought 3D Canvas over TSM. I wanted something I could learn that would not be MSTS specific. 3D Canvas supports quite a number of industry standard IMPORT and EXPORT file formats. While all the MSTS "wizards" are not that useful, 3D Canvas can export a model that GMAX can understand and from there, you use GMAX (or 3ds max) to create the TRAINZ compatible items.Since AURAN has been very tight lipped about their file formats... no 3rd party has made any conversion tools. Blame Auran.As for Ted. Ted, You claim to be a 3D modeler, have you done any research on making models for MSTS with anything other than TSM or any research on TRAINZ? You would know that ONLY GMAX and 3DS Max are supported tools because AURAN created the conversion tools so if you can get a model into a format those tools understand, and you have those tools, you are set to go.TSM is MSTS specific so unless an S file converter gets used, there's no way to do it. (Don't get me started)Pete Willard

http://www.trainsimstuff.com

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From the "did you know" dept.Bogies (trucks) are NOT a part of the model in TRAINZ the way they are in MSTS. In TRAINZ, you create attachment points in 3d space where the pivot point of each BOGIE is placed. So... if you DISLIKE making bogies... you can always use someone elses instead... think of it the way we think of Freight Anims in MSTS.Pete Willard

http://www.trainsimstuff.com

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> Since AURAN has been very tight lipped about their file formats...
> no 3rd party has made any conversion tools. Blame Auran.Yep, i've rather vocal about that too. I've even posted this in AURAN'S FORUMS, and they never answer.So, i'm gonna say my piece again, in case Auran is hanging around here for some reason or other - maybe they'll FINALLY get the clue.When the official notice of MSTS2's cancellation was known, Auran posted a big response, in which they said they'd like to see some of the MSTS talent migrate over to Trainz. Then they go and flat-out ignore a quite talented chunk of those people - 3D Canvas users - by not answering any emails from the users or the creator of 3D Canvas who want little more than a couple questions answered about the file format so MSTS modelers can convert their own models into Trainz. There are supposedly ways to export the models out of 3D Canvas into GMAX, then fix something with the materials, then export to Trainz. I have never been able to get it to work. AND i got increasingly frustrated trying. It was especially upsetting after the Service Pack that focused a lot on passenger trains, which is my cup of tea.So, i gave up, resolved to continue fiddling with MSTS, and now that TMTS has been announced, i'll have little use for Trainz anyway (which means the TRS2004 will be the last Trainz - and probably Auran product as a whole - that i will purchase.)----------- BUZZ -----------

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I have to agree with you here. While TRS2004 is definitely nice (I like the graphics engine very much as well as the huge amount of customisation posssible through scripting), it still lacks certain things. I am also a bit bothered by the high demand of system resources and some of the operating procedures.So I hope, TMTS will feature a worthy successor as a real railroading experience. I trust that the RD crew has a very good feeling to the community to incorporate a lot of features currently lacking in MSTS! Cheers!Sebastian

Visit my "sebastian's trains pages" at http://www.freewebs.com/sstyrnol ...

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LAST EDITED ON Oct-07-04 AT 06:34 PM (EDT)

I have just started repainting locomotives for Trainz and I think it's alot harder than MSTS. I really don't like how you can't change the position of the headlights unless you made the 3D model. I think I'll stick to MSTS and only make a few engines for Trainz, but when/if TMTS comes out I'll switch to that.

Southern Pacific AC4400CW 126 over Rockville

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I think the main problem behind Auran being a Gmax and 3DS Max only supporter lays in the fact that they did a backdoor deal direct with Discreet for discount 3DS Max software for themselves to use.This is why they will not support any other software modelling or conversion programs, which is really a shame, but thats the way it goes.Our future as far as a conversion plug-in for 3DC to Trainz lays with Paul Gausden who is very busy with a young family and work. I'm sure if there is a way for it to work, Paul will think of it in due course. In the meantime I'll just keep plodding along until TMTS arrives...Yay

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