Modeling

TBD: This page is about the process of 3D modeling wrt/ creating Trainz content.

Auran uses Autodesk 3DS Max for internal modeling needs. At the current time, this is the only Auran-supported tool for creating models for the Trainz environment. Details on exporters can be found here. Auran does not support any other 3D modelling software or exporters at the current time. Use of content exported via unsupported software may cause game crashes and may mean that the content will not work with future versions of the Trainz software. Third-party programmers looking to write exporters should investigate the Trainz Mesh Importer tool.

Information on Attachment Points

Introduction to Trainz modeling

• Modeling Trains for Trainz - Important Information for Professional Artists

Best Practices

The following guides describe best practices for modeling in various scenarios, including a discussion of techniques, polygon counts, etc.

• Modeling Guidelines
• Modeling Splines
• Modeling Scenery
• Runtime Performance Statistics

TS2009 Content

TS2009 significantly expands the options for high quality content. TS2009 content creation differs from earlier versions in the following ways:

• All TS2009-version 3D models require normal maps (previously this was only supported on specific asset types)
• TS2009 ground textures require normal maps and are of a higher texture resolution.
• It is expected that models created specifically for TS2009 will contain moderately high polygon detail, with LOD fallbacks for older cards and distant objects.

Notes about Normal Mapping in TS2009.

Examples

TC & TS2009 Example Meshes - 3D Studio Max files provided to demonstrate features and techniques used by the Trainz team during TS2009 developement.

Related Links

Content Types - Using your models to build one of the supported Trainz content types, such as locomotives, scenery, and track.

ACS Coupling System - How to create models that use working couplings

Updating Steam Locos to TC3 Standards - Changing older models to use the new features introduced in TC3

Getting Started with Normal Mapping - Creating a simple model using normal mapping.

Material Types - Material types supported by Trainz.

Max Exporters - 3D Studio Max exporters.

Exporting with 3D Studio Max - Material setup and exporting with 3DS Max.

New Vs Old Exporter - Comparison and FAQ between the new and old 3D Studio Max exporters.

Trainz Mesh Importer - Trainz Mesh Importer a tool to assist importing models and animations from 3rd party applications.

.texture.txt Files - What goes into a .texture.txt file

Attachment Points - Information on attachment points