making msts trains

onetrain · Post by **onetrain** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 4:57 pm

hi everyone,

im a train maker for bve but i've had train sim for a long time and i feel like making a train for msts but i need to know what programs i need to make the train, i have read all the posts on the forums but cant really find any programs or software for it.

thanks for reading

Richard (onetrain)

jascott · Post by **jascott** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 5:18 pm

All the answers are in the sticky at the top of the Rolling Stock Creation forum cunningly entitled "A brief buide to 3D modelling in MSTS".

http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic.php?t=29065

John

onetrain · Post by **onetrain** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 5:41 pm

thanks for that, that has helped alot but i still dont know what the files mean

ACE file
ENG file
S file

john13 · Post by **john13** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 7:22 pm

Hi

The .ace file contains the textures used to 'paint' the model. You can probably follow up on loads of threads about texturing/reskinning models by using the 'Search' button. The MSTS Utils folder has utility for converting .bmp files to .ace. Note that the texture files must be 'square' eg 256x256 pixels or 512x512 - you can have smaller ones but larger ones may not work on all systems.

The .eng file contains the 'physics' for the model - how it works in the simulator. For starters, you can copy one of the default stock files for this and adjust it to suit whatever you make

The .s file contains the 'shape' data for the 3D model. Note that there may also need to be a .sd file with additional information. The 3D modelling application must have a file exporter/plug-in capable of producing this type of file.

Enjoy!

John

onetrain · Post by **onetrain** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 7:24 pm

thanks for that john but how do you make the physics for msts or do you need a program or software and also do you know how to make the panel for cab and also the extorior panel

john13 · Post by **john13** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 8:10 pm

how do you make the physics

I can't say that I'm an expert - as a starting point, take one of the default .eng files and alter it to suit your purpose. Make sure you back-up any original files before altering. Also, only use unicode editor such as WORDPAD ( There are others with additional features)

Depending on what you intend to make, you may find a similar model already - perhaps ask the original model author for permission to copy their 'eng file. If not, there are folk around here with the relevant expertise to help/advise.

There's a cabview editor in the tools. I haven't got this far yet! Some models simply copy exisiting cabviews and sounds from other models.

Cheers

John

onetrain · Post by **onetrain** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 8:12 pm

thanks john,

do you know any programs which can use to make 3d trains and cabs

RiscaStation · Post by **RiscaStation** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 8:22 pm

onetrain wrote:thanks john,

do you know any programs which can use to make 3d trains and cabs

Hi "onetrain"

3DCanvas is a good program for 3D modelling. Have a look under 3DCanvas on the main page of "Uktrainsim" a little over half way down.
Its available from "www.Amabilis.com" where you can purchase the "Pro" version. The "Pro" version has all you need to start you off. Check it out. Hope this is of some help to you.

Regards

Mike

john13 · Post by **john13** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 8:36 pm

Hi again

As Mike / RiscaStation says, 3D Canvas will do what you need - I'm working my way through the tutorials etc for this at present. You could look at these for a start. You can try the free version to get the feel for the program before spending on the PRO version which has more features (plus the MSTS exportor and some great plug-ins by Decapod and others which make some aspects of modelling so much easier.)

Alternatives are gMAX and TSM. Google sketchup is free and eay to use but somewhat limited at present. Decapod has a plug-in for this too.

cheers

John

onetrain · Post by **onetrain** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 6:28 am

thanks john and mike

onetrain · Post by **onetrain** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 3:53 pm

where can you download tsm please

john13 · Post by **john13** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 4:54 pm

http://www.trainsimulatorworld.com/tsm/tsmmain.htm

John

onetrain · Post by **onetrain** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 4:56 pm

thanks