N15X - loco almost there....

[dee4141]

....but the textures still need to be revisited and then it needs a tender. I've had to re-make most of the parts as the initial model came in at over 22000 polys, and I couldn't get MSTS to accept it. This one is just under 17500, and I've managed to get it into the sim OK and it seeems quite stable.

[jbilton]

Hi
Looks beautiful

Cheers
Jon

[alanch]

Looking very good.

Have you tried using Shape File Fixer? It has enabled some very high poly locos to work in MSTS.

Shape Fixer 1.0a [55083 bytes] - Shape Fix.zip File ID: 17056 Date: 23 Jul 2010 - 2617 Downloads

[dee4141]

Have you tried using Shape File Fixer?

You bet! I find it essential over about 13-14000 polys.

[cardean]

It's looking really nice Danny, well done.

John.

[dee4141]

Thanks everyone for the comments - they help to make all the hassle worthwhile!

[mickrik]

Hi there,

I find it easy to get carried away making shapes and not counting the polys until I look at the model in shape viewer. Then after I have got over the initial shock,the model which I am working on has amassed 28000 polys. I expect I am going to have to shave some off here and there.

I must say though, your N15x is looking very good

Mickrik

[dee4141]

Thanks, Mick. It's true what you say about the polys mounting up. This is my first model using spoked wheels and the large wheel sets came in at over 700 polys each! I couldn't find a better way of making wheels, but I was really surprised at how different methods of constructing other parts dramatically reduced their poly count. I've learned so much from having to do this. Also I have a feeling that many of these parts will suit other locos that I have in mind, which really is a bonus.

[michaelhendle]

Hi Dee,

Looking good,just a pity Dorset Coast wasn't set a bit erlier, I can just imagine it ploding down the main line from Nine Elms or Feltham,heading for Southampton Docks.

[dee4141]

,just a pity Dorset Coast wasn't set a bit erlier,

That's true, Michael - it would be nice to have a Southern route truly set in the 50/60's. I still like using LSE though, and probably Steyning and Woking-Basingtoke would suit too.

[decapod]

You need to run shape fixer again for every 11,000 polys.

22,000 run twice, 33,000 three times etc...

You can see how others have constructed their models by using the backspace key in shape viewer.
- it shows models in wire frame mode - very handy to see all sorts of bad techniques

[kieranhardy]

,just a pity Dorset Coast wasn't set a bit erlier,

That's true, Michael - it would be nice to have a Southern route truly set in the 50/60's. I still like using LSE though, and probably Steyning and Woking-Basingtoke would suit too.

What about the New Forest route, that is set in steam days and i would think 50/60's?

Plus it goes to Southampton!

http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic. ... 39&t=76861

http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic. ... 39&t=84143

With regards to the model, it's certainly looking great!

[ianmacmillan]

One thing that catches the eye in the screenshots is the red edges to the buffer beam.

Only the front face was usually painted red.

The sides were treated as part of the running plate edge and usually lined.
The top was covered by the footplate sheeting which often formed a top lip.

Otherwise an excellent model.

Don't take the easy way out by letting Shape Fixer solve the high poly count.
Deleting one unseen poly means one less for the processor to calculate and one less for the graphics card to draw.

[dee4141]

Some interesting comments coming out of this thread!

Paul - thanks for the Shape Viewer and Shape Fixer tips - I just tried the Backspace key and what an interesting view!

Kieran - I don't have the New Forest route but it certainly looks the part, I'll need to download it ..........

Ian - thanks for the comments on the bufferbeam, I'll change the top and sides - luckily it's not too late!

[mickrik]

Hi ,

I agree excellent thread.

Thanks to Decapod for another excellent tip.

I think we will all look forward to seeing the fresh new steam model from dee4141 being uploaded soon. It would be good for it to wander onto Midland metals on an excursion, perhaps.

mickrik