Just starting in stock building.

[sem34090]

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[Moderator Comment: dorlan - Image changed to url as it exceeds forum maximum of 800 x 640 pixels in size]Hello all.

I have decided, finally, to perhaps have a go at stock building. I have been meaning to do so for a while, and now seems the right time.
I thought asking on here would be a good place to find good advice from knowledgeable people who might be willing to guide me somewhat, as I have no idea where to even start, let alone what tools I need!

I am also a railway modeller, and I am developing a small range of 3D printed loco kits using Google Sketchup. I understand that the processes involved in 3D printing are different to those in loco design (for TS2016 in my case) but I hope that some of my CAD could be used as a basis.

This brings me on to my first loco proposal, one I've been working on for my kits, in the form of the LBSCR Class D1 and E1 tanks, and possibly the D2 tender locos. My reasoning is that none of these are avaiable in TS, so would make nice models. I have also (Hopefully!) attached some pictures of my CAD for you lot to analyse and criticise.
http://cdn.simplesite.com/i/aa/0b/28457 ... h1280_.jpg
Reboilered Marsh Version.

Original Stroudley Version.

I am aiming for a basic model, in a few liveries, possibly with changeable numbers. I think I will have to alias the cab to 'Invincible' from the Island Line DLC, simply because I don't think I'm clever enough to build my own cab! Besides, there's no D1's left! I might have a look at the E1 cab though to at least get the external view looking reasonable.

I apologise in advance if there is already a thread telling novices how to get started, or if anyone is working on the above locos. I would, however, appreciate guidance for this specific project.

Kindest regards, and my thanks in advance,

sem34090

P.S. I am aware that a reasonable E1 model is included with the IOW network route. It is nice (I have it!) but it is static, and I can't see any reasonable way to 'power' it! I'm also not entirely sure who the author is, and I wouldn't like to try it without their permission.

This message has been edited by a Moderator

[JamesLit]

Which software are you using for those?

[sem34090]

Hi James,

I used Google Sketchup to create the base model, then exported it (via meshlab) into Microsoft 3D Builder, that comes with windows 10. This is as an STL file that is suitable for my 3D printing purposes. Obviously this model is not best suited to train sim, but I have got older versions saved which aren't so hollow. I have read on here a little bit about a programme called 3DS Max, by Autodesk which I might use, but I'm most comfortable with sketchup at the moment.

All the best

[sem34090]

The models were made in Google Sketchup, as that is what I have used the most. I do, however, appreciate that it is not the best software for trainsim purposes.

[sem34090]

Well, I've downloaded and installed 3DS Max, then tried importing my file into it just to see what happened:

Well, it looks like a D1 in wartime black, but I have no idea where to go now. I haven't drawn up a chassis yet, but plan to do that after I've detailed the body for TS purposes.

Any suggestions and/or guidance?

All the best,

[JamesLit]

Must say I hadn't expected Sketchup to be your answer, normally Sketchup models with the sort of level of complexity of a loco seem to have a ridiculous number of polys and are vastly unnecessarily smooth, but yours isn't - which is a good thing.

That being said, I would definitely recommend that, as you have 3DS Max, you learn to use that instead. Sketchup is very far from ideal for making anything of any real complexity for TS, and you will always need another piece of modelling software as a go-between for setting up the model, unwrapping it, etc and exporting into TS source format, anyway, and 3DS Max is in my opinion an excellent piece of software to do the whole process from the very start. Very well documented, plenty of image-based and video tutorials available online to do most things.

As a suggestion, it may be an idea - if you wish to pursue that way - to try and recreate what you've already made from the ground up, using only 3DS Max, to help you familiarise yourself with it. It might seem daunting to you (or might not!) but it did to me way back when but I'm happy I put all the time and effort in, now!

[sem34090]

I agree with you wholeheartedly! I need to learn other software for my 3D Printed stuff, so I might as well learn new software for this. I think replicating this in 3DS is a good idea because I have something to copy.

Thanks for the complements too! I have learnt that from using sketchup you need to try and keep it simple, but looking less so.

I will try rebuilding, but I expect I'll need help! I have now got decent drawings though, so a new model would be more accurate anyway!

All the best,

sem34090

[devonman2]

Best wishes to your endeavours, I would like to follow your progress on this and might get me going again, I did have some success in the MSTS days.

[TrabantDeLuxe]

Piece of advice: Try and make an oil barrel and get it into the game as a scenery item. Then use it to experiment with different shaders, modelling techniques etc. to make it the best looking oil barrel ever. Your CAD and 3D printing work can certainly serve as a good basis, but in the end modelling for video games is a bit different.

Anyway, best of luck, and do keep posting!

[sem34090]

Thanks for the help and encouragement guys!