HowTo/Make your first Trainz Asset - Revision history

Windwalkr at 03:27, 6 June 2018

2018-06-06T03:27:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:27, 6 June 2018
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	'''<span style="color:#ff0000">NOTE: This information is out of date.'''</span> While many of the techniques here are still valid, please see the [[~~TRS18~~]] ~~Homepage~~ for links to the latest content creation information.		'''<span style="color:#ff0000">NOTE: This information is out of date.'''</span> While many of the techniques here are still valid, please see the [[TRS19]] page for links to the latest content creation information.

	This is a step by step tutorial that will teach you how to create a 3D model, create the Level of Detail (lower resolution) versions of the model, and import it into Trainz.		This is a step by step tutorial that will teach you how to create a 3D model, create the Level of Detail (lower resolution) versions of the model, and import it into Trainz.

Tonyhilliam at 01:35, 24 January 2018

2018-01-24T01:35:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:35, 24 January 2018
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	'''NOTE: This information is out of date.''' While many of the techniques here are still valid, please see the [[TRS18]] Homepage for links to the latest content creation information.		'''<span style="color:#ff0000">NOTE: This information is out of date.'''</span> While many of the techniques here are still valid, please see the [[TRS18]] Homepage for links to the latest content creation information.

	This is a step by step tutorial that will teach you how to create a 3D model, create the Level of Detail (lower resolution) versions of the model, and import it into Trainz.		This is a step by step tutorial that will teach you how to create a 3D model, create the Level of Detail (lower resolution) versions of the model, and import it into Trainz.

Tonyhilliam at 01:33, 24 January 2018

2018-01-24T01:33:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:33, 24 January 2018
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			'''NOTE: This information is out of date.''' While many of the techniques here are still valid, please see the [[TRS18]] Homepage for links to the latest content creation information.

	This is a step by step tutorial that will teach you how to create a 3D model, create the Level of Detail (lower resolution) versions of the model, and import it into Trainz.		This is a step by step tutorial that will teach you how to create a 3D model, create the Level of Detail (lower resolution) versions of the model, and import it into Trainz.

Tonyhilliam at 10:45, 16 January 2018

2018-01-16T10:45:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:45, 16 January 2018
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	Good Luck and we can't wait to see your high detailed content for Trainz (with LODs!!!).		Good Luck and we can't wait to see your high detailed content for Trainz (with LODs!!!).


	==Return to Index==		==Return to Index==

	[[HowToGuides\|<< How To Guides]]		[[HowToGuides\|<< How To Guides]]

			[[Category:How-to guides]]

Tonyhilliam at 10:43, 16 January 2018

2018-01-16T10:43:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:43, 16 January 2018
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	* (OPTIONAL SOFTWARE) [http://quixel.se/ndo/ nDo2] is a Photoshop plugin that makes creating normal (or bump) maps for your models a breeze.		* (OPTIONAL SOFTWARE) [http://quixel.se/ndo/ nDo2] is a Photoshop plugin that makes creating normal (or bump) maps for your models a breeze.



	== How to setup the model and materials in 3DS Max ==		== How to setup the model and materials in 3DS Max ==


	===Recommended Reading===		===Recommended Reading===
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	[[File:lod_0_v_lod_2.jpg]] [[File:lod_0_v_lod_2_distance.jpg]]		[[File:lod_0_v_lod_2.jpg]] [[File:lod_0_v_lod_2_distance.jpg]]


	===LOD 3 - Extremely low poly LOD===		===LOD 3 - Extremely low poly LOD===
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	[[File:lod_3.jpg]]		[[File:lod_3.jpg]]


	===Materials===		===Materials===
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	[[File:32-bits.jpg]]		[[File:32-bits.jpg]]



	== How to create the Trainz Asset and import it into Trainz Content Manager ==		== How to create the Trainz Asset and import it into Trainz Content Manager ==
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	[[File:commit_with_errors.jpg]]		[[File:commit_with_errors.jpg]]


	To find out what the errors are you right click on the Trainz asset and go to "View Errors & Warnings". You must fix all errors before the asset will appear in Trainz. If you can't work out how to solve an error, check out the "Potential Problems" section below.		To find out what the errors are you right click on the Trainz asset and go to "View Errors & Warnings". You must fix all errors before the asset will appear in Trainz. If you can't work out how to solve an error, check out the "Potential Problems" section below.

	[[File:commit_with_errors_view.jpg]]		[[File:commit_with_errors_view.jpg]]


	== Finding the new Asset in Trainz Simulator 12 ==		== Finding the new Asset in Trainz Simulator 12 ==
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	In the examples below to make it very easy for you to spot the LOD change, we have given the highest detail (LOD 0) a RED dot, the medium detail (LOD 1) an orange color and the lowest detail (LOD 3) a green color. We have skipped LOD 2 in this instance but it is recommended to have 4 LODs to a high detailed model if possible.		In the examples below to make it very easy for you to spot the LOD change, we have given the highest detail (LOD 0) a RED dot, the medium detail (LOD 1) an orange color and the lowest detail (LOD 3) a green color. We have skipped LOD 2 in this instance but it is recommended to have 4 LODs to a high detailed model if possible.


	LOD 0 - In Trainz Surveyor		LOD 0 - In Trainz Surveyor
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	[[File:surveyor_lod_3.jpg]]		[[File:surveyor_lod_3.jpg]]


	==Potential Problems==		==Potential Problems==
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	If you have read all there is to read on this wiki, and are still having problems getting this tutorial or other content working, then you probably should join in the discussions on on our Trainz Community on the [http://forums.auran.com/trainz/index.php Trainz Forums]. The forums are very active and if you show you are keen to learn, the people are very helpful!		If you have read all there is to read on this wiki, and are still having problems getting this tutorial or other content working, then you probably should join in the discussions on on our Trainz Community on the [http://forums.auran.com/trainz/index.php Trainz Forums]. The forums are very active and if you show you are keen to learn, the people are very helpful!


	==Source Files==		==Source Files==

Tonyhilliam at 10:42, 16 January 2018

2018-01-16T10:42:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:42, 16 January 2018
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	Good Luck and we can't wait to see your high detailed content for Trainz (with LODs!!!).		Good Luck and we can't wait to see your high detailed content for Trainz (with LODs!!!).

			==Return to Index==

			[[HowToGuides\|<< How To Guides]]

Tonyhilliam at 23:47, 20 February 2014

2014-02-20T23:47:32Z

Show changes

Windwalkr at 09:20, 19 February 2014

2014-02-19T09:20:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:20, 19 February 2014
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	- A copy of Trainz Simulator 12 (or technically, a copy of Trainz).		- A copy of Trainz Simulator 12 (or technically, a copy of Trainz).

	- A copy of 3DS Max studio that has a supported Trainz Exporter. We are using 3DS Max 2008 in this example. Information on all exporters can be found [[~~Max_Exporters~~\|here]] and the download files can be found on the [[Downloads]] page.		- A copy of 3DS Max studio that has a supported Trainz Exporter. We are using 3DS Max 2008 in this example. Information on all exporters can be found [[Max Exporters\|here]] and the download files can be found on the [[Downloads]] page.
	: * To setup the exporter in 3DS Max you will want to extract the .zip file and then place the correct versions "JetExporter.dle" file into the plugins directory of your installed 3DS Max. For example, it might look like "C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\3ds Max 2008\plugins"		: * To setup the exporter in 3DS Max you will want to extract the .zip file and then place the correct versions "JetExporter.dle" file into the plugins directory of your installed 3DS Max. For example, it might look like "C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\3ds Max 2008\plugins"

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	'''STEP 4:'''		'''STEP 4:'''

	Setting up the materials is pretty easy but you'll need to work out what type of material (look) you want for your object. All the Trainz materials available for you to use in 3DS Max can be found [[Material Types\|here]] and you'll also want to read about [[Exporting with 3D Studio Max]]" for additional lighting material setup details.		Setting up the materials is pretty easy but you'll need to work out what type of material (look) you want for your object. All the Trainz materials available for you to use in 3DS Max can be found [[Material Types\|here]] and you'll also want to read about [[Exporting with 3D Studio Max]] for additional lighting material setup details.

	You should setup your image files as .TGA files and save them as 32-bits/pixel without "Compress (RLE)" checked. We are using Photoshop in this example, which is where this below image comes from.		You should setup your image files as .TGA files and save them as 32-bits/pixel without "Compress (RLE)" checked. We are using Photoshop in this example, which is where this below image comes from.
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	When you have exported all your different LODs from 3DS Max to a folder (without errors), you then need to start Content Manager in Trainz.		When you have exported all your different LODs from 3DS Max to a folder (without errors), you then need to start Content Manager in Trainz.

	In Content Manager, once you login to Planet Auran you'll find your User ID by going File -> Settings then click on the Internet ~~TAB~~. You will need this number to create any Trainz assets as it is used in the unique number that each asset requires called a KUID.		In Content Manager, once you login to your [[Planet Auran account]], you'll find your User ID by going to File -> Settings, then click on the Internet tab. You will need this number to create any Trainz assets as it is used in the unique number that each asset requires (called a [[KUID]].)

	[[File:your_kuid.jpg]]		[[File:your_kuid.jpg]]
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	'''STEP 6: '''		'''STEP 6:'''

	Now you have your User ID it is time to create a [[config.txt file]] that Trainz Content Manager will read to create your asset from.		Now you have your User ID it is time to create a [[config.txt file]] that Trainz Content Manager will read to create your asset from.
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	trainz-build 3.7		trainz-build 3.7
	category-class "FT"		category-class "FT"
	You will find these first 4 parameters in the config.txt file outlined "[[~~KIND_TrainzBaseSpec~~]]".		You will find these first 4 parameters in the config.txt file outlined in [[KIND TrainzBaseSpec]].


	mesh-detail-level-count 4		mesh-detail-level-count 4
	This parameter is set manually. This specifies the number of LODs our content will use. If you have 2 LODs in your object then you would change the 4 to a 2. Additional information can be found here "[[~~KIND_Mesh~~]]".		This parameter is set manually. This specifies the number of LODs our content will use. If you have 2 LODs in your object then you would change the 4 to a 2. Additional information can be found here in [[KIND Mesh]].

Windwalkr: more formatting

2014-02-19T09:16:00Z

more formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:16, 19 February 2014
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	'''STEP 1:'''		'''STEP 1:'''

	Before you start modelling you might want to read [[~~Modeling_Trains_for_Trainz~~]] as it explains things like setting up the Unit Scale correctly to model in and a few other good pointers.		Before you start modelling you might want to read [[Modeling Trains for Trainz]] as it explains things like setting up the Unit Scale correctly to model in and a few other good pointers.

	Model your object at the highest detail required to look good up close. The distance that the highest level of detail model (LOD 0) will be seen in Trainz could be from 0 up to about 40 meters away from the camera.		Model your object at the highest detail required to look good up close. The distance that the highest level of detail model (LOD 0) will be seen in Trainz could be from 0 up to about 40 meters away from the camera.
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	'''STEP 4:'''		'''STEP 4:'''

	Setting up the materials is pretty easy but you'll need to work out what type of material (look) you want for your object. All the Trainz materials available for you to use in 3DS Max can be found ~~here "~~[[~~Material_Types~~]] and you'll also want to read "[[~~Exporting_with_3D_Studio_Max~~]]" for on additional lighting material setup.		Setting up the materials is pretty easy but you'll need to work out what type of material (look) you want for your object. All the Trainz materials available for you to use in 3DS Max can be found [[Material Types\|here]] and you'll also want to read about [[Exporting with 3D Studio Max]]" for additional lighting material setup details.

	You should setup your image files as .TGA files and save them as 32-bits/pixel without "Compress (RLE)" checked. We are using Photoshop in this example, which is where this below image comes from.		You should setup your image files as .TGA files and save them as 32-bits/pixel without "Compress (RLE)" checked. We are using Photoshop in this example, which is where this below image comes from.

Windwalkr: formatting fixes

2014-02-19T09:13:56Z

formatting fixes

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:13, 19 February 2014
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	Before you start you will need:		Before you start you will need:

	- A copy of Trainz Simulator 12 (or technically, a copy of Trainz).		- A copy of Trainz Simulator 12 (or technically, a copy of Trainz).

	- A copy of 3DS Max studio that has a supported Trainz Exporter. We are using 3DS Max 2008 in this example. Information on all exporters can be found ~~here "~~[[Max_Exporters]]" and the download files can be found ~~here "~~[[Downloads]]"		- A copy of 3DS Max studio that has a supported Trainz Exporter. We are using 3DS Max 2008 in this example. Information on all exporters can be found [[Max_Exporters\|here]] and the download files can be found on the [[Downloads]] page.
	* To setup the exporter in 3DS Max you will want to extract the .zip file and then place the correct versions "JetExporter.dle" file into the plugins directory of your installed 3DS Max. For example, it might look like "C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\3ds Max 2008\plugins"		: * To setup the exporter in 3DS Max you will want to extract the .zip file and then place the correct versions "JetExporter.dle" file into the plugins directory of your installed 3DS Max. For example, it might look like "C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\3ds Max 2008\plugins"

	- (OPTIONAL SOFTWARE) [http://quixel.se/ndo/ ~~link~~ nDo2] is a Photoshop plugin that makes creating normal (or bump) maps for your models a breeze.		- (OPTIONAL SOFTWARE) [http://quixel.se/ndo/ nDo2] is a Photoshop plugin that makes creating normal (or bump) maps for your models a breeze.


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	'''STEP 6: '''		'''STEP 6: '''

	Now you have your User ID it is time to create a config.txt file that Trainz Content Manager will read to create your asset from.		Now you have your User ID it is time to create a [[config.txt file]] that Trainz Content Manager will read to create your asset from.

	Create a new file in the folder where all your exported .IM and .texture.txt files are. Name it "config.txt".		Create a new file in the folder where all your exported .IM and .texture.txt files are. Name it "config.txt".

	"[[~~KIND_TrainzBaseSpec~~]]" and "[[~~Content_Configuration~~]]" ~~you will find~~ an enormous amount of information on everything to do with the config.txt options. Reading the Content ~~Configurations~~ can be very overwhelming to start with so below we have created the minimum config.txt file needed to get you up and running. Be sure to expand on this by seeing what else Trainz can do though as it is very powerful!		The "[[KIND TrainzBaseSpec]]" and "[[Content Configuration]]" pages give an enormous amount of information on everything to do with the config.txt options. Reading the Content Configuration pages can be very overwhelming to start with so below we have created the minimum config.txt file needed to get you up and running. Be sure to expand on this by seeing what else Trainz can do though as it is very powerful!

	This is the very basic "scenery" object config.txt file. (Not to worry, we break it down further!)		This is the very basic "scenery" object config.txt file. (Not to worry, we break it down further!)
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	'''Potential Problems'''		'''Potential Problems'''

	If you are having any problems getting this tutorial or other content working and you have read all there is to read on this entire wiki, then it is best to talk to our Trainz Developments and Community on the ~~Trainz Forums [~~[http://forums.auran.com/trainz/index.php ~~here]~~]. They are very active and helpful!		If you are having any problems getting this tutorial or other content working and you have read all there is to read on this entire wiki, then it is best to talk to our Trainz Developments and Community on the [http://forums.auran.com/trainz/index.php Trainz Forums]. They are very active and helpful!

	To see additional stats while working in Surveyor to help determine potential problems with your Trainz asset or even just route creation in general using others assets, you might want to take a look here "[[Runtime_Performance_Statistics]]".		To see additional stats while working in Surveyor to help determine potential problems with your Trainz asset or even just route creation in general using others assets, you might want to take a look here "[[Runtime_Performance_Statistics]]".

	Furthermore, you can also find some really good information about content creation ~~here "[~~[http://forums.auran.com/trainz/blog.php?769929-Trainz-Developer-Blog]]".		Furthermore, you can also find some really good information about content creation on the [http://forums.auran.com/trainz/blog.php?769929-Trainz-Developer-Blog Trainz Developer Blog].


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	'''SOURCE'''		'''SOURCE'''

	You can download the source to the Car Example (asset folder) for this tutorial here "[[File:Carpackage.zip]]" or "[[http://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/images/d/db/Carpackage.zip here]]" but please note we have not referenced the same image for all 3 LODs~~, in~~ this example we are changing colors to show you the different distances the LODs pop in. You should generally try and share one diffuse texture between the different LODs so that it saves on memory and performance.		You can download the source to the Car Example (asset folder) for this tutorial here: [[File:Carpackage.zip]] or [http://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/images/d/db/Carpackage.zip here] but please note we have not referenced the same image for all 3 LODs. In this example we are changing colors to show you the different distances the LODs pop in. You should generally try and share one diffuse texture between the different LODs so that it saves on memory and performance.

	If the source ~~file~~ you download ~~looks~~ scary, don't worry~~, the~~ Trainz Exporter for 3DS Max creates all those files except the "config.txt" file for you.		If the source files you download look scary, don't worry! The Trainz Exporter for 3DS Max creates all those files except the "config.txt" file for you.

	Good Luck and we can't wait to see your high detailed content for Trainz (with LODs!!!).		Good Luck and we can't wait to see your high detailed content for Trainz (with LODs!!!).