Treez - Revision history

N3vpolsen at 06:40, 8 August 2025

2025-08-08T06:40:24Z

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N3vpolsen at 06:36, 8 August 2025

2025-08-08T06:36:11Z

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N3vpolsen at 06:33, 8 August 2025

2025-08-08T06:33:22Z

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N3vpolsen at 02:42, 17 June 2024

2024-06-17T02:42:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:42, 17 June 2024
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	=PlantFactory Examples=		=PlantFactory Examples & Files =

	A good place to start is with one of our PlantFactory templates. This can speed up your development a lot, especially if you are new to PlantFactory.		A good place to start is with one of our PlantFactory templates. This can speed up your development a lot, especially if you are new to PlantFactory.
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	[https://images.n3vgames.com/uploads/content_creation/trainz_pf_tree_1_example_files.zip Download Youtube Video 2 Example Files]		[https://images.n3vgames.com/uploads/content_creation/trainz_pf_tree_1_example_files.zip Download Youtube Video 2 Example Files]

			[https://images.n3vgames.com/uploads/content_creation/tree_1_textures.zip Download Texture Package 1]

			[https://images.n3vgames.com/uploads/content_creation/tree_2_textures.zip Download Texture Package 2]

			[https://images.n3vgames.com/uploads/content_creation/tree_3_textures.zip Download Texture Package 3]

			[https://images.n3vgames.com/uploads/content_creation/tree_4_textures.zip Download Texture Package 4]

			[https://images.n3vgames.com/uploads/content_creation/tree_5_textures.zip Download Texture Package 5]

Windwalkr at 04:36, 10 June 2024

2024-06-10T04:36:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:36, 10 June 2024
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	== Software Requirements ==		=Software Requirements=

	This is a step by step tutorial that will teach you how to create a 3D TREE model for use in Trainz. This method uses PlantFactory (free software) to create the 3D tree model but you could use Blender or any other 3D modelling software in ~~it's~~ place. The principles are the same.		This is a step by step tutorial that will teach you how to create a 3D TREE model for use in Trainz. This method uses PlantFactory (free software) to create the 3D tree model but you could use Blender or any other 3D modelling software in its place. The principles are the same.

	Before you start you will need:		Before you start you will need:

	* A copy of Trainz version 5.6. Currently this is in development so in order to test this new foliage system you must be part of the BETA - [https://forms.gle/cQTjZxixZeCT3DHS7 JOIN].		* A copy of [["Trainz-build" number\|Trainz version 5.6]] or newer. Currently this is in development so in order to test this new foliage system you must be part of the BETA - [https://forms.gle/cQTjZxixZeCT3DHS7 JOIN].

	* A copy of [https://www.bentley.com/software/e-on-software-free-downloads/ PlantFactory 2024]. Click the Download button on that page, agree to the EULA and the next page the software should show for download.		* A copy of [https://www.bentley.com/software/e-on-software-free-downloads/ PlantFactory 2024]. Click the Download button on that page, agree to the EULA and the next page the software should show for download.

	* You need a set of textures (Bark and Leaves at a minimum) for your trees. These can be created from scratch using the likes of [https://www.adobe.com/au/products/photoshop.html Photoshop] (paid) or [https://www.gimp.org GIMP] (free). You can look to source them from many different websites including [https://substance3d.adobe.com/assets/allassets?q=leaf%20fir%20branch&sort=-searchScore Adobe Substance Library] or other stock places. There are many other places you can purchase tree stock as a base or to get ideas to build from including [https://www.cgtrader.com/search?keywords=tree CGTrader], [https://www.turbosquid.com/Search/Index.cfm?keyword=tree&media_typeid=2 TurboSquid] ~~and more~~.		* You need a set of textures (Bark and Leaves at a minimum) for your trees. These can be created from scratch using the likes of [https://www.adobe.com/au/products/photoshop.html Photoshop] (paid) or [https://www.gimp.org GIMP] (free). You can look to source them from many different websites including [https://substance3d.adobe.com/assets/allassets?q=leaf%20fir%20branch&sort=-searchScore Adobe Substance Library] or other stock places. There are many other places you can purchase tree stock as a base or to get ideas to build from including [https://www.cgtrader.com/search?keywords=tree CGTrader] and [https://www.turbosquid.com/Search/Index.cfm?keyword=tree&media_typeid=2 TurboSquid].


	== PlantFactory ==		=PlantFactory Examples=

	~~===~~Examples===

	A good place to start is with one of our PlantFactory templates. This can speed up your development a lot, especially if you are new to PlantFactory.		A good place to start is with one of our PlantFactory templates. This can speed up your development a lot, especially if you are new to PlantFactory.
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	===Tree Asset ~~Structure==~~=		=Tree Asset Creation Overview=

	~~The new tree assets~~ are scenery assets.		Trees are created as standard [[KIND Scenery\|scenery]] assets.

	They use the ~~.fbx~~ format for their mesh files.		They use the [[FBX file format]] for their mesh files.

	.PNG or .TGA is recommended for textures.		.PNG or .TGA is recommended for the [[Texture file\|textures]].

	~~The~~ new materials are outlined below.		Trees may use standard materials, but benefit heavily from the new foliage-specific materials are outlined below.

	The texture setup is outlined below.		The texture setup is outlined below.

	You should try and keep the highest LOD under 5000 polygons. Each additional LOD level should drop down by 25%. Your lowest LOD should be under 1000 polygons, ideally under 500 polygons. There is no need to create billboards as Trainz will create this for you using a new "Imposter" system that will release alongside "Treez".		You should try and keep the highest LOD under 5000 polygons. Each additional LOD level should drop down by at least 25%. Your lowest LOD should be under 1000 polygons, ideally under 500 polygons. There is no need to create bottom-LOD billboards as Trainz will create this for you using a new [[Imposter system]] that will release alongside [[Treez]].

	If using PlantFactory you will want to get the example files above and look at the metadata ~~.txt files~~ to determine what additional tags are being used. You will also want to watch the PlantFactory video information below to understand how to use the program and also how to export from PlantFactory, setup your Trainz Asset and import into Trainz.		If using PlantFactory you will want to get the example files above and look at the [[Mesh metadata file]]s to determine what additional tags are being used. You will also want to watch the PlantFactory video information below to understand how to use the program and also how to export from PlantFactory, setup your Trainz Asset and import into Trainz.

	If you are using another 3D modelling program to create your trees~~. If you~~ want to use ~~camera facing leaf cards (~~ [[m.leafcardbillboard]] ) then you must point your leaf ~~cards~~ in ~~one single direction. The default is~~ the positive X direction. ~~Also each~~ leaf card must be ~~an individual~~ mesh so they can rotate ~~individual~~.		If you are using another 3D modelling program to create your trees and want to use [[m.leafcardbillboard\|camera facing leaf cards]] then you must point your leaf card geometry in the positive X direction. Each leaf card must be a separate mesh within the FBX so they can rotate separately.


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	~~If you do not point your leaf cards in the default positive X direction, you can rotate the leaf cards around X, Y or Z using the following tag in the metadata file.~~		=Materials=

	~~camera-facing-rotate-normals 0,180,0~~

	0,180,0 is just an example. Use the values you require to get your leaf cards facing in the correct direction when importing into Trainz. Find out more information on the Trainz [[Mesh_metadata_file]] wiki page.


	===Materials===

	There are two new materials to use for trees.		There are two new materials to use for trees.
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	===Textures===		=Textures=

	~~The makeup of [[m.leafcard]] is the same as [[m.pbrmetalmasked]].~~

	The makeup of [[m.leafcardbillboard]] is ~~the same as~~ [[m.pbrmetalmasked]].		The makeup of both [[m.leafcard]] and [[m.leafcardbillboard]] is similar to [[m.pbrmetalmasked]].

	The exception ~~to both materials~~ is the blue channel in ~~the parameters texture. The blue channel of~~ the parameters texture is used to modulate the strength of the directional lighting. This is intended to give the feel of individual leaves being deeper inside the tree and shadowed from all directions, even though the leaf card as a whole is not shadowed. (Note that this is the same channel used for Ambient Occlusion on m.pbrmetal; the leaf card materials do not support ambient occlusion.)		The one exception is that the blue channel in the parameters texture is used to modulate the strength of the directional lighting. This is intended to give the feel of individual leaves being deeper inside the tree and shadowed from all directions, even though the leaf card as a whole is not shadowed. (Note that this is the same channel used for Ambient Occlusion on m.pbrmetal; the leaf card materials do not support ambient occlusion.)

	Full brightness (100% blue channel) gives a standard lighting response, while darker values give a weaker response to directional lighting.		Full brightness (100% blue channel) gives a standard lighting response, while darker values give a weaker response to directional lighting.
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	===PlantFactory Tutorial===		=PlantFactory Tutorial=

	Once the software starts up and you've either loaded one of the templates above or you've started a new tree from scratch, if you are new to PlantFactory, you will want to read the "PlantFactory — Reference Manual" (specifically 'Section 5 - Modifying Plants: Using Parameters') which can be accessed by clicking on the Main Menu -> Help -> Reference Manual. This manual explains everything you need to know about the software. It is definitely worth the read.		Once the software starts up and you've either loaded one of the templates above or you've started a new tree from scratch, if you are new to PlantFactory, you will want to read the "PlantFactory — Reference Manual" (specifically 'Section 5 - Modifying Plants: Using Parameters') which can be accessed by clicking on the Main Menu -> Help -> Reference Manual. This manual explains everything you need to know about the software. It is definitely worth the read.

N3vpolsen at 01:53, 7 June 2024

2024-06-07T01:53:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:53, 7 June 2024
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	Before you start you will need:		Before you start you will need:

	* A copy of Trainz. Currently this is in development so in order to test this new foliage system you must be part of the BETA - [https://forms.gle/cQTjZxixZeCT3DHS7 JOIN].		* A copy of Trainz version 5.6. Currently this is in development so in order to test this new foliage system you must be part of the BETA - [https://forms.gle/cQTjZxixZeCT3DHS7 JOIN].

	* A copy of [https://www.bentley.com/software/e-on-software-free-downloads/ PlantFactory 2024]. Click the Download button on that page, agree to the EULA and the next page the software should show for download.		* A copy of [https://www.bentley.com/software/e-on-software-free-downloads/ PlantFactory 2024]. Click the Download button on that page, agree to the EULA and the next page the software should show for download.

N3vpolsen: N3vpolsen moved page HowTo/Build a tree with PlantFactory to Treez

2024-06-06T04:57:24Z

N3vpolsen moved page HowTo/Build a tree with PlantFactory to Treez

← Older revision	Revision as of 04:57, 6 June 2024
(No difference)

N3vpolsen at 04:47, 6 June 2024

2024-06-06T04:47:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:47, 6 June 2024
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	If using PlantFactory you will want to get the example files above and look at the metadata .txt files to determine what additional tags are being used. You will also want to watch the PlantFactory video information below to understand how to use the program and also how to export from PlantFactory, setup your Trainz Asset and import into Trainz.		If using PlantFactory you will want to get the example files above and look at the metadata .txt files to determine what additional tags are being used. You will also want to watch the PlantFactory video information below to understand how to use the program and also how to export from PlantFactory, setup your Trainz Asset and import into Trainz.

	If you are using another 3D modelling program to create your trees. If you want to use camera facing leaf cards ( m.leafcardbillboard ) then you must point your leaf cards in one single direction. The default is the positive X direction. Also each leaf card must be an individual mesh so they can rotate individual.		If you are using another 3D modelling program to create your trees. If you want to use camera facing leaf cards ( [[m.leafcardbillboard]] ) then you must point your leaf cards in one single direction. The default is the positive X direction. Also each leaf card must be an individual mesh so they can rotate individual.


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	There are two new materials to use for trees.		There are two new materials to use for trees.

	'''m.leafcard''' - Use this material for your transparent leaf cards that are not camera facing. This material structure is identical to [[m.pbrmetal]]. The only difference in setup is the name of your material.		'''[[m.leafcard]]''' - Use this material for your transparent leaf cards that are not camera facing. This material structure is identical to [[m.pbrmetal]]. The only difference in setup is the name of your material.

	'''m.leafcardbillboard''' - Use this material for your transparent leaf cards that are to be camera facing. This material structure is identical to [[m.pbrmetalmasked]]. The only difference in setup is the name of your material.		'''[[m.leafcardbillboard]]''' - Use this material for your transparent leaf cards that are to be camera facing. This material structure is identical to [[m.pbrmetalmasked]]. The only difference in setup is the name of your material.


	===Textures===		===Textures===

	The makeup of m.leafcard is the same as [[m.pbrmetalmasked]].		The makeup of [[m.leafcard]] is the same as [[m.pbrmetalmasked]].

	The makeup of m.leafcardbillboard is the same as [[m.pbrmetalmasked]].		The makeup of [[m.leafcardbillboard]] is the same as [[m.pbrmetalmasked]].

	The exception to both materials is the blue channel in the parameters texture. The blue channel of the parameters texture is used to modulate the strength of the directional lighting. This is intended to give the feel of individual leaves being deeper inside the tree and shadowed from all directions, even though the leaf card as a whole is not shadowed. (Note that this is the same channel used for Ambient Occlusion on m.pbrmetal; the leaf card materials do not support ambient occlusion.)		The exception to both materials is the blue channel in the parameters texture. The blue channel of the parameters texture is used to modulate the strength of the directional lighting. This is intended to give the feel of individual leaves being deeper inside the tree and shadowed from all directions, even though the leaf card as a whole is not shadowed. (Note that this is the same channel used for Ambient Occlusion on m.pbrmetal; the leaf card materials do not support ambient occlusion.)
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	Full brightness (100% blue channel) gives a standard lighting response, while darker values give a weaker response to directional lighting.		Full brightness (100% blue channel) gives a standard lighting response, while darker values give a weaker response to directional lighting.

	Here is an example of what the blue (AO) channel could look like in the parameters texture for both m.leafcard and m.leafcardbillboard.		Here is an example of what the blue (AO) channel could look like in the parameters texture for both [[m.leafcard]] and [[m.leafcardbillboard]].

	[[Image:directional_light_Scattering.jpg\|400px]]		[[Image:directional_light_Scattering.jpg\|400px]]

N3vpolsen at 04:23, 6 June 2024

2024-06-06T04:23:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:23, 6 June 2024
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	[[Image:treez.png\|250px]] [[Image:trainz_trees_join_the_beta.jpg\|250px\|link=https://forms.gle/cQTjZxixZeCT3DHS7]] [[Image:discord_community_trees_foliage.jpg\|250px\|link=https://discord.gg/WgQ5VbUdar]]		[[Image:treez.png\|250px\|link=https://info.trainzsimulator.com/trainz-plus/#treez]] [[Image:trainz_trees_join_the_beta.jpg\|250px\|link=https://forms.gle/cQTjZxixZeCT3DHS7]] [[Image:discord_community_trees_foliage.jpg\|250px\|link=https://discord.gg/WgQ5VbUdar]]

N3vpolsen at 04:13, 6 June 2024

2024-06-06T04:13:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:13, 6 June 2024
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	If you are using another 3D modelling program to create your trees. If you want to use camera facing leaf cards ( m.leafcardbillboard ) then you must point your leaf cards in one single direction. The default is the positive X direction. Also each leaf card must be an individual mesh so they can rotate individual.		If you are using another 3D modelling program to create your trees. If you want to use camera facing leaf cards ( m.leafcardbillboard ) then you must point your leaf cards in one single direction. The default is the positive X direction. Also each leaf card must be an individual mesh so they can rotate individual.


	[[Image:leaf_card_blender.jpg\|400px]] [[Image:leaf_card_blender_2.jpg\|384px]] [[Image:leaf_card_blender_3.jpg\|350px]]		[[Image:leaf_card_blender.jpg\|400px]] [[Image:leaf_card_blender_2.jpg\|384px]] [[Image:leaf_card_blender_3.jpg\|350px]]