Modeling Forum??

[concaddy]

Would anyone be interested in a modeling forum??


John Rosh
TKW Public Relations
http://forums.flightsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ce999ea3a0b4c0b.jpg

[CSXALine]

LAST EDITED ON Jun-05-02 AT 12:22PM (EDT)[p]Ohhh Yes as long as there isnt a flame war about the different modeling packages - we all should get along

Jason Webb
The Seaboard Coast Line/CSX A Line from Tampa Florida to Jacksonville, FL
http://sclcsxaline.cjb.net/
http://forums.flightsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3cc434b94904e17f.jpg

[CStevens]

Yes, it would be a great help!

Carey stevens

[pwillard]

Not a bad idea, but we are all a little biased. :-(

We will probably always be on the verge of a flame war in a modeling forum. We will just need to remain informed about all the available products.

We will also need to remain aware and be understanding of why an idividual might select a particular package. We all have different reasons why we like or dislike a package so there should be no reason we have to whack each other around in an effort sway opinions to our own.

Why we each choose different modeling packages?
Some decide based on Price
Some decide based on Support
Some decide based on input from Peers
Some decide based on Familiarity
Some decide based on a desire to support the developer
Some decide... because they already have the tool required in their toolkit.

So, we need to remain positive or we will spiral down in flames.


We basically have 4 tools (I'm not ruling out others):

1 - TSM (Train Sim Modeler from Abacus)
2 - GMAX (Free Gaming version of 3Dstudio max from discreet)
3 - 3DC (3D Canvas from Amabilis)
4 - 3DS (3D Studio MAX, the industry standard)

As long as we remember to remind new members that:

1. TSM is good for 3D Modeling newbies. It's up to the task and there is plenty of proof. It might be a little lacking in complex operations, but many would argue you can do without.

2. GMAX is good for those who don't have a lot of cash and already know 3D Studio MAX. The jury is still out as to whether it's a good 3D tool for newbies. It does have complex operations that TSM doesn't have.

3. 3D Canvas has come out as the JEEP of tools. There are multiple versions, but for the best MSTS modeling support you should buy the pro version. While it's not free, like GMAX, or low-cost like TSM (which is less than $30US), it's far less than multiple thousands you'll pay for 3D Studio MAX. It's the only package that has a complete MSTS export wizard. It is also the only package other than 3D Studio Max that has multiple export options.

4. 3D Studio MAX. It's what KUJU used to produce the default models. It's the standard product of the modeling industry and many people who have/use it did not actually buy it for use soley with MSTS, since many use it in their "day job". It is also the tool used by many of the best model makers producing work for MSTS.


http://forums.flightsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3cdbfad56434a0d8.gif
Pete Willard

[goldenpig]

That sounds like a terrific idea.

=|Goldenpig

[EngineerWithin]

Very good idea , i think a lot of people would use it. Count me in as a regular visitor.

C.S.

[msavianney]

Ditto, I'm in.

Would this forum be just for 3D program issues, rather than the more general 'Loco Design' forum?

Matt A
http://forums.flightsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3cfe8c645e940976.gif

[jtsdadinaz]

Great Idea!!

I think it should also cover PSP and any other usefull tool used to build models.

[concaddy]

I would propose a specific 3D design forum. Covering the various 3D programs. I have TSM and 3DC Pro. But I think all should be covered.


John Rosh
TKW Public Relations
http://forums.flightsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ce999ea3a0b4c0b.jpg

[jspittler]

Hmmmm, I am really confused. I thought that is what the Locomotive Design forum was supposed to be about?

Is there something I am missing?

Judd Spittler
[td]http://forums.flightsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3beca5905418795f.jpg
[td]..[td]Spittler Engineering
High Quality Freeware
for Microsoft Train Simulator

www.juddspittler.com/spittler_engineering/

[concaddy]

You are right Judd...it just never seems to work out that way....

John Rosh
TKW Public Relations
http://forums.flightsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3ce999ea3a0b4c0b.jpg

[pwillard]

LAST EDITED ON Jun-05-02 AT 11:00PM (EDT)[p]Yes, All modeling packages should be covered, but it's not about modeling any particular prototype object, that should be left for this Loco Design forum. This new forum should be about "how-to's". Meaning it would dicuss how to create items with the modeling tools, like low polygon, no transparency handrails.

I would expect to see discussions about how a particular problem was solved, such as how I got the tanktrain hoses to stay together between cars even on sharp turns and switches. (ok, it's not rocket science) :-)

Technically, it should free us from "hey make me BigBoy" requests and maybe discuss how to make a coupler that looks ok when connected to anybody elses regarless of the modeling package used.

Wishfull thinking, I guess.

http://forums.flightsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3cdbfad56434a0d8.gif
Pete Willard

[nw_fan]

I agree that this forum is designed for this, but in reality, it isn't used that way. It would be pretty nice to have four seperate forums relating to each program. That way I (as a 3dCP user) could check the 3dCanvas forum on a regular basis and view the others occassionally to see what's new. This would keep things a little more relavent in each forum. And cut down on the suprfluous info that I'm not interested in. Also, there would be no question what program someone is using when they ask for advice, and they would be able to ask in the proper forum.

Mike

http://forums.flightsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3beb2a23059f2cb2.jpg
Norfolk & Western
Precision Transportation

[Stew]

LAST EDITED ON Jun-06-02 AT 05:53PM (EDT)[p]I think Freeflightdesign has the right idea for a modeling forum for Flight Sim. It's not aimed at any 3D modeling application specifically. People ask questions on things they're having trouble with in their designs and they get answers or direction on where to find the answer. Everything is on topic and what isn't is soon turned off.

I believe this forum could be that way if we could get away from the "look at what I made" ego stroking that many of us seek, the "my 3D app is better than your 3D app" attitudes and the I want... or will someone build ... questions.

I don't see a need for individual 3D application user forums. Amabilis already has their specifc forum and 3DTrains has the TSM forum and I think there's one already that's gmax specific at or linked from Discreet.

Stew

[pwillard]

One generic forum would work.

Maybe the original forum can be used to contain the "look what loco I made..." announcements and "who is making engine X..." queries.

I'll have to admit though, I recently posted a tank car and appreciated getting feedback on it. I learned some things I didn't know yet. Well, I know them now thanks to a few supportive modelers. This is what I had hoped for when I first found the forum... but you have to wade though so much muck now it's frustrating.



http://forums.flightsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3cdbfad56434a0d8.gif
Pete Willard

[nw_fan]

Good point regarding the Amabilis forum.

But...The "Look what I built... ego stroking..." has it's place. It is a great way to get others interested in your project and get them to help you. I posted a message like that and have since received:
an offer to help texture...
an offer to do sound files...
and help with animation...

So had I not posted that message, things would be coming along a lot more slowly.

Mike

http://forums.flightsim.com/dcforum/User_files/3beb2a23059f2cb2.jpg
Norfolk & Western
Precision Transportation

[Stew]

I don't disagree with posting shots of our recent accomplishments with the intention of getting constructive feedback or genuine offers of help and assistance...without "advertising" no one would know what's going on. But as Pete stated there's just too much nonsense to sift through. This loco design forum could be so much better if there weren't so many posts made that don't offer any useful information. Too often there are replies that don't even attempt to answer a question that's been posed or they result in a degeneration of the original topic.

We already have this modeling forum. Let's stop the frivolous stuff and only reply when it's going to add some value to the original post. A new modeling forum would likely only turn into the morass that we've seen in here too many times.

Stew