Sketchup Models From The 3D Wherehouse

[eaglefan9727]

Tonight was the first night that I took a look at the google sketchup program and there is a section called "3D Warehouse" and there are some models in that area that I would like to have for my msts route project. The question is this and this might sound like a stupid question. Do I have permission to use it for my MSTS route project or not and if I do have permission. After I download the model directly into the sketchup. How can I get it to work properly in the MSTS route. What are the steps on doing it?

All help will be appreciated. Thanks.

[lenglel]

The 'materials' have to be exported and converted to ace files
and the model has to be exported using the msts plugin.

Decapod wrote the plugin, IIRC. Use the advanced search
with 'sketchup' as the keyword, search subject line only
and you'll get more detailed info on where to get and
how to use the plugin.

Lloyd

[CARex]

Randy,

All those ‘warehouse’ models are by any number of individuals. If you were to include them in a private route, I’m sure you could use them. However, if you’re going to publish the route… you may want to check further.

Regarding SketchUp you will need Paul’s ‘plug-in’ to convert SketchUp models into MSTS .S and .SD files (available here: http://www31.brinkster.com/decapod/ ). Be sure to download this version only… SU2TS12.ZIP (19Kb). The others were previous versions, containing a few bugs.

You will need to create .ace files from whatever photo or art images that you are using for the textures of your model. Remembering that they need to be square (256, 512, etc). This can be accomplished through your photo/paint utilities and whatever .ACE file generating utility you prefer . If you wish to view the model in ‘Shape Viewer’… it needs at least one texture on the model someplace. And then only the model will appear, not the texture. SketckUp ‘paint colors’ will not show up in ‘Shape Viewer’ (and they show up very weekly in the sim… seems to be a sunlight issue). ‘Shape Viewer’ will only see your designated textures if they are in the same “work-in-progress” folder as you .S file, when you wish to view your progress.

Also, each time you alter the texture…., you need to designate a new version to SketchUp. That is to say… if you change the front door color from red to green on texture #1. When you next view it in SketchUp… it will still be red (it will appear in ‘Shape Viewer with a green door). To see the green door in SketchUp… you need to re-import the texture. Only this time call it #1A, re-position it on the model, like you did with the first. Later when you generate the .S file via the plug-in it will specify the correct #1A texture… and the door will be green in both SketchUp, Shape Viewer and the sim. Yes, a bit confusing, but you’ll get the hang of it.

If you can find the V.5 of SketchUp, you’ll find it a bit easier than the current V.6. Which is also good, just a bit more confusing from the get-go.

After you pull out a few plugs of hair… you’ll get a grip on it.

Have a sparkling evening,
Bob

[eaglefan9727]

Thanks Bob for the info. Now, As for the route. I am planning to release it freeware and you stated that I should check in further on seeing if I can use the objects. The question that I have is that I dont see any email address to the moderler, So I am wondering how I can contact the person who made the model in the first place.

[CARex]

Randy,

There is a ShetchUp forum, I don't have the addy right handy, but you may find your author in there. IIRC, I've seen email addy's in various posts.

Look on the SketchUp toolbar, I believe that there is a link to the forum.

Regards,
Bob

[eaglefan9727]

Thanks Bob.

I will take a look into it. Lets see how far I can go with this program, Because right now. I am pretty much stuck at the texture stage of the program.

[CARex]

Randy,

Chere here if you're stuck. Might be of some help.

http://forums.flightsim.com/ts/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=3&topic_id=175218&mesg_id=175218&page=#175330

Later,
Bob

[SD50]

Regarding your question, do you need permission to use the models- I was wondering about that myself, and here's what I found:

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/en/tos.html

"By submitting, posting or displaying Content through the 3D Warehouse, you grant Google and its end users a worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive, perpetual license to exercise the rights in the Content, as stated below:

to reproduce the Content;
to create and reproduce derivative works of the Content;
to display publicly and distribute copies of the Content;
to display publicly and distribute copies of derivative works of the content. "

[GrandTrunkFan]

So I was looking around in the 3D Wearhouse and if I wanted to, download Google Sketchup and download say some sweet vehicle models people have done and use them in the sim after converting them to MSTS format?
http://forums.flightsim.com/vbts/up1/122408.jpg
http://forums.flightsim.com/vbts/up1/122409.jpg
http://forums.flightsim.com/vbts/up1/122410.jpg
http://forums.flightsim.com/vbts/up1/122411.jpg
http://forums.flightsim.com/vbts/up1/122412.jpg
http://forums.flightsim.com/vbts/up1/122413.jpg

[Hawk]

I personally have never used SketchUp but I understand you have to keep a close eye on the poly count.
It's my understanding that a lot of unnecessary polys are added when using the program.

[CARex]

Yes, virtually every line intersection and plane adds polly’s (as I understand it).
After completing a model, I generally go around and delete unnecessary lines or planes (ie; the bottom of a structure and any interior (non visible) planes).
It’s rather interesting how much the count reduces.

Have a sparkling day,
Bob