I have got a bit of a "programmers block" over the best way to complete this plugin, as well as a long weekend away coming up so no time to do much work.

Consequently, here is the first beta.
It doesn't do much, just creates a static IM file and copies the textures to the same folder.

It is only of use for static trainz scenery items.

Ignore most of the options on the screen, the texture compression doesn't work (yet)
The only bits of importance are the name, output folder and file name.

After you run the plugin, if you save the model, the info entered in the plugin is also saved within the 3DC file for the next time you export.

EDIT : Forgot to mention this one is for 3DC 6.5

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Paul Gausden,

TIMEX.zip (36 Kb, 97 downloads)

P.S. It may not even work, I am still waiting for my copy of TRS2004 to arrive (should be today)

Just incase it works...here's the 3DC 6.6.0.2 version...

TIMEX-for-6.6.zip (36 Kb, 98 downloads)

Hi Paul...

Haven't looked at Trainz since the last release... Seems they had some compatibility issues with ATI cards at the time...

Since you have done all this hard work - I may have to take a look again... Although I am kinda reluctant to give them more money - since they seemmed less than helpful with the task at hand...

Anyways - Just keep up the good work... Couldn't imagine 3DC without you and your wonderful tools around... =)

Regards,
Scott

Okay tested the plugin with 3d canvas 6.5.0.7 and TRS2004 SP4.
The plugin works.

test.jpg (77 Kb, 513 downloads) plugin test

While it's more driver error than anything else, I have tried it... it "seemed" to export stuff... but I'm too new to TRS2004 to understand what it takes to insert content... I'm so happy.

I have also tried a quick export from 3DC 6.5.0.7 and it has created the files OK as far as I can see.

It has been a long time since I tried out the route via GMax, so it will take me some time to remember what I need to get it into Trainz (TRS2004), but will try over the weekend.

This could herald the start of some major uploading to Auran's servers.

Another triumph for Paul. I look forward to trying this out, (if there aren't too many cobwebs on my installation of Trainz!).

Cheers

Richard Scott

I think that the Trainz Exporter plug-in doesn't support texture materials with diffuse and opacity maps. GMAX has "Collect Resources" function which is very helpful. How about adding this function to 3D Canvas?

I think being able to create attachment points is more of a priority.

quote:

---

Originally posted by jeffmorris:
I think that the Trainz Exporter plug-in doesn't support texture materials with diffuse and opacity maps. GMAX has "Collect Resources" function which is very helpful. How about adding this function to 3D Canvas?

---

Hi Jeff,

Just curious to find out what you mean here. opacity maps are translucent areas? (handled by TGA files) Diffuse maps are textures.
Did you mean specular/environment or bump maps?
I now have a copy of trainz so I'll be experimenting with the various models already out there. If you have any examples of what you require, just point them out to me.

If I wish to model a fence, I need two bitmaps - texture map and opacity map. The opacity map is 8-bit grayscale where white is "solid" and black creates "holes".

fence01.bmp (5 Kb, 332 downloads)

got it, I'll check the plugin - 3DCanvas does allow a separate texture for the mask channel.
Currently, the same can be achieved by using a TGA texture file with a mask.

In theory, you only need to modify the texture.txt file as the opacity (alpha) is the only option that is affected.

Has anyone (apart from me) actually uploaded objects exported from this plugin to the Auran DLS ?

Well I would... but I wasn't sure it was ready for prime time...

I guess it is. ;-)