Content Creators Guide

This is the bible for Trainz creators. If you want to create something for Trainz take a look here first. It contains all kinds supported by Trainz, and it has even modeling guidelines. We’re sure you will find this very helpful.

How to add shadow to spline objects

This is a very simple tutorial with a great result in Trainz. After you have finished the spline object in 3dsmax just make a copy of it and change the whole texture to a black one.
The texture should be a very small one like 2x2px or larger. The size of the texture can improve performance because when having a shadow Trainz makes the same object again so you will have 2 objects in the scene.

Making a spline object and use multi-material

In this tutorial you will learn how to make an retaining wall and use multi-material. This is really simple if you watch the next video.

How to make and export a tree

In this tutorial you will learn how to make a tree using alpha textures. 

You don’t need nothing more than 3ds max and the alpha textures. You must create 2 planes textured with the alpha texture. Nothing more simpler, check out the video:





Please visit first this tutorial:

How to make an alpha texture

I’ve provided you the source files for the tree. Here they are: tree.zip

How to make and export a simple model

In this tutorial you will learn how to make a simple model in 3ds max 8 and export it for Trainz. Also you will learn the basics for texturing and Unwrap UVW modifier. There are some simple steps:

1.       Create the object;

2.       Apply the texture;

3.       Adjust the texture on the 3d model;

4.       Export the model; 

For the Config file please visit this post:  Config example, KIND: Scenery

How to import a image from Google Earth in Trainz

In this tutorial I will show you how to import an image from Google Earth into Trainz. This is useful when trying to make real routes. If Google has good images why not use them. Watch the video and learn how to do it. Below you have the code for the config file.

3ds max trainz plug-ins

 Here is the pack of plug-ins for Max 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 2008. You will need these plug-ins if you want to export something from Max to Trainz.  

Download

Setting up 3dsmax units

In this tutorial you will learn how to set up your 3dsmax (any version) units. You need this because you don’t want to make an object and then discover in Trainz, that it is huge or very small, nowhere near the real scale. So follow this tutorial to find out how you can set the units in 3dsmax.

First, go to Customize and select Units Setup. 

When the dialog box is open, mark the unit system of your choice. This depends in what you now best. I use metric units. Then press System Unit Setup and select the unit you would like 3dsmax to work in. 1 unit in 3dsmax is…. For me is meter. You can chose whatever you like but you should know how to work with them.

You will need to this setup every time you install 3dsmax. This is a key setup in order to make content for trainz in 3dsmax.