Andy's Workshop

Hi all,
As Alec has posted here https://tsforum.forumotion.net/t83-msts-helpful-facts-and-links-part-11-3d-modelling (Which I am unable to reply to) do these tools allow you to create stock from scratch, if so; is there a step by step guide so to speak?
I for one would like to create an Hastings DEMU set such as preserved, that hasn't been done yet. I understand Danny (Dee4141) has uploaded a version to MT for permission, but if not successful is it possible to create this item of stock from scratch?
Thanks all
Andy

Andy,

Those "getting started in MSTS" topics are locked to prevent the important info getting lost.
There is a topic in the help section dedicated to these topics for any questions or comments.

As for "do these tools allow you to create stock from scratch", um all my rolling stock has been made from scratch using TSM (which I understand is now no longer available?).
As for a tutorial the Australian Steam4me site host the bulk of the tutorials.

One day, when I get around to it I intened to do a tutorial on model building in TSM myself, hopefully being a bit more indepth and not skip bits.

Justin

Justin
Thanks for the heads up on TSM, and I'll alter Part 11 accordingly.

It's my intention to post another Part shortly that points out the various helpful utilities for the 3D modelling programmes. My understanding is that they all are based on creating your own model from scratch.

There are also a number of tutorials available for giving some basic insight, which I will look for and add into the above.

Alec

j3801 wrote:Andy,
As for "do these tools allow you to create stock from scratch", um all my rolling stock has been made from scratch using TSM (which I understand is now no longer available?).
Justin

Looks like it is now un-available. Out of interest I tried all of the links on their site and got the 404 message.
Luckily 3 back ups on different computers/drives (with the security code) should save me the stress of trying to learn a new model creator programme.
Cheers
Clive

Danny (Dee4141) has uploaded a version to MT for permission

Dave Babb did confirm (at the end of Jan) that the reskins were acceptable, but he needs to design an installer.

Danny,
There are installers around. How complex is it and have you heard any news recently on the repaint download? If possible would like 1001 with the headboard as well.
Cheers
Best Wishes
Andy

Andy, no further news from Dave Babb. This is my reskin. I have no plans to do any others, but you're welcome to use this for any other versions whenever it gets uploaded.

To expand slightly on the installer front; creating the installer itself is relatively easy. The trickier bit is identifying what is required to allow users to install the reskins.
Should a Greater Eastern user be allowed to install reskins of the 321 into Greater Anglia livery or just those who've purchased the 321 stock pack? My view would be both, but it is up to MT to decide.
We also need to remember that Dave/Tony do have full time jobs as well as their family lives. The reskin policy does not have a direct financial gain for MT; so it is understandably low(er) priority than other things.

Having said that; it would be nice to see the likes of Danny's reskins get uploaded and made available for the public to use :-)

Thankfully the Hastings DEMU repaint shouldn't present too much of a dilemma, as it is only associated with their LSE Route.
But as Geoffrey says this is dependent upon MT fitting it in to their own schedule, and of course patience is the name of the game.
Alec

Thanks everyone. You all seem to do repaints with ease and manage to put emblems on the side. How do you go about repainting items of stock and how do you go about finding an emblem to put on the sides? And does this go the same for renumbering?
Is it straight forward or is it tricky? Is there a specific tool I need?
I hope someone can help?
Thanks
Best Wishes
Andy

Andy
I do my repaints using TGA, and I was intending to do a HFL part describing the process. I shall try and bring that forward and do it over the weekend.
Alec

rufuskins wrote:Andy
I do my repaints using TGA, and I was intending to do a HFL part describing the process. I shall try and bring that forward and do it over the weekend.
Alec

Hi Alec,
Thanks for this. Look forward to seeing the Instructions.
Best Wishes
Andy

There used to be a tutorial on UKTS, I started with that.

You are perfectly correct Danny and the tutorial can be found here

http://members.uktrainsim.com/filelib-info.php?form_fileid=369

Alec

An alternative tutorial can be found on Trainsim here

http://www.trainsim.com/vbts/tslib.php?searchid=909160

This is very similar to the way that I do it. I'll put these two links and any others in an HFL part, as it will be quicker than writing my own!

Alec

rufuskins wrote:You are perfectly correct Danny and the tutorial can be found here

http://members.uktrainsim.com/filelib-info.php?form_fileid=369

Alec

Thanks Danny & Alec,
I am downloading it now - Although I will have to wait a while as my Premier Membership has expired. Does this cover putting Emblems on as well?
Thanks guys! Helpful and great site as always! Hope this always carries on running!
Best Wishes
Andy

Andy
What can be done is to copy an image of the required logo/emblem from somewhere else and paste it into the ACE file when it is opened in your chosen "painting" editor.
Alec

rufuskins wrote:Andy
What can be done is to copy an image of the required logo/emblem from somewhere else and paste it into the ACE file when it is opened in your chosen "painting" editor.
Alec

Thanks Alec,
I have found what I think is the correct Emblem? But with regards to the unit, from MT which is named MT_DB_Blue_201 in the MSTS Trainset directory, how do you go about changing the colour of the horn and the vacuum pipes? I can't seem to find the right ACE file to do so.
Also which is the best 'Paint' editor program to use? Or should I ask which one do you and everyone else use for best results and ease of use?
Then there is the changing of the headcode. And side numbering... Which is the font to use?
Sorry for all the questions, but this will be my first go at re-skinning.
Thanks all
Best Wishes
Andy

Andy
You are asking all the right questions but I'm not sure I can give you all the right answers.
1. I use MSPaint because it's relatively simple to use, and I am happy to use a single colour for a livery. I'll then chose a darker shade for the window surrounds. If you want to achieve a more realistic weathered livery say then you are more likely to need PaintShopPro or similar.
2. I would need to re look at the model for the 201, but it's possible that the texture used for the pipes, etc. may be taken from a colour swatch on one of the ACE files. That may require a period of "Trial and Error"? It's also possible that the way the S file has been put together would mean that by changing the patch of colour for the pipe say might also change the colour of something else!
3. The headcode and numbers will have their own ACE file and this will include an alpha channel - typical for MT. All you can do is try to mix and match the available numbers to generate the one you want in both the bmp image and the alpha channel.
4. To be perfectly honest in my FG DMU project I tend to create my own, and rely on distance hiding the incorrect font!

5. For a tutorial on ACE files try this link

http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic.php?f=274&t=99100

Please keep on testing and trying because in the long run it will be more than worth it.
Finally please please please take note of my signature strip, and use copied files to experiment with.
Alec

Hi all,
With my huge thanks to Justin, between us we have created Clanline’s Support Coach “Mercator”. This is my first insight into creating something spectacular and of this Calibre. Without Justin’s knowledge and my pestering we wouldn’t have this fab looking coach! We both hope you fully agree and we shall look at uploading this shortly. This has been fully tested. But any problems please let Justin or myself know.
Here are some shots of the new coach;

Enjoy!









Hopefully I will be working with Justin on some other projects to enable me to become completely confident in creating stock in the future!

Cheers

Andy

Looking good, Alec

Very nice! We all need a hand from someone at the start Andy......hope to see a lot more from you now!

Here is a better Screenshot using Shapeviewer;



Andy

Looking good Andy

Thanks for the comments all. However I cannot take all the credit. This was a joint effort with Justin and I am going to be his Guinea-Pig for a while to learn all the tricks. I have a few ideas of stock later on that I will want to work on creating. So please bare with me until I am fully trained up!
Also; the file has now been uploaded to UKTS and is awaiting approval. I shall let everyone know once this has been accepted into the download queue.
My huge thanks goes to Justin and to the MNLPS (Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society) also for the reference material etc.
Many Thanks
Andy

If you don't me mind asking, and bear in mind I've not seen the real thing, but why have the windows got tinted glass? Just looks odd, especially as there's two clear windows where the guard's compartment is.

Hi Niall,
Going by the photos and especially the ones that MNLPS sent us, we decided to keep this as close to the photos.
Here is a link on the MNLPS website; http://www.clan-line.org.uk/html/01_03_08.html
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Andy

Cheers for the link, Andy.

Having seen those pics, I do think your windows are too dark. To me it looks like the overcast conditions make them appear darker than they really are. The pic of the same coach on the curve at Eastleigh works kind of backs up that theory.

Other than that, it's excellent work and welcome to the creative side of things!

Hi guys,

I thought I'd throw my two bobs worth in.
When view from a distance with Sview, the "passgener section" windows apear almost straight black, but upon closer inspection the windows do lighten up. In the sim the windows do show up better for some reason. Also there is the corridor wall in the passenger section, which makes it look darker.

The "clear grey" windows in the guards section are the tinted grey glass, the "black clear" show up lighter in this section due to the lack of corridor walls. Some of the reference photos found, show that even when almost touching the glass in the passenger section, they are almost opaque even in direct sunlight.

The Eastleigh photos in the above link have a high amount of reflection on them which makes it almost impossible to determin the tinting on the windows. Being the devils advocate, I am not agreeing nor disagreeing with anyone, just merely pointing out the reasons behind the tinting.

Justin

Hi all,
The file has now been uploaded to UKTS and is now available for download.
Cheers
Andy

Hi all,
Well I have at long last taken the plunge into Model Building using TSM. And here are the results of 4 days work so far;







I have still plenty of work to do on it, such as the Pipework, handrails, Painting (Here and there). Internal work, Numbering. List goes on!

But for my first go and with Justin's help and advice. I think I am getting there.... And once I have finished this, I only have another 4 coaches to go!!
Really enjoying my new endeavours and I hope you all like my first shot. Of course I expect the odd criticism here and there, but it helps us all doesn't it in the long run!
Thanks
Andy

Andy
A very nice start, and I look forward to the final set.
Alec

Excellent for 4 days work! I think I was still building the example goods van at that stage, You must be a natural - keep up the good work.

Thanks Danny and Alec for the comments.
Also a huge Thankyou to Alec for supplying me the plans for this.
Here is an update since yesterday off the work I have done; (Grilles have been put on, Correct Colour as well and changes to the wheels to reflect again the correct colour.



Thanks

Andy

With only a few things donated by me, (the bogies, wheels and gangway, the super high polys are the giveaway),
Andy is proving quite good at modelling.

One thing that we are trying is short "video tutorials" on how to do certain things (i.e. make buffers and handrails).
Andy is picking things up better if I "show him" rather than "tell him", which has prompted the both of us to consider a rather unique idea: (when I can get some “free” time) I will be making video tutorials on how to work/model using TSM.

Given that whilst I do have a good knowledge of how to model with TSM, I tend to suffer from writers block when it comes to writing down, action for action, what I have done. By simply “filming” what I do in TSM (maybe with commentary, I don’t know yet) I can be free to concentrate on the work rather than the writing.

Andy will be helping me with these videos, being both the guinea pig as well as the reviewer and tester to make sure that my “bolt of lightning” work style can be easily followed (if not I’ll have to figure out how to make it play back in super slow motion).

Justin

Hi all,
More Progress today. Made a start on one of the coaches for the unit. Also done the pipework at the front for the DEMU and Handrails, with a lot of thanks to Justin!

2 shots here. 1st one of the Motor unit and 2nd one of one of the coaches.





Something at the front of the Hastings Demu unit doesn't look quite right as per the photos. Not sure if it Is because of what TSM is displaying or I need more overhang?

Thanks

Andy

Continuing to impress.
Alec

Hi Andy
Your Hastings Unit looks really good and will make a fine asset to Danny's route,they are first class models.
You were saying some thing didn't look quite right on the driving car,could it be the high density headlight in the yellow warning panel.
Mike

mikehendle wrote:Hi Andy
Your Hastings Unit looks really good and will make a fine asset to Danny's route,they are first class models.
You were saying some thing didn't look quite right on the driving car,could it be the high density headlight in the yellow warning panel.
Mike

Hi Mike,
I think you hit the nail on the head! I have scaled the light down! Here is the attached screenshot with the change.



Thankyou so much!

Best Wishes

Andy

Of course the original BR(SR) 6S (Class 201) DEMUs did not have the high intensity headlight. In addition there was an inverted black triangle at one end.
Alec

Hi all,
Thankyou for the feedback. I'm really pleased with how I am progressing with this unit. I've made some more changes (a lot in fact!)
I'm looking at real photos to get this as close as I can. I have a few issues, although I am sure this can be ironed out. I have managed to view this in Shape Viewer (Eventually) if not completely how it should look as in these shots in TSM.







Andy

rufuskins wrote:Of course the original BR(SR) 6S (Class 201) DEMUs did not have the high intensity headlight. In addition there was an inverted black triangle at one end.
Alec

Hi Andy and Alec.
It depends on which era you are depicting. The current preserved Hastings unit has yellow warning panels and of course the high intensity
headlight a requirement for main line running.
However Andy, If you are going to depict the 1955-68 era the 6S 1001-1007. The 6L 1011-1019 and the 6B 1031-1037 were all over green, they never haf the inverted black triangle as this was applied only to the hampshire units to indicate which end the guards luggage van was located,The Hastings units had Motor coach and guards vans each end of course.
Really looking forward to having these units, keep up the good work Andy.
Cheers
Andy

Keep up the good work!

Hi all,
Working with Justin and learning all the time, I've been concentrating and playing with the DEMU. Still some Texture issues to resolve, but hopefully we can overcome these soon. Here she is so far;





Some seating has been put in place, ready for texturing and then to concentrate on the roof section and cab. Then onto the coaches.

Thanks

Andy

Keep up the good work.
Alec

Hi all,
I've managed to overcome a few obstacles with the thanks to Justin and getting to grips with TSM. I have done some of the textures and as you can see from the picture there is now some Internal work done. The corridor connections have been done. The Air Vents, Pipework and windows are now all see-through! (Thanks to Justin for his help on the cab section), Diesel Engine has been Installed, yet to be tested!!
I've got some Pipework to do on the rear of the motor coach, the Internal baggage racks (Not sure how I am going to beable to do the latter) Any ideas?
I've got some numbering and lettering to do on the side and then the cab Interior.
Then it will be onto the coaches. Phewwww....

Anyway here are some shots. I hope I am doing it justice?

Thanks

Andy

Hi Andy,
You have done a fantastic job on this unit it is really first class,looking forward to using it on Danny's route.
If I could make a request could you do a back dated version to Blue Grey,please

Mike

You're doing a great job there Andy. Any chance of a green version without the yellow panel at some time?

Thanks Mike and Danny! I can't believe I am taking requests already!
I will do a completely Green and Blue & Grey one, once I have completed this unit. Which numbers would you like on these?
Thanks
Andy

Hi Andy,
Could you do 1035 in either Blue\Grey for me please?

I have found another Hastings set they are 2 car units consisting of a Motor Brake Second and a Trailer 2nd L. Unit Numbers 1119-22.

They were in service in 1961,I have a Photo of 1121 at Hamstreet and Orlestone,it would be something different.

Mike