Tutorial - Blender to TS2021

[mikeadams2k]

Behold, my SimpleEngine, in all its glory.

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Very good. Similar to what I had in mind, but my example is simpler.

[mikeadams2k]

,, would signals be on list of tutorials that if you got in to that area?

No. This tutorial is about getting started using Blender and the process of exporting to TS20XX. The engine is a by-product. It's basically for someone who would like to create content for the sim, but doesn't know where to start. It would also give those using Blender 2.79 or earlier, a path to move up to the latest version.

[raptorengineer]

i like that cause i think i like to move up to blender 2.90 and i think a tutorial would help alot

[mikeadams2k]

To clarify what I intend to do in this tutorial, here is a list of steps it will go through. Keep in mind, this is aimed at someone who has TS20XX and has never created any content, but would like to start. Hopefully, this tutorial will provide a starting place. I'm no expert at any of the things the tutorial will cover - Blender, paint.net, the Blueprint Editor, TS20XX. I only have to read a few posts here to realize how little I know. But, if I can pass along what little I do know, maybe someone will get some use from it.

1. Create the /Railworks/Source folder structure. Also create Desktop shortcuts to the folders and the Blueprint Editor.
2. Install BRIAGE in Blender, do a minimum setup of Blender, and save the default cube as a starting place for the example engine.
3. Create the example engine in Blender, UV unwrap it, export the UV map to a texture.
4. Using Paint.net, create a simple texture from the exported UV map and save it in .dds format.
5. In Blender, assign a shader to the engine, assign the texture that was created, and export it as an .igs file.
6. Using the Blueprint Editor, create the engine blueprint, bogie blueprints, and an engine simulation blueprint. Create an engine script (.lua) using a text editor.
7. Export the engine to the sim from the Blueprint Editor.
8. Add the engine to a route in the sim.

I assume that someone using the tutorial has the ability to install programs such as Blender and Paint.net, and won't cover the installation of them. (I'll provide links to all necessary downloads.)

[mindenjohn]

That seems to be an excellent starting place and one I welcome, thanks in advance.

[plovdiv21]

great idea,I downloaded the first one,where will you post the following ones?Will you announce them here in the forum?

[mikeadams2k]

great idea,I downloaded the first one,where will you post the following ones?Will you announce them here in the forum?

The first was just a test. I'll redo it and it will end up being the second part of the tutorial. I'll probably finish the entire tutorial before releasing it. Once finished, I''ll go through it to check for errors. It may take a week or two. I will announce here when I'm finished.

[Gettingon]

Just getting started with Blender would love this. I have had nothing to do with creation since toe dipping with canvas more than 10 years ago.

[mikeadams2k]

Can anyone tell me if there is one common route that is included with all versions of TS2021? I want to demonstrate adding an item to a route, and I thought it would be best if I used a route that everyone has. I've had no luck determining this. Thanks for any help.

[buzz456]

I'm pretty sure the Clinchfield Route is included with all versions of TS2021.

[mikeadams2k]

I'm pretty sure the Clinchfield Route is included with all versions of TS2021.

Thanks Buzz. From the looking I did, I thought so too, but wasn't sure.

[mikeadams2k]

Here is my first tutorial. I took RAILSOHIO's advice and started small. This first one is on creating a simple (extremely) windmill and getting it into the sim. It's text based (.pdf) with images. I did a screen capture of all of the sections (8) and so there are videos of the process. There is no audio to the videos, but I think they're easy to understand. One video which goes over some Blender functions has on-screen text. This is aimed at beginners or near beginners. I'll wait to see if I get some feedback and make necessary changes before I post it to the library.

I've finished the process of the going through all the steps of creating a simple engine and have the screen captures for it also. It's just going to take longer to put it together in .pdf format. Might be after the 1st. of the year.

NOTE: I apologize for not including the section on installing BRIAGE. Here is a link to that section. - Now in the File Library

As a result, I've had to renumber the sections and in addition, I made some changes to the videos and pdfs. I've removed the previous download of the entire tutorial and uploaded the revised one. Here is the link. - Now in the File Library.

[mikeadams2k]

Deleted.

[RAILSOHIO]

I have started your tutorial,and it is going well. I will check out the updated version. I am at the uv unwrap phase,which always gives me trouble. Thanks for your effort. You guys should really check this out,if you need custom content.

[mikeadams2k]

I have started your tutorial,and it is going well. I will check out the updated version. I am at the uv unwrap phase,which always gives me trouble. Thanks for your effort. You guys should really check this out,if you need custom content.

Glad to hear it. Thanks for giving it a go. Let me know where I can make improvements