3D Google Warehouse

[mnjrr]

Hi, Does anyone know if it is possible to import 3D objects available at the Google 3D warehouse for use in MSTS? Thanks for your help.

[decapod]

Just get a copy of sketchup and give it a go.
Most of them work, but a lot of them have thousands of polys.

The SKP files also contain the textures which will need exporting and converting to ACE files. That might not be quite as simple, but you might be able to find a plugin that extracts them for you.

[thebluecomet]

I have just tried Sketchup for the first time tonight and would like to know what program is used to convert the skp files to ace. Neither the MakeAce nor Targatool recognize that format.

Thank you for any help.

Bob Staples

[CARex]

Bob

Touch base with Paul (“Decapod” above ). He created the SU/MSTS plug-in. I was going to post the site address here, but it an error message keeps popping up. I know that Paul is making some improvements to the utility and that may be why it’s off-line. However, The plug-in only creates S and SD files.

You create your ace files from whatever .BMP or .targa files, that you are importing into SU for your model, in the normal fashion. I use TgaTool2. Original SU textures however, need to be exported from SU (via the paint tool sub-menus) as BMP files and then run thru your ace creation utility. IIRC, colors cannot be ‘directly’ exported to make ace files (although there are a few tricks)… but the S file will retain the color information and will display the model in MSTS with whatever color(s). However, my experience has shown that colors (ie roofs) in direct light will wash out and not reproduce well.

I might add that I find SU an excellent modeling program… it’s just going to take you a bit to get a grip on it. I found it a whole lot easier than some of the other frequently used programs.

Have a sparkling evening,
Bob

[thebluecomet]

Bob,

I must be missing something. I have the .s and the .sd exported from SU. I have the textures, both from SU and elsewhere. I have Photoshop and the other tools necessary to apply and convert everything, however, I'm drawing a blank on how to open the shape (model) to apply the textures. It's probably right in front of my nose, but...........
Thanks for you help.

Bob Staples

[CARex]

Bob,

Correct me if I'm wrong... but, you can't seem to apply your textures to the SU model?

I created somewhat of a tut showing how to apply third party textures to an SU model. I can forward a zip file if you’d like. Send me a PM with you email addy and I'll get it off to you asap.

Here are a few pics from a group of about 30 or so. Think this is something you could use?

Have a pleasant evening,
Bob