New Freeware Models 2020 - ORTS/MSTS - North American Content

[scottb613]

Hi Folks,

Perusing this forum - it seems with few exceptions - that the North American market for locomotives/rolling stock is pretty much dead... If you look outside of North America - there's some pretty exciting work and fantastic models being made... Are there people out there quietly modeling in private for this region ? Doesn't seem likely because the file library doesn't reflect that... It seems as if we're strictly relying on the very few payware companies we have left - to build everything for us... Locomotives and Rolling Stock are the life blood of the sim - without them - there's not much hope to generate enthusiasm or recruit new talent... It's really not that hard to model a new freight car - it's a good place to start - and it can be quite rewarding... You could probably knock something out in a couple weeks of working evenings - following a tutorial - with an earnest effort... For someone new to modeling - Blender might be the best vehicle as it's still supported - it's free - it has a large user base - and countless tutorials... For those who might already have some investment with 3DC, GMAX, of TSM - I'm sure we can find help for that as well...

Please - if you're working on a model - post away - if you've ever been at all been interested in modeling - ask away...

We need more participation in the modeling community and we're here to help...

Regards,
Scott

[SD40-2]

(A possible vain attempt to lighten the mood a bit. )

Scott,

As you may know, I've been working on things. My EMDX SD60s are very to release, but college has slowed work down considerably.

Just needs final polish. (Yes, it's changed more since this shot.)

SFCAN432.jpg

[scottb613]

Hi Parker,

And a mighty fine effort that is - beautiful job !!! Yeah - completely understand - schoolwork is important - this stuff is merely a hobby...

Thanks for posting...

LOL - was I that dismal ?


I didn't intend it to be - I guess it does get a tad discouraging at times to see how little is being worked on around here...

I've always tried to motivate and help people get started in modeling - I'll crawl back to my hole now...


Regards,
Scott

[SD40-2]

LOL - was I that dismal ?


I didn't intend it to be - I guess it does get a tad discouraging at times to see how little is being worked on around here...

I've always tried to motivate and help people get started in modeling - I'll crawl back to my hole now...


Regards,
Scott

No sir, you're fine. It's just a mildy silly comment on my part. And a poor attempt by me to lighten the mood...

Yep, that didn't come out right at all.

I understand Michelle is possibly working on some things.

[tbundy1982]

SD40A_3 by sunnhead60
SD40A_2 by sunnhead60

I've been away from the community for awhile now. I spend too much time with Run8 and TrainSimWorld 2020 (I like old UK stuff too), I guess. I started on this model about two years ago. I do still work on it occasionally. I still have 6 or so more units planned for this model, so it may be awhile still before they're ready for upload. The general meat of the model is all finished; only tedious detail work remains, mostly with the textures.

For those who are unfamiliar, the SD40A was an SD40 built on an SDP45 frame to include a 5,000 gal fuel tank. 18 units were built for the IC around 1970. Five of those later went to Soo Line/CP. All but two were scrapped by 2009-10. Indiana Boxcar (IBCX), I think, has the last two.

Tyler

[pwillard]

Way back in 2002 era, I released my first content for MSTS... a crappy repaint of (I can't remember who's model) that EMD SD60. Nice to see it again in its full glory.

My current problem is that I have some completed models, Like a new NS MOW Crosstie gondola (slightly different model than my 2002 release) but I suck at physics... so here they sit doing nothing.

Pete

[scottb613]

Tyler

Hi Tyler,

Hah - some gorgeous models and a 3D cab to boot... I've been wanting to try making them myself for a steam locomotive but I just haven't got around to it... I think you posted some greyscale templates in the lib for painting freight cars - I'm right there with you - it makes such a difference when you apply a colored paint layer on top of a dark greyscale template with something like a "soft light" layer type - gives the model a great deal of pop... Hope you find the time to release them...

Regards,
Scott

[scottb613]

Way back in 2002 era, I released my first content for MSTS... a crappy repaint of (I can't remember who's model) that EMD SD60. Nice to see it again in its full glory.

My current problem is that I have some completed models, Like a new NS MOW Crosstie gondola (slightly different model than my 2002 release) but I suck at physics... so here they sit doing nothing.

Pete

Hi Pete,

If your cars are ORST only - physics are pretty easy - if you take a look at my recent upload of USRA boxes - I distilled the physics down to only what ORST needs - it's a surprisingly brief WAG file... I'd be happy to help if you need more...

Regards,
Scott

[MMSS]

Parker - That is a great looking version of those "60's", myself I always loved them.

Tyler - I always like your look going for the obscure motive power. And with a 3-D cab too boot ! I remember a friend kitbashing a SD40A in HO scale for his IC pike.

Pete - Your AAR240W is a mainstay from my activities on the Blue Comet Route & PRR-ER V2 on the chemical coast or the southern division. But the repaint of the P-RSL AS16 Baldwin repaint I can never live without ! It is the only P-RSL motive power on the we have for the road. Is a perfect pick for it too because many survived right into the Conrail merger. From road switching to hauling P70 coaches when some RDCs were down. It was a great choice that you did and it still keeps going ! I can't live without it !

I always had a great respect for any model makers on here and for the repainters also. I love to try repainting more but I always have problems doing alpha channels. I guess I have to really sit and try, try, try until I finally get it. I have to give your USRA boxcar set a try Scott, you made it so easy for trying with that set.

But the work from all of you (You too Scott) is amazing and is a big part in my day to day Open Rail operations.

[scottb613]

Parker - That is a great looking version of those "60's", myself I always loved them.

Tyler - I always like your look going for the obscure motive power. And with a 3-D cab too boot ! I remember a friend kitbashing a SD40A in HO scale for his IC pike.

Pete - Your AAR240W is a mainstay from my activities on the Blue Comet Route & PRR-ER V2 on the chemical coast or the southern division. But the repaint of the P-RSL AS16 Baldwin repaint I can never live without ! It is the only P-RSL motive power on the we have for the road. Is a perfect pick for it too because many survived right into the Conrail merger. From road switching to hauling P70 coaches when some RDCs were down. It was a great choice that you did and it still keeps going ! I can't live without it !

I always had a great respect for any model makers on here and for the repainters also. I love to try repainting more but I always have problems doing alpha channels. I guess I have to really sit and try, try, try until I finally get it. I have to give your USRA boxcar set a try Scott, you made it so easy for trying with that set.

But the work from all of you (You too Scott) is amazing and is a big part in my day to day Open Rail operations.

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the response - hah - I know you're up to your elbows with route building which we sorely need as well...

If you ever need help with Alpha's - just shout - they're really not that bad...

Other than my active thread on the USRA Mikado - I have two mostly done freight cars which I have posted before... They both still need some TLC before they're ready for the light of day...


40 Foot Flat with Lumber, Tractor, Pipe, Bulldozer, and Marble/Granite loads:
SCO_Flat by Scott B, on Flickr


Late model 40 Foot Steel Reefer:
SCO_REEF by Scott B, on Flickr


I have visions of some additional B&M Steam Locomotives (I love Paul's CT River) and Passenger Cars - we'll see...


Regards,
Scott