Sketchup questions

[jonpd]

Getting back into route editing after a 10 year hiatus. Previously I had downloaded and used Sketchup for buildings and other objects. However I see some things have changed since I last did modeling.

1) I see Sketchup is now owned by Thrimble and the free version is cloud based. Is this still usable for building models for MSTS/OR or do I need to buy one of the fancier versions?

2) I assume the converter to .s files still works with the new Sketchup?

3) Would I be better off switching to Blender or is Sketchup still adequate? Ideally I would stick with it since I have buildings that were never completely finished.

4) which brings me to another question - are old file formats from 10 years ago still readable by the new Sketchup?

TIA for any answers.

Jon

[drelyea]

Hi, welcome back.

Answers:
1. The last machine based version is hidden on their site, one has to wade thru the tabs. Sketchup 2017 is it's name. I was able to find a workable version of Sketchup 8 (free) on the web elsewhere. ZDNet, i think.

2. Including and since Sketchup 2013, the exporter has to be installed in User Plugins folder, not the Plugins folder.

Over at Elvas Tower is a version of the exporter plug-in Dave Nelson did some work to.

3. Your choice. It does not appear anyone will ever finish the plug-in to do animations that MSTS / ORTS will understand (I am not a Coder)

4. Newer Sketchups will read older .skps UNLESS there was a plugin used to make some part in the .skp that the plug-in was not carried forward. I've only seen this on a few 3D Warehouse models.

Doug Relyea

[muskokaandtahoe]

Look for a download of Sketchup 2016. 2017 is newer but I don't use that because there is some incompatibility with some of the plugins I use. Over at Elvastower there is an updated exporter that works with the last couple versions of SU. If you are not a member and need that exporter send me a PM with an e-mail and I'll get it to you... do know i don't stop by here all that often so be patient, it will get to you.

[sarahk99]

Getting back into route editing after a 10 year hiatus. Previously I had downloaded and used Sketchup for buildings and other objects. However I see some things have changed since I last did modeling.

1) I see Sketchup is now owned by Thrimble and the free version is cloud based. Is this still usable for building models for MSTS/OR or do I need to buy one of the fancier versions?

2) I assume the converter to .s files still works with the new Sketchup?

3) Would I be better off switching to Blender or is Sketchup still adequate? Ideally I would stick with it since I have buildings that were never completely finished.

4) which brings me to another question - are old file formats from 10 years ago still readable by the new Sketchup?

TIA for any answers.

Jon

there is a great possibility that you can use them in portable version of Sketchup
somehow its more compatible than the full versions

[jonpd]

I was able to find a downloadable copy of Sketchup 8 on a site named techspot.com. Looks like the 2017 version is payware/30 day free trial..

[rdayt]

I've been using Sketchup Make 2017 for almost a year now. I never noticed it was payware.

[jonpd]

It's just that when I install and run sketchup 2017 it says "sketchup make, pro trial version 28 days remaining". So does that mean I can use "pro" features for 28 days then it will revert to only having the "make" features? I only saw one windows version (of Make) to download.

[rdayt]

When I start the program this comes up,

make.JPG

I pick the free one.

[muskokaandtahoe]

Sketchup free is said to be brain dead. Look for an installer of Sketchup 2016 of Sketchup Make 2016.