Trainz Tools
=== NOTE ===
Site under maintenance. Some items may be missing.
=== Announcement ===
Shane Turner is now hosting PEVSoft downloads HERE.
*** Warning ***
The programs on this page are now available from a raft of "Software Info/Download" web sites.
Some of these connect to this page while others supply the programs from their own sources.
In some of those cases the download file size is larger than my originals so something has been added.
Beware of downloads from other sites as they may carry harmful additions or advertising.
AssetX
"Cleaning up the parts that other software can't reach..."
A multi-purpose tool kit, conceived and written by Andi Smith (andi06) with some
input from PEV.
This program allows the user to view just about all file types used in Trainz content,
to edit most of them, and to attach any program as an external the tool to manipulate
those files. AssetX displays the config.txt file of an asset in a tree format which
can be directly edited or have scripts applied to it to perform specifc tasks such
as version upgrades. Includes an integrated tool to vew contents of of Trainz CDPs
and Archives.. The program has way too many features to list here.. Download and try it!.
Requires PEV's Images2TGA, PM2IM and QuickShadows for full operation of the script language.
Now with wild card support in Scripting, and updated for TS12.
Latest Version is 2.2 (26 June 2012)
Download AssetX
AssetX Add-ons
Please read the INSTRUCTIONS for installing these add-ons in the
AssetX Wiki.
Ian Woodmore's Tardis 2 Package is HERE.
PEV's Simple Updating Scripts are HERE.
Add the TrainzUtil Menu to AssetX 2.2 HERE.
Remove the TrainzUtil Menu from AssetX HERE.
Soundz
A program to listen to Trainz engine and horn sounds.
Gives a reasonably good representation of all Trainz sound types. Does not include an
audio editor.
Latest Version 1.01 (15 January 2013)
Download Soundz
Trainz Mesh Viewer 2
A program to render textured meshes for Trainz and to display
complete traincars. The views can be zoomed and rotated to view the object from any angle.
If textures are not present the object is rendered in the diffuse colour with shadows.
A mesh data display has been added showing poly count and mesh size, and bump mapped
objects can be rendered, with attachments and bumps separately viewed.
A texture locating option has been added, along with graduated axes in the mesh view.
Complete traincars are displayed on a length of track which can be adjusted to
suit the gauge of the traincar. Textured groundplane added for traincar viewing.
Latest Version is 2.23. (11 April 2012)
Download the Trainz Mesh Viewer
Train Swayer Utility
A utility to add a random swaying effect to any rollingstock item that is Trainz build
2.7 or later. It is a completely automatic application, requiring no input from the user.
The utility is designed to be opened from Content Manager 2 or 3. Additionally it can be
run from our AssetX program. English only..
Latest Version is 1.05. (14 Aug 2012)
Download the Train Swayer
QuickShadows
A way to instantly produce a shadow mesh based on the
size of the parent object. The "Simple Shadow" mesh is a low poly shadow using
a billboarding technique and is suitable only for rollingstock. The "Low Poly Shadow"
is a poly reduced version of the input mesh using the progressive mesh collapsing
technique. The rectangular box and full shadow options are retained.
The program uses Auran's TrainzMeshImporter program (now included in this download)
to make the IM's. Also needs PEV's Trainz Mesh Viewer for shadow mesh checking.
Auto-install of OpenWith macros, Multi language support and European number
formatting included.
Latest Version is 1.18. (3 December 2012)
Download the QuickShadows
Images2TGA
A program to manipulate the images used in Trainz content.
It can open and save all images and can add alpha channels.
The program can convert one or many images to TGA depending on the launch method.
Now has a normal map filter for converting bump maps to normal maps.
Images2TGA is a more versatile tool than Texture2TGA, and now replaces it.
AssetX support added with -close switch. TS12 OpenWith and texture support added.
Uniform colour error correction added.
Latest Version is 1.22. (28 April 2013)
Download the Images2TGA
PM2IM
A program to convert Auran Progressive Mesh files to
Indexed Meshes. Can convert one or many PM's depending on launch method, and
can search for files to convert.
The program now has an improved method to remove unsupported texture types from
IM meshes, and can adjust specular values that cause incorrect shiny surfaces.
Alternative language and AssetX support added, and TS12 OpenWith added.
Latest version is 2.05. (21 December 2012)
Download the PM2IM
AttachmentMaker
A program to add attachment points to existing assets by creating
an invisible mesh with attachment points. Very simple and quick to use; add attachments
in minutes. Added show textures feature.
I have not attempted to detail all of the ways in which attachments can be used.
It is up to the user to make the appropriate changes to the asset's config.txt file to
get any new attachments to show in the simulator.
Latest Version is 1.07.
Download the AttachmentMaker
PEV's Trainz Tools Tutorials
John King's Trains Resources Newsletter published
a series of my tutorials on using the tools.
Reprints of the tutorials are available from here:-
Images2TGA Tutorial
PM2IM Tutorial
QuickShadows Tutorial for TS12
Attachment Maker Tutorial
Program Support
I cannot accept support queries for my programs by email.
To assist, I have set up threads in the Trainz Forum for support questions. I monitor these
and provide answers as best I can.
Disclaimer
PEV accepts no liability for damage or lost data arising from the use or misuse of the above software.
The programs are provided free of charge and in good faith to assist Trainz authors and users.
Some meshes don't render correctly in AssetX or Trainz Mesh Viewer.
All of my mesh tools (and AssetX) have a bug in INFL chunk based animations
as produced by 3DSMax or TrainzMeshImporter.
These are rare in old content as GMax does not support this type of animation.
Unfortunately there is no documentation on how this works, and I have been
unable to get it right by experimentation.
Acknowledgements and Thanks
My thanks to the many Trainz community members who have helped me with testing, suggestions and
ideas to make these programs into something useful.
Special thanks to Andi Smith for coding guidance, and to Ian Woodmore for Beta testing.