Trainz Tools.
Trainz Mesh Viewer 2
--== NEW Version ==--
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. Bump Effect adjustment added.
Latest Version is 2.22.(3 Feb 2012)
Download the Trainz Mesh Viewer
Listener for GMax
An Exporter package for GMax to make normal mapped assets with the latest
exporter capabilities. GMax cannot be used on its own to export files to Trainz.
Writing an exporter in Maxscript means that the output of the script cannot be written
directly to a file, hence the development of this package. It consists of an exporter
MaxScript macro for GMax that makes XML code in the GMax Listener window, and a program
to transfer that data from listener to an XML file which is then run through N3V Games
TrainzMeshImporter to make the latest kind of IM mesh files supported by Trainz.
The exporter supports the material naming conventions needed for TS2009 onwards assets,
and will automatically change the names if they do not meet these conventions.
Please be aware that this is an experimental program and that the export of complex models
is little slow, though it has been sped up. European number formatting added.
The Listener program help calls a tutorial on the use of the package. English only..
Latest Listener.exe version is 1.06.
Latest Trainzexporter.ms version is 1.14. (14 Nov 2011)
Download the Listener for GMax
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.
Latest Version is 2.0.
Download AssetX
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. Narrow gauge animation added. Fixed error in sway_pan.im mesh. English only..
Latest Version is 1.03. (25 Jan 2012)
Download the Train Swayer
QuickShadows for TS12
A way to instantly produce a shadow mesh based on the
size of the parent object. The TS12 "Simple Shadow" mesh is a low poly shadow using
a billboarding technique and is suitable only for rollingstock. 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 and Multi language
support added. European number formatting added.
Latest Version is 1.12. (2 May 2011)
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.
Latest Version is 1.14. (4 Sep 2011)
Download the Images2TGA
PM2IM
--== NEW Version ==--
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 2.01.
Download the PM2IM
AttachmentMaker
A program to add attachments 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.
Latest Version is 1.07.
Download the AttachmentMaker
Mesh Text Viewer
A program to look at the structure of the .im mesh files
used in Trainz. Helpful to mesh exporter developers. The mesh contents are
parsed and displayed in english. (no graphics)
This program now has no edit functions; too much risk of copyright abuse/misuse.
Please note the change of name to Mesh Text Viewer from Mesh Viewer. Auto-correction
of attachments with "_cull" to ":cull" added.
Latest Version is 1.35.
Download the Mesh Text Viewer
PEV's Trainz Tools Tutorials
John King's Trains Resources Newsletter has 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
Using Mesh Text Viewer for Asset Fault Finding
Texture2TGA
Texture2TGA is now obsolete and has been removed from this
download page. Images2TGA now replaces this program.
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 PEV's mesh tools (and AssetX) have a bug in INFL chunk based animations
as produced by 3DSMax.
These are rare as GMax does not support this type of animation.
Unfortunately there is no documentation on how this works, and PEV has been
unable to get it right by experimentation. (Still trying though)