Train Sim Modeler Design Studio

by Abacus

Product Features

• Requires Microsoft Train Simulator
• The new 4-view display lets you see very side of your design simultaneously
• Create its dimensions, its shape and its color, then hook it up to an engine
• Dozens of diagrams available to help you get started
• Import images to aid in design or export images to your train sim

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00005RD70
• Item model number: S461
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 4, 2001
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,090 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Train Sim Modeler is a new program that lets beginners, novices and exerts make new objects for Microsoft Train Simulator. Yes, it's true that other computer aided design programs can be used to make train simulator objects but Train Sim Modeler is specifically designed with Microsoft Train Simulator in mind and has features specifically tailored for train simulation.

Train Sim Modeler is designed for Microsoft Train Simulator, but the Train Sim Modeler approach to design is solid. Train Sim Modeler's ancestor is FS Design Studio, the most widely used tool for making Flight Simulator aircraft and objects. It's as if tens of thousands of FS Design Studio users have demonstrated that Train Sim Modeler is a proven, reliable product.

Product Description

Microsoft Train Simulator brings the most realistic virtual train experience to the PC. Already MS Train Simulator is the number one selling simulator in Europe. And by all indications Microsoft Train Simulator (TS) is a bestseller since it was first released in June in the US. The railroad hobbyists are attracted to the realism that this new transportation sim offers them.TrainSim Modeler gives you the power to create your own engines rolling stock and 3D scenery for Microsoft's Train Simulator. TrainSim Modeler is the first of its kind for Train Simulator!TrainSim Modeler lets you use Train Simulator's multiple 'level of detail' models. It allows you to work with multiple 'objects' at once as each one represents a single level of detail. TrainSim Modeler creates a unique visual model for use in Train Simulator.Format: WIN 9598ME2000 Genre: ENTERTAINMENT Rating:  UPC: 090869554615 Manufacturer No: S461

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

105 of 108 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Interface and Ease of Use, November 24, 2001

By 

Marc J. Nelson (Riverside, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Train Sim Modeler Design Studio (Video Game)

Unfortunately, some of the other folks posting here haven't qualified any of their arguments. If you like trains - whether you're an "arm chair" enthusiast or a bona fide "railfan" - you'll love Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS). True, the above software is not a game in itself, but an enhancement allowing users to design their own objects, locomotives and rolling stock for use within the Microsoft sim.

There are only three programs currently available to create objects for MSTS - 3D Studio Max (Discreet Software - (...), 3D Canvas Pro (Amabilis Software - (...)), and Train Sim Modeler (TSM) Design Studio (Abacus - (...). I've used all three, and TSM Design Studio is more then enough to fulfill professional and non-professional editing needs, not to mention beating 3D Studio Max and 3D Canvas Pro for price, ease of use, and supporting all of the required formatting.

The interface is very intuitive - everything is within easy access. Even novice users who haven't the slightest clue on creating their own 3D objects will find the TS Design Studio one of the friendliest pieces of software available. Moreover, seasoned 3D designers will discover that the program has more than enough power to create virtually anything their hearts desire, even if those items contain multiple or complex animations.

Excellent detailed documentation, with complete and clear instructions to assist in applying image maps to the 3D objects - plus controls for setting up animated parts. Everything exports directly to the MSTS format for ease of installing your new items into the sim. I highly recommend this product.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not what it looks like, September 9, 2006

By 

Val R. Nelson "Super Chief Val" (Omaha, Nebraska) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:1.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Train Sim Modeler Design Studio (Video Game)

I was really excited to get the Train Sim studio thinking that it was going to have some templates and other aids to use in building my own rolling stock to use in Microsoft's Train Simulator. How disappointed I was to find that absolutely nothing is included except a bare studio and some toddler-quality circus wagon-graphics. I guess I feel a little cheated because the picture on the box clearly shows the 3D graphic design of an F7. Therefore, one would assume that a basic F7 Sim would have been included, right? Wrong. You have to buy that as an extra add-on package - another $30. Granted, the tools are there to do basic 3D design. But it's far more complicated that one might think.

So I guess my review would be this: Unless you throroughly understand CGI 3D graphics, this product is not for you or me.

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not For Average Gamers, But Fun For Everyone Else!, May 22, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Train Sim Modeler Design Studio (Video Game)

If you have Microsoft Train Simulator you probably know how driving the same locomotives (there are only 9) and the same rolling stock OVER and OVER again gets pretty boring. If you want to expand your roster of locomotives, rolling stock, and even objects along the route, Train Sim Modeler is a MUST! You can make almost ANYTHING and you have the power to do it! You can turn a dream into a reality with it. I recently created a Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail car and it ran perfictly, BUT, after having TSM for about 2 years, that was my first locomotive I got to run PERFECTLY! Train Sim Modeler is neat, but you have to be prepared for a long time before you get your own custom-made train to work. If you are about ready to get this program for a child, say a kid in the 7-10 year old range, FORGET IT (unless you know how to work with CAD). TSM IS NOT for average kids, and they would probably be frustrated working with it for 2 minutes. I know I was, but once you figure everything out, you can make ANYTHING you want and it's a snap!

I would recommend once you figure everyting out to make a few simple objects first, and then get into locomotives and cars.

If you ARE thinking about getting this program for a child, once again, PLEASE DON'T QUITE YET. I would recommend just getting a few trains & objects from other websites first, BUT, once you know how to work it PERFECTLY, and you can't find an object, locomotive or train car anywhere on any website, you can simply created it with Train Sim Modeler!