Customer Reviews

Train Sim Modeler Design Studio

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

Good 3D Object creator but a bit more complicated to get the feel for it. It is more technical than most would need to make things with. The Manual is very long and hard to plow through. But even with it's shortfalls, I wouldn't be without it. It does make great objects once you do get the hang of it.

I found this product to have a very steep learning curve for me, and I had many frustrations learning it's quirks and it's cool features. (like the ability to use scale plans.) Using scale plans is what unlocks this products real power.

Is is perfect? Not by a long shot. However once I began to gain a handle on this tool it gave me the ability to create my own MSTS locos, freight cars, buildings, or almost anything else that can be added to MSTS.

While the price seems pretty high, it has provided me with with a creative outlet that has given me many many hours of entertainment. If this is a the kind of tool you have been looking for it really is a lot of bang for the buck, IF you have the time to devote to mastering it.

I'm sure it works, but I still haven't learned how. The manual is not written for a novice. Others have said it will do what I want it to, so I will try to get it to perform.

This is design software by ABACUS SOFTWARE to design locomotives, railroad cars, and buildings for MICROSOFT TRAIN SIMULATOR

this helps you get your model trains track and maybe city ready to run.