Western Railroad Discussion > Any 3D Train Modelers/Animators out there?

As part of my job as a graphic designer, I'm learning how to model and animate in 3D using Lightwave, 3D Studio Max, and similar programs. There are lots of online galleries displaying others' considerable at making photo-realistic cars, fantasy creatures, and exotic women, but few, if any, accurate 3D models of trains. The locomotive used in 'Polar Express' animated feature seems to be the only recent example of an accurate CGI locomotive I've seen. Has anyone out there attempted to model any real trains in 3D?

Actually there is a whole plethora of good looking train models out there, it's just that the vast majority have been designed to fit into one of the train simulator games, particularly MSTS. MSTS really has come a long way, as it is now much more realistic, and there are many photorealistic models out there. The two MRL SD45-2's leading this train are a recent creation of mine.

Ted Curphey
funnelfan@icehouse.net

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Dave,

Check the "Rail Games" forum.

-Dave

There's also a loose-knit group (who mostly work for game developers for their day jobs) at www.trainartisan.com .

Mike