For the love of Alcos (RS-3)

[scottb613]

Hi Folks,

RE: Allen Norton's TSM RS3 - Modded

Jump'n around a bit but absolutely lov'n Blender.

Diesels are a bit out of my comfort zone.

So - from what I gather - this is a "Phase III" RS3. The panels are different on Phase I and II. Some also appear to have friction bearings.

Also - modded for the B&M Prototype.

Intend a 3D cab - the 3D cab model itself seems easy enough - the working levers and gauges remain to be seen. I've never worked with a 2D cab before. Tired of running 2D or really crude 3D Cabs.

The exterior model needs just a few more details before UV Mapping - while the 3D cab needs many more details...


Alco RS-3 Phase III
53471958707_55ead0239e_k.jpg



Regards,
Scott

[eric]

For the love of Alcos (RS-3)

That's amazing. Looks like a brass model...

[EldoradoRailroad]

Ah yes...MSTS/Openrails so very needs these Alcos. I guess the first step is to try to set up some ambient occlusion. If you want some ideas about what the texturing should look like I would take a trip over to Jointedrails(Trainz). They also have a very nice 3D cab that goes with that model. While you can "fudge" various parts on the main body, having access to great photos for textures on the trucks is a bit of work, that is well worth the pain. In real life the castings are quite rough on these AAR trucks, at least the ones that I saw up close.

https://donstrack.smugmug.com/UtahRails/Locomotive-Details/Locomotive-Trucks/i-V66H8w8/A

I think it is great that these base models were donated, however it is a very tall order to texture them in a way that looks like it belongs in 2023, not 2000. Could not be in better hands than yours!


Lots of interesting times for you with this project!


Steve

[tarrant75]

You make it, I'll download it.

Heck, I may even propose if you do the D&H ones *j/k*

[jbtower]

You make it, I'll download it.

Heck, I may even propose if you do the D&H ones *j/k*

Is that kind of like the line from Field of Dreams "If you build it they will come"?

[qballbandit]

Super fine!

[scottb613]

Ah yes...MSTS/Openrails so very needs these Alcos. I guess the first step is to try to set up some ambient occlusion. If you want some ideas about what the texturing should look like I would take a trip over to Jointedrails(Trainz). They also have a very nice 3D cab that goes with that model. While you can "fudge" various parts on the main body, having access to great photos for textures on the trucks is a bit of work, that is well worth the pain. In real life the castings are quite rough on these AAR trucks, at least the ones that I saw up close.

https://donstrack.smugmug.com/UtahRails/Locomotive-Details/Locomotive-Trucks/i-V66H8w8/A

I think it is great that these base models were donated, however it is a very tall order to texture them in a way that looks like it belongs in 2023, not 2000. Could not be in better hands than yours!


Lots of interesting times for you with this project!


Steve

Hi Steve,

Yeah - the render above used the node based AO - I've figured out how to create the AO for texture application. It does make a big difference and I plan to include it.

I've noted Jointed Rails texture work and he does a VERY nice job.

Thanks for the link - it is a great resource - even with detailed drawings - it's sometimes hard to make out how a part should look - good photos are a big help.

Thanks for the vote of confidence - we'll see how it goes. UV Mapping is far better in Blender than it was in 3DC.

Regards,
Scott

[scottb613]

That's amazing. Looks like a brass model...

Thanks Eric - yeah - Allen did a beautiful job with the base model.

You make it, I'll download it.

Heck, I may even propose if you do the D&H ones *j/k*

Thanks Chris - if we had a good D&H route I might be tempted - LOL. The D&H had some of the oddest-looking steam locomotives I've ever seen.

Super fine!

Thanks Neil!

Regards,
Scott

[pwillard]

The render above used the node-based AO - I've figured out

Sadly, I haven't. I still get crap results

[scottb613]

Sadly, I haven't. I still get crap results

Hi Pete,

It's not bad - for each material used you need to add in the AO, Color Ramp, and Mix Shader nodes. The Color Ramp will allow you to adjust the intensity of the AO. This isn't for baking textures - just nice looking renders. The baking procedure for AO is different.





Regards,
Scott

[scottb613]

Hi Pete,

Here's my base source used in my renders - includes the track and the reflective surface it sits on - just paste your model leaving all objects selected - then one of the ties and do the [Ctrl L] to link the materials - the AO will carry over to your shape. This version is setup for an untextured model. Then F12 to render.


Mega Download:

https://mega.nz/file/wtZRVaIQ#h9KlURSmbjhkM_aHyPNhWb0ik1pAxdadL7u9aFtX9CU

Regards,
Scott

[marklester01]

I've actually met The Owner( Can't remember His Name ) of Jointed Rails in Folkston,GA back in '10 @ The Spring Rail-Watch there.

[scottb613]

Hi Folks,

I don't have my steam loco files with me this week - so I started back on the Alco.

You want to know what satisfaction is - - SATISFACTION is placing stripes all across a freshly mapped hood/cab - half a dozen parts - dozens of different texture islands - hundreds of different faces - and - there is not a single pixel out of place or distorted texture. The loco side is basically a full 2048 texture sheet long.

First attempt - I didn't have to manually push, pull, prod, coerce, or wrangle a single UV coordinate - everything just fell into place. It's not the first attempt on this model - as I struggled with a bad initial mapping for several days - before deciding to trash it and just start over. Lesson learned - take the time up front to insure everything is scaled the same - it will save you much time in the long run.

I could NEVER have been this accurate in 3DC.

I tried something on this locomotive that I haven't seen on any US content - I actually carved the panel lines into the hood. I think they work.







One render from my bad map. I've since resized the air filter openings in the hood.







The Frame and Steps geometry needs a little cleaning up - a couple nights - before I can map it.


Regards,
Scott

[rrdiesel87]

Beautiful work Scott!

[scottb613]

Beautiful work Scott!

Hi Andrew,

Thanks much - just trying to represent - it doesn't seem like anyone is actively working on new US locomotives these days. LOL - or perhaps they aren't as chatty as I am while working on projects.

Right back at ya - noticed your Fickr Album - really nice work all around.

Regards,
Scott