September 30th, 2007

Just some update shots of the GM Aerotrain project. The textures appear stainless in photos, but the finish is actually silver. I used the color code for Amtrak Silver from the 3DTrains web site color chart. The loco still needs retexuring. The train needs more work, but it is getting there.

The screenshots were taken on the JTC tracks in Johnstown on the Allegheny Eastern. That trolley wire appears to need some height adjustment.

The train...

GM LWT12 Locomotive...

Observation car...

There has long been a "controversy" on whether to use AlphaNorm or TransNorm for windows. The discussion stems from a "glitch" in the way TSM handles transparency. If you use AlphaNorm, you need AlphaNorm+ for the exterior side of a windows and AlphaNorm- for the interior side of a window. If you don't you get some VERY odd visual effects (the other side of the train is completely transparent). If you use both Alphas objects behind the train are invisible when viewed through the windows from the near side. If you use TransNorm this issue disappears. The trouble with TransNorm is that you cannot "tint" the window. While this might not be an issue on a normal side window, It is definitely not good for the "wrap around" glass on the observation and locomotive. With TransNorm it looks as it there was no window at all.

Well I think that's about it for now...Thanks for listening.