Options(see also the menu on the left)

For those that don't know... GMax is a 3D Modelling tool that can be used to build stock, scenery etc for both Trainz and MSTS (not to mention lots of other games like Flight Simulator). It is essentially a freely available version of 3DSMax with the caveat that it can only be used for games whose developers have paid the large licensing fee to develop a 'game pak'. The GamePak essentially provides the export code to save the model you've built, GamePaks are available for both MSTS and Trainz.

According to http://www.autodesk.com/gmax:

As of October 6, 2005, Autodesk will no longer offer Gmax® software as a stand-alone product. If you are interested in other 3D animation, modeling, and rendering applications from Autodesk please check out Autodesk® 3ds Max® software. You can download a free 30-day trial, view product demonstrations, read customer success stories, and get more information about this powerful, versatile product.

(again, for those not in the know, the product recommended in the Autodesk post, 3DSMax, is around $3500 US Dollars!)

If you currently have GMAX please back it up as you will not be able to re-download it.

I'm sure this will come as a blow to those that have spent the time to learn how to use this product.

What other options are available?

3DCanvas (http://www.amabilis.com) is a superb 3D modelling package available from Amabilis. Developed by a small company and has been supportive of MSTS since it first arrived. There are some superb plugins available for it as well, including a Trainz exporter. Available as a free demo, a 'plus' version for $34.95 and a pro version for $69.95 - the Plus version is all you need to export to MSTS, but you'll need Pro to make use of the plug-ins (which I presume means you can't export to Trainz unless you have Pro either?).
3DC is well support by its author and is continually being upgraded, it's also well used by the veteran members of the community who are building models.

Train Sim Modeller is another well used product in the community though it has suffered through receiving absolutely no updates other than one or two minor patches since its original release some time ago now. It's looking quite dated but it does take a different approach to 3D Modelling that might appeal more to some than 3D Canvas - unfortunately you have to buy it to try it, it's available in our online store for £29.99 including vat, p+p and 1 month premium as usual.

As regards future-proofing your skills, there has been quiet confidence from the TMTS area that 3DCanvas will be supported. At this time there is no information available from KRS about what modelling tools will be supported, as soon as I hear more I will post an update.

Any questions, by all means drop me a note.

Matt.

UKTrainSim