Blender

Blender is a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software program used for

creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D printed models, interactive 3D

applications and video games.

Blender’s features include 3D modeling, UV unwrapping, texturing that can be used to

create Trainz assets.

An exporter is available for Windows (unfortunately, not for the Mac as yet) that allows

the Blender model to be exported from Blender after which it can be imported into

Trainz.

Blender has many tools available from within the program and as addons. Some are

essential to modeling for Trainz, some very useful, other more useful for animated

films, visual effects, art, 3D printed models, interactive 3D applications and video

games.

One advantage to using Blender for Trainz modeling is that it is still under

development, unlike other 3D modeling programs. So, the latest in new features for

modeling are likely to be added over time.

That’s not to say that it isn’t already a full-featured program. One is hard pressed to

think of a feature it doesn’t have that would facilitate modeling for Trainz.

With the introduction of Blender version 2.5 the interface was completely redesigned

making it easier than ever to model in Blender for Trainz. As of the fall of 2014 Blender

is in version 2.72b.