Making Alpha Translucent Window Glass

 in Microsoft Train Simulator

Using Dogwaffle 2.1

Copyright © 2004  Bill Hall

A Port City Car Co. Project

if required - Download Dogwaffle 2.1 Here

 Step 1: Assigning Alpha properties to object when in TSM

Load your model into TSM and select the part you want the alpha texture on. In this case here I've chosen the left front wall. I have split off the outside wall (let me know if you don't know how to do this..). Then I assign AlphNorm+ to this object. Note: All outside surfaces must have AlphNorm+ where Alpha required.

 Just a footnote - if when you render the model and try it in MSTS, you can't see the interior objects through the alpha - you must assign AlphNorm- to these objects.

 Now select the inside wall, you split off (see above) and assign AlphNorm- to this object. All inside surfaces must have AlphNorm- assigned.

 Step 2: Make your project as usual...

Step 3: Convert your graphic file to a .TGA format

Use any editor you want - I use Graphic Workshop Pro: http://www.mindworkshop.com/alchemy/gwspro.html

Step 4: Select the Alpha textures your going to use

 You can use the Magic Wand or any of these Alpha tools. Use Shift to add or subtract.

Step 5: Go to the Paint-On Alpha program

Right click on the Magic Wand and select Alpha Options - then Paint-on Alpha

Step 6:  The Alpha window in Dogwaffle 2.1

 When you click on the "paint on alpha" button - you get the alpha channel, with the alpha surface you selected in white.

Step 7:  The Brush and Opacity Selection in Alpha window

 Right click on the brush and using the slide bar, select the size you want - Your selection will show in the small window (under tools)

Next, again with the slide bars - set your opacity at something like 50%

 Then finally, choose a color for your alpha  (Here I've picked a nice gray from the gray prism, by clicking on it)

 Step 8:  Painting on the white Alpha surface

Well, no rocket science here... Just try to stay in the lines. By the way, the brush is best for windows I think...

Now Click on "Paint normally"

Step 9:  Invert Alpha 

Now, before you save it,  you'll have to Invert alpha - to make it work in TGA2

Step 10:  Save your new .TGA file

 As a 32 bit (24 + alpha)

  Step 11:  Go to TGA Tools

Step 12:  Load the TGA file you made into TGA tools

 Note the Alpha channel... Ah hah!! the alpha smudges show.... eh?

Step 13:  Export the TGA file to your model as an Alpha

Not any other format - save yourself the frustration - I've tried it. Use Ace(Alpha)!

Step 14:   Try it in MSTS and you should see these dirty windows:

 That's the end of the tutorial -