I personally don't like it as it still looks computer generated and I certainly wouldn't put it in a portfolio. I also agree about the lack of detail, I think it needs more. I've yet to see a Photoshop filter that I like without a lot of additional post processing. Nothing beats an actual hand drawn image but some of the 'Dennis effect' efforts from the past have come close. I would look up some old threads on this and the Google forum for examples.
Kenny
I bought Profile Builder today but when I try to access the tutorial I'm getting a malware alert (from Anti-Vir on my browser) and access is denied. Has anyone else experienced this? I suppose if there is malware you shouldn't really try it! http://www.box.net/shared/5ati1q9k21
You can also try an offset from the platforms and the line will be the same shape following the line of the platform. A quick offset again from each line for the width of each track, join the two ends and then push pull a few inches for the height of the tracks. Alternatively you can highlight all the single offset lines and use the 'curves to walls' ruby plug in and set a height and width for the tracks which is a bit faster.
By the way there's also stairmaker Rubys and I'm sure you can find a train model on 3d Warehouse for the other elements of your model.
Try here for the Rubys http://www.crai.archi.fr/RubyLibraryDepot/Ruby/RUBY_Library_Depot.htm
Streetscape Pro is quite useful, although a quick street cross section in Sketchup doesn't take long and there's far more control over visual output.
I've trialled CityCad and there's certainly potential. In theory it's parametric urban design for large scale masterplanning in the same way Revit, Archicad etc are for building design. I think it needs to evolve a bit more but it's certainly one to watch for the future. I've previously been in contact with the developers and they are very responsive and are flexible with regard to free trials.
I've also looked at another couple of products, City Engine and Cityscape, which are similar in many ways:
Apart from the high prices and complexity, Autodesk can't seem to produce a complete product for an industry. They seem to cripple each product so you are forced to buy another piece of overpriced software to complete the job. For example Revit is marketed as an all in one BIM application. However despite the long standing requests from users, they still haven't introduced a decent terrain/road creation system for the site planning so you are forced to use Civil 3D for that. Then detailing isn't quite there so you get Autocad for that. Then there's Revit MEP for the services, Max for visualistion, Navisworks for presentations etc etc.
#12 Export to 2D DWG/DXF. I think the act of flattening the model brings it to a crawl.
#13 Print to High accuracy HLR PDF. Again the use of vector information causes the coma. Often the patient never wakes up on this one!
#14 Print to PDF with lots of high poly components and shadows on
#15 Export to 2500 pixels or more with shadows and styles. I often resort to a screen capture than wait for the export to take effect on larger models.
#16 Sandbox on complex terrain
Removing the back button is a really annoying aspect of SU7. I use lots of sub folders and it really is a pain using the drop down list. I don't see why it should be sacrificed for access to the 3d Warehouse, I'm sure both features could be present Imagine the back button was removed on IE, there would be an outcry!
I remember looking at Softcad 3D years ago and a recent forum post on here states that it's still available http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?f=179&t=14664&p=111107&hilit=softcad#p111107
On paper it looks good but I never found it half as easy or useful as Sketchup. I see Design Workshop was mentioned. I can't believe it's still around, I don't think it's been developed in years judging by their web site which still looks exactly the same. Again superficially similar but it doesn't compare to SketchUp in terms of ease of use and power. Sketchup was really ground breaking and 8 years later, there still isn't anything to compare to it that I know of. It got me into computer design from drawing by hand after trying Autocad, Archicad, Revit etc and getting frustrated with all of them.
I'm still interested in alternatives and I'll certainly investigate Form Z spin off in development, Bonzai 3D when it comes out, but given the time Sketchup has taken to evolve into the programme we have today I'd be surprised if anything new could rival it at least initially.
Kenny
I agree with Tinanes comments. On the subject of glass, unless you are doing a detailed photoreal render it is often better not to make it transparent. This is because you then have to show detail behind it otherwise the empty shell of the building is revealed. I also wouldn't worry too much about showing refraction/reflection unless you are rendering the building and then the software will do it for you. Also If you look at most buildings in real life, the glass is usually dark grey or black, not blue.
In terms of overall presentation, try adding more detail in the foreground as it's not clear what the function of the space is. Also in the foreground try some 3D trees and shrubs. You might also want to experiment with some different styles such as sketchy lines etc. I use sketchy styles a lot as you can get away with less detail in general.
Tim, it looks like the survey you have is in 2D only. Go back to the architect who could ask the surveyor if he has done the survey with 3d points. I've had a few situations where the 3D information is collected in the survey but you have to request it in 3D format otherwise it is sent out in 2d only.
Failing that, the numbers you have are spot heights which can be converted to 3D. See this thread: http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=14409&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=cloud
I couldn't get it to work at first but email the developer who is very helpful if you have a problem.
Kenny
It's now a 2 step process to navigate back rather than a single click and a bit annoying if you have multiple folders you've created. It's like missing the back button on IE.
Whilst it's sometimes quicker just to double click, if the faces you are push-pulling are all painted with the same material, or all on the same layer, you can firstly right click one face and select all faces with same material/layer, then use JPP. It's then only a two step operation and very fast.
Kenny
Build Up would be great as a solution as Alan describes, as that's exactly what's required. I suspect however that if they did isolate the issue causing the slowdown it would be just as well to address it within Sketchup itself. I find that it's the final set up stages when moving/rotating a large model with shadows and styles that the problems occur.
I'm investigating Vue as it holds the most promise from what I know is available, but there is an opportunity for someone to provide a specific solution, either standalone or as an extension to Sketchup.
Kenny
Craig, thanks for replying. I've downloaded the latest version via the link you gave but still the same problem. I've posted it to your forum.
I did find that if I temporarily moved all my plug ins out it did install so there must be a conflict with other plug ins. This issue has been reported on your forum which the new version was intended to fix. One thing however, what is the new version number? I still get VE-Ware59 as the installer the same as before.
Kenny
I also have problems getting it to work. After running the install I get a bugsplat (on Windows XP). Then next time Sketchup opens ok but there is no sign of the V-E Ware tools. I've looked under toolbars, plug-ins and tools and also extensions. Is there something I'm missing? I sent a message via the company's contact form on the website nearly a week ago but didn't get a reply which is a bit disappointing.
Kenny
I tried to start a similar thread but with little response apart from Tom (http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=13040&p=95274#p95274) This leads me to think there isn't anything out there right now that does what exactly what is required, as I've searched quite extensively as well. I'm also looking at Vue as it looks the most promising but Modo may also be worth investigating. They both seem to handle large numbers of polygons.
Essentially what is required for me is a programme that will directly import the Skp file to do the finishing touches to the base model so vegetation, people, cars etc can be added quickly and then saved out quickly to an acceptable image format including scaled orthographic views if possible. It's the addition of entourage, shadows and styles that really slows things down in Sketchup. For me it doesn't have to be photoreal, in fact I'd often prefer a sketchy look. I've also looked at Piranesi but I couldn't get to grips with it and there's very few images I've seen that I like. I'm sure there is a gap in the market for someone.
Kenny
Did you design the house? Is it one house with an annex connected by the bridge? I really like the design, it's simple, well proportioned and contemporary but with enough detail to make it interesting and at the same time would also work in a 'traditional' neighbourhood. Where is it going to be located? I'd be interested in seeing some context around it.
To deselect you can use ctrl-T as well as clicking in white space. I use this a lot to avoid zooming out to get white space to click in.
Kenny
Charlie, I enabled the background draw thread and it worked and also once I exploded the original model, it also solved the scattering issue. Solo, it's also good to know that Vue 7 can import files without having to explode as that can be quite time consuming on larger files. Thanks to both of you. I'll now give Vue a thorough test and may well buy Vue 7.
As for the 54 styles, I was playing around with them but didn't realise it was that many! More importantly, I have to admit that it's never registered with me that you can purge styles 
. It just shows you that you can always learn something new no matter how long you've been using Sketchup. I think I'll have to review some of my other models and I think I can see a speed and model size improvement on many of them as I use styles a lot. So thanks for that too!
Kenny
Solo, Before we lost the last few days posts due to the server crash, there was a discussion on Vue distorting and 'scattering' faces of some imported models. Attached is a screenshot of an example. Also here is a link to the skp file.
http://www.mediafire.com/file/x2jtzonwgzj/Vue fragmented.skp
Not only are the faces fragmented but the plan view has 'scattered' various parts of it around the site. I'd like to know if Vue 7 Infinite is better in this respect. I only have Vue 6 PLE that I'm testing at the moment. My aim is to create a Sketchup site model minus the vegetation and then insert the landscaping in Vue. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Kenny
