Not sure if this is correct to post this here. Otherwise I must create a forum login at Sketchup Warehouse itself. Since yesterday mid-day (3 August 2018) the Advanced Search stopped showing new uploads and when setting option for 'new to old' it only shows latest uploads ending plus-minus where I was mid-day yesterday. I have always checked the new uploads via search this way. Where I have sometimes checked uploads for say last 24 hours (which worked previously) it now just say no models.

I have always use this link:
https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/advancedsearch.html?backendClass=both&hl=en

Not sure if this is a glitch at the warehouse.

Regards
Laura

Thank you for all the help and info. Since I can't get to download Twilight Render hobby (have contacted the owners of site), I am going to try SimLab instead which I could download.

Please, why is this file keep failing to download?
https://www.twilightrender.com/index.php/downloads/upgrade

I am on x64 bit and obviously needs the x64 version of Twilight render hobby but the file just states failed - network error! I have downloaded the x32 bit version but it requires Sketchup 32 bit and I am only using x64 bit. Are there another download location to try this?

@pbacot said:

Before you download a number of renderer's check if they can actually do what you want.

the attached scene uses mostly emissive materials in Twilight, some of it representing neon lights. Kerkythea is also a very robust renderer, though more complicated to use IMO.

I am a total newbie to this so I am trying whatever I can get for free that is. I am a pensioner and can only go on free at this stage, lol. I have downloaded the Twilight one but the 64bit version keeps on saying failed, network error though 32 bit version downloaded. Hope this version will work on 64bit machines but I still have to test it out.

EDIT: When installing the Twilight render 32bit it states it require Sketchup 32 bit.

@pilou said:

You have also the free real time Simlab Composer Lite (max 1920 * 1080)

Have fun!

Thanks for this, but which version is the "lite"? I am following the link where they say how to get to the lite version but on that specific page I don't see download buttons. When going to the 'try' on top of page it's for trial version. Is this correct? If so, which download must I follow for free lite version? The files are quite big, i.e. about 500mb. Do I simply start download the 7.3 version on top or another older version lower on page? I am running a 64 bit, Windows 7 OS? I am also using Sketchup 2016. http://www.simlab-soft.com/3d-products/simlab-composer-old-download.aspx

Version 7.3 file size is about 1.5 gb! And some older versions are less in size. I don't want to download such a big file only to find it's not the lite version.

@pbacot said:

You could look at Twilight renderer Hobby. You can do a lot with an "emissive material" (a texture you apply to the surfaces which can cast light in a render). With "bloom" settings you can give a glow appearance. It's comparatively easy once you get an idea how the rendering app works. You could work with flat surfaces first and you might find that you don't have to do tubes or ropes of shapes to get the effect you want--depending on the detail you need and how close the view is to the subject.

Thanks for reply. I am trying to download Twilight render Hobby from the underneath link but the x64 bit version, for some unknown reason, don't download keep saying: failed - network error. I got the x32 bit download but will it work on a x64 bit OS, Windows 7? Link: https://www.twilightrender.com/index.php/downloads/upgrade. I assume the 'hobby' version is free, or not?

@dave r said:

You can find neon sign style fonts or maybe already have some. Use 3D Text to create the sign lettering. You can't create the glowing appearance in SketchUp other than using a bright color. If you want to make the lettering look like it is illuminated and illuminating its surrounds, you'll need to use a rendering program. Maybe you could try Kerkythea. It's available at no charge. Since you haven't completed your profile with SketchUp version and OS, I don't know if Kerkythea is an option for you, though.

Dave,

Thank you for your reply - I did not know about Kerkythea and will have a look at it and if it will work for me.

I am trying to search for tutorials on how to make a sign and text into neon style look (3D). Unfortunately all the videos I ran across needs extra plugins/tools such as LightUp to get such results. I do not have funds to buy any of these plugins/tools and will have to do without it. Even VRay I can't afford at this stage which make things a bit difficult.

Are there any other ways to get such a neon look without the mentioned plugins/tools and VRay? I have downloaded neon videos for Blender but have to admit I am absolutely clueless about Blender. Not that I know much more about Sketchup either, but have built 2 shop buildings in Sketchup and that way have some knowledge over Blender. Sketchup seems a bit more user-friendly comparing the interfaces.

I want to add titles and signs to my buildings in neon style. I have done so with post work by using Paint Shop Pro (second image) but 3D will be much better on the end! I actually hate post work!

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LAkVeLzCfbg/WjJ0Zd8k_8I/AAAAAAAAA2I/mjK-P1N6T6on0Ugb8FbJFiR2OlFN6mltgCLcBGAs/s1600/2nd.jpg
One of my Sketchup buildings which is available at the Warehouse.

https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x7gmn710qqc/WKwmJJWhWjI/AAAAAAAAApU/lW-j9Uo5M1opVi_w86xE6HfZNBePYNDIgCLcB/s1600/Animation1%2B-%2Blaunoks%2Bfashion%2Bshop3.gif
Another Sketchup building (also at the Warehouse) but animated shop title with Paint Shop Pro's Animation Shop (post work).

Both scenes rendered in Bryce 7.1.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Kind regards,

Laura

@juju said:

@launok said:

Gosh, access too! I can remember a banner message which states that from 1 Jan 2017 downloads for models prior to SU 2015 will no longer be available but nothing regards access to the site. I hope this is not the case as I am a newbie who has uploaded 1 model so far to the warehouse and would like to share more in future.

Oops, my bad. That sounds more correct... Sorry to cause you worries...

Quite fine! Well it's the 1st of a new month, sounds like maintenance then.

EDIT: And whoopey, site is back up again!!!

@juju said:

@rich o brien said:

https://status.sketchup.com/?hl=en

Maintenance I would imagine

Isn't the access to pre SU2015 users being removed?

Gosh, access too! I can remember a banner message which states that from 1 Jan 2017 downloads for models prior to SU 2015 will no longer be available but nothing regards access to the site. I hope this is not the case as I am a newbie who has uploaded 1 model so far to the warehouse and would like to share more in future.