software

I've got the software package deal straight from their site. & I'm still playing around with it. Be a good idea to look at their tutorials on the  modes to help you out.

David

Steve'

I purchased the Model Builder software back in 2010.  It is excellent for the complete substructure. Or if you use matte photo paper to print out you structure and no additional materials or even better is use a textured paper, the results are excellent.  

Take a look at the gallery on their website.  You will see 4, or 5 pages of models built by subscribers. The possibilities are endless with this program.  I have built at least 100 models.  The more you use it the moore you will like using it... Great way to learn scratch building'...

Can you...

...import your own photos for use?

Thanks for any input.

Andre

Yes you can

Yes there is an import factor.  You can scale it to fit your design.  Also, the new software comes with a sign package that is very nice...

There is also a package of brick textures

There is also a package of brick textures that looks very nice.

I agree with Goober; the software is powerful and easy to use in any scale. I made a bunch of temporary structures (some time ago) and pasted them to substructures made of foamcore. These inexpensive, easily-replaced structures would be great for young people.

I intended to replace mine with scratchbuilt structures but haven't needed to prioritize that task.

Thanks!

For the input! I need to take another look at the software!

Andre

Suggested Options?

Okay, so I've looked at the Evans site, and I see there are a ton of options.

In addition to the Model Builder program, what optional packs do I need in order to have good flexibility for the structures?

Thanks.

Andre

Options

Andre- 

I just got the entire toolkit bundle for Christmas and am still poking around.

My initial reaction is that the 'Advertiser', 'Graffiti', and 'Stained Glass' modules don't give you much.  I haven't looked much at the Window Designer but it looks a bit thin also.  Really the Model Builder gets you most of what you want.  The Sign Creator is kind of nice - you can make custom road signs for your area.

I think what I'll end up doing is going into Google street view, making a screen shot of a building I like, and then crop out windows, doors, brick patterns, etc... from those images and then import them in.  The basic items that come in Model Builder are decent, but I found myself pretty quickly wanting for more.

Happy to answer any specific questions you might have.  I'm pretty sure there was a review of this software in one of the hobby mags but can't remember which one or when.

-Steve

Thanks Steve.

Without having any experience with the software, I wondered about some of the add-ons. I couldn't really see a need for stained glass and such.

I need to get this software. Looks like it can save me time compared to the way I have to create my "photoflats".

Andre

Great product, great people.

I have been using it to create my stand in structures. I sent a note about adding more colors to their corrugated steel templates. They got back to me with a price and samples. I now can create mining buildings with a variety of colors so it looks painted. 

That's good to hear

That's good to hear Thomas.  

I wish there was some site where people could share their files.  I looked into creating a page on groups.io but to be able to share / store files you have to pay for the service.

Do use / have Dropbox or Google Drive?  Maybe we could get some folks together to leverage one of those services to share files...

Background buildings

The buildings directly behind the model kits were made using Evans Software.  Printed with a laser printer and mounted on black matboard. Weathered with chalks. I have just the software and the brickyard.  Pretty happy with what you can do with it.

Ugly But Functional

I've had the program for quite a while and used it for a couple of mockup buildings.

It works.  It looks like it was written in the very early Microsoft Windows days and the user interface hasn't been updated since. It probably has been updated a bit, since it works fine in Windows 10.

Each of the modules required entering the license code key.  Minor inconvenience. Understandable, I guess, because they can be individually purchased.

gs

Matboard

When you say matboard do you mean the stuff they use to mount / frame pictures?  Where do you buy it?  I know I can get it at places like Michaels but just curious where you get yours.

The main program is the one you need.'

The basic Model Builder Software is really the only one you need to build any kind of structure you require It comes with add ons built in.  The brickyard" program is included in the basic.  You don't need it as you will be replicating what is the original..  You can always add other programs at ay time.  I recommend buying the basic program, and see what you think.  If you haven't looked at the builders gallery on the Evans site yet, please do'... You will get an idea of what others have built'.. There quite a few very impressive models in that gallery'

Dave and Shelly, respond to all emails, will even telephone you with answers to questions, and are completely very nice to deal with...

Mat Board

You can also get it a Hobby Lobby.

Got mine Saturday

I received my software Saturday. I bought the full package deal, the CD + specialty papers + LED's. Loaded the software first on my Windows 10 with Edge laptop. Loaded fine except having problems when the registering  page came up. Kept getting script errors. Same after I loaded it on my Windows  7 Professional desktop with Edge browser. Software works fine though.

It'll take a while to play with this software and get used to how it works. See some great potential.  BTW, I've noticed spell check doesn't seem to work. Is it something in the Edge browser that changed that or is it with the forum software?

Bernd

I had the same problems with

I had the same problems with the registration page months ago.  I finally gave up and didn't register the software.

gs