Hello....just wondering if anyone could give me some pointers on how to create realistic tree-trunks and root-systems. I have played around with using alpha-maps to create terrains....but never got satisfied with te results. Are there any not-so-expensive/free external softwares that can be used to model these things and apply nice textures to in Vue?

RG has a cool little freeware program called Stump Maker, great for making stumps and trunks. http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/schafermeyer/ He's also got additional little programs to check out, all under the name of Shapemaker. There is a Shapemaker forum at 3DCommune, to keep updated on his stuff. Another little freeware program is Tree Maker. http://www.treemaker.50megs.com/ This one will create full trunks, branches, leaves or portions thereof. Of course, don't neglect to explore the native Vue vegetation. It can be used in a lot more ways than simply "generate and render". For instance, remove the leaves from a tree, and you have an interesting array of branches. Or change the image map of a dry bush and create an entirely new kind of plant. Flip a Large Dead Tree upside down, and you've instantly got an interesting root system. So don't be afraid to experiment! Be sure to check out Guitta's tutorials for more ideas about how to play with Vue's trees and plants. http://start.at/arte/ And mine, too, for more ideas. http://www.varian.net/dreamview/dreamtools/vue/

Thanks Varian! I have tried the dead tree flip..and the result was pretty cool. I made a nice mangroove tree but it stil nees much more work and I still have to find a leafy part that would suit it!

Is there a working link to the Player Zip File for Windows, becouse its down on the Tree Magic shape Maker! Thanks!

Treemaker produce very good results. It's a nice little application, very easy to use, a perfect companion to SolidGrowth. You should all download it ! it'll take only a few seconds (260K zip file). Eric

Hey, that's pretty cool there Eric... I gather all that is Treemaker??

Attached Link: http://www.hyperstudio.com/

Hyperstudio files at this link. I've got some tree models that were made in Treemaker available for download in the MISC free stuff section. Eric ir right, though, it's a very small program and simple to use. Vue won't import the Treemaker models directly, though. What I do is convert the DXF to 3DS using WinOGL; then they import to Vue beautifully, with all groups. :)

yes tradivoro, it's all "Treemaker" but the textures were done in VUE.