Welcome to 3dtransit.com

A collection of freely downloadable transit models for rendering, animation, and gaming

This site is brought to you by Matt Harter and fastmodel.com

Contact Matt Harter to find out what FastModel can do for your project.

 

3D models from 3dtransit.com help the Boston Globe illustrate a tragic trolley crash: On May 29th 2008 the the front page of the Boston Globe featured an illustration of a trolley crash on the MBTA D branch in Newton using the Type 7 model from 3dtransit.com. This model was also used to create an interactive feature on line.

The future: I will be purchasing TRAINZ 2004 as soon as I can, I would like to produce some more models for it. I will be adding more trolleys, subway cars, and buses to the collection in popular 3D formats over the next year. If you have blueprints and/or drawings, I would be interested in modeling from them.

Site Change: On April 29th 2005 the look of the site, and it's main focus, has changed. There is no longer any need to log in in order to download any content, and if you would like to add models, graphics, links, or news, please let me know and I'll be glad to look into posting things here.

Update: All of these objects have been updated and retranslated in September of 2001. If you have downloaded older versions, you should replace them. Translations were made from Newtek Lightwave format using 3d Exploration. Macintosh versions will be available soon, untill then, Mac users should use Aladdin Stuffit Expander to decompress the .ZIP files.

Please send me a note if you have any troubles with this page or the models.

Legal note: You may use download and use these models as you like, but they are not to be used for commercial purposes without the permission of Matt Harter.

 

Some Interesting Links:

Lots of good downloads for TRAINZ
trainz.luvr.net
MS Train Simulator forum
www.train-sim.com
Great 3d model converter
www.righthemisphere.com

 

MODELS FOR RENDERING AND ANIMATION by Matt Harter : Model Description Preview Download Format
The type 5 car was used on Boston area streetcar lines from the early '20s.. It was constructed of wood with a sheet steel skin, and is double-ended. Eventualy all-steel PCC cars replaced type 5s after their heyday in the late '30, by the late '50s they were gone.. This model has the MTA color scheme.

 

LightWave
3dStudio
SoftImage
TrueSpace

In an effort to standardize the design of light rail vehicles, the Presidents Commitee Conference (PCC) streetcar was developed during the '30s. This design was extremely successful and the cars were widely used on the Boston system untill the early '80s. This model is of a Pullman Standard "picture window" car. The MBTA still uses these cars for passenger service on the Ashmont-Mattapan high speed line.

 

LightWave
3dStudio
SoftImage
TrueSpace

Work cars were usualy made from aging passenger cars. This is a model of a PCC wire maintainance car built by the MBTA during the '70s. Cars like this one are still in service today.

 

LightWave
3dStudio
SoftImage
TrueSpace

The Boeng built LRV (light rail vehicle) was built during the mid 70s for the MBTA and the MUNI in San Francisco. The MBTA recently replaced the troublesome sliding doors with folding doors. These cars are being replaced over the next few years by additional type 7 cars and type 8 low floor cars.

 

LightWave
3dStudio
SoftImage
TrueSpace

In an effort to make the green line more reliable and efficient, the MBTA ordered nearly 100 type 7 cars from Kinki Sharyo of Japan during the mid '80s, and acuired over 100 more in 2000.Their design was based on the proven PCC design so they have been very reliable. The paint scheme was updated to match the new type 8s because type 7s and type 8s will operate in sets. This model shows the old scheme.

 

LightWave
3dStudio
SoftImage
TrueSpace

The type 8 car is the first low floor streetcar on the Boston system. It's design shortens boarding time and accomodates handicapped riders. The low floor design is proving to be troublesom, lack of weight over the center truck causes the cars to derail more often than they should. These cars are out of service and may be for quite a while as MBTA engineers work with the maufacturer, Breda of Italy, to find a resolution.


 

LightWave
3dStudio
SoftImage
TrueSpace

The MBTA bought 50 electric trolley buses in 1974 to replace 1950s equipment on it's last few trackless routes. These routes run west from the Harvard Square tunnel, the tunnel is what kept the lines from being abandoned. similar coaches are used in other cities like San Francisco and Dayton, but MBTA coaches have left hand doors.

 

LightWave
3dStudio
SoftImage
TrueSpace

Modern Toronto trolleys are called CLRVs (Canadian Light Rail Vehicles). They are based on a european design but built in Canada. Boston ran CLRVs on a trial basis in the '70s.

 

LightWave
3dStudio
SoftImage
TrueSpace
VRML

TRAIN SIMULATOR MODELS by Matt Harter: Model Description Preview Download Format
This MBTA PCC car is designed for use in Microsoft Train Simulator. It is fully functional with interior cab view and lights.

 

MSTS
This generic PCC car is designed for use in Microsoft Train Simulator. It is fully functional but is still a work in progress. Improved controls, engine dynamics, and alternate paint schemes will be added as things progress. Read the readme file for installation instructions.
Try your hand at repainting this car using the Adobe Illustrator texture file. All the textures were created using Illustrator 9.

 

MSTS
Illustrator UV

TRAINZ MODELS by George Pierni : Model Description Preview Download Format
Generic PCC car in orange

 

TRAINZ

Generic PCC car in red

 

TRAINZ

Generic PCC car in green (there are 3 versions of this car, each has a different window configuration)

 

Versin 1
TRAINZ
Version 2
TRAINZ
Version 3
TRAINZ

Generic PCC car in gray (MBTA color scheme in the '70s

 

TRAINZ

Based on the model by Matt Harter - Download the TRAINZ model from trainz.luvr.net

 

TRAINZ

Based on the model by Matt Harter - Download the TRAINZ model from trainz.luvr.net

 

TRAINZ

Based on the model by Matt Harter - Download the TRAINZ model from trainz.luvr.net

 

TRAINZ