3d studio max

[max_newbie]

Has anyone been using 3d studio max in order to model some decent planes? Is it possible I can convert over easily?

[Erick_Cantu]

Yes. I would think. I use GMax and the MS Flight Simulator export plugins, but, I think, so long as you can export an X-file you should be fine.

For me, the export process is a bit ackward - in FS our exported X-files are run through a program called MakeMDL which converts them into FS models; however, FMS uses X-files. But they are formatted slightly different, so what I do is delete everything in the X-file but everything in the {mesh} brackets. You must rename the materials used or FMS will display a blank model, I try to use a single material for each aircraft, it makes it easier. In the X-file it will usually be named Material_00 or something like that.

The line will look like this:

Material Mtl_00 {
0.588000; 0.588000; 0.588000; 1.000000;;
76.500000;
1.000000; 1.000000; 1.000000;;
0.000000; 0.000000; 0.000000;;
TextureFileName {
"A340_300_T.bmp";
} DiffuseTextureFileName {
"A340_300_T.bmp";
}

} // End Material 'Mtl00'
}

This is an example from my A340. You must remove the material name and 'diffusetexturefilename.' It will look like this:

Material {
0.588000; 0.588000; 0.588000; 1.000000;;
76.500000;
1.000000; 1.000000; 1.000000;;
0.000000; 0.000000; 0.000000;;
TextureFileName {
"A340_300_T.bmp";
}

} // End Material 'Mtl00'
}

I then drop this section into an existing X-file (usually the Airbus), overwriting the Mesh section.

Then your model should work.

-E

[max_newbie]

Well, I'll have to do more research on these X file exporters. As for textures, im used to making one single model, then uv mapping all decals onto it. (Saves texture bus bandwidth).

[lego]