Using 3DC to model for FSX

I’ve had a slight pause on the export plugin to do some MSTS related programming but should be back onto it next week.

Hi has anyone found a way to use 3DC to make Aircraft models for FSX? I’m thinking of making a model and dont want to get to the end of the project and find I cant use what i have made. One avenue I have thought about trying is making the model in 3DC then exporting it in some format that will carry accoss animations and textures to GMAX. Anyone able to suggest best format to achieve this. I manged to get my freeware Sea Harrier into 3DC via an X file(from FSDS3) and I found I could export then from 3DC to GMAX as a .3ds. the model looked ok apart from the fact it was very faceted… rather than smooth. I basically dont know enough about these formats to know what is best. I just want to be able to get my finished model into GMAX to create the FSX MDL (I dont mind learning how to use GMAX to this extent… just dont want to have to learn how to make models in that sofwtare). Be grateful for any assistance.

Have a look for any of my threads here on exporting to FS2004
Basically – export to DirectX X hierarchy, then run the MakeMDL.exe in the FS2004 SDK.

FS2004 models can be moved into FSX aircraft folders and should still work.

However – textures must cover the whole model, blank materials appear black in FSX

I am currently writing a direct FSX exporter plugin with enhanced material plugin – there are about 49 parameters you can change for each material!
The XToMDL.exe with the FSX SDK does not like the standard X export.

I’m about 50% there after about a week, so hang in there.

Threads:

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(The search options on this forums are terrible! – looking for FS2004 only found about 10 matches. I ended up searching through my previous posts list)

SDK FS2004
[img:25v8njp1]http&#58;//support&#46;microsoft&#46;com/kb/555857[/img:25v8njp1]
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Hi Paul thanks for this.

That direct FSX export sounds great.

I gather with FSX there ar no standard part animations… such as for rudder and Elevator but do you have to use the same part names that were used in FS9? Is it the Group(folder) name that is important for FS9 animations or the part name… for example tyre_blurred.1 would that be the group or part name for the blurred phase of the wheel?

It’s the group name

(you can’t animate objects in 3DC <!– s;) –><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_e_wink.gif" alt="" title="Wink" /><!– s;) –> )

Thanks Paul… I havent had to get to grips with animations in 3DC yet because all the MSTS loco models made so far used standard animations. But I shall have to cross this bridge on several current projects.

FYI – you got my interest in an FSX exporter!!