posted 11-27- 07:54 AM
Well.....I just love the taste of worms...Step1: The 3D modeller. Lots to choose from here! Popular choices are AC3D, available online for £25 or whatever that is in dollars etc. It will do all your modelling, and with the plugins available, you can easily import / export stuff into the game. Other popular choice is 3D Studio Max....er £3500 last time I looked. Some people have obtained it for free via Warez etc. but this is illegal. You will need Max2obj and obj2Max plugins, but these are free.
There are some other options out there, but the 2 I have listed are well used, and there are plenty of people here who can help you out if you get stuck. I'm a lucky lad...I got both....but Max makes my head hurt....
Step2: Working with the SM files.
You'll need to get a copy of Open Plane Studio. It's free and totally essential. It will allow you to assemble your model file into a valid .SM file format. You will need to edit all the properties with this too.
Step3: Bucketloads of data! 3 view drawings and as much data on the plane you want to build as possible. Interior shots, cockpits, the works! Then you are about ready to start!
If you go the AC3D route, you will want to get a copy of Hippies plug-ins, and the latest OL tools, version 8.
That is about it!
A word from one who found out the hard way....
pick an easy project...perhaps a conversion of a current aircraft into another version etc. Learn the skills on step at a time. Doing an Me109E to 109D for example. Just need to add a chin scoop and change some performance specs.
p.s. Before you start, go to SV's site and download/print off a complete set of his Tutorials. They are geared to AC3D but the principles would hold good. Then, do a search on the forum for any specific topics i.e. textures, skinning, properties etc. if you get stuck. Odds are, someone has been stuck on the same thing!
still interested ??????
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posted 11-27- 06:24 AM
posted 11-27- 07:54 AM
