Just to recap - to build flightsim models for FS2004, there are three viable options:

gMax/makemdl.exe - gmax 1.2 is the latest version downloadable from the  TurboSquid.Com site  To actually create the flyable mdl file, you need the FSexport.dll that comes with the gmax gamepack from Microsoft.


Rev. 20FEB2004 - FS2004 SDK released with makemdl and FSdleExp - check sticky thread for link


FSDS-3 - FSDS 3.0  is the latest version, downloadable (purchase/download) by  Abacus Publishing.  yes, it is  commercial software.  (Note:  This is a cut and paste from the paragraph following - it may not be yet available for purchase through Simviation as noted  [27DEC2005



AD2002Aircraft Designer 2002 v1.2 LT.   AD2K2  is a tool dedicated to the designers of aircraft for Flight Simulator 2002™, Combat Flight Simulator 2™ and later version of Flight Simulator. Attention: this completely functional freeware version (password FREE-WARE) is only for private use and gives no possibility of access to a technical support. The only available help is in the tutorial file and ONLY in the tutorial file (included).. Copyright Hervé Devred/A.C.T. publishing/Michel Melchior. Download 4.4MB    

This has a different approach to building models than FSDS or gmax.  


======================
Rev.3  Updated 27-DEC-2005 - FR
Rev.2  Updated 20-FEB-2004 - FR
Rev.1  Updated 06-OCT-2003 - FR

Hello,

All the best and some of the worst use third party tools to access all the internal files such as .air.  .cfg is really a configuration file to control FDE's assess to .air where all the flight dynamics are accessable.

There is a a board dedicated to editing the .air files for FS2K(2) and CFS 2/3:

first check out:

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/hsors/FS_Soft/index.html

and support for editing air files and .cfg files is on the Airfile board at:

http://www.avhistory.org/cgi-bin/boards/CfsDecode/webbbs_config.pl

| but by sod's law it just moved again to:
| http://www.avhistory.org/scripts/MegaBBS/forum-view.asp?forumid=5

HTH

Ian

Ian - I don't know where you're coming from, but the sites you're talking about are excellent flight dynamics sites - no one denies that.

My posting above addresses the visual models, not the flight dynamics, which, I might add, is not an easy one to master.

My posting does NOT address the issue of texturing either.

A good understanding of the flight dynamics files is necessary to have a decent handling model.  The sites you've indicated have good links, utilities and tutorials for flight dynamics.

As a "rule" most "serious" dynamicists avoid using MS' FSEdit since it not only overwrites the aircraft.cfg file, but also some *.air file parameters that can then "destabilize" the overall model from what the builder wants.

The comment of "THEY would like you to know about as THEY won't be using them. "  is irrelevant to the subject of the post.


wrote on Feb 13^th, 2003 at 11:23am:

Hello, there are only 3 viable options THEY would like you to know about as THEY won't be using them. All the best and some of the worst use third party tools to access all the internal files such as .air.  .cfg is really a configuration file to control FDE's assess to .air where all the flight dynamics are accessable.

hmm. . .has anyone bought ad2002? worth getting? need some more details about this program?

http://www.actpub.com

IT has a downloadable tutorial...

It is a different approach altogther to building flightsim models than FSDS and gmax




wrote on Feb 13^th, 2003 at 6:40pm:

hmm. . .has anyone bought ad2002? worth getting? need some more details about this program?

Hi All,

I am totaly new here, I have used FS98 since it first came out, and just recently I have finally resigned FS98 to history, FS2002 is great!  But what has brought me here is the wonderful planes in 2002. But, why when I look out my left side and right side there is no wing, no tail! Is this something new? I mean these planes are just beautiful..But..But no tails no wings, just a panel, I always saw this in FS98 and FS2000 almost. Is this going to be the trend now, just a panel and thats all? I always felt being part of my plane in FS98, now I just hang in space.  I hope this is a valid question and I have not upset anyone,  but thank you all the freeware folks who have made me happy.


Fox 2

In FS2K2, the modeller has to assign the parts that are going to be visible from the inside to a virtual cockpit model, which will then make them visible even in "normal" view.

Alternatively, on a model that is not so equipped, you can create "views to the outside" graphics and add them via the panel.cfg file, so that when you look "out" you see the wings, etc.  However, they will not be animated.



wrote on Apr 1^st, 2003 at 10:35pm:

Hi All, I am totaly new here, I have used FS98 since it first came out, and just recently I have finally resigned FS98 to history, FS2002 is great!  But what has brought me here is the wonderful planes in 2002. But, why when I look out my left side and right side there is no wing, no tail! Is this something new? I mean these planes are just beautiful..But..But no tails no wings, just a panel, I always saw this in FS98 and FS2000 almost. Is this going to be the trend now, just a panel and thats all? I always felt being part of my plane in FS98, now I just hang in space.  I hope this is a valid question and I have not upset anyone,  but thank you all the freeware folks who have made me happy. Fox 2

Hi Felix,

I dont think this is the only way to design aircraft or any other 3D model for FS...

Gmax has a 3ds and dxf import plugin, that means that you can create the 3d object mesh in any modelling program available that can export in those formats, or even in the native makemdl x file format.
The names of programs are too numerous to be complete, but the main ones for 3D modellers 3Dmax, Maya, lightwave, XSi, Cinema 4D, Rhino etc can be used...

The dxf importplugin of gmax even supports the layer command, so in your native 3D program when you create a layer, give the layer the name of the tag it needs in gmax and your done....gmax not only imports the mesh, but also names the part. DXF meshes can not contain animation routines, but 3DS can...so you can even animate outside gmax...

What this means for modellers that have 3D experience outside MAX based programs is that they can use their native programs to create the mesh file and finish it off in either gmax or export it as a X file to makemdl directly...

for example, I'm a NURBS man (dont ask! LOL) and use Rhino to create my mesh in dxf format including textures, animate it in gmax and export it to FS...

Regards,
Han Tilroe

You are, of course, right.  My starting this post was meant as a general guide to what "flightsim specific" programs are available.

As you point out, you can start off the mesh in many modelling programs - yes, even Rhino (and you're in good company there, btw) and import into gmax for the final "tweaking" or use the makemdl directly, etc.

BUT - for someone starting out, with no other 3D modelling experience, the "established" programs are probably the easier (and better supported by the flightsim hobbyist community) way to start off.

Han -- Han Tilroe - - now where have I seen that name before ?  Who let you out of Da Roost?




wrote on Apr 19^th, 2003 at 3:33pm:

Hi Felix, I dont think this is the only way to design aircraft or any other 3D model for FS... Regards, Han Tilroe

[quote author=Felix/FFDS now where have I seen that name before ?  Who let you out of Da Roost?
[/quote]

Who said I was out ?? Hand me another margarita..!

Helo.
Felix wrote here as first about the possibilitys to make an own aircraft.
He wrote the following:

"To actually create the flyable mdl file, you need the FSexport.dll
that comes only in the FS2002 professional edition. "

I have a very big problem with making .mdl's.
You can read it at
http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=airc;action=display;num=1060250120;start=15
It's in that forum here under "Export error by .mdl files" (if you can't use the link)
So I noticed that I don't have any dll files.
I have a newer version of makemdl.exe from the makemdl SDK and the FSModelExp.dle file from FS2002Pro.
But there is no dll and really no dll called FSexport.dll.
Is this the reason to my error ?

Thanks

No - it's really *.dle ...  you have the correct setup.




wrote on Aug 14^th, 2003 at 1:01pm:

Helo. Felix wrote here as first about the possibilitys to make an own aircraft. He wrote the following: "To actually create the flyable mdl file, you need the FSexport.dll that comes only in the FS2002 professional edition. " I have a very big problem with making .mdl's. You can read it at http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=airc;action=display;num=1060250120;start=15 It's in that forum here under "Export error by .mdl files" (if you can't use the link) So I noticed that I don't have any dll files. I have a newer version of makemdl.exe from the makemdl SDK and the FSModelExp.dle file from FS2002Pro. But there is no dll and really no dll called FSexport.dll. Is this the reason to my error ? Thanks

Is it possible to use Autocad to create a plane?

I got G-Max from fs2k4, do i need any plugins, like to create mdl files etc.

wrote on Jan 9^th, 2004 at 7:36am:

I got G-Max from fs2k4, do i need any plugins, like to create mdl files etc.

gmax 1.2 is the latest version downloadable from discreets' site http://www.discreet.com , or, as you've noted, from CD-1 of FS2004.   To actually create the flyable mdl file, you need the FSexport.dll that comes only in the FS2002 professional edition.  (so does makemdl.exe, but you can get makemdl.exe from the Microsoft SDKs.)

Basically, Microsoft has not yet released a stand alone FSExport.dle for FS2004.

What will fsexport allow me to do.

wrote on Jan 9^th, 2004 at 7:52am:

What will fsexport allow me to do.

`
That just happens to be the one little plugin that will let you export your gmax scene "*.gmax" so that makemdl can convert it to a *.mdl file

Right now, if you try to "export" you should only be getting the *.p3D" format choice.

Can i get fsexport from anywhere else because i don't have fs2k2

wrote on Jan 9^th, 2004 at 10:10am:

Can i get fsexport from anywhere else because i don't have fs2k2

Legally, no.  Since it came with FS2K2 Professional, it's part and parcel of it.

How can i make aircraft for FS using G-Max?

one of three ways:
one: getting fsexport somwhere illegaly
two: get someone else to convert them (like i do, thanks to ender baron)
three: wait untill ms comes out with the rest of the 2k4 sdks

i reccomend number two, do not reccomend the others

To answer the AutoCAD question:  Yes, AutoCAD can be used to design the primary model, but it's a round-about way . . . you will need to export your DWG file to a 3DS file type.  Then, G-MAX will be able to import the 3DS file.  I'm running AutoCAD 2000, but earlier versions may not have the 3DS export type.  Using the DXF export may not work well and you may loose some of the mesh / solids properties.  I've been working on a 500D mesh and it imports to G-MAX fine.

Han - I don't know if you ever get over to the Rhino Renderosity forums, but I go by the same name there also.  My question is, how well does Rhino work for modeling planes for FS2004?  Do you have any hints/tips?  What about poly-count?

Thanks

wrote on Jan 27^th, 2004 at 8:48am:

Han - I don't know if you ever get over to the Rhino Renderosity forums, but I go by the same name there also.  My question is, how well does Rhino work for modeling planes for FS2004?  Do you have any hints/tips?  What about poly-count? Thanks

Let's just say that there's a Sea Fury model in FS that was made with Rhino, ported to FSDS (dxf), and finished there (texturing and animations)

It can easily be done by porting to gmax as well.

as for direct to makemdl.exe  I don't know.

Ok, so the way I would work this is to create it in Rhino, export as DXF into Gmax and then save and place directly into FS?

Thanks

wrote on Jan 28^th, 2004 at 7:46am:

Ok, so the way I would work this is to create it in Rhino, export as DXF into Gmax and then save and place directly into FS? Thanks

The path of least resistance would be to create in Rhino, export as dxf or 3DS, import into gmax and finish there the animations, texturing and export to FS.

dxf export will not (as I understand it) support transfer of animations and UVW mappings.

I'm not sure if exporting to 3DS and importing to gmax retains UVW mapping information and animations.

However, if you can do animations and UVW mapping in Rhino, doing it in gmax should basically be the same principles, and picking up the details - which buttons to click, etc.) should not be a problem.

What are SDKs, where can I get them? I can't make any aircraft for 2k4 unless I also own 2k2pro ? Even tho the the 2k4 box says gmax ready?

wrote on Aug 27^th, 2004 at 12:16pm:

What are SDKs, where can I get them? I can't make any aircraft for 2k4 unless I also own 2k2pro ? Even tho the the 2k4 box says gmax ready?

The SDKs (Software Development Kits) are available from Microsoft, and for FS2004/FS9, you DO NOT neet FS2K2 Pro.

Click on the "Fs2009 SDK" link in my signature... :)

gmax 1.2 comes on your FS9 CD1 disk, "extras" folder.  Install that, then install the appropriate SDKs, do the tutorials to learn the program, and have fun.

wrote on Aug 27^th, 2004 at 12:16pm:

What are SDKs, where can I get them? I can't make any aircraft for 2k4 unless I also own 2k2pro ? Even tho the the 2k4 box says gmax ready?

The SDKs (Software Development Kits) are available from Microsoft, and for FS2004/FS9, you DO NOT neet FS2K2 Pro.

Click on the "Fs2009 SDK" link in my signature... :)

gmax 1.2 comes on your FS9 CD1 disk, "extras" folder.  Install that, then install the appropriate SDKs, do the tutorials to learn the program, and have fun.

SDKs stands for Software Development Kits, and are collections of tools and documentation officially released by Microsoft that are necessary to develop addons.

The SDKs for FS2004 can be found on http://www.microsoft.com/games/flightsimulator/fs2004_downloads_sdk.asp

And the FS export module can be found on that page, can't it, in the gmax gamepack SDK, can't it?

The gmax program itself can be downloaded free of charge from here:http://www.turbosquid.com/gmax

Discussing Gmax.....my original reasons for avoiding that program was their EULA. In the original release, they demanded that applets be installed in your computer that allowed them to see into it when you were online [in the fine print]. I sent a formal objection to Microsoft stating that they were supporting potential piracy of private work prior to copywrite. They acted like they knew nothing about the Gmax EULA. If the license agreement has been reworded, I would like to know about it. If it hasn't, all of you had better read it. I did not feel Gmax was user friendly in licensing. Tell me if they have changed.

Quote:

If the license agreement has been reworded, I would like to know about it. If it hasn't, all of you had better read it. I did not feel Gmax was user friendly in licensing. Tell me if they have changed.

It would seem easy enough for you to answer your question by re-read the EULA again for yourself.

FSEdge

Hey Flitezimz,

I don't think you will have any problems. I know they ask you to enable cookies when registering Gmax, but this didn't work for some people. If you check the Gmax Support Forums, there is a way around this though.

Regards,
Stratobat

Quote:

If you check the Gmax Support Forums, there is a way around this though.

That would be the register patch and it can be found here: http://www.fsalpha.com/gmax_fs/zip/AutoDesk_GMax.zip

FSEdge

Quote:

That would be the register patch and it can be found here: http://www.fsalpha.com/gmax_fs/zip/AutoDesk_GMax.zip

If I remember correctly, you need to run the patch first before installing Gmax, right?

Regards,
Stratobat

Quote:

If I remember correctly, you need to run the patch first before installing Gmax, right?

I have never done it that way, but I don't see whay you can't.  ;)

FSEdge

Quote:

I have never done it that way, but I don't see whay you can't. ;)

I registered Gmax originally, but after formatting the HDD, I didn't see the reason in re-registering :-X

Regards,
Stratobat

Hello im new to makeing planes could someone help me or point me in the right direction . i need help with shapeing my design like shapeing the nose and makeing engines things like that. im useing gmax .

HAve you compelted ALL of the tutorials that come with gMax?

There really is no substitute to going through all the tutorials first, then playing with the program.

One highly recommended tutorials is the "Stupid Idiot's Guide to Making an Airplane with Gmax" ..  commonly known as the "Stupid Idiot's Guide" ...

It's available from the main Simviation site, Design tutorials.

You people -those who are new to it- should try some projects that are considered a waste of time. For example, I modeled a simple box and made a series of tweaks in it [cutting, slicing, beveling, bending, etc.]. It may have been a waste of time, but it gave me ideas on how to do modify certain objects for a real project. That's how I ended up making nice-looking cars for FS.

But still, reading the tuts is a must. And you have to read them more than once and try them more than once so that you can lock that info into your head. I have read so many tuts and read them so many times, I might make my own mass tutorial on modeling techniques and how to solve unexpected problems that are not mentioned in tutorials.

Felix/FFDS wrote on Jan 9^th, 2004 at 7:46am:

[quote author=Hyvry1_Delta  link=1044363380/0#13 date=1073651772]I got G-Max from fs2k4, do i need any plugins, like to create mdl files etc.

gmax 1.2 is the latest version downloadable from discreets' site http://www.discreet.com , or, as you've noted, from CD-1 of FS2004.   To actually create the flyable mdl file, you need the FSexport.dll that comes only in the FS2002 professional edition.  (so does makemdl.exe, but you can get makemdl.exe from the Microsoft SDKs.)

Basically, Microsoft has not yet released a stand alone FSExport.dle for FS2004.



[/quote]
I'm using Autodesk 3ds max 2010, not registerd, but I can't save any .mdl files, do I need to register first? I can only safe files as .max or .chr (characters). I hope someone can help me with this, I really want to creat my own flyable aircrafts with Gmax  :-?

FightingFalcon2009 wrote on Aug 22^nd, 2009 at 5:39am:

Felix/FFDS wrote on Jan 9th, 2004 at 7:46am: [quote author=Hyvry1_Delta  link=1044363380/0#13 date=1073651772]I got G-Max from fs2k4, do i need any plugins, like to create mdl files etc. gmax 1.2 is the latest version downloadable from discreets' site http://www.discreet.com , or, as you've noted, from CD-1 of FS2004.   To actually create the flyable mdl file, you need the FSexport.dll that comes only in the FS2002 professional edition.  (so does makemdl.exe, but you can get makemdl.exe from the Microsoft SDKs.) Basically, Microsoft has not yet released a stand alone FSExport.dle for FS2004.

I'm not quite sure what you're trying to say here, but to clarify:

FS2002 Pro included the SDK to convert the gmax file to scnery and aircraft models.

FS2002 Standard did not.

FS2004 came in only one "flavor", and the SDK was released separately.  In essence, Microsoft DID release the tools for FS2004 sepearately.  FS2004 GMAX SDK


Quote:

I'm using Autodesk 3ds max 2010, not registerd, but I can't save any .mdl files, do I need to register first? I can only safe files as .max or .chr (characters). I hope someone can help me with this, I really want to creat my own flyable aircrafts with Gmax  :-?

The existing tools (FSX and FS2004) do not work (directly) with Max 2010.   You would have to create your model, export as 3DS to gmax, and finish off there.

Felix, I believe that first part of his post was a quote from somewhere else. ;)

Wing Nut wrote on Dec 9^th, 2003 at 12:52am:

Is it possible to use Autocad to create a plane?

Yes... you can do a model using Autocad... but take care with the file size... and after you will need to export and add the correct names to all moving parts.  ;)

If I remember correctly, isn't there a plugin for GMAX that eliminates the need for MakeMDL?  It's been a while since I played with GMAX and I am trying to set it up again.  If this plug in still exists, I would appreciate the link.