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Most likely a repeat question (Read 219 times)

Mar 24^th, 2004 at 5:30pm

Madcat Offline
Colonel
Montgomery AL

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Posts: 401

so I will appoligize for this post, however I am extremely interested in designing A/C for FS9. Would somebody plz direct me into the direction I need to go for progs and what else I will need to design an A/C ???.

Again I appoligize if this is a common repeat question.

Thx
MC

Former crew chief of the largest aircraft in the free world.

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Reply #1 - Mar 24^th, 2004 at 7:54pm

garymbuska Offline
Colonel
I would rather be flying
Jacksonville, Florida

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Posts: 2850

MADCAT
Although I am not into aircraft design I have heard that GMAX is the way to go it comes with FS2002 but if you search for it I know there is a sight where it can be donloaded from. You also might want to check out flightsim.com I beleive they have software for that as well.
Gary

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Reply #2 - Mar 24^th, 2004 at 7:59pm

Skittles Offline
Colonel
N769JC: "Isn't simulating
stimulating?
JAQ: Westover Field, CA (O70)

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GMAX also comes with FS9. CD #1, Extras folder. Personally I use Abacus' FS Design Studio.

The biggest advantage I can tell with it, is it can compile your stuff into aircraft MDL files (models) or scenery BGL files or macro API files and provides a means to add transparency to textures. It does have limited functionality compared to GMAX but so far I like it.

I also purchased Abacus' Custom Panel Designer. I do NOT recommend it! It still has major bugs.

There are a lot of programs available as I'm sure others will point out.

Joe

What do computers and air conditioners have in common?
They both will work perfectly, until you open windows.

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Reply #3 - Mar 24^th, 2004 at 9:05pm

Glitch Offline
Colonel
aka IRAF_Paddy
Birmingham, Alabama

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Posts: 464

Depends a lot on your own situation. Gmax is a freeware sample of a major commercial 3d design program. Steep learning curve but free! You can use it to design for many different games but you need the pro version of FS2002 to be able to compile your designs for use in the flight sim. FSDS2 by Abacus is a program created to design aircraft for flightsims. It is fairly easy to learn, you can create aircraft for most of the microsoft flight sims. One drawback is its cost is around $50 US dollars. When you learn how to use them, both programs create beautiful aircraft.

Glitch

Pendercafts.com Downloads for Lost in Space, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Land of the Giants, addons for FS2002 and FS2004 and videos too

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Reply #4 - Mar 24^th, 2004 at 9:06pm

Milton Offline
Colonel
Props forever!

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Posts: 301

MC,

Good for you. It's great to see others jump in to enjoy the creativity and contributions in this community. I must warn you; it can be addictive.

Take it one step at a time. If you decide to use gmax, you may already have it on your FS2002 or FS2004 setup.

Don't worry about anything but learning the tool at first. Go through the excellent tutorials. About all you can expect to learn from them is the knowledge that many many powerful functions and capabilities exist. Learn the basics of the tool, how its structured, the tools available in it, how to invoke them, how to manage a scene, etc. Simply expose yourself to the capabilities.

That should easily consume a month if you do all the tutorials. It is worth the time. The focus needs to be ... learn the tools. The investment pays off big time.

Then its time to get serious. Putting gmax into perspective with the rest of the process. Dennis S. has a nice 12.5 step process in the tutorial or tips section here. Also, there is a Stupid Idiots Guide to .... that you will find here. That exposes you to the basics of the process.

When you think you're ready, and have selected an aircraft to build, then its time to do serious data collection. You can find info on that here too.

Once you have the technical specs, pictures, 3-views, then you are ready to get started.

First priority is to learn how to setup a calibration box. This is the foundation for all the major modeling. There are a number of tutes around. Any questions, ask here.

That's enough to hold you for a while. As always, some of the best in the business visit here ... that's why I come here to learn. Jump right in, and I assure you that you have no questions that one of us hasn't asked and answered. We'll be happy to help.

Have fun.
Milton

Milton&&Dash 7, Aero Commanders, Howard 500, D18S, Spartan, XP47J, Beechcraft A28 (Grizzly)

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Reply #5 - Mar 25^th, 2004 at 6:25pm

Madcat Offline
Colonel
Montgomery AL

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Posts: 401

TY all for the replies and info. I will be looking into the Gmax first, free is always good Wink

. I have been FSing for a few year and with my love of aircraft it is just right that I try and buid a plane for myself and the rest of the FS community. If I have questions, I will be here to ask them.

Again, THX for the replies and info Grin

Former crew chief of the largest aircraft in the free world.

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Reply #6 - Mar 26^th, 2004 at 6:35am

RIC_BARKER Offline
Colonel
"Shazzam"

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Posts: 842

Madcat,

I can whole hartedly recommend FSDS2. It may be "payware", but it's a wonderful investment, and in my opinion, it's MUCH easier to use then Gmax.

FSDS2 is set up for the FS2004 format, and will do everything you need it to do, without the clutter of Gmax. By all means have a stab at Gmax, but if you find it to difficult to learn (like most of us mere mortals!) please do try FSDS, I really can't recommend it enough!

Regards,

Ric B.

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Reply #7 - Mar 26^th, 2004 at 2:59pm