Simviation Forum - FS Design Studio worth it?

Jul 3^rd, 2004 at 3:47pm

Tccmstg Offline
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I'm new to the FS design community. just one quick question.... is FS DESIGN STUDIO worth the money?

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Reply #1 - Jul 3^rd, 2004 at 4:37pm

4_Series_Scania Offline
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Quote:

I'm new to the FS design community. just one quick question.... is FS DESIGN STUDIO worth the money?

No, absolutely not. its a complete waste of time! (IMHO!)

Not that I'm a talented re-painter (I'm not!) somebody far better qualified than me informed me of the above.... Wink

His choice is GMAX which is included in FS2004 & FS2002 Professional.

http://www.simviation.com/fsdesign_gmax.htm

http://www.microsoft.com/games/flightsimulator/fs2004_downloads_sdk.asp

http://thegreatptmd.tripod.com/

Happy Surfing!

Posting drivel here since Jan 31st, 2002. - That long!

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Reply #2 - Jul 3^rd, 2004 at 4:52pm

Tccmstg Offline
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can you give me a list of the programs I need to make a complete aircraft thats works for Fs 2004?

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Reply #3 - Jul 3^rd, 2004 at 10:43pm

pstrany Offline
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GMax is a good program. It isn't exactly free, as it requires files packaged with the FlightSim in question (FS2004 or CFS3) in order to be able to create aircraft for that sim. However, the programs needed to convert your models to work are also not without their fair share of bugs, and the process is rather complicated. It is also a program with a very steep learning curve.

FSDS (version 2 is the latest) is a simple, elegant program that is fairly easy to learn and use. You won't be creating any models for CFS3, but it does the job for CFS2 and FS2002/2004. Creating a model is a few clicks; with GMax the process involves quite a few steps, each fraught with thier own problems. And yes, FSDS costs money. But for the simplicity and convenience, I think it is worth it.

Both programs are good in their own right, with strengths and weaknesses. They also both have their staunch supporters Grin

Quick note, my only association with Abacus (FSDS) or Discreet (GMax) is that I use their respective programs......

Paul

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Reply #4 - Jul 4^th, 2004 at 4:33am

Tccmstg Offline
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anyone else have any input on this topic?

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Reply #5 - Jul 4^th, 2004 at 6:07am

Mathias Offline
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Quote:

GMax is a good program. It isn't exactly free, as it requires files packaged with the FlightSim in question (FS2004 or CFS3) in order to be able to create aircraft for that sim.

Paul

Not true for either of them as all required pieces (inclusive the FS9 export.dle) are included in the M$ gamepacks. Only the FS2002 gamepack had this one piece missing.

As for the steep learning curve, I think if you have no pre-knowledge go with Gmax, it's much more powerfull and you don't have to "unlearn" FSDS.
FSDS is no longer up to par IMO, beside that it currently does not support all FS2004 features AFAIK

Mathias&&

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Reply #6 - Jul 4^th, 2004 at 10:36am

Hagar Offline
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It depends what you want to do & which sim you're designing for. Speaking as a casual designer who likes creating things for his own amusement for CFS2, FS2002 & FS9 I'm more than happy with FSDS2. It might not have all the advanced features of Gmax but as someone used to the conventional 3rd party FS design applications it was worth every penny I paid for it. I've tried hard to use Gmax & it defeats me. If I had no other options I would have missed out on the pleasure this hobby has given me over several years. I would most likely have got bored long ago & be involved in another hobby by now.

It's all a matter of preference. If you have no previous experience of 3D modelling try Gmax first.

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Reply #7 - Jul 4^th, 2004 at 2:12pm

Tccmstg Offline
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I have Fs 2002 and 2004 I'm really looking to design for 2004.... So FSDS up to par for 2004? or should I try Gmax.... and someone said Gmax comes with fs 2004... where do I find the install to Gmax?

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Reply #8 - Jul 4^th, 2004 at 2:40pm

Hagar Offline
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Try Gmax first & see how you get on with it. It will take some time to get used to so persevere with it. Look on FS9 CD-1 for the exe file to install it. I forget exactly what it's called now.

There's no point in purchasing FSDS2 right now. Unfortunately there is no free trial version & unless you're used to 3D modelling programs you would probably find it just as difficult as Gmax.

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Reply #9 - Jul 4^th, 2004 at 2:45pm

alrot Offline
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How about 3d studio max,no one has mentioned here,this is the complete design program for making all kind of 3d design,you can add objects animate them for to a already done videos*.avi,mpeg,mpg for a tv comercials,special effect ,i've done few works with it,Gmax is just a free and a very limited funcions, maybe Discreet.com has designed as a publisiting of what their real wants to sell 3d studio max,you can buy this one an also the commands are the same.and when you opened
you will see almost the same screen,display.It's just my opinion but i prefer more 3d studio m. than other 3d design program like "maya" among others. Is My Opinion

Venezuela

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Reply #10 - Jul 4^th, 2004 at 2:49pm

Hagar Offline
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Hi Alrot. I know very little about Gmax or 3DS Max. I was under the impression that 3DS Max is a commercial quality professional application & costs an awful amount of money. The point about Gmax is that it's free. It should also be easier to use than 3DS & is compatible with the FS Gamepacks.

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Reply #11 - Jul 4^th, 2004 at 2:59pm

alrot Offline
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Like i said Hangar It Just My Opinion,I know about Gmax tutorials and the resources for specific FS9 models aircraft design,Its a great program I just wanted to inform that Gmax it's a little son of a greater prgm.

Venezuela

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Reply #12 - Jul 4^th, 2004 at 3:07pm

Hagar Offline
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Quote:

Like i said Hangar It Just My Opinion,I know about Gmax tutorials and the resources for specific FS9 models aircraft design,Its a great program I just wanted to inform that Gmax it's a little son of a greater prgm.

OK. You're entitled to your opinion. To my way of thinking Tccmstg is having problems deciding whether or not to spend $50 or so for FSDS2. He's hardly likely to be interested in paying $3,495 for 3DS Max. I just checked the price. http://estore.discreet.com/dr/v2/ec_MAIN.Entry10?CID=82679&V1=613375&PN=1&SP=100...

Let's be realistic here. This might be fine if you already have it or use it for your work but I don't think it would be an option for most people. If I had that sort of money to spare I would get a new PC. Roll Eyes

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Reply #13 - Jul 4^th, 2004 at 3:20pm

alrot Offline
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My god, I didn't realize how expesive it's now I have the version 4 and didn't cost us the quater part of this new price besides I only use it for the company i work for it. I'm sorry by my mistaking. You Where right Hangar

Venezuela

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Reply #14 - Jul 4^th, 2004 at 4:44pm

FSEdge Offline
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Texas

Posts: 203

Just to echo what’s been said already. Being new and not having any 3D experience, start with Gmax and work through the Gmax tutorials. Chances are you will only have more question when done. This is a good thing though. You will be better prepared to ask questions and have a greater understanding of the answers given back. The Gmax learning curve isn't really any different from other software package in my opinion. You only get out what you invest in. Over the years I learned AF99, AD2000 and finally moved on to FSDS. At the time when FSDS was first released it was the greatest bar none. But, Gmax without doubt has set a new standard for developers of FS. To me FSDS has become ridged and restricted in its user interface.

Quote:

My god, I didn't realize how expesive it's now I have the version 4 and didn't cost us the quater part of this new price besides I only use it for the company i work for it.

For as long as I can recall 3DS max has always carried a cost of 3K plus unless you are a student or an instructor and you arrange to be given the educational discount.

FSEdge

FSAlpha

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Building a Nosecone video

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