Any file that is made in 3Ds Max [a rather expensive design tool] will have the extention *.3DS. Gmax [a free design tool] can import this file so that you can can model it. You can download Gmax and register it at www.turbosquid.com.

Be warned. In Gmax, or in any design tool, modeling an addon for FS is not going to be easy. 3D modeling never is easy. There are tutorials available www.freeflightdesign.com. The turbosquid website provide basic tutorials on how to model a P-38 using simple objects.

There are a handleful of websites that can provide tutorials that range from basic modeling to complex techniques and steps for exporting a model to FS. When you install Gmax, you need the following gamepack from Microsoft:

Make Model SDK - http://www.microsoft.com/games/flightsimulator/fs2004_downloads_sdk.asp

Just scroll down a little and click on the highlighted link that says Make Model SDK.

EDIT: The Gmax Gamepack SDK also provides important files needed for exporting.

That's where the tutorials come in. However, the part of the textures will be the tricky part since you will have to grasp the understanding on how naming a texture can effect the looks of a texture in FS. Not only that, you also have to understand the steps that are involved. Here are the basic steps for texturing:

Create a normal bitmap texture* > Apply to model in Gmax > line up textures in Gmax > Convert textures to neccesary format > reload textures in Gmax** > Export model to FS.

* Make sure to save the new texture in a texture subfolder of the new addon in the Aircraft forlder.

** Reloading the textures in Gmax will refresh the information about the textures. The new info will make the converted textures look all grayish in Gmax just before exporting [this is normal].

This might be a good start on model UVW mapping, applying textures, etc.

http://www.aerodynamika.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=General;action=display;n...

LOL Felix.  If one heeds not your posts, then one is missing many intricate tidbits about FS life itself.  Thank you for summing up the 1,2,3's of learning mapping in that post.  We need more of that kind of thing for budding designers.