I started modeling in FSDS, then tried Gmax after I had become used to the simple FSDS UI. That was a big mistake as it seemed to make everything 10 times more complicated then it really was.

It will get easier, everyone who has ever created a 3D model has gone through the same thing your going through. Once you become accustomed to the Gmax UI, things will move along much faster. You will know which techniques work and which ones don't. Once you know where everything is at and what it's function is, modeling will become second nature, just as you said.

For me the model is the easy part, the real work involves the coding and testing of parts like the panel, airfile, textures, etc, etc.

Just as you said in your post.. Start small, don't try and make your 1st release a 70k poly B-52. There are people on this forum with years of FS design experience, and can more then likely help you with any problem you may run into along the way.

Good Luck

My first GMAX model was a simple Europa XS for FS2002. Basic animations,, VERY basic texturing. Starting from absolutely no experience, it took about 3 months, working 2-3 hours EVERY day.

Since then I've modeled a Cessna 210 and Piper Cheyenne in FSDS... And then a Piper Mojave in FSDS (my first VC). Those were 6 month ordeals each.

I switched back to GMAX for my most recent creation; the FSX only, Cessna 177RG with my first, decent VC (it made it into this month's freeware cover CD on PC Pilot magazine)... That model took every bit of 500 man hours over a 9-month period... even after all my previous experience.

Currently, I'm about 50% of the way through a Cessna 310. I've been at that beast for about 4 months.



You'll find that it goes in spurts. Like for that C210. I breezed through a good chunk of the rough modeling.. but got hung up for a MONTH, trying  to get the cowling to look right.. even took a month off, out of aggravation. The trick I've learned, is to not set deadlines.. and to NEVER try to project a finish date. If you manage to have a very productive modeling session.. that is not the time to feel confident and start rushing things. Stop, reflect and then set a next, small, reasonable goal. If you sit down determined to get parts X,Y & Z modeled, you're kidding yourself, and you'll ened up doing part of Y and most of Z all over again...  Baby steps  

I'll have to say that FSDS is a better program for getting the ball rolling... but once you taste the GMAX power and flexibility, there's no going back. Neither program is capable of producing a model superior to the other, but the GMAX tools (once learned) lend thenselves to a more confident and precise approach.  When you factor in that FSDS is still not 100% FSX compliant... and that you're almost compelled to be modeling with FSXI in mind... FSDS is not a good choice right now.

Patience and enthusiasm  (and a relationship counselor if you have a significant other    ) are the keys..

FSDS is most definately worth the price. And it is less intimidating.. It's less likely to scare you away..

The quality of the model is up to the modeler. Neither program is superior in that regard. When it's all fleshed out, it's just vertex manipulation.. the polygons are just along for the ride. FSDS is easier at first.. but you'll find that the complex modeling is more intuitive and utile with GMAX.. The bult-in modifiers make it more flexible... The simplest thing like soft-selection of vertice groups makes more complex shaping, in less time. The uniform/non-uniform scaling is something that's hard to live without, too.. and when you mix two functions like those... well.. you'll find out. And for complex texturing mapping, GMAX is actually easier (once your over the learning curve).

(I'm playing with your effects as we speak    )

I went through the same dang thing. My first real model was a weird-looking version of the Moller skycar, but it ended up being posted as an adoptable file at SimV. Later on, I became experienced with DVC modeling. After that, I found my niche in car modeling.

Yeah, it was modeled and compiled using Gmax. But if you read the description on the latest update of the Porsche, I lost the source file a long time ago. That's why I have a later project in waiting that will feature a newly-modeled Porsche.