I've personally never liked the "box" method.  I always take the time to use create and use backgrounds.  This is simply because I tend to model in wireframe mode, which negates the box method.  If I can't see the box while modeling, it's pretty much useless.

Ok, I've got making the box down, I think...


My problem is getting the views to line up right, I know I have them cropped & pointing in the correct directions, but the size is off.

Is there a starting point for pixel size, or is there a formula for finding the proper pixel/meter ratio?

Ahh  ..looks like you're using a UVW..  That's not needed here.. that's the point in making the boxes and bitmaps the same ratio..

If I read someone else's tutorial.. I'll just get confused   

I just know how I do it... if my methods conflict, just ignore me..lol

The theory is pretty simple.. if the cropped and aligned BITMAP is say 783 X 342..  the box needs to be 78.3 X 34.2 (or 7.83 X 3.42).. You get the idea.

If that's the case, simply appying it to the part makes it fit perfectly    ... you might have to rotate it in the image software, etc.

You can use a UVW if you like just leave the 'Gizmo' alone..  adjust ony the axes of application.

Keep fiddling.. it will make sense. 

Thank you sirs!  

 That's funny!


I am in it for good.

I have to be because there is NO F-16XL for MSFS, so, I have to make one if I want it.


Also, there is NO FREEWARE TRUE FSX F-16 , and A LOT of people want one, so when I'm done, and I do it right, I should only have to change the wings of the XL model to have a regular F-16.

This way, I get the plane I've always wanted, and the community gets a Native FSX F-16. (apparently no one else likes the F-16XL model, or it would have been made by now.   )


I imagine the VC and getting all the gauges made is going to be the worst part.  But as Sean told me,  I must "DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME."  

You've got the right idea going.. in that a complex fuselage will need to be done in pieces..

The key advice I'll give here, is a little early.. because you'll find out that you're on versio 1 of what will likely be several hundred versions and pieces..  

ANYway.. when you get to where you know you're not grasping at straws.. you'll want to work in "halves"..  as in right or left side. Trying to get subtle angles and curves by individual vertice manipulation is easier.. especially around cockpits and windows, when you only have to worry about half of it..

THEN you can copy that half.. "mirror" it and attache it.. vertice welding and what-not..  

Brett_Henderson wrote on Jul 11^th, 2009 at 10:59am:



This is version 5!    I have a master 3-view copy that I start over with each time. Getting closer each time.

I was going to ask about working in halfs.  Becuase the nose and cockpit area of this thing has required considerable vertex manipulation, and I can't seem to make both sides match (hence, why I'm only showing you one side.  )