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How do you create spacecraft meshes
Posted: 21.08.2007, 22:41
by Nomadic
I know how to place spacecraft. The problem is I don't know how to create the meshes for them nor how to add textures correctly. I can't create the meshes with my current 3d program (3ds max 7) and am wondering what program I need in order to create them.
Thanks
Posted: 21.08.2007, 23:36
by ElChristou
Heu... So you bought 3ds Max for what? You can do what you want with this soft, you don't need anything else! Just read the manual!
Posted: 22.08.2007, 02:50
by DonAVP
3D Max has one of the largest user bases in the world. I believe it is because its roots are in AutoCad. I model in Lightwave personally. There are a number of free modeling programs Anim8or (this has been mentioned before), Google SketchUp 6 (made for buildings but could be used for spacecraft) and Blender. Most of the programs especially the free ones require a learning curve. I would suggest you find user groups or forums that address the learning issues. You can also find free models of various kinds (even spacecraft) on the net.
Don
Posted: 22.08.2007, 05:13
by Nomadic
No no, what I mean is, I can model in 3d programs just fine (I have about 4 years experience with that). The problem is that celestia won't recognize my file types (.max). Looking at the models I have downloaded it looks like it uses either .3ds (spacecraft) or .cmod (planetoids) files but I don't recognize those file types. What programs are capable of saving in those formats (3ds 7 doesn't as far as I can see)?
On a side note, I use 3ds because that is what I was taught on. Familiarity makes things easier.
Posted: 22.08.2007, 10:12
by Chuft-Captain
Hey,
if you no longer want 3DS Max, I'll be glad to take it off your hands.
Posted: 22.08.2007, 10:34
by selden
3DS format is what 3D Studio Max originally used before it changed to using MAX format. It should be available as an "export" option, even if not as a "save as" option, perhaps by using a plugin. (I don't have 3D Studio Max, so I can't verify that.) Separate conversion utilities also are available.
CMOD is Celestia's proprietary 3D format, optimized for use with OpenGL. Celestia can draw a CMOD model about 1.5-2x as fast as it can draw the equivalent 3DS model. A 3DS to CMOD conversion utility is available.
Some information about modelling for Celestia is available at
http://www.lepp.cornell.edu/~seb/celest ... lling.html