Need help with model positioning

[wasj2004]

Im trying to position 2 ships side by side. I got them where I want them, just trying to get them pointing in the same direction. I used the same oreintation line in both, but one is 90 degrees off. im guessing the models have different center lines or different axis or something. Ive played with the oreintation numbers for like 2 hours trying to get it right and it just isnt working. is there an easier way to position theses things or do I just keep guessing with the numbers till it looks right?

[bcelestia]

Hi Wasj2004,

Firstly it's useful to have the models themselves in the same orientation.
If you view them with say Anim8or you can check this. Anim8or will also allow to to Rotate either one to achieve this.

Next the ssc file: (see example below)

To get the models side by side vary the SemiMajorAxis parameter a small amount between the 2 ships.
To Position one behind or in front vary the ArgOfPericenter parameter........
To get both models pointing in the desired direction use the RotationOffset parameter
If you change the Period Parameter you may need to redo the RotationOffset value again

The Inclination & Obliquity values should always be the same.
Ditto for AscendingNode & EquatorAscendingNode

"Minbari Torotha Assault Frigate" "Eps Eri/Epsilon Eridani 3"
{

Class "spacecraft"
Mesh "Minbari Torotha Assault Frigate.3DS"
Radius 0.4345

EllipticalOrbit {
Period 0.06
SemiMajorAxis 19996
Eccentricity 0.0016886
Inclination 1
AscendingNode 143.1518
ArgOfPericenter 346.2476
MeanAnomaly 13.8216
Epoch 2452028.18381755
}

Obliquity 1
RotationOffset 65
EquatorAscendingNode 143.1518
Albedo 0.10
}

May the Schwartz be with you
Brendan

[wasj2004]

bcelestia Thanks for taking the time to explain this to me. Im oviously not the best when it comes to 3d modeling but now I better understand whats going on and what does what!