Topic: Novice/New Modeller -- What do you suggest? (Read 1547 times)

Kana · « **on:** June 09, 2005, 04:59:08 pm »

For a new/novice Modeller. What program(s) do you all suggest I should find and use, that will not be overly complicated or mind blowing? I figure I could work on stuff like fighters and shuttles, since they don't have many details, and our small...

Thanks,

Kana

Magnum357 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 09, 2005, 05:50:43 pm »

I really can't speak for some of programs that other modelers use on this website (a lot use 3dmax and a few lightwave users). But I suggest using Milkshape. Its very cheap ($20) and their are simple tutorials to use the software. The only problem if you are using Milkshape is that I don't know where you can find the proper plugin files for it and the plugin files I have with my copy only allow you to make .bmp skins 256 X 256 which doesn't give you a lot of room to make detailed skins.

But for a overall simple 3d modeling application, Milkshape is good.

Mr_Tricorder · « **Reply #2 on:** June 09, 2005, 06:21:18 pm »

The best program for the novice learning how to make models for games is definitely Milkshape 3d. It's cheap, it's relatively easy to use, and it can import and export files in a ton of different formats for games with the plugins. It's website seems to be down right now, but you can download it from download.com here http://www.download.com/3000-2121-10050779.html
Personally, I use 3ds max because I was able to find a copy for really cheap and I have taken some classes on using it at Texas A&M University. For Starfleet Command games, 3ds Max would probably be the best program to use, but it has a steeper learning curve than Milkshape.

yochenhsieh · « **Reply #3 on:** June 09, 2005, 08:38:46 pm »

Commercial Products
3ds Max
(require 3ds max plugins http://staryards.battleclinic.com/tools.htm )
Milkshape 3D
(require milkshape plugins -- can be downloaded from Milkshape site)

Non-commercial Programs
M6's Editor http://www.geocities.com/ccc004/
(simple modelling, applying textures)
AssimView http://www.assimsoft.com/
(conversion between model formats, editing hardpoints)
CV-0.7.5 http://www.assimsoft.com/archive/cv/
(model resizing, editing hardpoints)

GarrethMacLeod · « **Reply #4 on:** June 10, 2005, 05:49:20 pm »

If you have any luck finding a copy of 3ds max (the correct releases as the plugins do not work with certain versions) I'd go with that. If you can find it, that is. I've had no such luck and have been looking for about 4 months now. Have been using Milkshape and have not been disappointed in it except for the fact that I can't break models.

J-O-K-E-R · « **Reply #5 on:** June 12, 2005, 08:40:51 am »

Like Mr. T said,

MS 3d is cheep & easy, but remember,"you get what you pay for"

I used it for about 2 weeks before I got my first version of max.

If you really want to WOW people with your models Max is the way to go as far as all the cool stuff you can do.

ModelsPlease · « **Reply #6 on:** June 12, 2005, 09:21:52 am »

Welcome back J-O-K-E-R, I haven't seen you in a while.

Mr_Tricorder · « **Reply #7 on:** June 12, 2005, 11:52:05 am »

There are plugins for 3ds max 3, and a different set of plugins for 3ds max 4 and 5. If you're going to get max, make sure it is one of these versions.

J-O-K-E-R · « **Reply #8 on:** June 12, 2005, 03:13:07 pm »

Quote from: ModelsPlease on June 12, 2005, 09:21:52 am

Welcome back J-O-K-E-R, I haven't seen you in a while.

Hey MP, Whats up brotha?
Yeah I've been away for awhile, Got me a new scooter & have been spending all my time working & riding.

J-O-K-E-Rs Scooter

ModelsPlease · « **Reply #9 on:** June 12, 2005, 04:00:28 pm »

DUDE !!!!!!!!!! That's one sweet scooter.Now I see why ya have been away.

-MP

Sandman3D · « **Reply #10 on:** June 12, 2005, 04:31:34 pm »

Sorry J-O-K-E-R, but if it ain't a Harley or an Indian,...well, hehe, it be cr@p.

Kana · « **Reply #11 on:** June 28, 2005, 11:00:38 pm »

Of all the programs below or another...which of them has an easy to use, read, or find way of checking the polys on a model....I haven't fooled around with the sfc3 modelling tools that MajorRacal pointed out to me, but I think it showed me poly counts...

Thanks,

Kana

Mr_Tricorder · « **Reply #12 on:** June 28, 2005, 11:13:09 pm »

There's a tool built into 3ds max to count the polys in the selected object and in the entire scene. Simply click on the tools tab (the one farthest to the right), select the "more tools" button, and find "Polygon Counter" in the list that just popped up. That will give you a poly count for the selected object and a poly count for the whole scene.

Mackie · « **Reply #13 on:** June 29, 2005, 01:24:09 pm »

actually there is only one real modeling program that would be good, Lightwave :p

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