Alternative 3d modelling tool and FSX aircraft

[decapod]

Anyone watching Phil Taylors blog may have already seen most of this.
I have created several add-ons for the 3D canvas modelling tool to enable "true" FSX models to be be created. The add-ons provide almost exactly the same functionality as the currect tools for gmax/3ds in the SDK.
The aim is to provide upgrades for the Train Sim 2 and FS11 when they are released.

3D canvas is not free (you need the pro version for it to work - $70 about £37) and it is not as functional as 3D studio but many of us have used it for years to make models for Train Sim 1, it is perfectly capable of making very detailed models.
The software can be downloaded from www.amabils.com and there is a free version, with very restricted functionality, you can use to try out the user interface. A word of warning - it is very different to gMax and takes some getting used to.

Here are the first few tutorials for simple scenery models.
http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=86566

I was looking for a relatively simple aircraft to build and came across plans for the sparrowjet in an old aeromodeller (1955) - This has already been made by Ted Cook for FS9, using FSDS and a very nice model too.
This was sort of handy as I'm still learning about what is required to get things flying. I could just drop in my FSX MDL instead of the original.

Does anyone here, by any chance, happen to have the 1954 aero modeller annual? There are supposed to be some cockpit photos in there.

Still a little way to go, it's ony about 4400 triangles at the moment. Click on the image to enlarge....

If all goes well I may release it eventually.

[TSR2]

Hi Paul,

Always good to see new modeling programs for FSX as the more there are, the more people may be tempted to join the modeling bandwagon. Sparrowjet looks very nice

[Rick Piper]

Hi Paul

Are you the trainsim "decapod" chap ?.

Sorry to be off topic

Rick

[Tarasdad]

The only 3D modeling program I know how to use is SolidWorks. Great for mechanical engineering, not so great for FS modeling.

[DaveB]

Slightly OT too Rick.. but I only know one Paul Gausden (paulga), he's already a member here and is also a Train Sim fan. Unless he's moved, he lives in Abingdon, Oxon and not Surrey and is an ex RAF Meatbox, Valiant, Victor, VC10 pilot to name but a few We also exchange Christmas cards every year and email throughout the year so if it IS the same one, he's not let me know he's moved

ATB

DaveB :tab:

[decapod]

Slightly OT.
I am the train sim "decapod" Paul. I'm known for building quite a few steam locos and for my programs relating to MSTS1 and the Trainz Simulator - I'm sort of the equivalent of Arno over at FSDeveloper.com.
It is quite strange that there are 2 Paul Gausdens - it's not a common name and as far as I know we're not related back for several generations.
I'm a bit younger and live in SW London. The only person I've met from these forums is mickoo737

There are interesting times coming with the convergence of Train and Flight Sims, hopefully there will be some cross over.
I was a speaker at the Avsim conference in Seattle last year and have met a lot of the ACEs team, that got me more interested in FSX.
I've still got a bit of catching up to do, so if anyone is willing to help get the sparrowjet up and running I'd be most greatful. Once I've got the exterior model correct, I'll need to learn a bit about VC's and gauges.
After that I've got a large stock of old aeromodellers ('36 to '60) full of plans as well as a book containing almost all first world war aircraft plans, so plenty of material to work from.

So my next question is what FSX classic british aircraft are we missing from the library?

[Rick Piper]

Hi Paul

I have all of your TS models which are superb quality.
I thought "decapod" rang a bell as i did make a short deviation into trainsim modelling but got fed up with trainsim modeller program being half done
which ment i was contacting it's author every 5 minutes which actually ended with me as one of the few FSDS beta testers :roll:

so I almost became a trainspotter

but got sidetracked back onto Aircraft again.

Anyway nice to see you here paul.
feel free to e mail me any questions when you get stuck building for FSX but bear in mind i use FSDS 3.51

Regards
Rick

[Chris Sykes]

......so I almost became a trainspotter

but got sidetracked back onto Aircraft again.....

And Glad we are... *Cough Hawk Cough*

That model looks good aswell

[decapod]

Ta Rick, I'll be in touch shortly.

I rebuilt a few parts and added the engines, looking a bit better now.
Click for bigger image...