Instant Scenery V2

[DaveG]

Looks like a smoothing groups issue to me. Seem to remember the same thing when I first saw those models. Not much you can do about that without access to the source models. (well, it can be done, but it's not a 5 minute job )

[DaveB]

Hi Dave

Yup.. I was beginning to think it was something like that as I'd tried everything else Smoothing groups is above and beyond my remit so I guess I'll have to keep my distance or go 'modern'. I could use just the Rothesay's as they're fine.. the Counties at a push

ATB
DaveB

[GHD]

MCX can export as 3DSMax models which can be imported into GMax.

[DaveB]

Thanks George. I don't have GMAX mate and if I did, I wouldn't know what to do with it

The chap who's made the frigates made all the other models too. I don't know if his technique got better with the Rothesay class but they're bang on. The Counties aren't too bad but the type21/42 and Tigers are.. well, poor not to put too strong a word on it. I'd not seen the 42's until today and it was by complete accident. I was looking to see if anyone had made any Devonport scenery for FSX and stumbled over a thread at SoH (I think) where someone said they were available (the 42's) at Allnodes! How the hell I've not found them before I don't know.. obviously I didn't put the right search in Anyhoo.. it's nice to have them even looking war torn as they do

ATB
DaveB

[DaveB]

OK George..

Against my better judgement, I downloaded and installed GMAX. It looks no friendlier than the last time I looked at it

I've made the ships MDL's and have saved one in 3DS format. I can import this into GMAX and I see a nice, wireframe model. I also took the liberty of watching a 3DS tutorial on smoothing groups and it looked very easy. The chap clicked on the required poly's and made them into a group. The same thing doesn't happen in GMAX.. well.. it wouldn't would it To be honest, it probably does work the same (or similar) as I found the smoothing groups section down the lower part of the RH control pane. However, I console myself with the fact that for someone who doesn't know one end of 3D modelling to the other.. to download a program and expect to be able to do what I'd like to do is stretching it a bit. The chap who made the models couldn't do it so how should I be able to

ATB
DaveB

[GHD]

I think the problem is that it is a very low poly model and it is the reflections which are causing the colour change. Try looking at the other side of the model:



BTW. It brings my FSX to its knees, using 1.3GB RAM.

[DaveB]

Hi George

Yes.. the out of direct light or shaded sides are fine on all the models which is bloody infuriating Perhaps I should have mentioned that It may be as you say that the models are SO low poly, no amount of smoothing can cut the differences you see in reflection on the 'lit' surfaces.

I've got somewhere in the region of 3 counties, 2 leanders, 4 type 42's, 4 type 12's and Hermes in shot on a long view and it runs ok. They all have animated radar which doesn't help. What's difficult to understand is the smoothness of the Rothesay's against the roughness of the Leanders when intrinsically.. the hulls are the same shape. I'm not gonna bother shoving them both into GMAX just to confirm or deny that but it would seem to be the case that the groups are either smoothed or the Rothesays have a much greater poly count.

Ultimately disppointing but you've gotta go with what you've got or go without

ATB
DaveB

[GHD]

Apparently before applying smoothing, you need to weld the vertices together. The 3DSMax output separates all of the polygons.:

http://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/showth ... p?t=425145

[DaveG]

I did say it wasn't a five minute job

If I get chance tonight, I'll run the model through Max and see what can be done.

[DaveB]

Nobody mentioned welding!

I hope this isn't a sneaky way of getting me into 3D modelling Nah.. that aint gonna happen. I tried years ago with Corel Draw6 and never got to finish the tutorial.. a fort I think it was I'll stick to throwing out a handful of repaints every few years thanks

I have wondered if the exaggerated shading is down to FSX.. I've not seen any of the models in their native FS9 If ISv2 can be 'simply' setup to output for FS9.. I'll take a look. In the meantime.. thanks for having a look at this one Dave. If it can be 'fixed'.. there may be hope for the Tigers, Leanders and Type 21's

ATB
DaveB