Some questions about modding

funkylunk · Post by **funkylunk** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 12:21 am

Hi all,
I'm very interested in trying my hand at doing some cockpit mods for EM. I have no experience but heck, I need a new hobby. I'd really like to try to mod the existing cockpit by simply adding "eye candy". Instrument panels, etc. Static of course.
After looking at and reading the info in the mod kit it seems to me that I need 3d modeling software. My questions is what program would you guys recommend (the cheaper the better). Also, any advice and tips would always be welcome.
Warsign, Accountant, and many others (in Legends) made wonderful mods. I'd like to give it try.

Accountant · Post by **Accountant** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 4:13 am

I like to use Metaseq for my 3d modelling. Of all of the programs I have tried, Metaseq was the easiest for me to understand and use.
Link

There is both a freeware and shareware version. You can use the shareware version for free, but certain features are disabled. The freeware can save in a .x format (though it doesn't seems to export normals properly) while the shareware version is easier to edit with (allows up to 4 different views, more editing options, etc). I usually use the shareware version for editing and the freeware for exporting.

Others like to use Blender, Wings3D, Milkshape, etc. I personally never found these programs very intuitive, though.

A piece of advice I would offer is, when you start modding, look at other people's mods. I include metaseq file formats of all of my models with each download so modders can do just that (others might do it, too, but I can't say for certain). Things such as screen placement for cockpits, general scale, orientation, etc can be quickly ascertained. There are also models available in the customizing kit which can help with this.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. There is somewhat of a learning curve, especially when 3D modelling is involved. We have a lot of very talented people here, I am sure someone here will be able to answer your question whether it relates to texturing, modelling, or importing to EM.

-Accountant

funkylunk · Post by **funkylunk** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 1:44 pm

Thanks for the quick response! I'll check those programs out and do some research. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions later! Thanks again.

Garoad · Post by **Garoad** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 6:57 pm

My opinions (note, I've never done any sort of modding for EM, yet) on the above mentioned 3d software:

-I've never heard of Metaseq, but if it's easy to use, that's good
-Blender - pretty terrible UI design, not so easy to learn. Seems like one of those open source tools where the devs care more about capability than usability and UI design.
-Wings3D - not too bad at all, this is my current favorite among free tools, but I get the impression it's not as full-featured and mature as some others. (However if it gets the job done, why complicate things?)
-Milkshape - I think I've messed with this in the past a little but I can't recall the details, I can only assume I wasn't thrilled since I can't remember it.

I'd suggest playing with Metaseq and Wings3D to start off.

soulsacrifice · Post by **soulsacrifice** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 7:28 pm

Metaseq is very easy to use if you spend a night messing around with it. Models are very easy to make - texturing is the hard part! but there is a good tool people here use for that as well, can't remember the name of it though. Should be able to find it easy enough with a search though.

[Edited on 6-1-2011 by soulsacrifice]

Draco20 · Post by **Draco20** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 1:53 am

I like to use Adobe photoshop for texturing. It has some easy tools for lighting and such.