by Felix/FFDS » Tue Apr 22, 2003 8:40 pm
I have the free version of 3D Canvas ... of course, it can't export to dxf/3ds so by itself it's not flightsim friendly. I can't determine whether the "export" to FS is via x file export and makemdl or maybe a plugin to export to FS2000...?
As for modelling programs, there are a number of affordable programs out there. Many companies are putting out free or very reasonably priced versions of their high end modelling programs. watch for magazines like Computer Arts/3dWorld Magazine that inlcude not only demos but full programs at times.. I've picked up TGS Amapi 3D 5.5w, Caligari trueSpace 3.5 this way.
Blender Publisher - originally for Linux (so it has a weird interface) is free.
Caligari offered tS4 upgrade for $79 ... consider that TS6 is several hundred.
THe "problem" with some of these programs is that documentation isn't as readily available as it is for the 3DS/gmax field - If Maya or Rhino would come out with a free or even cheap (less than $80) older version, that could still export to x file, then that would add more to the mix.
Felix/FFDS