Simviation Forums

I have no working program that can convert from .3ds files to .mdl files , could anyone help me find somthing, or convert them for me. btw, i am trying to convert my A-O1 series of aircraft (sorry for the size):
A model: assault bomber/fighter:

B model: Bomber with open fuselage:

C model: Aerospace Superiority Fighter, nickname "Dragonfly":

To get from 3ds to mdl you'll need to find a way to convert your 3ds files into the ".x" file format. Then you can use the MakeMDL software that's available for free from Microsoft.

Milkshape 1.6 and Deep Explorer can do the conversion, but they both cost money. Milkshape = $20US and DE=$250.

I think the cheapest route to take would to be to continue looking for someone to do the conversion for you. You'd have to make sure the parts of your aircraft were properly "tagged" if you want them to be animated properly.

i have deep exploration trial version, but makemdl always gets errors and suck and doesn't work.

I've tried the X file/MakeMDL method on 3ds files converted with Deep Exploration & various other programs - so far with no success. I've seen it suggested many times but don't know anyone who actually used this method to create a working MDL file. I think the only practical method is to use Gmax with the appropriate Gamepack.

Can FSDS 2 import dxf or 3ds files?

If anyone was wanting to get started in aircraft design or do something simple like Hellbound's design, I'd point them toward FSDS since it's learning curb is not as steep as gmax and it is specifically designed for making shapes for MSFS.

The method I use is to import the dxf into FSDS1, then open in FSDS2...

Can FSDS 2 import dxf or 3ds files?

If anyone was wanting to get started in aircraft design or do something simple like Hellbound's design, I'd point them toward FSDS since it's learning curb is not as steep as gmax and it is specifically designed for making shapes for MSFS.

are there demos to the fsds program? i dont have any money to spare i realy need a program that converts one of these into flightsim .mdl files: .3ds .4ds .bin .c3d .dat .dff .col .fce .geo .gp4 .vht .fff .mod .mts .pkg .prm .psd .smf .vrl .xo and .p3d

Hellhound. It's not clear which sim you're working with. Gmax is free & will import 3DS, DXF & SHP formats. It will export in MDL format via the appropriate FS Gamepack.

PS. There is no FSDS demo.

oh, sorry. i need the FSModelExp.dll, which comes with pro eddition of flight simulator 2002

and if anyone sends it to you it will be an illegal act... your best bet is to hook up with someone to finish up and convert the models.

oh, sorry. i need the FSModelExp.dll, which comes with pro eddition of flight simulator 2002

i know. does anyone know where i can get a converter from any of these to flight simulator .mdl files? and not makemdl, that never works.
.3ds .4ds .bin .c3d .dat .dff .col .fce .geo .gp4 .vht .fff .mod .mts .pkg .prm .psd .smf .vrl .xo and .p3d

anyone? i need help