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modify mdl file

PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2004 2:14 pm
by T.O
Hi all !

I was wondering if it was possible to edit and modify a .mdl file, for example to include a virtual cockpit...

Any ideas ?

Thanks

Re: modify mdl file

PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2004 2:35 pm
by SilverFox441
You need the original source code for the .mdl.

Without it, no luck.

Re: modify mdl file

PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2004 5:15 pm
by T.O
ok, thanks anyway.

Re: modify mdl file

PostPosted: Wed Jan 14, 2004 7:20 pm
by Hellhound
it's anopther reason i dislike microsoft. but just making FS balances it out ;D

Re: modify mdl file

PostPosted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 10:53 am
by d0mokun
besides editing a mdl file would be reverse engineering.
we all know that reverse engineering of work isnt liked now don't we..

which is a good reason you cant decompile a mdl file. at least others cant nick your work should they want to.

best bet is to email the original developer and ask for the source mate.

dano.

Re: modify mdl file

PostPosted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 12:54 pm
by Katahu
*.mdl files are NOT designed for reverse engineering.

However, *.msh files [mesh] are made for reverse engineering. Orbiter Space Flight Simulator uses meshes for its visual models.

*.msh files can easily be imported to Gmax by simply using the proper Maxscipt and running that scipt.

With the same Maxscript, you are also able to export it back to a *.msh file.

Just as a note, Orbiter Space Flight Simulator can be found at

http://www.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/~martins/orbit/orbit.html

So basically, whe are lucky that Microsoft never used the *.msh files for the visual models. It would have left our freeware addons volnurable to pirates who steal our work.

With the *.mdl files, it makes it almost impossible for the pirates to steal our work and sell it off without our permission.

Re: modify mdl file

PostPosted: Thu Jan 15, 2004 6:02 pm
by T.O
at least others cant nick your work should they want to.


True, true...

Then you're right Dan, i'm gonna try to contact the original developer.

By the way, the aircraft i'm talking about here is the wonderful P51-D by Roger Dial. Does anybody know how I can contact him ? (should I post a new thread about this?)