Simviation Forums

From Hugh Shoult's : Posted elsewhere:
I've done a big update to my Tutorial--The Stupid Idiots' Guide to starting with gMax--in the last few weeks. Just thought I'd let everyone know. Let me know if you find any mistakes!

http://www.simviation.com/gryphon/tutorials/gMax_00.htm

Thanks to everyone here who's helped!

Hugh

Wow thanks, I got pretty much all I need to start my MiG-27K, time to open up the old GMAX.

gret for stupid idiots like me....!!


cheers

I am a stupid idiot to Gmax Duhhhhhh

Hi Felix,
let me know if you ever get a version for REALLY stupid idiots with zilch art talent. I used to have negative art talent (on a scale of 1 to 10 I was -2), but I actually skinned a few things for MSTS, so I am up to zero now.
Bob

I'm not sure if I fully qualify to be an 'idiot' since this tutorial is still a bit over my head  ;D

Seriously it's a great tutorial.. the only problems I have is when you say I need to do something I have to figure out what damn button to push in gmax to do it. Then afer pushing the wrong buttons I end up having to create a new file and start all over again because I've screwed everything up. Then repeat until I find what I have to push. Heh, I thought flash mx was confusing  ::)

This is cool though. I appreciate it that you took the time to write the tutorial. Thanks.

[quote]I'm not sure if I fully qualify to be an 'idiot' since this tutorial is still a bit over my head

yea, you should make a stupid idiot's guide to painting... i have no idea what it meant (but then again, i have never really liked reading instructions)

I must be really dumb, because I thought the SIG to gMax was beyond me as well.

Also, I was a bit intimidated by one of the opening lines of "I'm going to assume you have some familiarity with designing, but have never used gMax, 3d Studio, or 3D Max..."

What about those of us who have no experience in a/c design?  Is there something for morons like  us?

[quote]
What about those of us who have no experience in a/c design?

Oh I've been through tons of tutorials.  None of them seemed to cater to the entry level crowd.  (None that I could find anyway.)

I did, however, successfully make an animated landing gear once.  lol

Not true. I came into Gmax cold , and built a jet solely from reading tutorials like this one. As a matter of fact, if this one had been around at that time it would have taken me half the time and would have looked much better. Still it ain't bad. Search for "ampjet" on any of the sites. It has a panel, VC, all moving parts, reflective textures, float points, and opening doors. All done by reading tutorials. She aint the prettiest thing on the block, but she's not bad for a first project.
   The trick is to plan the thing first. Then decide which part to make first and find a tutorial for that. When that's complete, move on to the next thing and find a tutorial for that...ect... . Don't try to learn how to build an entire plane before you build it because your brain will explode!  
    Here's the best part. When you finally get the project completed you will know how to build a complete plane! Also, take notes as you go so you will have a reference on all of the harder procedures.
    Hope this helps ya out.
                                       John

But what resources are needed?  See what I mean?  To me, an Idiot's guide, regardless of the subject material, should include the very basic things.  Things like what 3-views are (I know, but some don't), where to find them, how to use them in the program, etc....

None of them seemed to cater to the entry level crowd

Exactly

I havent actually done the SIG tutorial so i have nothing against it.

But i agree with Hyperion, tutorials are often written by people who have forgotten how hard it is for a begginer, and unwittingly assume you know where to find things or know what something means.

Having said that, i do admire the time people put in to tutorials and thank them for that

Cheers
forfun

Begin at the beginning and take it one thing at a time.

Get gmax installed, learn the product basics, do the tutorials in gmax.  These introduce you to the basic tools.  Use the gmax Help to understand terms and processes.

Once through the tutorials, you have enough exposure to take on the SIG.

There is no rushing the learning process.  You master it one step at a time just like any major project, like building a house.  There are lots of tools, lots of disciplines, trades, and you take each one as they come.

Think of it as a journey, not a trip to the convenience store.  Each milestone is an accomplishment, a reward, and when you get to the destination, you will be a different person, more knowledgeable, more confident, and now, a contributor of aircraft or scenery.

There are many who went before you, without the SIG or other nice tutorials.  They did it.  You can do it. :-)

You have gmax, the first major tool.  Get started on the built in tutorials.  Give yourself 30-45 days just doing that.  The investment pays off through the rest of the journey.

Good luck; have fun. :-)