Simviation Forums

HI     I new to this site- need advice. Years ago use AF5 to build some planes. Now are new programs. AF99 an upgrade. FSDS2 also an upgrade.

Need to know should go to FSDS or FSDS2 right now?? Or AF99 best for what already know.

Does FSDS import old aircraft??  So don't have to do all over again???????

Any help is appreciated.

Hi Drakma. Aircraft Factory (AF99) was an updated version of the original BAO Flight Shop but FS Design Studio (FSDS) is a completely new program based on CAD principles. It is possible to import your old AFX source files into FSDS but this might not be the best way of doing it. In my experience it would be better to make a fresh start. For FS2002 you can either pay for FSDS or use the free Gmax as both will involve learning a completely new way of working. FSDS has only recently been updated to FSDS3 with features for FS9. I don't know if these are compatible with FS2002 but it should have the option to export into FS2002. I'm not sure if FSDS2 is still available but if you ever intend getting FS9 it might be best to go for the latest version anyway.

PS. AF99 is no longer available.

Thankyou very much. It is good to get quick answers. Thankyou.

These new cads..have work window with borders...or go edge-edge

I think I get one?

Thankyou

Aircraft Factory was always very difficult to use as it has no way of importing a plan to use as a reference. This usually involves creating the model point by point which is very time-consuming & inaccurate. I never figured out how some of those old FS designers could use it to create such beautiful & complex models of aircraft. The later 3D modelling applications are much easier to use once you're used to working in a completely different environment. There is also a great deal to learn so don't expect instant results. Good luck.

PS. My personal opinion is that if you're used to Aircraft Factory you will find FSDS slightly easier to understand than Gmax. As Gmax is free there's no harm in trying that first to see what you make of it.

I got nowhere with gmax and got even less out of FSDSv2. How yous guys do it is amazing and beyond me...

Much thank to all ---  please three more questions

1. Do FSDS make MDL without plane folder? I hate hassle AF5 always wants airplane choice.

2. Do FSDS make BGL scenery? Maybe I try that too.

3. Is used FSDS on internet? Maybe cheap?

Thank you one more time.

I got nowhere with gmax and got even less out of FSDSv2. How yous guys do it is amazing and beyond me...

Anything can become hard to understand if you keep believing it's hard. Just relax and read through all the tutorials that are available around the web. Just click on the links available in the resource section of SimV. You can also use the endless power of Google to find sites that provide good tutorials like FS Alpha.

Again, anything can become hard if you keep believing it's hard. Just put your mind into it and you'll be fine. Besides, if you ever need help, we're always here. And with a population of 19,000+ members in Simv, you're bound to get a quick response.

[quote]Much thank to all ---

Again say thank you very much for help. I look at SDK. It very interesting. It talk about -.x files. Nobody say what is -.x file.

What is -.x file? What does look like? Is assembly file? Very confusing.  Thank you.

The *.x file is a text file to Microsoft's DirectX graphics file format.  For the flightsim modeller, you don't need to concern yourself with the actual x file created (as a general statement).

basically, gmax/fsds and makemdl are independent programs.  gmax/FSDS3 create the common outpout file formatted as a direct x file that makemdl uses to compiled the final aircraft (or scenery) MDL file.

This way, you're not limited to JUST gmax or JUST FSDS3, but you can use any modelling program that can export to an x file.

Thankyou very much. Is good to learn new things.