.MDL conversions??

[Salcidomd]

Hello simviation its been alooooong time! ok i have recently repainted a A-7 corsair II made by Rey Lopez. and i was curious about how to change the model i have FSDS V3 but am not sure how to change a .MDL if thats even possable the reason is i wanna remove and or apply Weapons loads and using his design make the Two seat, Airforce and YA-7F versions. now again i know not to change somone elses work without permission but if i am not mistaken ( i hope i am ) i was under the impression Mr. Lopez has passed so in that case where to i go for permission??

[garryrussell]

You cannot alter a compiled mode;

You need the source files.

If a devolper does pass away..it is not free to use.....the copyright passes to their heirs.

Garry

[Salcidomd]

That being the case do you or anyone know how to contact the heirs of rey lopez's A-7E corsair?? im am NOT looking to profit this is strictly for my own use i still only use FS2002 and am a Newbie to the FSDS and design spectrum.

[garryrussell]

Try his email

There may me someone checking it as some folk may not know and it just might get answered.

Garry

[BrandonF]

Ive seen so many people ask how to convert an MDL, it's not even funny!  Actually, when I started out, I asked this too. I now realize that I should have done some more research. 

[Salcidomd]

well unfortunitly i dont have his email either but ill keep lookng i cant even find where i downloaded the A-7 From hmmm i did make allot of repaints for it though
VA-46
VA-46 lovis
EDWARDS AFB COLORS
VA-113 low vis
VAQ-34
VX-5
VX5 Low vis
that model is allot of fun for me

[Wing Nut]

You know, this comes up often enough that there really ought to be a sticky about it...

[ShaneG_old]

You know, this comes up often enough that there really ought to be a sticky about it...

It's a good idea, but I'm no modeler, and wouldn't know enough of the particulars to make any sense with it.

[BrandonF]

I'll do it!

[BrandonF]

Topic posted.  8-) It's called "Converting MDL files - A Common Question."

[Salcidomd]

ok i guess maybe a nother approch what about using "clear" textures or transparent textures

[JakesF14]

ok i guess maybe a nother approch what about using "clear" textures or transparent textures

I haven't done it before, but I think Ive read somewhere that a pure green alpha channel makes the texture completely transparent.

[Fr. Bill]

ok i guess maybe a nother approch what about using "clear" textures or transparent textures

I haven't done it before, but I think Ive read somewhere that a pure green alpha channel makes the texture completely transparent.

[color=#000000]
Since Alpha channels are converted to a gray scale when converted to DXT3 .bmp or .DDS/DXT3 or .DDS/DXT5 format...

...the "pure green" is converted to "pure black" (RGB:0,0,0)

The only reason for using "pure green" is for human consumption, i.e., it's pretty tough to "see" pure black!

[BrandonF]

The reason I put in the sticky that there are no programs to convert mdl files is to discourage people from trying to use them, but I guess I could edit the post...

[Fr. Bill]

The reason I put in the sticky that there are no programs to convert mdl files is to discourage people from trying to use them, but I guess I could edit the post...

No, don't change it! Those who ask such questions wouldn't understand the "real answer" anyway, so why bother? 

They will either "move along" or attempt to learn Max/GMax/FSDS/GSU themselves, and then won't be tempted to take "shortcuts!"