Software required...

[Dan]

I have created panels and sounds etc, repainted aircraft, and edited Air files, but I still don't know anything about the 'Model' folder. What are the purpose of the files in this folder, and what can I open them with. Can I download an editor?
Cheers, Dan

[Hagar]

Hi Dan. There are usually 2 files in the Model folder. The MDL file defines the visual model of the aircraft. Model.cfg defines the MDL in use, much like an aliased panel or sound.cfg. MDL files for 3rd party aircraft are created with one of the various aircraft design (more correctly 3D modelling) programs.

There are limited ways for editing a MDL depending on what you wish to do. This can vary from simple hex editing to recognise different named textures to decompiling for manual "SCASM editing". The latter is a highly complex procedure involving the use of specialised utilities. Please remember that all MDL files are the intellectual property of the authors. They should not be modified for posting without their permission.

[Dan]

Thanks Hagar. I have a Hex editor from FS Alpha, but to me a *MDL just looks like a load of numbers. If these 'decompilers' for SCASM editing make it easier, please can you suggest one?
The modle *cfg seems simple enough. Do the colours mentioned in it change the visual model at all if they are modified?
Thanks, Dan.

[Hagar]

Hi Dan. I don't know what you have in mind or which sim this is for.

[Dan]

Sorry Hagar,
I should have said about my sim and intentions. I have CFS1, and I wanted to take first steps into visual model editing, working up to my own aircraft. Thanks a lot for your help.
Dan

[Hagar]

Hi Dan. Please don't apologise. I think aircraft design is what you're really interested in. Unfortunately, the choices are limited for CFS1. The only practical design program would be Aircraft Factory 99 (AF99) which I understand is no longer available. If you can get hold of it somewhere it's possible to download source files for existing aircraft to experiment with before creating your own aircraft. It has no backdrop feature which makes it more difficult to use than the design programs used for the later sims. You would also need Aircraft Animator to animate your projects. Check out the links from the SimV Aircraft Design section.

The alternative might be AD2000 which I have no knowledge of. http://www.actpub.com/Techdetail.html
Both are commercial programs.