Worth Trying?

[jamesd]

Could you guys let me know if it is worth my while trying to start messing around with gmax to design some stuff of my own??
I have very little knowledge of 3D design software, but i do pick things up quite quick, however having seen some of the stuff it looks really hard, so i don't know if i would just be wasting my time.

I would be really intrested in trying some stuff out, so do you guys think it is worth the download (cause i'm on dial up ) or is it not really for the novice??

[Felix/FFDS]

First - if you have FS9, gmax is on CD-1, so you don't need to download it.

Check around your bookstores for computer and computer game magazines.  Frequently, gmax is being included on the CDs.

gmax is for the novice and the expert.  Like ANY program, it has it's learning curve.

Yes, I'm a die hard FSDS fan, but I still like to "wet my fingers" on gmax, and other programs.  Some people take to gmax easily, others, like me, struggle.

Assuming you have FS9, your main problem is exporting your gmax project into FS, since the appropriate converter has not been released yet.  You would need it from the FS2002 Pro disks.

My suggestion?  learn gmax.  DO the gmax tutorials and check out the other available tutorials.

You WILL be frustrated at times, but from the results I've seen from other new hobbysists, it's worth sticking and learning the chosen program.

[jamesd]

Ah great, i have FS2002 pro, so that should make things a bit easier, i'll go look it out on the disc.

I'll give it a shot and see how i find it, expect many, many questions

[Katahu]

Check out www.freeflightdesign.com

Also check out www.onnovanbraam.com This site has plenty of resources and tutorials that can help you get started with the more advanced tools.

You can check out the www.comet-cartoons.com website for better tutorials. However, I suggest you stay away from this site because they will assume that you have good knowledge of Gmax or its big brothers [3D Studio Max]. Besides, they usually refer the advanced tools.

[Felix/FFDS]

Ah great, i have FS2002 pro, so that should make things a bit easier, i'll go look it out on the disc.

I'll give it a shot and see how i find it, expect many, many questions

FS2002 Pro comes with gmax 1.0 ...  I'm not sure that you can actually register (which is free) 1.0 any more with discreet.  rather than download gmax, you may want to get it from a CD.

Check the sticky threads above to make sure you install the correct plugins in the right folders.

Good luck!

[Katahu]

FS9 comes with the latest version of Gmax [v1.2]. Just check disk 1.

However, it doesn't have the plugins.

[jamesd]

This is going to sound really stupid, i know it is, but what is FS9  ???

[Travis]

FS9, FS2004, FSACOF or just ACOF are all the same thing.  Latest version of MSFS.

[Felix/FFDS]

[quote]This is going to sound really stupid, i know it is, but what is FS9

[jamesd]

Ahhhh, ok, Doh! thanks for that guys, suppose if i don't ask i will never know

[Felix/FFDS]

Ahhhh, ok, Doh! thanks for that guys, suppose if i don't ask i will never know

hehe - Asking questions is what this is all about.  Take the fellow known as Ender Baron.  He started asking questions, some of which appeared to be simple.  Now, his answers to questions appearing here are not only helpful, but models to be followed.  It's immaterial whether he's becoming a prolific producer of pertinent projects, for the purposes of this podium, he's stepped upto the plate with mini-tutorials and insights.  Definitely a candidate for Inspector Poly's Peanut Gallery!