FS Design Studio worth it?

[Tccmstg]

I'm new to the FS design community. just one quick question.... is FS DESIGN STUDIO worth the money?

[4_Series_Scania]

I'm new to the FS design community. just one quick question.... is FS DESIGN STUDIO worth the money?

No, absolutely not. its a complete waste of time! (IMHO!)

Not that I'm a talented re-painter (I'm not!) somebody far better qualified than me informed me of the above....
His choice is GMAX which is included in FS2004 & FS2002 Professional.

http://www.simviation.com/fsdesign_gmax.htm

http://www.microsoft.com/games/flightsimulator/fs2004_downloads_sdk.asp

http://thegreatptmd.tripod.com/


Happy Surfing!

[Tccmstg]

can you give me a list of the programs I need to make a complete aircraft thats works for Fs 2004?

[pstrany]

GMax is a good program.  It isn't exactly free, as it requires files packaged with the FlightSim in question (FS2004 or CFS3) in order to be able to create aircraft for that sim.  However, the programs needed to convert your models to work are also not without their fair share of bugs, and the process is rather complicated.  It is also a program with a very steep learning curve.

FSDS (version 2 is the latest) is a simple, elegant program that is fairly easy to learn and use.  You won't be creating any models for CFS3, but it does the job for CFS2 and FS2002/2004.  Creating a model is a few clicks; with GMax the process involves quite a few steps, each fraught with thier own problems.  And yes, FSDS costs money.  But for the simplicity and convenience, I think it is worth it.

Both programs are good in their own right, with strengths and weaknesses.  They also both have their staunch supporters  ;D

Quick note, my only association with Abacus (FSDS) or Discreet (GMax) is that I use their respective programs......


Paul

[Tccmstg]

anyone else have any input on this topic?

[Mathias]

[quote]GMax is a good program.

[Hagar]

It depends what you want to do & which sim you're designing for. Speaking as a casual designer who likes creating things for his own amusement for CFS2, FS2002 & FS9 I'm more than happy with FSDS2. It might not have all the advanced features of Gmax but as someone used to the conventional 3rd party FS design applications it was worth every penny I paid for it. I've tried hard to use Gmax & it defeats me. If I had no other options I would have missed out on the pleasure this hobby has given me over several years. I would most likely have got bored long ago & be involved in another hobby by now.

It's all a matter of preference. If you have no previous experience of 3D modelling try Gmax first.

[Tccmstg]

I have Fs 2002 and 2004 I'm really looking to design for 2004.... So FSDS up to par for 2004? or should I try Gmax.... and someone said Gmax comes with fs 2004... where do I find the install to Gmax?

[Hagar]

Try Gmax first & see how you get on with it. It will take some time to get used to so persevere with it. Look on FS9 CD-1 for the exe file to install it. I forget exactly what it's called now.

There's no point in purchasing FSDS2 right now. Unfortunately there is no free trial version & unless you're used to 3D modelling programs you would probably find it just as difficult as Gmax.

[alrot]

How about 3d

[Hagar]

Hi Alrot. I know very little about Gmax or 3DS Max. I was under the impression that 3DS Max is a commercial quality professional application & costs an awful amount of money. The point about Gmax is that it's free. It should also be easier to use than 3DS & is compatible with the FS Gamepacks.

[alrot]

Like i said Hangar It Just My Opinion,I know about Gmax tutorials and the resources for specific FS9 models aircraft design,Its a great program I just wanted to inform that Gmax it's a little son of a greater prgm.

[Hagar]

Like i said Hangar It Just My Opinion,I know about Gmax tutorials and the resources for specific FS9 models aircraft design,Its a great program I just wanted to inform that Gmax it's a little son of a greater prgm.

OK. You're entitled to your opinion. To my way of thinking Tccmstg is having problems deciding whether or not to spend $50 or so for FSDS2. He's hardly likely to be interested in paying $3,495 for 3DS Max. I just checked the price. http://estore.discreet.com/dr/v2/ec_MAIN.Entry10?CID=82679&V1=613375&PN=1&SP=10023&xid=37482&DSP=&CUR=840&PGRP=0&CACHE_ID=82679

Let's be realistic here. This might be fine if you already have it or use it for your work but I don't think it would be an option for most people. If I had that sort of money to spare I would get a new PC.

[alrot]

My god, I didn't realize how expesive it's now I have the version 4 and didn't cost us the quater part of this new price besides I only use it for the company i work for it. I'm sorry by my mistaking. You Where right Hangar

[FSEdge]

Just to echo what