This is the newest version of the LODViewer.
New features:
-decal support
-display of collision and pivot points
-added transparency and wireframe display mode
-user definable background color
-view manipulation via keyboard
-64 bit application
-uses the OpenSceneGraph library and Qt 5.9.5
 
Install instructions:
Extract the content of the zip package to a convenient location.
The LODViewer depends on the Microsoft Visual Studio 2017 C++ libraries. If not already installed on the computer (e.g. by other applications) it has to be installed by running vcredist_x64.exe (you can find it in the redist subfolder of this package).
 
Have fun! And report bugs
Update 29.03.2025: I think it's best for the community if my tools are freely downloadable for everyone. External download link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/a4ah52r9gb2cm3rwhi3iz/LODViewer-0.6.3.zip?rlkey=e1l9jlvagiroyoc88xy5jahr3&st=si329dc9&dl=0
Mue

I tried to implement the exporter only based on the information I found by investigating LOD files. I'm not a 3D Modeler myself. I only tested the exporter with rather simple object (hierarchies).
The bottom line is that I have no idea if the exporter works for you. So please give feedback.
Note: This plugin requires blender version 2.78 or 2.79. It is not compatible with blender versions 2.8+.
1.) Installation
Open the Blender User Preferences - Add-ons Tab
(File -> User Preferences... -> Add-Ons)
Click "Install from File..."
Browse to and select the exporter python script "io_export_sf2_lod.py"
Click "Install from File..." (or double click on the script name)
In the Add-Ons Tab under Supported Level select Testing and enable "Import-Export: Strike Fighters 2 LOD Exporter"
The LOD exporter is now installed and enabled. Under File -> Export you should see the menu item "Strike Fighters 2 LOD (.lod)". It's greyed out until an exportable object is selected.
2.) Usage
Select the object you want to export and click File -> Export -> Strike Fighters 2 LOD (.lod)
The file browser opens. In the lower left area you see the LOD exporter options:
-enable/disable writing the out file (text file with information about the exported object(s)).
-enable/disable animation export
-allow decals:
    This option is similar to the option in the original TW-Exporter: "Exporting using AllowDecals=0 causes the vertex to be shared, so it can reduce the size of the .LOD but also causes decals to "bleed" along the edges."
    This dialog setting is used as default for all objects to be exported. However, it can be overwritten by each individual object via the custom object property "AllowDecals" = 0(false) or 1(true)
The selected object and all child objects are exported.
Two custom object properties are supported by the exporter:
    -AllowDecals = 0 or 1, This option is similar to the option in the original TW-Exporter: "Exporting using AllowDecals=0 causes the vertex to be shared, so it can reduce the size of the .LOD but also causes decals to "bleed" along the edges."
    -UseFlatNormal = 0 or 1, if set to 1 then all vertex normals are pointing straight up (normal = (0,0,1)) in the objects local coordinate system.
Please note!
 
The objects must meet the following requirements:
-No scaling in the Transform Properties allowed (that means: scale x = y = z = 1.0). If your object has scaling, it should be applied to the mesh (Ctrl-A)
 Scaling is only allowed for animations.
-A material must be assigned to the object. Only the first material of an object is exported.
The following material parameters are exported:
    -Diffuse Color (the lod file format also contains ambient color. Currently the exporter set ambient color = diffuse color)
    -Specular Color
    -Specular Intensity
    -Specular Hardness (I think in 3ds Max it's called glossiness)
    -if "Shading -> Emit" > 0.0 then self illumination is enabled
    -Transparency (if transparency is enabled, then the object doesn't cast and doesn't catch shadow. if transparency is disabled, then the object cast and catch shadow. The specific LOD format version the exporter writes, doesn't support arbitrary cast/catch shadow combinations. The other LOD formats I don't understand enough (yet). Sorry!)
    -Alpha
    -Mirror Reflectivity
    -Diffuse texture image name (as diffuse texture the exporter uses the texture where "Influence -> Diffuse -> Color" is enabled)
    -Normal map texture image name("Influence -> Geometry -> Normal" is enabled and the Normal value is also exported)
    -Specular map texture image name("Influence -> Specular -> Intensity" is enabled)
    -Normal and specular map can only be used together with a diffuse map. (If I exported a normal or specular map without diffuse map, then the LOD wasn't shown in the game or the game crashed. I don't know why...)
    
Animation Export:
    
    This exporter supports the following object animation types: location, rotation and scaling.
    Frames 10, 20, 30, ..., 100 are exported as animation 1
    Frames 110, 120, 130, ..., 200 are exported as animation 2, ...

3.)Credits:
Thanks to logan4 and angelp who provided me with specific lod files that helped me to understand the lod file format better.

4.)Changelog:
Version 0.1:
-initial release
Version 0.2:
-bugfix: didn't work in blender version 0.79
Version 0.3:
-animation support
-added custom object properties: "AllowDecals" and "UseFlatNormal"
Update 29.03.2025: I think it's best for the community if my tools are freely downloadable for everyone. External download link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/71mc5oztx01xer7m2eq71/io_export_sf2_lod.py?rlkey=aid9klb0azyfu5tm2t7a3q7pc&st=n60cb7n0&dl=0

After nearly 6 years since my proof of concept experiments with the TOD files I'm ready to release a first version of the TODEditor (could almost be a nominee for the Duke Nukem Forever Award ).
Main Features:
Easy editing of TOD files: cut/copy/paste, moving and rotating of objects Import of object models files: *.lod, *.obj or *.3ds  
Warning:
Use at your own risk. The TODEditor is currently in an early beta stage and can contain serious bugs. So, please backup your terrain files before you work with the TODEditor. I have warned you!
The program is free for whatever use (commercial or personal).
Installation:
Extract the content of the zip package to a convenient location.
The TODEditor depends on the Microsoft Visual Studio 2019 C++ libraries. If not already installed on the computer (e.g. by other applications) they have to be installed by running vcredist_x64.exe (you can find it in the redist subfolder of this package).
Start the program by double click the todeditor.exe.
For further information see TODEditor_readme.txt.
Update 29.03.2025: I think it's best for the community if my tools are freely downloadable for everyone. External download link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5m8zr6odggwn5aivevv4v/TODEditor_V0.1.2.zip?rlkey=0togau4znjxrjyw4arvn19itg&st=87b65uok&dl=0
Mue

SF2 North Cape Terrain Revamp            5/15/23
== For SF2, any and all, but designed with SF2:E in mind ==
*Please note, if you have the original, I suggest backing it up, simply for safety's sake. It will also archive it, for historical purposes.*
This is a revamp of the North Cape terrain by Baltika. It has gone through a somewhat large rebuild, mostly to clean up and add "eye candy" to the airports and some of the other military targets. It still remains in the single 'winter' season. Ports have been upgraded with buildings, docked ships and other martime goodies. The movement ini has also been modified, with additional and/or re-routed routes. It should be noted, this is =NOT= a NavalMap, so don't expect any carrier action. Limited Nations is also "TRUE", using the Usual Suspects (tm).
I've supplied a great number of GroundObjects, but you'll want to double check them after unzipping, to make sure you have everything before installing. Meaning: not everything has been supplied. Ground defenses (AAA & SAMs) use the generic tags (SAMLauncher, SAMRadar, etc), so there should be no problems with the GameEngine (tm) using what's in you Mods Folders.
As is always reccomended, unzip to a temp folder or your desktop to give easy access to the rest of this readme for it's install instructions. PLEASE READ THEM!!!
Good Hunting!
Wrench
Kevin Stein

== Remember, you MUST have an active subscription here at CA to download this package ==
 

Future Tigers: 23rd Fighter Group F-35As    
while placed in the "what if" section in 2025, the gist of this mod will become a reality as the
23rd FG at Moody AFB, Georgia is slated to recieve F-35s by 2029. The serials assigned are not known
at this time, nor are the final markings. This is a SWAG attempt at predicting how the Flying Tigers
will look once they go low observable.    
            Included
skins and decals for the 74th and 75th Fighter Squadrons of the 23rd Fighter Group,
as well as the 76th Fighter Squadron of the 476th Fighter Group    
            Required
F-35A from kblomkvist's F-35 Redux pack, found here
            Installation
install all components of required aircraft components (aircraft, decals, effects, sounds, weapons etc)
after installing required aircraft to desired mod folder, add contents of
 " 2 mod folder" to same mod folder.

            Credits
kblomkvist             reworked templates used to create this pack
daddyairplanes     new skin markings and tgas, decal ini edits, research
*************************************************************
Thank you for downloading this mod and I hope you enjoy it
daddyairplanes
aka Kevin Unruh
18 Mar 2025

*************************************************************
This is freeware; it CANNOT be distributed unless permissions are granted by myself.
The original readmes, if any, and all other pieces of the package MUST remain intact.
The names of all contributors, modders, suppliers, etc =MUST= be listed in any new readmes.
This package and any part of it may NOT in any way, shape, or form be used in any payware additions.
See the original readme documentation, if any, for further allowances and restrictions
Any persons wishing to make further modifications, contact me first.
Any persons wishing to make further modifications MUST remember to put everyone's name in it.
*************************************************************
THIS AIRCRAFT MOD OR ANY PART OF IT MUST NOT BE HOSTED OR
POSTED FOR DOWNLOAD ON ANY OTHER WEBSITE WITHOUT MY EXPRESS
PERMISSION, OR USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE THAN THIRDWIRE FLIGHT
SIMULATORS, AND MUST NOT BE SOLD OR OFFERED FOR SALE BY ITSELF
OR WITH ANY OTHER FILES OR MODS.
*************************************************************
 

482nd Tactical Fighter Wing Phantoms
this mod features skins for the 93rd TFS "Florida Makos" (FM) and the 89th TFS "Rhinos (DO). both squadrons were a part of the Air Force Reserve's
482nd TFW throughout the 1980s. there are skins for the F-4D_78 version, as well as a F-4C_67 skin for the 93rd, the only Reserve unit to operate the C model Phantom.
finally, i have added ravenclaws excellent new pit mod and updated the skins and inis to accomodate it.
            Included
F-4C_67 SEA skin for the 93rd TFS
F-4D_78 Skins for both squadrons representing each of the major camo schemes
new pit for F-4D_78 and accompanying ini edits
J79 exhaust effects for smokier flights
            Required
original stock SF2 Europe for F-4D_78 aircraft
            Credits
Thirdwire            original F-4D_78 model, F-4C_67 aircraft
ravenclaw_007            new F-4D_78 pit and data ini edits
daddyairplanes            research, new skins and decals
cSomers611, nightshadeP/R     test team
templates for skins a mix of Sundowner, ravenclaw_007, yakarov79 and daddyairplane layers
        Instructions
unzip, unload contents of "2 Mod folder" into mod folder of your choice. allow overwrites if needed

i hope you enjoy this mod as much as i enjoyed creating it
Kevin Unruh
aka daddyairplanes
16 February 2025
 
*************************************************************
This is freeware; it CANNOT be distributed unless permissions are granted by myself.
The original readmes, if any, and all other pieces of the package MUST remain intact.
The names of all contributors, modders, suppliers, etc =MUST= be listed in any new readmes.
This package and any part of it may NOT in any way, shape, or form be used in any payware additions.
See the original readme documentation, if any, for further allowances and restrictions
Any persons wishing to make further modifications, contact me first.
Any persons wishing to make further modifications MUST remember to put everyone's name in it.
*************************************************************
THIS AIRCRAFT MOD OR ANY PART OF IT MUST NOT BE HOSTED OR
POSTED FOR DOWNLOAD ON ANY OTHER WEBSITE WITHOUT MY EXPRESS
PERMISSION, OR USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE THAN THIRDWIRE FLIGHT
SIMULATORS, AND MUST NOT BE SOLD OR OFFERED FOR SALE BY ITSELF
OR WITH ANY OTHER FILES OR MODS.
*************************************************************
 

F-4Ds of the 474th TFW and 507th TFG REDUX
this mod revisits one of the oldest Phantom skinpacks in the Combatace archives. but it now features historic serials, more details and kill marks, nose door art and leader birds as applicable
            Included
Skins for the 428th, 429th, 430th TFSs as they were in 1979 (SEA with subdued markings)
Skins for the 465th TFS representing each of the major camo schemes
J79 exhaust effects for smokier flights
            Required
original stock SF2 Europe for F-4D_78 aircraft
            Credits
Thirdwire        original F-4D_78 model
ravenclaw_007        new F-4D_78 pit and data ini edits
daddyairplanes        research, new skins and decals
templates for skins a mix of Sundowner, ravenclaw_007, yakarov79 and daddyairplane layers
        Instructions
unzip, unload contents of "2 Mod folder" into mod folder of your choice. allow overwrites if needed

i hope you enjoy this mod as much as i enjoyed creating it
Kevin Unruh
aka daddyairplanes
16 February 2025
 
*************************************************************
This is freeware; it CANNOT be distributed unless permissions are granted by myself.
The original readmes, if any, and all other pieces of the package MUST remain intact.
The names of all contributors, modders, suppliers, etc =MUST= be listed in any new readmes.
This package and any part of it may NOT in any way, shape, or form be used in any payware additions.
See the original readme documentation, if any, for further allowances and restrictions
Any persons wishing to make further modifications, contact me first.
Any persons wishing to make further modifications MUST remember to put everyone's name in it.
*************************************************************
THIS AIRCRAFT MOD OR ANY PART OF IT MUST NOT BE HOSTED OR
POSTED FOR DOWNLOAD ON ANY OTHER WEBSITE WITHOUT MY EXPRESS
PERMISSION, OR USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE THAN THIRDWIRE FLIGHT
SIMULATORS, AND MUST NOT BE SOLD OR OFFERED FOR SALE BY ITSELF
OR WITH ANY OTHER FILES OR MODS.
*************************************************************
 

Outlaws and SPADS: F-4D Reservists in the Lone Star State
this mod represents the 457th and 704th TFSs of the Air Force Reserve during their F-4D era. The two units flew both regular fighters and ones that had been
upgraded with the ARN-92 LORAN navigation system, with its distinctive "towel bar" antennae on the spine. The 457th was a primarily LORAN outfit with only a
few regular aircraft while the 704th was more evenly mixed (even removing some of the ARN-92 systems prior to retirement).
            Included
F-4D_78 aircraft folder and F-4D_LORAN_78 complete aircraft
F-4D_78 Skins for both squadrons representing each of the major camo schemes. textures are teh same for both aircraft, but the decals used are different
new pit for F-4D_78 and accompanying ini edits
J79 exhaust effects for smokier flights
            Required
original stock SF2 Europe
            Credits
Thirdwire                      original F-4D_78 model
mppd                             LORAN towel bar fake pilot object
Wrench                         original conversion of F-4D_LORAN to SF2 standards
ravenclaw_007            new F-4D_78 pit and data ini edits
daddyairplanes            research, new skins and decals
cSomers611, nightshadeP/R     test team
templates for skins a mix of Sundowner, ravenclaw_007, yakarov79 and daddyairplane layers
        Instructions
unzip, unload contents of "2 Mod folder" into mod folder of your choice. allow overwrites if needed

i hope you enjoy this mod as much as i enjoyed creating it
Kevin Unruh
aka daddyairplanes
16 February 2025
 
*************************************************************
This is freeware; it CANNOT be distributed unless permissions are granted by myself.
The original readmes, if any, and all other pieces of the package MUST remain intact.
The names of all contributors, modders, suppliers, etc =MUST= be listed in any new readmes.
This package and any part of it may NOT in any way, shape, or form be used in any payware additions.
See the original readme documentation, if any, for further allowances and restrictions
Any persons wishing to make further modifications, contact me first.
Any persons wishing to make further modifications MUST remember to put everyone's name in it.
*************************************************************
THIS AIRCRAFT MOD OR ANY PART OF IT MUST NOT BE HOSTED OR
POSTED FOR DOWNLOAD ON ANY OTHER WEBSITE WITHOUT MY EXPRESS
PERMISSION, OR USED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE THAN THIRDWIRE FLIGHT
SIMULATORS, AND MUST NOT BE SOLD OR OFFERED FOR SALE BY ITSELF
OR WITH ANY OTHER FILES OR MODS.
*************************************************************