How to open LOD models ?

[R102Delphinus 153]

Hi I recently got 3D MAX 2009 32bit and I want open those LOD files but I realized that MAX doesn't support the LOD format is there some sort of a plugin or something to make open them ? or do I need some sort of a converter ? and if with a converter how can I do that ? 

Many thanks in advance

[Wrench 9,471]

once they're exported, that's it. they're done.

[Peugeot205 2,745]

You can't. As wrench says once they are exported from a 3D max file you can not touch them unless you have the 3D max file.

[+Florian 394]

The LOD format is a one way ticket. It is created with a plugin (put into the plugin folder in 3ds max) out of 3ds max. But you cannot open the LOD file. It´s only useable in TW games.

Main reason is the copyright protection. The Models are created by the owner and therefor his property.

[R102Delphinus 153]

Hmm I see thanks for the reply then I just wanted to make modifications as some sort of a training :P thanks for the replies anyways.

[+russouk2004 6,951]

what model you thinking of looking at?...you need one to see how they are made for game ?

[R102Delphinus 153]

what model you thinking of looking at?...you need one to see how they are made for game ?

I am thinking of modifying the SU-15TM cockpit the blue reskinned one making it fit for the MiG-23 well sort of, I am planing to actually make a 3D model of a MiG-23MLD cockpit but I want to learn how to 3D model first :P I know I know that the hud radar cannot be implemented here but I want to try :P lol

[+russouk2004 6,951]

ahhh ok...im sure cockpit guys will help

[+SupGen 78]

I am thinking of modifying the SU-15TM cockpit the blue reskinned one making it fit for the MiG-23 well sort of, I am planing to actually make a 3D model of a MiG-23MLD cockpit but I want to learn how to 3D model first :P I know I know that the hud radar cannot be implemented here but I want to try :P lol

Take a look at this: http://combatace.com/topic/72591-strike-fighters-2-screenshots/page-152?do=findComment&comment=645312

[+Stary 2,426]

I am thinking of modifying the SU-15TM cockpit the blue reskinned one making it fit for the MiG-23 well sort of, I am planing to actually make a 3D model of a MiG-23MLD cockpit but I want to learn how to 3D model first :P I know I know that the hud radar cannot be implemented here but I want to try :P lol

 

actually I am testing HUD projected radar at the moment Il2CF

 

as for making cockpits -it really isn't walk in the park, trust me, I work on 23 BN one for almost a year

[+76.IAP-Blackbird 3,545]

Stary is the soviet cockpit guru here, I have tried it, but that`s not my peace of cake to be honest. If you want to have a source file created by a CA member, you can ask for it. So you can take a look at it and practice.

 

I did it myself, I asked alot and still have many questions... But that helped me and I think some people now are awaiting our work.

 

If you want to work on something, I would suggest, ask the comunity if there is already a WIP.

 

welcome on board

[Wilches 1,156]

Try the latest "3D Object Converter" wich open all OLD LODs(pre SFP2) objects.

[Wrench 9,471]

oh really???

 

sounds like an advocation for piracy to me ... we banned an entire mod group for that very same thing.

 

tread carefully -- things like that; even the suggestion thereof, don't fly well here

[Icarus999 70]

I think if you used that program to edit objects for your own personal use you would be ok, but sharing the files would be a no no.

[Wilches 1,156]

Try the latest "3D Object Converter" wich open all OLD LODs(pre SFP2) objects.

Only opens - no way to mod.

[+Stary 2,426]

touchy subject Wilches, I'd share your knowledge more carefully if I were you.

 

as Kevin said Insky was kicked out of here for the very same reason, albeit they also ripped some 3rd party models IIRC

[R102Delphinus 153]

I think if you used that program to edit objects for your own personal use you would be ok, but sharing the files would be a no no.

And thats what I do :P I did plenty of personal mods for this game all of them are INI mods haha =D  

 

Anyway I just have plenty of free time and because of that I want to learn something new so thats why I picked 3D modelling :P I will be really grateful if you guys showed me proper links and tell me what should I do first as an Beginner :P

[+russouk2004 6,951]

Ive seen this tool and it wont open LOD level 1 and lower lods it will open them but only bits and as one horrid mesh...we are safe i think..

[+76.IAP-Blackbird 3,545]

Better to start with a source file from a modder to see how it is put together and the different parts are linked to each other.

 

Look out for modeling tutorials at Youtube and other sides

[+logan4 845]

Well beside youtube, you can check out Mustang's tutorials (1-12) here on CA to start with, they are very good entry level videos, specifically for SF series. Since you have 3ds2k9 some of the converting parts will not apply as the vids were made with Gmax, you can use the TW exporter to directly export your model. I'm sure many of us used these as baby steps too.

http://combatace.com/files/file/5036-mustang-tutorial-1-creating-3-views/

http://combatace.com/files/file/5038-mustang-tutorial-2-importing-3-views/

http://combatace.com/files/file/5039-mustang-tutorial-3-creating-the-fuselage/

http://combatace.com/files/file/5040-mustang-tutorial-4-cutting-objects/

http://combatace.com/files/file/5041-mustang-tutorial-5-the-wing/

http://combatace.com/files/file/5042-mustang-tutorial-6-the-rudder/

http://combatace.com/files/file/5044-mustang-tutorial-7-cutting-the-canopy/

http://combatace.com/files/file/5046-mustang-tutorial-8-animations/

http://combatace.com/files/file/5048-mustang-tutorial-9-assigning-key-controllers/

http://combatace.com/files/file/5049-mustang-tutorial-10-unwrapping/

http://combatace.com/files/file/5054-mustang-tutorial-11-installing-tw-plug-in/

http://combatace.com/files/file/5055-mustang-tutorial-12-converting-gmax-models/

 

Also a good and must plugin for you if you want to make a complete work is the min-max extent plugin:

http://combatace.com/files/file/10253-min-max-extents/

 

Check the Utilities and Editors section of SF1/SF2 downloads, plus read through the SF1/SF2 knowledge base and modding threads, there are plenty of useful information.

[R102Delphinus 153]

Thank you all for feedback ! Gonna start after I finish my university exams :P because after that the free time will come =D

Edited December 2, 2013 by il2crazyfan