3DZ Modelling and RS sequence (limited)

[MarkEAW]

What can experienced users tell me about EAW 3DZ modelling, RS and tools?

I'm not trying to build anything specific and I don't have a whole lot of time to learn, But highlights would be favorable.

Like I know for EAWv1.2 there are specific programs used. I think I have them all. Unfortunately some are DOS , some are WindowsOS usage.
I know you plan out the model before you begin using the 3DZ Studio program (which one is best?)
How would I keep the RS in check as I add to the model?
etc..

 

Thank you in advanced for the help and tips.

 

[MarkEAW]

If no one can provide details, can someone provide these tutorials:
These should help me out alot in learning.

-Shreck's 3dz Studio tutorial

-Chompy's RS tutorial

-Gurney's RS (BSP) Tutorial

-RS pseudocode from MPS developer

-Moggy's manual RS adjustment method

-Crashin' Jack's 3dz tutorial

Thank You in advance.

[MarkEAW]

I'm still working on the 3DZ Modeling Help Doc I have made much progress, however I have not received much recent help besides a bunch from EAWPRO developer , VBH.
All other information is coming from old threads and old web sites.
I do have some notes and small tutorials but none of the ones listed above.

I will only get so far with the help doc and then I will eventually need to get more info or questions answered before the rewritten edited text will possibly come to a halt.

I'm eager to complete this document as it will help new modelers or hopefully existing ones as well.

 

[MarkEAW]

I have made much progress on this help doc. However, If anyone is waiting for me to complete it, please don't wait to long as I have taken a break from it.

I have to learn the software provided to fill out steps and notes about the 3DZ Studio program.

Do I think the doc will got into very complicated stuff?,  perhaps a slite step in that direction, but the information out there is complcated to decipher at this point. I need to find time to learn.

 

 

[MarkEAW]

Well I still wait for help with this 3DZ modeling doc, here is the mess I have now. I pretty much ran out of time to indulge and it got to complicated for little o-me.

https://eaw.neocities.org/model-making.html

EDIT:

(Still in need of help, however I've heard the RS explanation and use is ridiculously hard)

 

Edited July 13, 2023 by MarkEAW

[MarkEAW]

I really want to explore finishing or at least updating this help document. So any help after looking at the my help doc and the current posts above, would be appreciated. I know, its old technology and an old topic but still think some more work needs to be done. I'd even be interested in someone co-editing this help document, since I am virtual in experienced with the modeling process.

Help was openly offered at the SimHQ EAW Forum, but when I asked soon after, I never got a reply. I even think I posted some information or questions and instructing the user where to find my current progress on the help doc.

Anyhow that fell through, and actually I think was a long time ago, 4 or more years. :)

 

Edited April 24 by MarkEAW
co-writer/editor request!

[VonBeerhofen]

Learning 3DZ modelling needs a hands on approach and like anyone else who've mastered some of the arts, like Col. Gibbon or Rotton and others, you have to start building objects with the modelling package I send you long ago and start  experimenting. If you have learned the tools in the package you can start gathering information about the R/S from the 3D modelling websites and from using other (free) 3D modelling programs. I've learned from a few fun programs like FSDS2, Blender and a few other programs, which ofcourse I had to learn too and I gathered what information I could find. After messing for 10+ years with all available programs in the package and working with my friend Mr Johnson on figuring things out we slowly learned how things worked by using spread sheets. Sadly Mr.Johnson was dismissed  so I learned how to use the R/S after generating manually created R/S for app. 100+ polygons but started with seemingly easy models first, like my pyramid and church. Their creation alone took about 5 years and I spend almost every day experimenting with those to try and expand my knowledge. It"s like building cars from scratch, if you don't start building all you will have is an engine, frame, wheels and a bunch of useless tools. I told you before, there are no short cuts, sorry!

VonBeerhofen

[MarkEAW]

I have played around with the tools and practices of modeling with the provided package, and beyond as I found other tools as well. Even a few I think you disregarded, updates to the 3dz modeling program for example. I don't remember the specifics, but there was a later version, updated by one, that cured a few bugs that you workaround with the older modeling program. Anyhow that doesn't matter. I lost track with the tools, its been a few years since I worked with them, such as archiving, noting etc.......

It was Rotton that had some knowledge, but backed out, never replied to me....unfortunately Col. Gibbon had health issues, but he was able to get his files to me before it got super bad, some updated tools that where on the web shortly or whatever.....However, I'll let it go, for now, again unless help arrives ;) Its beyond me to do this alone.

[VonBeerhofen]

No shame in that Mark. I recall one of the Microprose modellers mention how they themselves were struggling with it and being under a deadline for a release got pretty stressed out too.

VonBeerhofen

[MarkEAW]

Your referring to the old tool version workarounds?, yup, no shame, just pointing it out.

[VonBeerhofen]

I referred to 'Its beyond me to do this alone'. This guy from Microprose indicated they had as much problems figuring out how to get the models working from scratch and that it took them a very long time to build them. It's not any different for me.

VonBeerhofen

[MarkEAW]

oh, that. Yeah I have no shame, I'm more or less saying even though a lot of technical stuff comes sorta easy for me at times, this is an other area that's not racking my brain.

Its a projected I was close to being able to do, up to a certain point, but the "short cut" is to have an experienced modeler edit and write up some new text. I'm a believer this can be documented correctly once and for all.

I also think once its documented that it can be improved either through programming of the tools or game.....But documenting the methods and therefore the flaws needs to be done first to improve anything.

A well, life's a bitch sometimes. :)