An odd request, but I need it

[SAVAGExPHOENIX 955]

Okay, so I am experienced modeler, but no matter what I do, my 3ds exporter just flat doesn't work. models either come out distorted, cut off, or just plain not there.

So, is anyone willing to make a couple of my models into props or buildings? I have two that are pretty urgent. One is fairly large, and the other is meant to fit on a 2x2 file.. I use max 2011, so you'll need 2010 or higher to do it.

If anyone is willing, it would be amazing! just the SC4 model file will work. I can do the rest. I'll PM the model if anyone can help.

[harishna 847]

Experienced modeler? I just love how ppl give them self titles...and why is it so urgent? are you working for a private firm and you got a deadline?

I am not a expert modeler, however, I will can help you with your problem(s):

Start by showing a few pictures of the problem(s) it would be easier to give you advice...

are you using BAT4MAXv5 for your renders and exports?

Sorry to be so blunt but I don't see the need to pretentious when asking for help.

[SAVAGExPHOENIX 955]

Sorry, I wasn't too specific. When I export, they render fine. I'm not really sure where the problem is. the LOD's are created (I think), and they show up in the plug-in manager, but they're oddly undersized in filesize and very obviously distorted.

And no, they aren't for a "private firm", and I am in no way being pretentious, and there's no need to be a smarta** about it. I've been modeling for several years, and like to think I'm actually fairly good at it. My problems are ongoing, and so far nobody has been able to pinpoint it. I posted in the BAT4MAX thread, but the first time I asked, my post was ignored, and the second, the fix didn't work which perplexed users. So I am now asking for assistance.

As for the models I need help with, they're for a critical upcoming update in m CJ. One is the Queen's Palace and the other is her personal transport (A modified Halo Pelican). Here are pictures of what I would like made into usable SC4 models. They're actually pretty simple in terms of modeling, and by far not my most complex, but as I need them for my next update, they're "urgent".

At zoom 3

At zoom 2

[harishna 847]

I never doubt you were a good modeler it is just the attitude. Just imagine Michael Jordan walking into a sport shop saying "I am expert basketball player, however, I am not able to inflate this ball so I need you to do it for me and fast".

I don't quite follow what you mean by the LODs are created and they show up in the plug in manager.

Do you mean the model? and are you talking about the Plug-in manager or the Lot editor? the size for the LODs is usually tiny while the size of the exported model will depend on your export e.g. HD vs SD, size of model, and I am not sure but maybe also on the complexity of the model/textures.

I think your description of the problem is inaccurate and loose, so could you try to be even more specific?

When you import the LODs to gmax you are making sure the "convert units" box is un-checked right?

Nice looking models...however, I think you have an issue with your scale, at zoom 2 a ship like that should look tiny unless it is huge...and I really mean HUGE, the palace seems to be fine, just needs a bit more work with the textures..

Can you provide a picture of the exported models when you open them in the lot editor?

  Edited November 26, 2011 by harishna  

[gutterclub 2,729]

Just imagine Michael Jordan walking into a sport shop saying "I am expert basketball player, however, I am not able to inflate this ball so I need you to do it for me and fast".

hahaha, this has to be one of the best analogies i've ever seen.

Harishna is right though, the best way to describe anything is screen shots. I think it mat be to do with not unchecking convert units option in gmax..

[SAVAGExPHOENIX 955]

Again, sorry about the vagueness of my posts. I'm having difficulty pinpointing where the problem is. I sometimes get effects like THIS where they're distorted/the wrong size, or when I go to place them in Lot Editor, it's just a tiny invisible box.

Also, As for scale, I always considered zoom 1 as the closest, not the farthest, so that's on me. Zoom 2 is actually Zoom 4

Here's what I quoted in the BAT4MAX thread.

I've followed all instructions to the teeth. But when I go to open my building in lot editor, at certain zooms, it's completely distorted, and then when I zoom in, at certain directions, it's either completely invisible or only a small portion of the structure is visible.. Plus, it's LOD size dimensions are messed up pretty bad. The first time, when I imported into GMAX, I kept units. (one grid square in 3DS is 16 meters), but the LOD was insanely tiny. The second time, I edited units a bit in 3ds to 1 UNIT (not grid square) is 16 meters, and the LOD was still way off in size, BUT what tiny portion of the building that is visible is in the correct scale. It's odd. The entire structure should be about 14 tiles wide and 9 from front to back :/

[screenshot]

[harishna 847]

I am not sure what exactly is the problem however I can think of a few simple things to check.

First make sure you are using metric units to model things and then, as I mentioned in my previous post, when you import your LOD's make sure to un-check the "convert units" box.

You have to also be consistent with things if you import your model using HD you have to do it in 3ds max and gmax.

The LODs obviously have to cover the whole model.

Also it is recommended not to save the model when prompt while exporting.

This things sound trivial, however sometimes that is all it takes to fix things.

  Edited November 26, 2011 by harishna  

[emperordaniel 1,281]

Just out of curiosity, are you going to upload those things to the STEX in the future?

[Jasoncw 11,840]

Try starting max with a fresh scene, set the units to meters, make a teapot or something, and try exporting.

If it works, then merge your other model into this scene. You'll probably have to deal with scale issues. But at least at this point, you'll know that the units problem is fixed and you can just rescale your model.

[SAVAGExPHOENIX 955]

Harishna, Jasoncw: I will give your ideas a shot. Thanks for the input.

Emperordaniel: The palace yes. The pelican, no, seeing as it's not technically my work other than a recolor of the texture.

[Blueeyesman 5]

where did u find the pelican?...i need a few for my city