[Krallis]

I'm getting into modding freespace 2 and I already have milkshape 3d. I was wondering if there is a way to change .m3sd files into .pof files, or if i have to get truespace. Truespace is a bit of a problem because I can't afford to spend money on modelling programs.

[Retsof]

Truespace is free.  At least version 3.somethingorother is.  I had it at one point but it confused me so I deleted it.  Then I got sketchup and realized I needed it for conversions  .

[Krallis]

Cool. So I take it i just import my .m3sd file to truespace then It'll convert it to COB then I use PCS to convert it to a .pof file. Is that about right.

[Talon 1024]

You can export 3DS from milkshape into TS3.2.  Just note that you'll have to rotate it a bit before importing.  If the front of your ship is facing the camera in the Front viewport in MS3D, you have to rotate it 90 degrees on the X axis and 90 degrees on the Z axis before exporting to 3DS.  You must export it to 3DS, otherwise, the UV coordinates will not be preserved.

I don't feel like typing in the rest of the details. 

[Herra Tohtori]

Does 3DS preserve smoothing data?

[Krallis]

Yeah one problem I don't have 3d studio max and I can't afford it.

[Talon 1024]

Yeah one problem I don't have 3d studio max and I can't afford it.

But you can export the 3DS from Milkshape. 

Does 3DS preserve smoothing data?

No, because smoothing in TS is controlled by the materials.

[Krallis]

So I can export a file from milkshape in the 3ds format?

[Talon 1024]

Yes.  All you need to do is press File->Export->Autodesk 3DS I have Milkshape too.

[Krallis]

Very cool and I've also found that truespace 3 is FREE!!
Good because I cant afford money to spend on fancy graphic spackages.

[Herra Tohtori]

Very cool and I've also found that truespace 3 is FREE!!
Good because I cant afford money to spend on fancy graphic spackages.

Prepare yourself for being subjected to an user interface designed by monkey on space crack. Don't try to use logic or intuition to find out what each hidden button does and where they might be found; go straight to Freespace 2 Ship Creation Guide by IPAndrews (specificallythis section) and see for yourself what you're getting yourself into...

My practical experience is limited to making spherical planets in trueSpace and even that simple task (or rather, getting the planets correctly smoothed and mapped) seemed daunting simply because the buttons were always hiding and the whole program acted in a completely illogical fashion.

[Krallis]

Im good ive found a neat little place called FS2 oracle its got links to guides for everything.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/karajorma/FAQ/modding.html