[Gronnd]

Hey, wondering if I might pick the brains of a few folk round here. Been reading a lot, but encountering an odd error. I'm trying to use PCS2 and MeshLab to convert the POF files from FS:O to something a 3D printer can read and print. For some reason, when I use PCS2 to save as a .dae file, then open it in MeshLab (also tried a separate tool to convert .dae to .stl, same problem) these odd vertexes and faces pop into the model.
If anyone can tell me what is happening and why, I'd be really appreciative. Thanks.

[Axem]

It looks like you've also imported the lower detailed LOD models along with the main model. You can delete the subobjects you don't need in any modelling program (like blender etc) and then reexport it again.

(Also I hope we get to see pics if you get everything up and running! )

[Gronnd]

<3 My hero!

[Kie99]

I'd love to see how that turns out printed.

[Gronnd]

Well, after much wailing and gnashing of teeth, the FS:O models are just too damned detailed. So much gets lost in the conversion from POF>DAE>STL, that it would take many, MANY hours of fiddling and fixing to try to get them 3D ready. And honestly, unless I'm making it the size of a car, I don't have a 3D printer that can do that level of detail anyway. So, I'm using the base FS2 models now. Much easier to work with. Am attempting my first print within the next couple days. Will report back.

[BirdofPrey]

Does this apply to all of the ships or just the capitals?
Certain convex areas that don't print well aside, I can't think of any fighters or bombers that are hyper detailed short of Hades' medusa.

[Gronnd]

I have not even tried any of the fighters or bombers yet. This was mainly issues with the Colossus, and Sathanas. Because really, why wouldn't you start with those

[Cyborg17]

Because the Colossus is lame. 

Orions for lyfe!

[Gronnd]

An Orion and a Deimos are the first models I have lined up to print with the base FS2 models. Depending on free time and work involved, I will likely eventually get around to trying to print the FS:O models. The primary problem with the larger ships are the tons of tiny hardpoints. Beam cannons and the like. For some reason a lot of faces get lost, some angles get rounded off during the conversion process. Will get more work into it soon. Those models are nothing less than stunning, and I'd love to have a 1 foot model of, well pretty much every cap ship in the game. Eventual plans are to 3D print them, then use the models to cast them in aluminum. THAT will look spectacular once polished to a shine.