Simple Mod Tutorial - Part One - Model Prep
Posted: 10 Dec 2007, 13:42
Part One, Model Preparation.
Requirements:
Unit creation tank model, available here
Wings 3D, Available here
Upspring, available here
DXTBmp, available here
Alright, we have made a tank model, uvmapped it and textured it. What do we do now?
1) The first step is to separate the parts out, we need to do this so we can animate things like the turret turning and the barrel elevating. Select the entire model in object mode, enter the RMB menu and hit separate.
2) Now we are going to recombine the pieces that dont need to move independantly. Still in object mode select the track objects and the main hull of the tank. Using the RMB menu, combine these objects.
3) We need to rename the objects to make things easier for us later on. In the Geometry Graph window, RMB on the name of the piece you want to rename and select the Rename Option. **VERY IMPORTANT** you must name your pieces with all lower case letters, or this will cause trouble with the script.
4) Our model is ready to be exported out of Wings and into UpSpring. From the File menu go into the Export submenu and hit the ? next to the 3D Studio option. Ensure your options are set as below, and hit OK. Save your model in a convienient location. (I use a folder on my desktop)
5) Keep wings open for now, but minimise it if you are running out of screen space. Its time to fire up Upspring. From the File menu, select the Load option, find and load your model (dont forget to switch it to be looking for 3ds files) When the dialog box appears asking you "There is more than one mesh in this model, what do you want to do?" select the second option "load all objects as childs of an empty root object"
Requirements:
Unit creation tank model, available here
Wings 3D, Available here
Upspring, available here
DXTBmp, available here
Alright, we have made a tank model, uvmapped it and textured it. What do we do now?
1) The first step is to separate the parts out, we need to do this so we can animate things like the turret turning and the barrel elevating. Select the entire model in object mode, enter the RMB menu and hit separate.
2) Now we are going to recombine the pieces that dont need to move independantly. Still in object mode select the track objects and the main hull of the tank. Using the RMB menu, combine these objects.
3) We need to rename the objects to make things easier for us later on. In the Geometry Graph window, RMB on the name of the piece you want to rename and select the Rename Option. **VERY IMPORTANT** you must name your pieces with all lower case letters, or this will cause trouble with the script.
4) Our model is ready to be exported out of Wings and into UpSpring. From the File menu go into the Export submenu and hit the ? next to the 3D Studio option. Ensure your options are set as below, and hit OK. Save your model in a convienient location. (I use a folder on my desktop)
5) Keep wings open for now, but minimise it if you are running out of screen space. Its time to fire up Upspring. From the File menu, select the Load option, find and load your model (dont forget to switch it to be looking for 3ds files) When the dialog box appears asking you "There is more than one mesh in this model, what do you want to do?" select the second option "load all objects as childs of an empty root object"