What tutorial is best for UnitCreation?

[Optimus Prime]

Hi

i want to make my own Unit for TA. I tried some Guides and so, but most are undetailed and all in english and so i dont know what to do exactly.
I can make in 3DSmax the Unit and export the .dxf components (Torso and so on). Then i installed 3dbuilder and tried to import the components, but that doesnt function .
And in no Tutorial I found something about animations. Can i use Bones?
How much Polygons a Unit can/shall habe?

Is there perhaps someone who can speak german and knows how to create a Unit? I would be happy if he can answer me some questions in icq or pm.

[Torrasque]

As I've hear everywhere, using 3do builder is a pita.
I think you can import proper 3d model with wings3d.

I fact, I think you better have to wait on a new 3d format, and see what's new. (The first step to the new unit model format have been commited to the CVS)

[zwzsg]

Currently, you HAVE to use 3doBuilder, to import modelled partd, texture them, and save the whole as TA .3do. If you can't import dxf, try every other format that 3dxmax can export and 3do builder can import.

Also try the 3DO Plugins for 3D Studio Max: http://www.clan-sy.com/download/3ds_3do/

If all fails, use another modelling program.

Remember that you have to use quad, no curves, no triangles*, nothing fancy, just quads.
*Well, you can use triangles and any other kind of polygon, but then you won't be able to texture them**
**Or maybe in Spring triangle are now textureable, I don't know!


As for animations, that is done by unit scripts. You write a .bos file, then compile it into a .cob. Use Scriptor to edit bos and compile them into cob. And to uncompile other cob to see how other unit scripts are made.

Here's some tutorials:
Modelling Tutorials
Unit Animation Tutorials

[SinbadEV]

You can use triangles and it displays half the texture... toruble is figuring out which half and in what orientation... because it seems to be random

[FizWizz]

The best "tutorial" is probably a mentor. Find someone and latch onto them as long as you don't bug the hell out of them.