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FSX: Error reading mdl File

M

Model10

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unitedkingdom
Hi
I'm getting this error with mdl_tweaker_2
Error 100 (This is not a valid RIFF scenery MDL file) in procedure mOpwn_Click of Form Form1.
I am unable to load the mdl file.
Modeled 3dsmax8 and the mdl file was created with the FSX compiler.
Is there something I am missing?
Many Thanks
 
Yes, MDL Tweaker does only support Fs2004 scenery MDL files. FsX MDL files have a completely different code and are not supported at the moment.
 
Hi Arno
Thanks for your reply.
Could you answer this question for me as it refers to why I tried to use mdl tweaker.
I am creating trees for my fsx scenery using the planes technique in max.
When I view my models in fsx the alpha's work but the planes are noticable. Am I right in assuming that this is the shadow effect that the mdl tweaker can remove?
Is there another way to correct my problem?. In the max viewport i am able to hide the planes shadow with self illumination.
Thanks again
 
Last edited:
Hi Arno
I think I've solved my problem, after further delving into the threads on the forums here, I discovered this topic has been mentioned before under "Cross plane objects", where you talked about "Normalized vectors".
So I tried the unify normals on my cross planes in 3dsmax before exporting, and it seems to have done the trick.
What a great resource this site is.
Thanks
 
That is correct, in the FsX gamepack MS has added an option to unify the normals. Which is really nice, as no special tweaks are needed for that anymore now.
 
Hi Arno
Just to clarify something.
When constructing the planes in max is there a correct procedure.
Do you construct 2 intersecting planes collapse to editable mesh, map them as double sided material, attach them to make one object, then unify the normals and export with the FSX material Enhanced Parameters Double Sided checked?

I still seem to have the problem with the plane being darker on one side. I thought I'd solved it, Argh!!

Also is it possible to use the single plane always facing viewer technique in FSX. If so could you explain how?

Many thanks again
 
Last edited:
Hi,

It should work if you just make the two crossing polygons and assign the same FsX material to them. For that material you need to set the unify normals and the double sided option. But I must say I don't make such crossed trees myself often, so I have not fully tested this approach.

As far as I know the rotating trees are not possible at the moment with the FsX MDL format.
 
If you make them in the Fs2004 MDL format they still work. It just seems the new format does not support them.
 
Hi Arno
That's a thought.
Does the .x file created with 3dsmax8 work with the 2004 mdl format?
Thought I'd ask before installing the 2004 SDK.
Cheers
 
Not sure about that, I never used 3DSMax myself, only GMax. You could of course try to run it through the Fs2004 MakeMDL, but I expect the FsX like parts of the X file will not really work.
 
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