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FS2004 Prop disapear when engine start on FS9 model

F

foufure

Messages
34
Country
belgium
Hello everyone,

I'm having a small problem with ModelConverterX when exporting to FS2004 Aircraft MDL.

I used the TFS Saab 2000 aircraft for FS2004. I added an antenna (an MDL file with its texture) using the "merge" function in ModelConverterX. I repeated this process for several LODs.
Everything worked perfectly.
Finally, I exported the "new" model using the export function to the FS2004 Aircraft MDL version. The export went smoothly.

I checked the new aircraft in the Aircraft AI Editor. Everything was perfect. The landing gear moved correctly, as did the ailerons and flaps. The propellers on both engines spun properly.

I went into FS2004, and there, the aircraft appeared perfectly on the parking stand. The propellers were visible even with the engines off.

Once the aircraft starts its engines, the propellers disappear. The texture file for the props is present, but nothing is visible.

I've checked in ModelConverterX, and for both the original TFS model and the one I modified, there's no part that uses this texture. If it's not present in the original model, it makes sense that it's not present in mine either. But I don't understand why the propellers are visible in the original model but not in mine when the engine is running.

Thanks a lot.

Regards.

Laurent
 

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First check the original model in the Animation Editor. If any parts are red, they will be removed upon export. In your case, if red then change the animations to prop0_blurred and prop1_blurred (as I remember).

Check the Visibility Conditions of the blurred prop parts in the original model. If not correct, change to those above.
 
Like Tom said I would check which animations and visibility conditions for the prop are present in the model. It almost sounds like some have not been read from the original MDL file.
 
Hello,
Thank you both for your replies.

I looked in the "Animations Editor," and there are indeed parts highlighted in red (prop and gear). What I don't understand is that the gear loading exports correctly to FS2004 Aircraft Model. The prop doesn't.

I'm having trouble understanding how to fix the problem.

I've attached both versions of the aircraft (original and modified) to help me figure out what I need to change.

Thank you.
 

Attachments

I can’t use the current versions of MCX since I use Windows 7. But perhaps this will help? Look especially at steps 6 and 9.

Part 3: FS2004 Import

Use MCX to convert FS9 aircraft to FSX format
www.calclassic.com
 
I'll try to check the model later on, but might take a few days before I have the time.
 
Hi,

Sorry, it took a bit longer than hoped to check your model.

I have loaded both models and I do indeed see that in your modified model the slow and blurred version of the prop animations are not there. So it seems that something has gone wrong on export. I have also tried to export the original model from MCX myself, but in that case I do still see the still, slow and blurred versions of the prop after export (animations and visibility conditions). I also do not see red animations in the animation editor after import.

Which version of the FS2004 MakeMDL are you using? And do you have the path to both the FSX modeldef.xml and the FS2004 makemdl.parts.xml file set in the options?
 
Hi,

Don't worry for the delay ;-)

For FS2004 MakeMDL, I use the one from FS2004 SDK. It's FS90 (9.00.030612.02).

I just install the last Dev version of ModelConverterX from this web site. (v 1.9.2026.0307 devrel)

For makemdl.parts.xml, I just set it in the option. I never know I must insert this in the Options. (I don't heve FSX so I don't have modeldef.xml)

I'll make some new attemps for the exports.

Thanks a lot.
 
Let me know if adding the makemdl.parts.xml helps. I must admit I never tried to export with only the FS2004 definitions loaded and without the FSX ones. I guess it should work.
 
You should be able to get the modeldef.xml file from the P3D 1.4 SDK, which is essentially the same as the FSX version.
 
arno said:
Let me know if adding the makemdl.parts.xml helps. I must admit I never tried to export with only the FS2004 definitions loaded and without the FSX ones. I guess it should work.
Click to expand...
Hi Arno,

I've made a new attempt with FS2004 makemdl.parts.xml file set in the options.

The props are good now, but the undercarriage is missing...

Prob 3.JPG
 
foufure said:
I've made a new attempt with FS2004 makemdl.parts.xml file set in the options.

The props are good now, but the undercarriage is missing...
Click to expand...
At least it is a step in the right direction. Good that the props are working now.

Did you have any red animations in the animation editor before you exported? Something for the gear much have gone wrong.
foufure said:
Is it possible to install it without having P3D nor FSX ?
Click to expand...
Yes, you can have the SDK installed without having the simulator installed. But I'll send you just the modeldef.xml file by PM, that is maybe even easier.
 
That’s typically what I see when the model’s animations are not correctly linked. I find that loading that bad model into MCX and exporting it again often fixes this issue.
 
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