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Tool Choice for first FS Project

C

Colokent

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us-colorado
I would like to experiment with 3D rendering with the eventual goal of producing an aircraft for P3D (v4.5 or 5). While I am aware that many professionals use 3ds Max for 3D modeling, I'm clearly not yet to the point of committing several hundred dollars a month to rent 3ds Max ($205/month!). With that said, I would like to get started. I'd love to hear opinions on the best tool to get started with. My criteria are as follows: a.) Freeware or less than $500 to get going, b.) Would like a tool that provides basic skills that can be built on later to transition to 3ds Max, c.) a tool whose output will port easily to P3D V5 SDK, and d.) a tool that is not overwhelming in complexity to use initially (realizing that last item is relative). I see my choices as:

- GMax
- Blender
- Sketch Up
- FSDS

Am I missing any? I would welcome any and all opinions on this.

Thanks,

Kent
 
I know of no tool that meets these requirements, lol! If you want to build for P3Dv5 renders, you can forget FSDS or Gmax, and Sketchup too for aircraft modelling. Blender is freeware but not that much like 3ds Max. Here’s a suggestion - forget 3ds Max altogether and learn Blender or enrol on an online course which qualifies you for the Student download of 3ds Max which will give you 3 years with Max to learn before forking out the full licence rental.

Either way you have a ton to learn.
 
Thanks for the prompt (but sobering!) reply. Just goes to show you how little I know about the tool-P3D incompatibilities. I will look into the 3ds Max student license route...sounds intriguing. If that doesn't work, I'll try Blender.

Kent
 
There is one other option, but it may not be as "flashy". You can use GMAX to create objects for FSX. Then you can use ModelConverterX to convert these to the P3Dv5 format, including all the various PBR options, etc.
 
That’s all right, we’ve all been there, so don’t be afraid to ask once you settle on a modelling tool. There are Blender users and Max users enough here to help!
 
tgibson said:
There is one other option, but it may not be as "flashy". You can use GMAX to create objects for FSX. Then you can use ModelConverterX to convert these to the P3Dv5 format, including all the various PBR options, etc.
Click to expand...

Thanks Tom...good point-- hadn't even considered that. BTW-- been a fan of your Classic Propliners site for at least 10 years. Thanks for your contributions to the community!.

Kent
 
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