Makemdl

Basics

MakeMDL is the primary compiler for objects created for Microsoft's Flight Simulator 9

In its latest iteration, available in the MakeMDL SDK [1] for FS9, it supports input commands via a file named "makemdl.cfg". Normally, this file is located in the same folder in which MakeMDL.exe resides, e.g. "C:\gmax\gamepacks\fs2004\plugins"

MakeMDL.cfg

Sample:

---

[Settings]

LastDir=

SaveDir=C:\gmax\GAMEPA~1\FS2004\plugins

[Options]

Debug=1

ViewLog=0

KeepErrorLog=1

Keep=0

I8=1

I=0

FullMat=1

Deffallback=1

WeldPoints=0

Optimize=0

Flatten=0

NoAnimate=0

HasReflectMap=1

HasNightMap=0

HasLightMap=1

HasDamageMap=0

NegateZ=1

NoLeftToRight=0

SwapBH=0

Vis=0

Crash=0

XML=1

---

Of special interest to avid modellers for FS9 are the "Debug", "KeepErrorLog", "WeldPoints", "Optimize" and "Flatten" settings.

Debug

Set to "1" (no quote marks) to enable debug functionality

KeepErrorLog

Does not delete the log file if set to "1"; useful for finding erroneous parts or animations

The next three settings can be a cure to the 4mm vertex weld issue otherwise present for FS9 models

WeldPoints: Disable vertex welding if set to "1"and thus the dreaded "crumbled small parts" issue (if the latter three are set to "0")