Is it possible to use AutoCAD to design and texture objects for scenery building?Thanks,Isaac

Unless you can export from AutoCAD to some format that one of the FS compilers can consume, what's the point?

ModelConverterX is a freeware program that can read several 3D formats and convert them into the mdl format that FS uses. I have no idea if it will work for Autocad...that will depend on what export options Autocad has. I've been using it to convert Sketchup objects for use in FS2004 and it works great. You can find out more about ModelConverterX here....http://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=87

ModelConverterX does not yet read dwg or dwf files. And, as Bill points out, it is much easier to create objects for FS in programs that allow exporting to the FS MDL format, and that means the (very) expensive 3ds Max or the (very) free gMax, both of which are quite easy to use, in spite of their reputation, and certainly easy for anybody who can use AutoCAD. Google Sketchup is a nice and uncomplicated (free) alternative for simple projects, but the models must be converted with Arno's wonderful ModelConverterX.Best regards.Luis

I would disagree that Sketchup is only capable of simple projects. That was my impression too, at first, but after learning how to use it I found it to be far more sophisticated than it initially seemed. Here's a vintage hanger I'm working on in Sketchup. For someone getting started in scenery object design, I think Sketchup is a far better choice than Gmax, which I've used for years.

Excuse me, Sydney, I meant no offense. Sketchup is certainly a very nice and free product, and it does allow creation of very nice objects. It does not permit so much more that is possible with the gMax/3DS Studio products: animation, diversity of materials, multiple and powerful transforms, etc. Anybody who is intimidated by gMax should certainly consider other products, and Sketchup is a very good alternative. My point is simply that gMax is not, in spite of what many wish to believe, particularly difficult to use. Although creating high quality objects will require great artistic talent and technical knowledge, the use of gMax itself is not out of reach and anybody who is open to learning can start using it very quickly.Best regards.Luis

No need for an apology, Luis...there was nothing at all offensive about your post. You're right about Sketchup having some shortcomings compared to Gmax, but what kind of transforms does Gmax do that Sketchup doesn't? As for materials, I find it much easier to apply materials in Sketchup, and so far I haven't come across any limitations. I think the real difference between the two programs is not one of features, but in the different approaches each one takes to creating and manipulating the basics elements of an object...edges, vertices and surfaces. The results may be the same, but some of the processes are very different. I just find Sketchup to be more intuitive and easier to learn. Maybe that's because Sketchup is intended primarily for architectural work, while Gmax is primary for creating video games. At least that's my understanding. As for Gmax not being difficult, we'll have to agree to disagree. That's not what I wish to believe, it's what my experience has been. I'm pretty comfortable with it at this point, but getting to this point was often very fustrating. One problem is that Gmax is full of functions and features that are no doubt useful to video game designers, but have nothing to do with FS and just make it more confusing for the beginner. This seems to be far less of a problem with Sketchup. The bottom line is that with either program the user has to understand the basic concepts and develop strategies that fit the way the program works. There will probably still be times when I use Gmax, but for most things I'll stick with Sketchup. I'm happy to now have two powerful tools rather than one. :(

One problem is that Gmax is full of functions and features that are no doubt useful to video game designers, but have nothing to do with FS and just make it more confusing for the beginner. This seems to be far less of a problem with Sketchup.

One of these days I'm going to make the time to create a simplified GUI for GMax that removes ALL of the non-useful for FS design "icons and junk" that clutter up the menus.One of the first things is to deep-six all of the toolbar icons, and leave a simple, uncluttered toolbar in one row at the top. The next task will be to simplify the Quad Menu to eliminate all but the ones that folks actually need. :)There's absolutely no need to have six different ways to do the same task! :(Since this may be "saved" as a Custom GUI, I can then make it available as an option for new folks to use until they master all of the basics...I could (although I certainly won't!) make it look and feel like FSDS... That's just how powerful and flexible Max/GMax's configuration can be.

A version of Gmax customized for FS would be wonderful. :( One Gmax feature I'd love to see in Sketchup is the ability to have multiple viewports. It's great to be able to see how I'm screwing something up from different angles. :(