I'll get right to the point... I own both FS2002 and FS2004, installed on different but almost identical PCs. As a developer, I need to ensure compatibility with both platforms as you can imagine. So here's my experiment:I took default "lear45" folder from FS2004 and installed it in place of the default "lear45" folder in FS2002. To make sure there were no conflicts, I completely deleted the FS2002 version before adding the FS2004 files. Guess what? It doesn't work! The plane can be selected, but there is no rotating model representation at the bottom, and the model doesn't show in FS2002!So I submit this to you for discussion: Is the FS2004 Learjet a true Gmax model? If so, why does it not work in FS2002? If it is not a true Gmax model, or if there is some new technique to be used for FS2004 .mdl files, then we have all been fooled by the Microsoft Team! Here we are, creating original aircraft for FS2004 in Gmax, just because this is a "compatible" format. What we really should be using is the "unknown technique" that MS has not yet put into an SDK.All things being equal, why does a .mdl file display in FS2004 but not FS2002? Clearly what has been uncovered here is an attempt at planned obsolesence. If native FS2004 models are not downward compatible, then what is in store for FS2006? No more Gmax? I could understand if an FS2002 model didn't work in FS2004 (there are many of them); but why on earth does an FS2004 model not work in FS2002?Can anyone shed some light?Cheers,-- Outer Marker

I think its pretty fair practice. Why would they let you steal planes from the new version to give to friends who wont buy the new one. (not YOU in particular, im generalizing)Do you watch Discovery Wings? They have a 1 hour program on Flight Simulators and they interview the developers. They even show the builder of the Cub and he is playing with the model in GMAX.I mean, why would they use anything else? Max is top dog and there is none higher. (IMO, im biased) Im not versed on the inner workings of the MDL, but i assume its a simple change to the way the MDL is made and not a blatant attempt to screw us over.Maybe its because of clickable VCs and rain drops on the VC windows that would cause your computer to explode when you move the model to 2k2. Just maybe they dont work because they are from 2 different versions of the simulatorI dont understand why your so upset. What difference does it make? The old MakeMDL does just fine on both versions.There are a ton of new 'techniques' being used in the new MDLs. As it should be. They addressed a lot of the things I was hoping to see. We can only wait till the SDKs come out so we can start to play with all the new features.take it easy mate, gmax/3ds max are here to stay.joe

I knew about this from the pre reviews before it came out, not a big deal for me as I don't have FS2002 on my HD any longer. I really don't see the problem either as normal ships created in GMAX work in both sims, just some feature MS implemented into the defaults keeps them from showing, probably a small fix we haven't found yet.As far as motives or reasons go, thats is a whole other thread, there are plenty of things in FS9 that make you go "why'd they do that??!!" LOL....but there are also planty of things that make you go "YES!!"Regards, MichaelKDFWhttp://mysite.verizon.net/res052cd/mybannercva1.jpgCalVirAir International VAwww.calvirair.comCougar Mountain Helicopters & Aviationwww.cgrmtnhelos.com

Not a problem for me either. FS2002 is NOT FS2004, however similar they may sound and feel. MS provide a mass-market product that may be part of a process that goes back many years, but which owes no debt to previous versions. The fact that you can simply take a model made for the later sim, drop it into the earlier sim and see it not work is a clear indication that developments HAVE taken place between the two generations. The fact that other developers have take the procedure and made it work suggests it can be done, but you'll need to work at it. And in any case, you're going the wrong way. Does the FS2002 Lear work in FS2004? That's a valid experiment. Would you seriously expect to install modern radar in Noahs Ark?Allcott

It is because the model (*.mdl) file is compiled differently. The graphics generator in fs2004 can read the fs2004 and earlier MSFS model files (backward capability). Try sticking a CFS3/MS Train Sim/QuakeIII model into the flight sim and it will have the same problem.All of the above are GMAX designed files but all compiled differently.W. Sieffert

Thanks! That's exactly the technical response I was looking for. Now, do you know how to compile a .mdl for FS2004? I guess that will be in an upcoming SDK.Thanks again for your helpful response.

>Thanks! That's exactly the technical response I was looking>for.>>Thanks again for your helpful response.I am sure that you will find this response "unhelpfull" -- but you bring it upon yourself.The heading of your post - Another perfect mess! - is the cause of those so-called "unhelpful" responses. If you really wanted technical advice only, then perhaps you could consider using a more helpful heading. I do believe that the use of the carefully selected words and the exclamation mark in your heading was deliberate - and dare I say it - should probably trigger a troll alert.Barry

Good Grief Barry!Sorry if this old troll touched a nerve with you! I didn't find the other responses altogether useless... rather I found one of them more helpful than the rest. Goodness me what have we become? This is a hobby, not a lesson in English! Would you treat me less harshly if you knew English was not my first language? Italian is.I never was any good at picking titles. But thanks for your post which actually helps me to know more how to participate "properly" in this forum. I should use descriptive titles and I should steer clear of any topics that might cause a "troll alert."Ciao,Outer Marker