Hi,I would like to know what is needed and what plugins are needed with GMAX and with 3DS Max to design for FSX.I looked at the SDK and FSDeveloper but I did not get my answers.A good aircraft tutorial will also be of assistance.I have the FSX deluxe version.

Odd that you didn't find answers at FS-Developer, since that's where I was going to refer you! All the answers are there, albeit cleverly hidden in plain sight... :Peace:For GMax, you should have all you need to get started on DVD #2 of FSX Deluxe. Then you will need to update the FSX SDK to whatever level of FSX you have installed. See here for a chart outlining this:http://www.fsdeveloper.com/wiki/index.php?title=SDK_Installation_%28FSX%29For Max, things get more complicated. Before diving into the various options I'd need to know which version of Max you have, if you have it at all that is.As for an aircraft modeling tutorial, I highly recommend beginning with Milton Schupe's C162 series: http://www.flightsimonline.com/C162/Even though it's describing modeling for FS9, the major emphasis is on mesh creation for aircraft. The techniques used are transferable to FSX.Finally, these days it appears that the modeling forums at FS-Developer are where most folks have congretated, so don't hesitate to drop in there with any questions.

3DS Max 8.I have downloaded the updated SDK SP1 and 2 and will install in now.

Thanks for the tutorial. I will work through it. I saw a P38 tutorial before, but that said nothing It said too little. This tutorial looks like it is what I wanted.There are some limitations in FSDS that is quite difficult to overcome, but FSDS is still a program with which you can design an aircraft.I have worked with Blender before so I think I will be able to adapt. I also want to try 3DS Max as well. I can get a secondhand 8 and my daughter can get a newer student version, but I think 8 will be enough. maybe GMax will be enough.I only want to design a few turboprops. Not commercial stuff. What I like about 3DS Max is that you can import other formats like a pilot, from obj or Blender format. I see GMax can import from 3DS format. Blender can export to that format. So at least then I will be able to use some figures that will be better than what FSDS can make.I also don't like the way you paint something with FSDS, where blender can wrap something in a better way. There are some utilities that also make the wrapping easier. I believe GMax and 3DS Max also got the wrapper built in.

I have both Max8 and Max9 available to me and both work splendidly. The only reason for having Max8 still installed is that occasionally I have files sent to me in Max8 format, that for whatever reason Max9 refuses to load.The main problem is that unless one already owns Max8 or Max9, there's no legal way to buy a license for them. Fortunately, Prepar3D has been kind enough to build new .X file exporters that will work with Max 2009 through Max 2012, which are 100% compatible with FSX, and make their SDK freely available. For all versions of Max though, you absolutely must install only the 32bit build.The UVW Map and Editor of GMax is perfectly adequate for FS purposes. Some of the advanced UVW features of Max (all versions) are not well optimized for FS use though. One will learn what works well and what doesn't through trial-and-error mostly... :(

Thanks for the info. I have set up GMax and will now work through the tutorial ofgMax Tutorials and Exercises for the Beginning Modeler by Milton ShupeThis tutorial will determine if I will keep with GMax or revert back to FSDS. However what I have seen preliminary in the tutorials is that it is similar than Blender3D and there are more options Than with FSDS. With FSDS you also get there but so much more work and compromises. I'll rather not waste my money but stay with GMax (Free). That is said if I can master GMax. The older guys learn slower.