Hello there,I have been considering for a while to make an aircraft for FS9 or X, and i was wondering what tools i would require to successfully complete a decent aircraft.At the moment i have 3ds Max 9, and thats bout it :(Im really keen on knowing how to make gauges like in the realair aircraft, they look spectacular.(also any tips or tutorials on modeling aircraft in 3ds Max would be greatly appreciated)Thankyou

To model you will need 3DSMax 8, or GMax.If you do a forum search, you will find the question of what tools are needed for all the various aspects of modeling has already been answered in detail.

Any chance for someone to be able to make a list, and save people the time in finding all these programs.I find the forum search not very effective

You'll need numerous tools. And for each purpose there are several tools available / suitable.So you won't get a complete list and I'd recommend to read everything written in the SDKs.But here is something to start with:Model: Gmax, 3DSmax or similarFlight Dynamics: FSEdit, AAM, AirEit...Textures: Photoshop, Gimp, PaintShop...File converting: MS Imagetool...XML Gauges: XML editor of your choice + Paint program of your choiceGood luck in doing a complete aircraft on your own...Herbert

>Any chance for someone to be able to make a list, and save>people the time in finding all these programs.>I find the forum search not very effectiveSince this message doesn't HAVE any "code snipets," let's turn off that stupid switch at the top, shall we? ;)If you don't enjoy research and doing a LOT of reading, then with respect, save yourself a massive headache and don't even start down this path... :)It's a very rewarding process, but it's by no means "easy" to accomplish. It takes a lot of very hard work for precious little reward beyond self-satisfaction at mastering new skills.

>Any chance for someone to be able to make a list, and save>people the time in finding all these programs.>I find the forum search not very effectiveIf searching the forums is "not very effective" for you (meaning you are too lazy to do it), trust us when we tell you that you may as well give up now. Expect to do ALOT of forum searching for answers to your questions as you try to learn.If you can't search the forums for a simple thing like this, you have no hope of ever developing a model.I pointed you to that post, as it contains very complete info.