Hi Bob hope this helps you to understand what a "simple" patch object is. Like I said a patch object is a "flat" object (to start anyway LOL) Feel free to ask a few questions!. BTW the one that's been "pulled on" was made by simply pulling on one of the 9 yup only 9 vetices that make up each patch object. Dan

Thanks, D...wish I totally understood the dif, but I'll be patient...I mean, I can make a flat mesh too, so how is "flat" the difference?

Well it has to do with the fact that all vertices in a patch are "weighted" I.E when you pull in one vertice the others in thatface move with it but with different amounts of movement I.E when you pull on one it does not pull into a sharp point. Play with patch objects, you can make fairly complex objects with lots of smooth curves very quick and dirty. Gmax does "do" patches BTW but to use them in 2002 you will have to convert them to meshes. If you do wantto play with patches try using the "quad" type at first. But using the above could save you lots of time depending on what you want tomodel Hope this helps you Dan

sounds somewhat similar to a "soft selection" transform of a mesh. Yes? I will have to play with it, now that I know what I'm looking for!B

Hi again Bob you are right they somewhat like a "soft selection"execpt that the above is 'built in" to a patch object. Plus if you take a look at the axis tri pod gizmo you will see small "bezier handles" below the the gizmo play with 'em you might like what you see! Dan

now that I'm months into learning gmax, its getting much more fun...kind of like climbing a mountain is hard work, and the view is lousy during the start of it, now that I'm near the top, I'm still working at climbing, but I'm getting a great view as a reward!

Ok, as Dan suggested, I should play with it. What a kick! and yes, converting the patch object to an editable mesh made it import just fine to fs2002....check it out...(ps...the ugly mug on the sail is moi, the cute one is Joey, the next generation of designers!)

Fun stuff is it not? the above attached picture of a "laker" showsa object made using both patches and standard polygonal sectionsplease keep in mind it's not finished yet though!. Dan

Well, Dan and I have finally finished our custom GMAX Laker.Dan hasn't seen the final model yet, so I thought I'd post a couple shots.Introducing the D.M.Martin.http://members.rogers.com/jkanold/D_M_MARTIN_1.jpghttp://members.rogers.com/jkanold/D_M_MARTIN_2.jpghttp://members.rogers.com/jkanold/jimlogo.gifhttp://members.rogers.com/eelvish/flyurl.gif

Looks pretty...one question, have you applied smoothing to the curved surface around the wheelhouse? if not, is the real thing smooth?B

Not yet Bob, still a bit to go. Smoothing is a last touch tool that I use.http://members.rogers.com/jkanold/jimlogo.gifhttp://members.rogers.com/eelvish/flyurl.gif

Hi Dan,And where did you learn all this wonderful stuff ;)Nice to see the schooling is coming in handy, heh heh.Allen

Well, look what the cat dragged in.If you have wondered where Fly! Ontario went, we are now in the Flight Onario FS Division trying to realease our never ending CYQT scenery.If you get into FS2002, we sure have a project for you. LOLhttp://members.rogers.com/jkanold/jimlogo.gifhttp://members.rogers.com/eelvish/flyurl.gif

Hi Jim,I've been lurking and studying up on FS2002 internals for quite a while now.I have some ideas that I have been tinkering with, but nothing definite yet :)Allen

Nope no smoothing has been applied on any part of this model none needed! from what I can see the real thing is made up of plates Dan