Latest Models in .Max Format?

[TheJamsh]

Does anybody have to hand the latest versions of all the stock models (well, at least the ISDF vehicles to start with) in .Max format?

I'm a bit fed up with downloading multiple versions of 3D Exploration now. I'm surprised such a resource ISN'T on bzscrap or similar... would be extremely handy to have!

[MrTwosheds]

Nope. Conversion of xsi-max-xsi isn't a nice simple process that delivers an intact bz2 model straight away, various adjustments need to be made to end up with a fully functioning model. Animations for example, will not import into max, mesh orientation is altered, texture names truncated and materials probably get altered too.

[TheJamsh]

That's okay, all I'm really after is the basic model outline.

Point taken though, Nielk1, fancy making a Max IMPORTER now ?

[MrTwosheds]

3dex 1.5.5.0 is the version I use. It can covert xsi to .3ds without too many problems. Later versions have "compatibility issues".

[MrTwosheds]

I expect making an importer is no simple task, The original SI_xsi are constructed with polygons, 3,4,5 etc sided shapes, whereas 3dsMax only uses triangles as far as I can tell. I expect programs like 3dex already perform this function as well as can be expected under those circumstances.
Maybe 3dsmax can do polygon models too, but I have not yet discovered how to get it to do it.

[Zax]

I expect making an importer is no simple task, The original SI_xsi are constructed with polygons, 3,4,5 etc sided shapes, whereas 3dsMax only uses triangles as far as I can tell. I expect programs like 3dex already perform this function as well as can be expected under those circumstances.
Maybe 3dsmax can do polygon models too, but I have not yet discovered how to get it to do it.

Editable Poly?

[DarkCobra262]

Is it possible for me to give you a .rar or .zip pack of all the ISDF models (in .max, 3ds max 2010)?

[Zax]

Issue isn't really with xsi -> 3ds -> max. If you aren't poking too hard, you can just re-export with the frames intact allowing the animation to pick up where it left off. More complex animations, like the scavenger or dropship takeoffs, are a bit more tricky to recreate from scratch if you do end up prying the model apart and renaming everything.

Buildings are by far easier since you don't really need to do much of anything to re-export them.

[Nielk1]

Max uses polies of any count. An importer would be no harder to do than the vertex animations where.

/me LEERS at other modders

[Zax]

Zax releases a hearty shrug

7 damage

[MrTwosheds]

So how do I stop it turning everything into triangles then? (imported 3ds already triangulated)
So far everything (xsi) I have imported-exported comes out with radically altered geometric values (but still looks the same).
Most noticeable is the texture coordinates which usually has roughly double the amount of entries of the original, the mesh values are of course completely different, ensuring that any original morphing animation will be useless.
I suppose I could try .obj instead. Don't suppose the mesh values will fare any better there though.

[GreenHeart]

Re-Weld the verticals to lower everything. things seem to get un-welded on import... or use the 3rd party balancer program to optimize the model without messing up the texture coordindates.

[MrTwosheds]

or use the 3rd party balancer program to optimize the model without messing up the texture coordindates.

What's that called?

[jaydenbz2]

You can also get a program called Poly Trans, it can work with any 3d file, and I mean ANY, every option you could think of.

[Nielk1]

The reason the verts are triangulating is because the importer/exporter is programmed to do it. Duh?