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(sorry if I break any rules, or a post similar to this has already been posted...)
Hi, I am new to modding (anything), but I have been able to download some weapon mshs and tgas and create and odf for them, and change their effects to some effects from a pack I downloaded. I saw some really cool models, and, inspired by them, decided I wanted to make some models too! So I download XSI modtools 6, it seemed to be recommended, cause of the addon in modtools. I made an arch, and tried to export it to battlefront, but I couldnt. After that, I tried XSI modtools 4, but I couldnt save because it needed an activation key (something about the version being obsolete). I eventually came to 3ds max, gmax, and milkshape. 3ds max is not an option for me, because its cost. Gmax seems good, but I dont know if I will be able to export the weapons to battlefront. And I dont know anything about milkshape.
If there is a FREE program, that can make weapon models, AND export them to make them work in-game (and is relatively easy to use, although that is secondary, with a few tutorials I bet I could learn the basics) please name it. And I would not like trial versions either. Your reccomendations will be much appreciated, and if I ever make a map that is good enough to upload, you would certainly be named in the credits.

you try XSI 7.5 theres a link in this topic for it

I know Blender is a free modelling program. Here is the link to making .msh's for battlefront. forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=17586

will I be able to export the mshs? I have heard xsi 7 doenst work well. I dont know if these accusations are true or not.

ColonelKlink wrote:...I download XSI modtools 6, it seemed to be recommended, cause of the addon in modtools...

The PandemicBF2.xsiaddon doesn't work with any version of Mod Tool so I don't know who or why someone recommended this. Where did you read it was the recommended version?

ColonelKlink wrote:If there is a FREE program, that can make weapon models, AND export them to make them work in-game ... please name it...

It looks like you overlooked THIS sticky thread at the top of this forum. Please note that you cannot export to msh directly with the Mod Tool software, you'll need to use 3rd party tools to convert your exported file to msh.

ColonelKlink wrote:And I would not like trial versions either...

The trial versions are essential to those who want to install the PandemicBF2.xsiaddon in order to export anything for SWBF1/2 directly from XSI to the msh format.

Okay, I read it. So, if I download XSI Modtools 7.5, create the model, I will still need some program to export the file, and make it a MSH file? Will that program, created by RepSharpshooter, be able to export weapons? That's what I want to do, model weapons.
What about the part,

You can still install the PandemicBF2.xsiaddon in Mod Tool and use the EditFlags and Create Cloth scripts, but if you do this then you should export your scene using Crosswalk as Filetype ".XSI 5.0 (text)" to prevent data loss and this also will allow someone with the proper version of Foundation, Essentials, or Advanced version 5.x to import your scene and export it properly to SWBF msh.

The last sentence, about someone else importing the model, is that necessary?

Sorry for the questions, but this is new to me. and I was not trying to be rude about trial versions, I did not realize their importance. XSI seemed recommended because the addon in modtools, and that (I think) it is mentioned several times in the modtools documents.

ColonelKlink wrote:...So, if I download XSI Modtools 7.5, create the model, I will still need some program to export the file, and make it a MSH file? Will that program, created by RepSharpshooter, be able to export weapons?...

Yes, you need to install Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 then Crosswalk and download MshEx so you can convert the .xsi 6.0 format version to Battlefront's .msh format.
I recommend Softimage Mod Tool 7.5 because previous versions have certain software bugs that do not exist in this version.

ColonelKlink wrote:What about the part...
...
...
The last sentence, about someone else importing the model, is that necessary?

It's just an option, but if no one is willing to help export your scene to .msh then you could be waiting for a long time, there are enough tools and freely available software here to get it done on your own though.

ColonelKlink wrote:...XSI seemed recommended because the addon in modtools, and that (I think) it is mentioned several times in the modtools documents.

Yes, the XSI software is recommended because this pipeline is suitable for everything you would need when making 3d related content for this game.

Just read through the stickies several times and everything will soon start to click.

One more question............
If I download Modtools 7.5 (the one in the link you gave me), and start making gun models, just with that downloaded Modtools, they wont go to waste will they? I mean, I can eventually export the models (with the programs you named) and they would work right? What type of file should i save it as? Just asking, cause I dont want to save them as a file that cant be exported (using the various programs). off-topic, that was more like three questions.....

By the way, thank you for replying, you have been a big help. I greatly appreciate your knowledge about modeling.

yea they'll work and i think ou save to .xsi no?

hmmmm.......... that form was quite long, and very intimidating to a kid who wants to mod for plain fun.
Is it possible that I could use modtools 6? instead of 7.5? I already have that downloaded, and it works, (it can save), it just doesnt export the models, but I guess you cant with the XSIADDON. Can I use modtools 6 instead of 7.5? or will I not be able to export mshs (using the named programs). Or does it not save the same, or something? If I use modtools 6, will I be able to still export, (by the was AceMastermind said)?

If you already have Modtools 6.01 installed, it will work fine - it works just as well (effectively no differently) as 7.5.

Okay, thanks for your reply, I'll get to work, and hopefully some models turn out okay.......

off-topic...wow I didnt think the Great Maveritchell would post here, I am lucky.....I am a big fan of your maps Maveritchell. You are a great inspiration to me......