Question from a new starter

[shaggy22]

I want to get into the world of ai modelling however I would like to use fsds which seems a bit expensive, especially if I don't follow it through. Is there another proggy out there that does a similar job to fsds and is freeware?

[BadPvtDan]

Gmax. It's certainly not easier, though, and you'll have to get help elsewhere. Vast majority here use FSDS.

[shaggy22]

Looks like i'll have too splash the cash then.

Thanks for the help. Also what's a good model too start with, I was thinking SU25 or is that too awkward to do?

[LEBTowerGuy]

I have been using gmax for about a year now, its a bit intimidating to get started, but if you follow some of the tutorials available at fsdeveloper.com they really will get you on your way to working with all of gmax's functions. I am to the point where I actually find gmax more intuitive than FSDS.

[MIKE JG]

Gmax is free (disc 4 of the FS9 discs) and is more capable but from everything I've seen and read, has a steeper learning curve.

Gmax is very similar to 3DSMax from what I've read which is an even more capable 3D modeling proggy.

There are excellent tutorials, both written and video for both programs, FSDS and Gmax. FSDS is sort of our baby over here where as Gmax is more popular with the crew at Airfield Construction Group and FSDeveloper.

[ronniegj]

Personally, I think the SU-25 would be a very nice project. But of course there have been so many varients produced over the years, that you might end up with a multiple release project that will take years, including both research and modeling. On the other hand what an accomplishment it would be to complete!

Ron

[Firebird]

I think that the most important thing with your first choice of model is that you must really want to make it. There will be times when you wish that it was an airfix kit so that you could smash it into a wall. If you don't really want to make that model you will never finish it.

[shaggy22]

I think that the most important thing with your first choice of model is that you must really want to make it. There will be times when you wish that it was an airfix kit so that you could smash it into a wall. If you don't really want to make that model you will never finish it.

That's why I thought of it. Personally I think it's a pretty little aeroplane and it looks relatively simple (famous last words). I'll probably give gmax a go and if i can't make it work i'll try fsds. Thanks for the help chaps.