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Sketchup
Posted: 04 Nov 2015, 18:17
by Tranquil
Just wondering if anyone else has ventured into the world of Sketchup and the use of the models in Flight sim?
Much thanks
Mark
Re: Sketchup
Posted: 04 Nov 2015, 23:53
by Ripcord
Not for aircraft but I use it for basic buildings -- base housing, etc. Works OK for that.
Re: Sketchup
Posted: 05 Nov 2015, 01:50
by flyerkg
I have modeled nearly every building and structure for KBDL Bradley Airport in Connecticut using Sketchup, Google Earth and as many photos I could find online. The project simply started out as a way to get familiar with placing textures on shapes. I keep intending to do some touch-up work since I found front views of the Army National Guard HQ, but run out of gas every time I turn Sketchup on.
Re: Sketchup
Posted: 05 Nov 2015, 02:07
by Tranquil
Re: Sketchup
Posted: 05 Nov 2015, 02:26
by MIKE JG
Looks really really nice Mark. What are you using to compile the models and is this for FS9 or FSX??
Re: Sketchup
Posted: 05 Nov 2015, 02:44
by Tranquil
Thanks Mike

Models are made in Sketchup saved as dae format loaded into modelconverterx, then can be converted to FS9, FSX & P3D, our Yellowknife scenery at the moment is for FSX & P3D, none of us use FS9 so we cant really cater for that, we are in the process of looking for someone who is willing to do the work!!
Much thanks
Mark
Re: Sketchup
Posted: 05 Nov 2015, 10:04
by mikewmac
Great work Mark!

Re: Sketchup
Posted: 05 Nov 2015, 15:18
by MIKE JG
Cool, I might have to give sketchup a try, I just read last night that FSDS doesn't work with Win10 so it's coming to the end of its useful life I'm afraid.
Re: Sketchup
Posted: 05 Nov 2015, 15:27
by Tranquil
mikewmac wrote:Great work Mark!

Thank you Mike!
MIKE JG wrote:Cool, I might have to give sketchup a try, I just read last night that FSDS doesn't work with Win10 so it's coming to the end of its useful life I'm afraid.
Give it a try Mike, you will be surprised at what it can achieve, having never used FSDS i cannot compare them though!
Much thanks
Mark
Re: Sketchup
Posted: 05 Nov 2015, 15:57
by campbeme
Mark, that really surprises me, I never thought models made by this would or could look that good.
Re: Sketchup
Posted: 05 Nov 2015, 16:19
by Tranquil
campbeme wrote:Mark, that really surprises me, I never thought models made by this would or could look that good.
Mark, generally its all quite a simple process, Sketchup uses a push pull technique, simplicity with good results, obviously depending on how detailed your model is the export sizes are really quite efficient, modelconverterx also does a good job of getting as many of the used images onto 1 sheet, eliminating the dreaded drawcalls! there is also a great little addon for sketchup for once you have your completed model, it will clean it up and remove unneeded elements again reducing the model in size!!
Much thanks
Mark
Re: Sketchup
Posted: 07 Nov 2015, 19:34
by Tranquil
The Seaforth Radar Tower / Liverpool / England / 1960's - Present Day
Built in the 1960s, and stands at 98ft (30m), Liverpool was The first British Port to use radar, its used to monitor vessels using the Mersey shipping channels. The tower was manned 24 hours a day, But due to advancing technology in the 70's 80's, staff moved to the Port of Liverpool building then Seaforth’s Maritime Centre where information from the tower was fed through a cable. Workers visit twice a week to make routine checks on the equipment. There were plans to demolish it in 2008 to build an Observatory but thankfully this iconic building still stands proud looking overt the port of Liverpool...
Much thanks
Mark
Re: Sketchup
Posted: 10 Nov 2015, 21:00
by Tranquil
Guys would really like to hear from anyone interested in learning the basic sketchup skills, we can put together some instructions and information for you...
Much thanks
Mark
Re: Sketchup
Posted: 11 Nov 2015, 00:07
by MIKE JG
Me!

Re: Sketchup
Posted: 11 Nov 2015, 00:41
by Tranquil
MIKE JG wrote:Me!

Ok Mike even 1 person is enough!!
Name me any airport as a base and we can start there!!
Much thanks
Mark
Re: Sketchup
Posted: 11 Nov 2015, 07:14
by TheFoufure
Tranquil wrote:Guys would really like to hear from anyone interested in learning the basic sketchup skills, we can put together some instructions and information for you...
Much thanks
Mark
Me too !
Re: Sketchup
Posted: 11 Nov 2015, 14:21
by ukvoodoo
Mark, where are you getting your textures from when it comes to generic buildings
been using sketchup a lot but always struggled to find decent textures for buildings?
Thanks
Matt
Re: Sketchup
Posted: 11 Nov 2015, 15:13
by Tranquil
Hi Matt, Well regarding our Yellowknife Scenery they are a mix of photoreal and custom made textures, if i grab an image via Google Street View and its not too good i will edit it, straighten it up, recolor it etc!
I try and keep as many textures as possible photoreal it always gives the building a better look...
Good Facebook page with lots of Sketchup textures
https://www.facebook.com/media/albums/? ... 4092184551
Much thanks
Mark
Re: Sketchup
Posted: 11 Nov 2015, 18:24
by MIKE JG
Well Coast Guard Station Elizabeth City is a project we've been floating here in the last couple weeks. Pretty simple buildings and hangars. Would require hand made textures but most of that is available from other sets that I or others have already created.
Re: Sketchup
Posted: 11 Nov 2015, 18:29
by campbeme
Cracking location.