Converting Lightwave Models for use in GC2

from GalCiv2 Forums
OK, so i'm a 3D moddeler myself, but i use primarily Newtek Lightwave 3D, i've worked with it for over 5 years now. SO, as you can imagine, all my models are in lightwave format, and i'm not that well versed in MAX. i've tinkered with it now and then tho. So what would it take for me to get a lightwave model into max, and then into the game?

.lwo > .3ds > .max > .x ???? that seems kinda ripe for errors to me

Also, once i have my .x, what entries do i need to make in the game files?

Thanx to anyone who can help.
modding
5,224 views 7 replies
Reply #1 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
hrm?
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I use Lightwave as well, and would like to figure this out. I've got Blender somewhere too, maybe that's another route to .x? I'll test it out. (As soon as I get the time, heh heh.)
Elemental: Reforged
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Would this be any use? Looks like a DirectX exporter for Lightwave (up to version 8.0)

http://www.dstorm.co.jp/english/plugin/object.htm#DirectX2

More info and comments at flay.com
http://www.flay.com/GetDetail.cfm?ID=1083
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
That's probably going to be just the thing... but the docs are in some language or font that I can't read.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Thanks a million mrthingy, that plugin works like a charm! The docs are in Japanese, but the pictures show how to install. Now to see if I can actually get a model into the game...

EDIT: I made a simple cube, and was able to substitute it as my anomaly model. The scale was a little small. And I couldn't see the texture I gave it. Could be I didn't do something right, or maybe I just won't be able to see it. My video card is teh suxxors, I don't see ship textures, just colors.

EDIT:EDIT: Oops, I had anomaly textures turned off in the options. Turned it back on, and now I can see my textures!
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Morfin, I'm a LW user myself. Can you verify that the there are no axis rotation issues with models originationg Lightwave? I know Max and Lightwave disagree on what the Y and Z axis are, and which one head into the workspace.
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Same here LW'er for at least 8 years that I can remember. got that plugin mentioned above so making the export file should not be a problem. But what I need to learn is how do I had the hardpoints on the model so that I can fit the assorted weapons on them ( ie phasors, torps etc.. ).. Do I just put a null on the model and export it that way or is there more to do first...

Been looking around for a GC2 tutorial for LW but no luck so far..

Starlost...