Re: [Plib-users] Options for textured models

[Steve B. <sjb...@ai...>]

Jasmin Patry wrote:

> I wrote about a week ago about problems I was having loading 3DS models
> with PLIB (both 1.1.11 and CVS).  It was suggested that I also try ASE,
> but I got no further with that.
> 
> James Barnard, a 3D artist, has offered to create models for my game Tux
> Racer (http://tuxracer.sourceforge.net).  He's currently using 3D Studio
> Max, and says that he'll get softimage soon.  So far all my attempts to
> load his textured models in PLIB have failed.

We know that the 3DS loader has some problems with textured models - and
the author (Per Liedman <li...@ho...>) has indicated that he's willing
to fix them if someone will send him some examples of files that fail.

> I'd like to find a solution that works before he gets too discouraged
> and goes away. :-)  My current idea is to buy AC3D, use it to load his
> 3DS models, and save them as AC.  I take it that PLIB's AC loader is
> fairly well tested and works with textured models -- is that correct?

My experience with AC3D is that it's loaders for alien file formats
suck.  Dunno if that's universally true - but I wouldn't hold out
great hope.

I have a copy of AC3D - so if you'd like to send me your 3DS models
I'll try to convert them and send you back the converted models as
AC3D '.ac' files - which should load OK.
 
> How good is AC3D's 3DS loader?  That will be a crucial link in the
> chain.  (I don't think the shareware version allows importing of any
> models from other formats.)

Nope.  But I have the full version.

> James also created a model with transparency maps (these are separate
> images, currently).  Any idea if this will work?  I suppose I could
> incorporate the transparency into the texture's alpha channel...

It will work when we have the 3DS loader fixed.
 
Does TuxRacer load '.ac' models OK?

-- 
Steve Baker                  http://web2.airmail.net/sjbaker1
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