Getting custom models into Aerofly FS2

[toprob]

One of the best tools for modelling (scenery or otherwise) is Model Converter X, which does so many things I won't list them here... a new feature, though, is the ability to export ready to drop into Aerofly FS2. Here I've begun working on the early version of the NZCH library, and getting them into FS2 solely using MCX. As my MSFS libraries normally only contain objects, not placement info, I place them using MCX, plus I rotate them to the real world -- you can't rotate an object easily like you can with MSFS, at least not yet.
The rest of scenery is 'cultivation', using Scenproc, another tool from the same guy. Currently the Canty scenery includes 2.4 million trees, and 290,000 buildings. I've mentioned before that this is still early days for FS2, and the cultivation tools are limited -- only two tree types, for instance -- but it could easily turn into a major sim contender.

My NZCH terminal model is not included, as my MSFS version has features which don't display well in FS2 yet. Plus it is under wraps for the moment.

[NZ255]

Thank goodness for Arno.

I hope Xplane and FS2 support multi materials in the future, it would certainly help devs bring in content fast... I suppose it all comes back to performance? Not sure

[toprob]

Yes, I do take into account X-plane's limitations for my current project, looking ahead to multi-sim releases. I try to use a single material if I can, but just recently Arno has improved X-plane support for MCX as well, which will split an object if it uses more than one texture. So conversions will be a lot simpler.

[emfrat]

Rob, although I am just "a 'prentice hand" at scenery development, I am keen on doing (or trying to do) the Chathams for AFS2, as a learning exercise, but I don't want to tread on anyone else's toes. Do you have any plans in that direction, or know of anyone who does?

MikeW

[toprob]

Mike, I do still have in mind a NZ-wide scenery for FS2, which will be a payware collaboration with IPACS, but I'm not sure whether it will include the Chathams -- the mesh I have certainly doesn't. But really there's always room for a bit of competition, no matter the sim. People need alternatives, especially for FS2, which hasn't yet built up a market. I would hate to think that any of my vague plans are preventing others from having a go.

[emfrat]

Ta mate - that's what I wanted to hear
MikeW

[Charl]

2.4 Million trees, eh?
That'd be about right...