Possible first time project

[Peppermint]

I think I've already asked something like this a long time ago, but I'm going to have a bit of spare time soon (well actually, had plenty of spare time over the last year, just not the patience) to start making planes for flight sim. I know this might be a silly question, but what is the easiest program to use to start modeling a plane with? Preferably something that has a lot of tutorials specifically about making flight sim addons. I've had a look at gmax, and might start with that, it seems to be the thing everyone uses. Though when I first took a look at it a long time ago I quit, and that was the end of it.

I think what I really need more than a specific modeling program, is a site that has everything on it for a real novice to this sort of thing, something that not only has very easy tutorials (like making a surface for a start, to making a cube, upto making a star/rounded surfaces, how to measure things in relation to putting it into a game, adding 3view images for reference when building something etc. But also has a page with all the icons in the modeling program, with the explanation of what they do.
This is more of a question to people who know a bit about it, but say I were to use gmax, how long do you reckon I should spend on it, just getting used to what everything does, practice making all sorts of object etc? I'm thinking a month would be plenty of time to get used to the basics, if I spent say 2 or 3 hours a day on it.

I've already got a plane in mind that I want to make, which I think would make a pretty good addition to FS, a small kitset jet. All I need to find is the 3 view(?) pictures for reference later on when I start it.

I think I will go along with gmax, it's free, and seems to be the program the majority go for.

I do know it's probably not the best idea for a first time modeler to be making a plane for FS that is still pretty new to the real world. Since we don't exactly know how the gear retracts, speed brakes, flaps etc work. I'll just be taking random guesses, based on the information on their site etc. And what I get wrong, I can fix up later.

I'll be honest, I haven't had a look for anything yet, but I did have a few things a while ago when I first thought about it. Just a matter of trying to find them again. This time I'm determined to at least try and making something in gmax, even if it's a box. As time goes on I will probably use this thread to show my progress (and what ever I find to smash when the frustration sets in ) Just for reference incase it's needed, if I get as far as making the plane and getting it into FS, I'll set it in 'stages' sort of.

First version FS9, model, default panel, default sounds.
Second version FS9, model, VC (hopefully) probably will have a custom panel and sounds.
Final version FS9, model, fully functional VC, as real as I can get simulated panel, full custom soundset. (basically aiming for the sort of quality Section8 did with the F-86 at this point).
First version FSX (depends if most of the community has shifted this way yet) mode, vc, panel, sounds. (Port over from FS9 pretty much)
Final 1 FSX. All re-made from scratch for FSX, taking full use of the new FSX features (self shadow, bump map, sound cone etc) Made for DX9.
Final 2 FSX. Same as above, except updated for DX10. This version most likely won't ever be released, unless there is a big demand for it. I don't feel it would be worth my time going back to this just to add some VC self shadowing.

EDIT: forgot the link to the Viperjet http://www.viper-aircraft.com/

[creator2003]

Yeah id stick with learning gmax, mite take more than a month getting it all though but a good start ,there are tutorials all over the place but fsdeveloper.com is a good site and most things can be answered with a goggle search ,there are some good tuts on youtube 3dmax /gmax to get the basics, some on cars etc but mite give a better idea seeing someone else using the tools,3dmax is pretty much the same thing but more advanced but still the basic idea ...
Normally you would scale up a 3d view box planes and attach a view to each plane a model up from that using specs and info you have etc ...
there are also places that build chopper like hovercontrol that have things relating to modelling and how toos ,,anyway im sure goggle or the likes will be your best friend searching the web for the info you mite need as you go long ...

[HardCorePawn]

You might want to consider purchasing something like this book if you really want to get stuck in GMax and avoid some of the 'blind guessing'...

Either that or make FSDevelopers.com your new favourite site

[Peppermint]

Yup, still looking for tutorials and finding out what the buttons do etc. Might be changing the plane I want to make though....I figured It'd be better to do something that there's a lot more info on. So I might be changing to a Shorts 360. Viperjet will come later if I get to that stage.

[Njbb1995]

How bout a Nanchang?

[Peppermint]

I would try to make a Nanchang, but wasn't there a project already started for one? TO be honest I don't really want to make something that's already being made/already is made. But having said that, I'd rather start on something small like a Nanchang....hmm....If you can find a 3 view, and some info regarding wing length etc I'll be more than happy to give it a go.

[dbcunnz]

QUOTE (Peppermint @ Feb 7 2009, 09:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would try to make a Nanchang, but wasn't there a project already started for one? TO be honest I don't really want to make something that's already being made/already is made. But having said that, I'd rather start on something small like a Nanchang....hmm....If you can find a 3 view, and some info regarding wing length etc I'll be more than happy to give it a go.

Try this
Nanchang
Specifications (CJ-6A):
Engine: One 285-hp Quzhou Huosai-6A HS6A radial piston engine
Weight: Empty 2,200 lbs., Max Takeoff 3,080 lbs.
Wing Span: 33.4 ft.
Length: 27.75 ft.
Height: 10.7 ft.
Performance:
Maximum Speed: 230 mph
Ceiling: 17,000 ft.
Range: 450 miles
Armament: None

[NZ255]

http://www.lampa.com.au/techinfo.html

[ardypilot]

QUOTE

I would try to make a Nanchang, but wasn't there a project already started for one?[/quote]
Unfortunately nothing ever came of that, and the member supposedly making the model left the forums.

If you ever do decide to create the CJ-6, I'd happily be the first to put my hand up as a beta tester

[Njbb1995]

And me!!!