Virtual Cockpit Creation/Editing

[Gonzo1177]

Hello All,

My apologies if this has been asked before. What program do do I use to create or
edit the virtual cockpits of aircraft in CFS3? Is GMAX? I couldn't find a utility in that
section of the CFS 3 resources.

Thank you,
Gonzo1177

 

[jgf]

The VC is part of the 3D model (mdl files). I think you need a special utility to access those.

 

[Shessi]

Unfortunately G, there is no way to edit the compiled m3d model files. Well, maybe through hex editing, but that is hard and very time consuming, almost not worth it!

If you can get the original source file of the AC or VC, then obviously you can use Gmax to alter and re-compile it, for what you want.

There is another way, which involves 'ripping' the VC from the AC in-game, but that's a no-no...

Other than that, install Gmax, get learning and make the VC yourself...quite simple really...ha ha.

Cheers

Shessi

 

[hairyspin]

Much easier (easy? hahahaha!) if you have the gmax source, a complete pain if all you have is the .m3d (CFS3) model. If you want to try editing the compiled CFS3 cockpit model, it includes the word cockpit in the file name. Cockpits are tricky things...

 

[Pat Pattle]

Hello All,

My apologies if this has been asked before. What program do do I use to create or
edit the virtual cockpits of aircraft in CFS3? Is GMAX? I couldn't find a utility in that
section of the CFS 3 resources.

Thank you,
Gonzo1177

Do you have any particular aircraft in mind?

 

[Gonzo1177]

Thank you for all your feedback. Pat, the Hellcat VC is the one I'm most interested in.
Are there any other Hellcats available to fly besides the AVHistory one? Ones with a
different VC, I mean.

 

[MajorMagee]

I've never paid much attention to the Hellcat cockpit, but your question caused me to look into it. There is a model issue where a couple of the gauges don't display properly. I couldn't address the underlying issue directly, but I was able to solve it by adding an alpha layer to the F6Fcpit_1.dds. You'll have to replace every copy of this file in your install for it to work reliably, but this should clean things up for you.

 

[MajorMagee]

Sorry, I was in a hurry last night. Please, disregard the previous attachment. This version has sharper text.

 

[Gonzo1177]

Thank you MM. Will give it a try.