Help Needed - MDL File de-compiler

[allardjd 1,853]

Does anyone know of an application that will decompile an existing FS AC model file (mdl) into XML or some other format that is usable by a program such as FS Design Studio by Abacus?

A friend has a freeware AC that he uses as AI but he wants to modify the rudder shape, which he doesn't feel is accurately done. I have FSDS and though it will happily create mdl files, doesn't seem to have any capacity for importing, opening or decompiling a raw mdl file.

I know tools like this exist for bgl files - I have one and have used it successfully but am not aware of one for model files. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

John

[mutley 4,498]

John,

I am sure the answer can be found here http://www.fsdeveloper.com somewhere, I have had no luck so far but will keep my eyes open.

Cheers

[ddavid 149]

John - the best you can do is to use BglAnalyzeX.exe. This works, somewhat, for scenery 'mdl's but the results are not consistent. When you use this app for aircraft 'mdl's, the result is really incomprehensible due mainly to the complexity of the original - i.e. multiple part copies (engine 1, engine 2, etc), animations, tags for textures, transparency indices, etc.

Personally, I wouldn't even consider this approach as it impinges on copyright issues. Best thing is to contact the originator/designer and ask them if they can make the mod for you - or let you have the model in its original FSDS/gmax/.... form for you to edit.

Best o' luck, mate!

Cheers - Dai.