questions about modding

[Bob1701]

hey guys i got some 3d programs, and wanted to get some things cleared up before i start working on my ideas.
what file format does bc use in game for the 3d ships?
is there any specific program i should get for the hardpoint setup?
how would i go about texturing the ship and how would i do the regristry?
and im sure ill have a lot more questions as i go along.

[WileyCoyote]

what file format does bc use in game for the 3d ships?

Nif. If you have 3ds Max, you will have to download the nif import/export plugin for it located here:
http://niftools.sourceforge.net/wiki/3ds_Max

is there any specific program i should get for the hardpoint setup?

The best program is called Model Property Editor aka. Bridge Commander SDK.  The program is included.
http://bridgecommander.filefront.com/file/Bridge_Commander_SDK;2455

how would i go about texturing the ship

There are many tutorials online about texturing, but it takes time to be really good.  The best program is Adobe Photoshop for general image editing and creating.

and how would i do the registry?

There are numerous Star Trek fonts around the internet.

[ACES_HIGH]

how would i do the registry?

TOS era ships use a modified version of Amarillo USAF for registry and name.  ships from the movies and later, use a mix of that font, or Jefferies for small text and StarfleetBdExt for large text like the registry and sometimes the name.