Request help replacing a deflector on an ambassador class starship. >_<

[fox105]

Can anyone help me swap the deflectors on the ambassadors from DJ Ambassador pack. I only ask about the deflector because I liked the Enterprise C a lot and your USS Argonaut has such a beautiful one.

His USS Republic  is the best ambassador refit I've seen so far. I  need one for a group  story, I've tried looking into swapping  the deflectors myself, but lack the proper programs and knowledge to do so.

I've been using the USS Zhukov before and had a really silly looking radar dish in the center of the deflector. But I know that was cannon for a TNG era ambassador.

Can anyone help me? The original creator, DJ Curtis is probably too busy to do this. Anyone else out there know how to do this? >_<
 

Thanks for reading. 

[deadthunder2_0]

it should be a simple copy and paste job in photoshop or gimp

[fox105]

Sadly its not the texture but also the model, I need someone who can help edit the model. Here you can see the difference between the USS Argonaut and the USS Republic.

The Argonaut has the classic Ambassador deflector, but the Republic is the refit model. I would like the Republic to have the original deflector like the Argonaut. The ship files can be found here:

http://bridgecommander.filefront.com/file/DJ_Ambassador_Class;113809

Both were part of the same pack, so I hope that makes it easier.

[deadthunder2_0]

oh i forgot that. it is a diffrent model. i can work on it, but idk if i can give it to you

[fox105]

I'm trying to make the ultimate TNG, dominion war era Ambassador class.  The USS Republic already look cool with the upgraded saucer phaser array,  extra impulse drives on each nacelle pylon and improve nacelles. I wanted to add a little more.  

 I was going to add extra impulse drives on the saucer, phaser strips on top of each nacelle like the upgraded Galaxy variant USS venture and pulse phaser/ disruptor turrets here and there.

All of these can be done by messing with the hardpoint file and the textures. But I dont have the knowledge or skill to swap out the deflector. Please help >_<  

Thanks Deadthunde2...but what  does idk mean? sorry I'm a noob at forums... >_<

[Toa_Kaita]

"IDK" means "I dont know." Have you asked permission from DJ to modify his work?

[fox105]

Thanks for the info Toa_Kaita.

As for permission, well yes, DJ said that I was welcome to try and modify his ship. He explained that it would take him a couple of hours to do so, but was busy on another project. Naturally he would be credited along with anyone who can help me. I dont think I'm qualified to be mentioned.

[Bren]

Look for a 3D editor called Milkshape, and a set of plugins for NIF files by a dude called ChrisOfBorg (if memory serves). If you do use those plugins, prepare to have the smoothing groups messed up.

Alternatively, there's a program called NIFskope which can also help in the porting process, but sadly lacks comprehensive modelling tools. Perhaps some combination of the two. Milkshape is a nice starter editor with an easy-to-get-to-grips-with interface. It's ever-so-slightly buggy, so save your work often.

[deadthunder2_0]

just get Gmax and the NIF Plugins, import both ships, select the engineering hull of the normal and delete it, then take the second and move it to the position of the first (right click on the selected part then click move)

[DJ Curtis]

Here.  I'll make a few other changes but I will release it at Christmas time with the other stuff.  I'll also give it a new name.

[fox105]

I appreciate the advise everyone, but I dont have access to these programs. Not for some time. Still at least I'll know what to do if I can get my hands on Gmax or Milkshape.  

Thanks a lot DJ, it looks great! That will definitely be worth the wait   
 

[Bren]

I didn't know there were nif plugins for Gmax, cool

anyway, as far as I know, Milkshape and Gmax are free to download (MS is on a limited time licence, but it's only 25 bucks to buy anyway) on the web, so web access is access to the programs ;)

[DJ Curtis]

This was a special request made by Jimmy way back in the spring that I totally forgot about....  Sorry Jimmy.  I'll release this to everyone at Christmas as well.

[fox105]

Cool another Ambassador to look forward too. ^_^

I just found Gmax Bren, but realized that if I tried to change it by swaping the secondary hull, I would lose the cool impulse drives on the nacelle pylons. I'm just a beginner at it.... >_<

So I'm glad DJ himself is helping. Thanks again DJ. ^_^

[Bren]

I've never actually used Gmax, and I can barely model a cube in 3DSmax, so I'm not the person to ask, I'm afraid.

There's plenty of others here with the expertise and the inclination to help you, so don't lose heart!

[fox105]

Merry Christmas to everyone here, thanks for all your help and advice.

I've had fun with Gmax: mixing, matching and building weird stuff, I'm probably doing it wrong but its a lot of fun anyway. I also manage to rig upgrade parts for the anticipated DJ Ambassador, and also adapt and customize a fighter for the game with gmax.

So special thanks to DJ Curtis for the beautiful Ambassadors and Deadthunder for suggesting Gmax.

Thanks everyone and Happy Holidays! 

[Bren]

Merry Christmas to you too! You've got the drive and the heart to be a great modder. Hope to see more of you around here in the new year!