Overview

Creating a new ship for use in FS2/FRED2 consists of the following steps:

  1. Create a model using some 3D modelling package (such as trueSpace, 3DSM, Lightwave, Blender, Milkshape).
  2. UV map & texture your model either using your 3D modelling package or a dedicated UV mapping program (such as Lithium Unwrapper).
  3. Create textures for your model using some paint package (such as Paint Shop Pro)
  4. Save your model as a trueSpace .cob model either using your 3D modelling package or a dedicated 3D model conversion program such as 3D Exploration.
  5. Set up your model in truesSpace ready for conversion by some .cob to .pof convertor (such as PCS or COB2POF)
  6. Convert your trueSpace .cob into a Freespace .pof using a .cob to .pof convertor (such as PCS or COB2POF).
  7. Add a table entry for your ship.
  8. Set up your .pof using a .pof editor (such as PCS)
  9. Test in FRED2 & FS2.

The order is not rigid. Often you'll find youtself having to going back and tweak things at an earlier stage. Sometimes this means repeating some or all of the later stages again. Generally you'll go round a few times until you're happy with the result. Some steps are very closely linked. UV mapping and creating your textures for example. Since the UV map you give your model determines the textures you need to create and vice-versa.