Unable to Convert
 

I can't seem to find a file converter which will recognize these particular files - the only one I could find for free is Quick3D's 30 day trial, and it only recognizes .mdl files from Quake, apparently.:nope: Each time I try to open one of the ship models, I am told that it is 'not a valid Quake .mdl file' (Quake also used .mdl's, from what I have read).

Probably a daft idea, but perhaps it might be possible to convert the files using 3DS Max or Wings 3D- has anybody checked?

You'd need a plugin for 3DS max (which I haven't been able to locate), since it doesn't support the .mdl format. I don't know anything about wings3d, though.

Wings 3D cant convert it.

Ship Conversions and Programs
 

Wings3d was the first program I checked - it is my main program for shipbuilding. However, it cannot be used to edit or open .mdl files at all. :nope:

I don't use 3DS max, but I didn't see an .mdl plugin for it during my general search.

I just tried a couple of scripts for gmax, pointed out to me in a PM from Bigboywooly (:up:). Neither of them would recognize these particular .mdl files.

Neither I nor anyone else has asked for permission to use them in the game anyway.:-?

Kind of a catch22, we can't use them 'till we get permission, but until we can figure out how to use them, it doesn't make much sense to ask permission.;)

Which came first the chicken or the egg?:rotfl:

Judging by the pics, these ships will need extensive reworking to be brought up to SH4 standards, so it might be better to start from scratch anyway.........

Model Quality
 

Even though the poly count of these ships is definitely somewhat lower (i.e. there is less detail) than the current SHIV models, you would be surprised at the difference that a high-quality skin makes.:yep: Let's see one of these models re-skinned first before we jump to conclusions about inadequate quality.

I guess someone could just ask the guy who created these what program he used.

We need also the Shinano!!

MDL format need export in MDX format and after it ships converted in 3D MAX format. And all.

Seems you can use a programme called Yobgul's File Converter to convert .mdl files to.mdx files. Time to test this.............
Thanks for the tip, Denis!:up:

Please:D

I himself can not made units now during my pc in repaire and post this entry for all who can made.

Best regards for converts and wait more units for SH III and SH IV.

BTW, the "much needed" models on that page are not the 2 large warships posted, but the Kaibokan and the T-14 PT boat (with DC roll rack) ;)

I hope, that made all ships what is not in game....

There are a number of issues (not knowing how the models are put together). The guns, for example, need to be removed so they can use existing guns via nodes, etc.

A DM also needs to be created, along with models for damaged states. It's pretty non-trivial, actually. Given the large amount of work required, like any other project, focus would matter to get things done. The large ships are typically the immediate focus of people. Read the old "ships needed" type threads, and everyone was clamoring for Shinano, Kaga, etc. Ships that would rarely if ever be seen by players. The reality is that in terms of "bang for the buck," the ships to make are small escorts and small shipping since they are the actors most likely to be encountered by player submarines.

Kaibokans, Matsu DEs, Auxiliary gunboat escorts. Chidoris... Those are what we need most. That and Fox Tare merchants, and Sugar Baker Charlie and Sugar Baker Sugar types.

Ship Priorities
 

@ tater - Actually, the escort ship on that page is a late war (1944) frigate, and not a kaibokan. I agree that small escort ships are a priority, but I would personally like to see that tanker, seaplane tender and landing ship in game.:hmm:

Basically, these are the ones which would be useful in SHIV (these are obvious - I know):

BB:
None

CV:
- Lexington class (US) (either model)
- Akagi
- Kaga
- Soryu
- Shinano
- Ryujo (1937 version)
- Ryuho

CA:
- Tone class (either model)
- Mogami class pre-conversion (either Kumano or Suzuya model).
- Pensacola class (US)

CL:
- Tenryu class (either Tatusta or Tenryu)
- Oyodo

DD/DE/Torpedo Boats:
- Porter class (US) (either model)
- Ukuru class frigate (either model)
- JP torpedo boat

Others:
- Nisshin class seaplane tender
- Kamoi class AO
- Type 1 landing ship
- Daihatsu landing craft
- Small coastal vessel with sails

Plus, the Thor, Dunkerque, and Eagle would be useful in SHIII.

EDIT - Lexington class added - thanks miner1436 - forgot them when I wrote up the list.

Maby Lexington or Saratoga also?

Yobgul's is No Go........ it requires two .dlls from Warcraft 3, which I don't have: ijl15.dll and mss32.dll:cry: Bummer! Oh well, The Search Goes On...........

There is no such thing as a "frigate" in the IJN.

The Matsu was technically a DD (it was so listed in the rolls), though it was used more like a DE using USN terminology.

Ukuru (one of the 2 Ukuru Class kaibokan shown) was an improved Mikura. They would also have simply been called "Type B." Later, the Type C "Coast Defense" ships were also "Kaibokan."

All were known by the IJN as "coast defense" ships, BTW.

tater