Hello everyone :) Well, I have been away from Vue for a while trying demos of different 3d applications... I see you guys model great stuff and I would like very much to learn to model. The thing is, with demos, you don't get manual so I can't figure out which could be best for me since, all I do is look at menus and try to make something then finally give up because of lack of information. So, what I am asking is this, what would be an affordable modeler with a HUGE manual, so I can start to learn something ? I can't afford a high end app like 3d studio Max or lightwave... I wanna start with simple things and then make my way at trying to make Poser clothes ... Can someone help me on this ? Thanks :) Elaine

Attached Link: http://www.wings3d.com/

Elaine - I like Wings3D. It's an Open Source modeler that is very easy to use. There currently is no manual, but one is in the works (I'm writing it, the manual, not the software). But there is a very active and helpful community where you can go to get help. And if you would need any additional help getting started with it just drop me a line and I'll be glad to help you out. I tried almost all of the free and affordable modelers and nothing came close to ease of use and speed for modeling. jon

 
~jon
My Blog - Mad Utopia Writing in a new era.

Hello Jon :) Thanks for your reply :) I have a first question for you...When I looked at wings3d's website, I went on to see sys req and I saw : System requirements: A computer and operating system that can run Erlang/OTP Well, can I use this on WinXP ? Since I didn't know, I didn't d/l this one ... I guess I have a looong way to go.........LOL Elaine

Attached Link: http://pub33.ezboard.com/bnendowingsmirai

Yes you can. Wings is written in Erlang instead of C. So for it to work on your computer (or anyone's computer) you have to first download the Erlang runtime libraries and then Wings itself. The Erlang libraries are sort of large (about a 23MB download), but it only has to be downloaded and installed once. There is a link to the Erlang download right on the Wings page. The Wings download itself is fairly small, < 1MB in size. As new versions come out you just download the small Wings file and install that. The order for installation is: Erlang installed first, Wings installed second. Others here use Wings too, so you won't be alone. :) And there is that nice forum, run by roadtoad, at the link here. Don't be put off by the large Erlang download. Wings is worth it! jon

 
~jon
My Blog - Mad Utopia Writing in a new era.

Thanks again :) I guess I will try this one too :) Elaine

I have written a "Finger Exercise" tutorail for the User Manual. Maybe I'll spend a little time repackaging it as a stand alone HTML tutorial. I could send it to you if you would like it. To get started after you download it, go the the Wings forum and visit the UM Project page. Read the first few User Interface posts at the top of the page so that you get a quick understanding of how it works. That should help you get started. Let me know if you'd like that tut. jon

 
~jon
My Blog - Mad Utopia Writing in a new era.

Thanks jon :) Very kind of you :) I will get the downloads and install and read some tuts from the website ... I will surely get back at you for the tutorial afterwards :) Now, back in the shadow of the painful learning process :) Elaine

try spatch , a free and simple modeler with some tutorials. Yves

You can also try anim8or, an excellent and easy to use modeler apps. The only requirement is a OpenGL compatible video card. And yes, there is both an online manuel and a downloadbable manual (in pdf format) and tons of tutorials. Of course, it absolutely free and you can find it at : http://www.anim8or.com Hope this can help...

I have 3dstudio Max 3.1 (purchased used, but legally)Amapi and (of course) Vue. I have found Wings3d to be by far the easiest and fastest 3d modeling program. Wings was free and although it is not quite as versatile as 3D Studio, it is easier, by far, to use. If you are just wanting to make some 3d models, Wings would be the way to go. You can do fairly complex models with Wings3d, and it's pretty easy to make them organic looking. Hope this helps M.Nash

Thank you all for the tips.... :) I will have a try at Wings and I hope that finally I will find something I can use :) Elaine

When it comes to the Eralang download the Erlang page can be a bit confusing. What you should do is to klick on Yes under the title 'Windows Binary' in the grid.