Creating a static mesh?

[legacy-Gothkid]

i would like to know how to create a static mesh.

is it possible to create one in unrealEd?

thanx ;)

[legacy-sandorski]

You can, but should only create very simple SMeshes in UEd, like a door or box. For more complex SMeshes use Maya 5 PLE, a copy is included on the Play disk in the Extras directory.

[legacy-Gothkid]

ok. thanx.:up:

in unreal ed, how do u create a static mesh and is maya PLE any different?

[legacy-NiTrOcALyPsE]

In terms of how you go about creating things, Maya PLE is pretty different from Unreal Editor. Of course common 3D attributes still exist, such as polys, vertices, materials, etc. But Ued simply lacks the power to properly optimize BSP into a good static mesh. Keep in mind that UEd is used solely for Unreal Engine games, while Maya is used for everything from video games to the Hollywood film industry.

The best explanation why not to create static meshes from BSP (eg. inside the editor) is of course Angel_Mapper's report (http://angelmapper.com/tutorials/uedmeshes.htm).

[Killer909]

You need to ask yourself "Is this shape very simple?"
Simple shapes are shapes like a cube, or a sheet. You should consider ADD brushes only and ignore SUBTRACT brushes.

[legacy-Gothkid]

thanx.;)

ok problem 2: :p
can sum1 provide me with some good tutorials?

[Killer909]

Maya tutorials?

[legacy-Gothkid]

yup

[legacy-sandorski]

When you start Maya a window pops up that links to some Tuts, also the Help section has a lot of good Tuts. Or goto 3DBuzz (http://www.3dbuzz.com) for great Maya and UEd Tuts.

It'll probably take a few weeks to figure out how to make simple SMeshes with Maya and months before you can make really good ones, but the time spent learning Maya is worth it.

[legacy-Gothkid]

nice one, thanx every1:up:

[legacy-The Toe]

Good luck on getting your feet wet with making those meshes. I've gone almost as far as I can with my map before I have to start learning Maya to get some good meshes, and personally....I'm a little intimidated by the learning curve.

[legacy-sandorski]

Originally posted by The Toe
Good luck on getting your feet wet with making those meshes. I've gone almost as far as I can with my map before I have to start learning Maya to get some good meshes, and personally....I'm a little intimidated by the learning curve.

Just start out learning how to Navigate, making simple shapes(Cubes, Spheres, etc), how to manipulate components, Extrude Faces, and gradually add in more. It takes time to learn Maya, but you need to take it or you will be overwhelmed.

[legacy-Maccaaccam99]

would it be difficult to make a chair or a desk wit maya?
how do you import it in to ued?

is this for 2003 or 2004? i have 2004 where can i find maya on 2004 discs?

[legacy-sandorski]

Originally posted by Maccaaccam99
would it be difficult to make a chair or a desk wit maya?
how do you import it in to ued?

is this for 2003 or 2004? i have 2004 where can i find maya on 2004 discs?

A chair or desk is quite easy, but to make really good ones it'll take some time and experience. In a couple weeks of dedicated learning you could make a useable chair or desk.

If you have the CD Version, it is on Disk 6(Play Disk) under the Extras directory in Maya.

For the DVD version, it is in a directory called CD6 in the Extras Directory under Maya.

First Install Maya, then the Plugin that's in the same directory. Start up Maya, goto Help and in there there's a UT2004(something, Export IIRC), click on that and it should(see below) open setup info in your web browser.

If by chance, and there's a good chane, the click on the Help/UT2004 thingy brings up an error, you can open it directly by doing this:

1) open Windows Explorer/Explorer

2) goto C:\Documents and Settings\Guest(this is the current Logged in User)\My Documents\maya\5.0PLE\docs\UT2004 Help

3) double clicking the Index or Welcome(don't recall which) html file will open the Help system for Maya/UT2004

4) follow all those steps(4-6 steps in total) and you'll be good to go.

If fate has been kind, you'll have in your possession the 2 DVD version of UT2k4. Checkout the 2nd DVD if you do!

[legacy-Maccaaccam99]

on disc 6 all i have is direct x speech help and sound. no maya no extras. i have the ut2004 editors choice edition

[legacy-sandorski]

Originally posted by Maccaaccam99
on disc 6 all i have is direct x speech help and sound. no maya no extras. i have the ut2004 editors choice edition

CD7 then. Be sure to checkout the VTMs on the second DVD.