Free Modeling Programs

[VSMIT]

This is a list of (obviously) free 3D modeling programs.  This list is mainly for those who wish to learn how to model, but people who already know the basics but haven't found a good program can use this, too.  Of course, if you're really masochistic, you can write your own XSI files in Notepad, but who wants to do that?  Note that only one of these programs has an XSI exporter, but that's easily worked around.  If you've not attempted modeling before, or have tried it but not liked an interface, try these.

1. trueSpace.  I've not personally used it, but I'm sure BNG Da BZ Fool could help you here.  DL at http://www.caligari.com/downloads.html.
2. GMAX.  This is a stripped down version of 3D Studio Max.  It can only save as .gmax files, which can't be opened by anything, and can only export as .p3d files, which I've never seen used.  However, you can download and install the Tempest game pack from Turbosquid, which has an MD3 exporter (Which can be opened in a couple of modeling programs), and there is also a workaround for exporting as an X file, which I will go over after I finish this list.  DL at http://www.turbosquid.com/gmax.
3. Blender3D.  A pretty powerful 3D program, but the interface can get some getting used to.  OvermindDl1 has developed an exporter for Blender that exports to BZ2's version of XSI, but it needs testers.  DL Blender at http://www.blender.org/download/get-blender/, DL the exporter at http://www.overminddl1.com/forum/index.php/topic,694.msg4731.html#msg4731.
4. Wings 3D.  A subdivision modeler, it's very easy to get high-poly fast.  May have a suspect poly counter.  Can export to 3DS.  DL at http://www.wings3d.com/

*Program* to XSI:
1. trueSpace.  I believe trueSpace can export to .x, so you can use the X2XSI utility found on BZScrap.
2. GMAX.  There are 3 ways to go about this.  One is Slaor's way, found here: http://www.bz2md.com/fishdotxsi/Slaor2xsi.htm.  The next is Greenheart's way, found here: http://www.bz2md.com/fishdotxsi/gmax.htm  The third is the Direct2X way, which I've found to be the easiest.  I'll diagram that here.
     1. First download the 'Gmax gamepack SDK' found at this link: FlightSimulator exporter plugin. Size is about 15Mb. Although only 3 files are actually needed, they are not available as separate downloads, so unfortunately you'll need to download the whole thing.
     2. Next, download programs 'MDLCommander' and 'Middleman'.
     3. After download, you'll see that the 'fs2004_sdk-gmax-setup' is an exe. If you install it in the default gmax directory, you'll end up with a lot of extra stuff that you don't need. So create a new folder somewhere on your hard drive and install it there.
     4. When done, open the folder, go to gamepacks > fs2004 > plugins. And copy all 3 files: 'FSModelExp.dle', 'makemdl.exe' and 'makemdl.parts.xml' to your main ../gmax/plugins folder.
     5. You need to rename two of the files. Right click on 'makemdl.exe' and rename it to to 'mkmdl.exe'. Then right click on 'makemdl.parts.xml' and rename it to 'mkmdl.parts.xml' (without the quotes).
     6. Next, unzip 'MDLCommander.zip'. Then copy 'mdlcommander.exe' to your main ../gmax/plugins folder. This file also needs to be renamed. Right click on 'mdlcommander.exe' and rename it to 'makem.exe'.
     7. Finally, unzip 'Middleman13beta3.zip'. Then copy 'makemdl.exe' to your main ../gmax/plugins folder.
     8. To convert your gmax model to .X format. Go to 'File > Export' and select 'Flightsim Aircraft Object (.MDL) from the file type dropdown. Type in a filename and click Save. The Middleman dialog window should now appear. Click the 'Options' tab and check 'SaveXFile' (this saves the x file) and 'nocompile' (this tells mdlcommander to only create an .X file not mdl/bgl). Then click the GO button.

After a few seconds the dialog will close and your newly exported .X model should be in the directory where you saved it to.

3. Blender3D.  As I've said previously, there is an XSI exporter, just DL it, install it to the correct place, and have at it.  I don't know where the "correct place" is, since I haven't used Blender all that much, so you'll have to experiment.
4. Wings 3D.  As I've said previously, Wings can export to 3DS.  DL Blender, and import the model into Blender.  Do whatever you need to here, like place HPs, set up a hierarchy, or UV map, then export using the XSI exporter.

Any questions about this can be asked here.  I'm sure there are people who would be happy to help you.