Converting RTW models to M2TW models

[Code_Knight]

After researching conversions, I found a way to successfully convert RTW models without any errors. Here is a list of the things you'll need:

1. Rome: Total War
2. Milkshape
3. Gmax or 3ds Max

Everything else will be included in the package I provided below labeled cas-mesh.rar

Lets get started!

Heres the model(barb_peasant_high.cas to barb_peasant_lod0.ms3d and then of course .mesh)

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

STEPS

1) put the .cas importer/exporter in the scripts folder
2) put the M3D exporter .dle file in the C:\Program Files\gmax\plugins directory.
3) start gmax, run the .cas importer/exporter script, import the .cas model
4) export the model as a .MD3, set frames to 3
5) open milkshape, import the .MD3 model and save it as .ms3d, remember to change the _high to _lod0!!!
6) run the .ms3d to .mesh converter
7) you just converted a RTW model to M2TW format!

Here's a little package I threw together that has all the tools you will need, all you need to get is the .cas file in your RTW folder.

Attachment 22326

ENJOY!

Textures work as well:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[Krieg_Boy]

1000 rep! excelent work!
Maybe now we will see RTW2

[Nakharar]

3rd tutorial on this i think this is a bit less complicated then Signifiers

[Code_Knight]

3rd tutorial on this i think this is a bit less complicated then Signifiers

Ya that was kind of the point of the tutorial, but it also doesn't come up with any errors which is a breath of fresh air.

@Krieg, Thank you!

[pacco]

Rep for tutorial!

[alhoon]

Great! ! !

Can we have a few meshes? Like... the Carthaginian elephants?

[Code_Knight]

Great! ! !

Can we have a few meshes? Like... the Carthaginian elephants?

Not a problem to convert them, all you have to do is follow the steps below.

Or do you want me to show you some images?

[alhoon]

Not a problem to convert them, all you have to do is follow the steps below.

Or do you want me to show you some images?

1. I haven't ever messed (pun intended ) with mesh files, nor I know how to do anything with them. I don't even have the programs required to mess with meshes.

2. So yeap, I would like to see some picture of M2TW elephants stolen from RTW. I always thought that the War elephants of the Carthaginians were far better and realistic than the timurids elephants.

So, effectively I'm asking you for the benefit of the whole TWC community (And particularly me ) to change whatever needs to be changed in whatever file needs to be changed in order for the Elephant model in M2TW to change to the Carthage elephant.
The soldiers are OK, it's the elephant that I don't like. You know, the mount.

Oh, and of course, upload it somewhere in the downloads so I can download it.

[Code_Knight]

1. I haven't ever messed (pun intended ) with mesh files, nor I know how to do anything with them. I don't even have the programs required to mess with meshes.

2. So yeap, I would like to see some picture of M2TW elephants stolen from RTW. I always thought that the War elephants of the Carthaginians were far better and realistic than the timurids elephants.

So, effectively I'm asking you for the benefit of the whole TWC community (And particularly me ) to change whatever needs to be changed in whatever file needs to be changed in order for the Elephant model in M2TW to change to the Carthage elephant.
The soldiers are OK, it's the elephant that I don't like. You know, the mount.

Oh, and of course, upload it somewhere in the downloads so I can download it.

I'll send it to you when I have time

[SigniferOne]

Err, see this tutorial: http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=200559

3rd tutorial on this i think this is a bit less complicated then Signifiers

Well true. I show the whole process of how to get the unit into the game, with stuff omitted above about comments, model groups, texturing, and .modeldb.

[Code_Knight]

Err, see this tutorial: http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=200559


Well true. I show the whole process of how to get the unit into the game, with stuff omitted above about comments, model groups, texturing, and .modeldb.

Also a great tut, the only reason I made this one is because it simplifies things.

[Roboute Guilliman]

sorry for the necro, after trying to export the cas as an m3d file i get the following error in gmax:
''The following errors were found during MD3 export;

Body_400: maximum object size exceeded
-- maximum bounding box size relavtive to tag is (-512,-512,-512) to (512,512,512) system units.

Please fix these errors and try again.''

[Code_Knight]

sorry for the necro, after trying to export the cas as an m3d file i get the following error in gmax:
''The following errors were found during MD3 export;

Body_400: maximum object size exceeded
-- maximum bounding box size relavtive to tag is (-512,-512,-512) to (512,512,512) system units.

Please fix these errors and try again.''

That's strange, I've converted about thirty RTW units yet I haven't gotten such an error. The best advice I can give is to make sure that the scripts are in the right place and you may want to re-install gmax just to make sure everything is set to default. Btw, do you run vista (standard question now days). Just keep telling me what happens and I'll work ya through it.

[Roboute Guilliman]

That's strange, I've converted about thirty RTW units yet I haven't gotten such an error. The best advice I can give is to make sure that the scripts are in the right place and you may want to re-install gmax just to make sure everything is set to default. Btw, do you run vista (standard question now days). Just keep telling me what happens and I'll work ya through it.

I got 64 bit vista. Will reinstall gmax and tell you if it helped me.

After reinstalling everything and putting everything in the right place, I started gmax and got the following error:
'' Class <ExportMD3> from <ExportMD3.dle> has duplicate class ID: not loading.
This may be due to a duplicate plug-in path.

Continue showing this warning for other duplicates?''

I clicked yes to see if ignoring it will help and got the same error. (Maybe before i clicked no by mistake.) After the error i checked in the plugins folder and noticed that i have an exportMD3.dle (obviously the one i put there) and an exportMd3.DLU.

Do i need to delete the last one?

[Code_Knight]

I got 64 bit vista. Will reinstall gmax and tell you if it helped me.

After reinstalling everything and putting everything in the right place, I started gmax and got the following error:
'' Class <ExportMD3> from <ExportMD3.dle> has duplicate class ID: not loading.
This may be due to a duplicate plug-in path.

Continue showing this warning for other duplicates?''

I clicked yes to see if ignoring it will help and got the same error. (Maybe before i clicked no by mistake.) After the error i checked in the plugins folder and noticed that i have an exportMD3.dle (obviously the one i put there) and an exportMd3.DLU.

Do i need to delete the last one?

I'm hoping this isn't a typical vista error, but we'll see if we can get around it. If the plugin is using an old or outdated path, then you need to go into the registry and delete the values for gmax (there should be a few). You may have a better chance making this work on the trial of 3DS Max (same basic programs, gmax is just the free version with less perks). http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet...&siteID=123112

[EVYATAR]

excelent work! Dread Penguin!
I waiting for the next preview of TATW

[Roboute Guilliman]

lol with 3ds max i get the following error, right at the start:
'DLL <C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 2009\PlugIns\ExportMD3.dle> failed to initialize. Error code 193 - %1 ist keine zulässige Win32-Anwendung.'

''ist keine zulässige'' means 'its not'(my windows is in german)

[Code_Knight]

lol with 3ds max i get the following error, right at the start:
'DLL <C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 2009\PlugIns\ExportMD3.dle> failed to initialize. Error code 193 - %1 ist keine zulässige Win32-Anwendung.'

''ist keine zulässige'' means 'its not'(my windows is in german)

Gotta love vista.

Were you able to fix the problem? Btw, when you download 3ds max, make sure to get the 64-bit version.

[Roboute Guilliman]

Gotta love vista.

Were you able to fix the problem? Btw, when you download 3ds max, make sure to get the 64-bit version.

thats what I used, wasent able to fix the problem. Guess its vista then.

[Code_Knight]

thats what I used, wasent able to fix the problem. Guess its vista then.

I'm still trying to figure out how vista screws up so many things. Tell me if you are able to figure anything else out.