How to Get Started in GMAX

[flyinmaninmn]

Hi-

I am trying to get started in using GMAX. I would like to design a Semi Truck that is fully moveable with the trailer moving on turn on the fifth wheel and rolling wheels. How did any of you good modelers out there get started? More importantly, what kinds of reference things do I need to get started? I have the basic GMAX program. Any help here would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you Kindly,
Lee

[AndrewJ]

I don't use (and never will if I can help it!) GMAX, but I got started by just playing around with the program and trying to make different shapes in order to learn what each different function of the program does.

Next came the difficult art of learning how to shape what you've got into something else accurately. This is something that men are generally good at, (over 40% of men can visualise and easily rotate and place shapes within the 3 dimensions, something to do with hormones)

First things first, dont expect your first ten attempts to be a success. I've made a lot of models, only a very few have ever been released, and most of those are early ones that I had made for fun and weren't really very good (MD-90 aside).

The best way is to read the manuals and do the tutorials that came with the program.

If you need help making a particular shape, refer to the manuals, ask here, ask over at JBAI developers section, my partner-in-crime Andrew Berry will be only too glad to help, as he uses GMAX. http://jbai-aircraft.com/forum/index.php?board=8.0

another good site to ask gmax questions is http://www.freeflightdesign.com go on forums.

Good luck, and of course myself and others here there and everywhere will be only too willing to help if you get stuck.