Having trouble making units with new graphics

from Stardock Forums
I've been able to make my own missile-type unit with GalCiv Writer, and been able to build it normally in the game and not have any issues. I used the AntiMatterMissile model.

I tried to edit it so it would use a model that didn't come with the game, and now when I select it in the build menu for my planets, it shows only black where the graphic should be. In addition, my new unit no longer finishes building either. My planets have been showing "Completed Next Turn" for months, even years on end. And I have checked the option menu, "Enable Mods" is on.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what I may be doing wrong? The myships.ship file is in the mod/data folder and the .mdl file is in the mod/gfx folder, so I'm stumped.


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1,821 views 7 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
Some of the ship.mdl files do not work correctly. I had no problems with Chippoka's files and the PerryRhodan-style Ships, but with a few of the Babylon5 mdls and with the Firehawk (Omega ship pack and Evil Pack i believe it was) i encountered the same problems. The ship was there, but the blueprint screen was black, and the ship was "invisible" on the starfield (you could use it if you knew where to click).

If you want a special mdl "repaired", Chippoka is your man. He got that Vorlon ship and the White Star useable for me. He takes requests from other users,too, if you want a ship created for you.

If you want StarTrek ships from turgotZ, check this out:
http://www.geocities.com/guildshand/
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Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
Hmmm... it seems to be something else. I switched the .MDL file for the unit with Chippoka's fighter .MDL, but I still get the same result. :(
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Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
I'm starting to think there was something wrong with myships.ship file I made using GalCiv writer. The two different graphics I tried worked when they were used by someone elses .ship files
Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top
Do you guys think I should try making the .ship file used only notepad and not GalCiv writer?
Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top
Except for anomalies (which get wrong "power" values when saved with GCW), i always use GalCiv Writer and had no problems (except for those two i mentioned above which won't function in their unchanged original files or in self-made ones).


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Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top
Tip...

Important the *.SHIP file call the exact name of the MDL file (in most cases). Some of the game MDLs contain several ships. Most user made MDLs are tied to only one ship design (all mine are, anyway). The file name of the ship inside the MDL needs to match the MDL name exactly, or there will be more black boxes in the game. This is a common problem when people rename MDLs.... don't do that.

If an MDL is called: Missile.MDL, then the MyShips.SHIP file should have a section about the Missile ship which states (exactly as shown below, but a two inch gap between Model and "Missile" --- the forum took out my spaces, darn it):

Model "Missile"

If you see a black screen from any of my MDLs for ship graphics, then you're not naming the file correctly from inside the *.SHIP file. All of my most current MDLs are fault free, unless I've screwed-up baddly (it happens).

Any syntax typo in the *.Ship file will produce a fault (black box); especially if you forget a quote mark. Be careful. Post your *.SHIP file if you wish others to take a look for errors.

Creating MDLs is another whole complex topic. You need several utilities created by other fans of this game, plus you'll need a decent graphics editing-creation program (like JASC Paint Shop Pro 9, GIMP 2, Corel Draw, etc).

I usually use Note Pad for all my *.Ship efforts. I mainly use the older version of GC Writer for tech and improvement editing and creation (for tracking IDs). The newer CG Writer is a proto-type needing a something called "net frame work" (I think) installed in order to function. I installed the frame work thing, but still can't get the newest proto-type or version of GC Writer to come-up. I don't think the programmers working on that version of GC Writer are currently working with the program; it is getting pretty old with no final release having been issued.

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