Importing .s3D Files to GMAX

[Elric888]

Does anyone here know how to take an automata model, and import it into GMAX? I assume that it must be converted first, and would like to know how to do this as manually changing the mesh in reader is extremely tedious. There are a few maxis models I would like to alter into new models, primarily the VW.
Any help here would be...umm helpful 
Thanks in advance!

[vester]

The file type or extension is okay, but the file ... think the reader adds a little extra to the file.

You can import the file exported from the reader into MilkShape3d and export into a 3ds.

[Jonathan]

The reader can export a 3ds from a S3D itself(in the S3D pane click 3DS function then click export 3DS), and I'm pretty sure gmax lets you import 3ds files (just doesn't let you export 3ds file which makes it getting the model back into the game harder)

[Elric888]

I hadn't thought to export it from reader this way (I usually do all exports from datgen), I will try this! And if that doesn't work I'll dig out milkshape from my Sims CD's! Very helpfull. I have already tried importing files from gmax to reader, and it works fine as long as it's oriented vertically. Thanks guys! Hopefully I this will solve my problem.

[vester]

Johathan: As I said, the reader add something extra to the 3ds files. If you try to import it in gmax directly, you will get an error.
For some reason, MilkShape3d reads them just fine.

[Elric888]

Yeah, I got the error message, but I just clicked through it and it opened up just fine. I may still dig out Milkshape though, as I'm more familiar with it than GMAX (not by much though). Hopefully I can now start honing my 3D skills, and present some brand new VW's in a few weeks. I'm also working with someone else on one of the models too, so this info was helpful to both of us!
Thanks again 

[thingfishs]

Hi, I've been trying to do as has been suggested above by Jonathan.
I've exported a model from simcity1.dat, via reader as a .3ds, but when I try to import it into gmax it gives me the following error

"assertion failed
In file.'3dsimp.cpp'
line: 525"

If I close this dialog the whole program closes, any ideas?

[vester]

Try to import it in MilkShape3d and export back into a 3ds file.

[null45]

Yes the Reader for some reason saves the 3ds files incorrectly, loading it in another program and re-saving it should allow Gmax to import it.

[thingfishs]

thanks guys,
I was expecting an error message after the posts above, and when it came up I tried closing it (via the red X and the cancel button) both of which resulted in the program quitting. However if I click on the "don't show message again" or whatever it's called, then it opens fine. (I can't believe I didn't at least try that, but I didn't). Thanks elric888