Originally Posted by
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No worries Moses, I'm glad you asked.
Luckily, all of my published beta models just happened to be on a cloud server, and in the hands of a few friends when the database was lost. I was able to retrieve the .mdl and .dds files from those sources. The .mdl files are useless in 3D Studio, but Arno's tool allows them to be exported in an old 3DS file format that preserves the mesh. The .dds files can be converted to bitmaps, although my comprehensive layered Photoshop master files were lost.
Basically I can import the mesh into Studio in a format that remembers the UVW mapping, so the bitmap files can be used to create new master libraries. The mesh is a jumble of axis points and no animations, so all of that work needs to be re-done for every animated part. I've re-built the B-26K and F7F Tigercat completely, including additions and improvements to both. The Abrams and Buffalo are awaiting restoration as well as my DH Hornet, Sea Hornet and a few others. I started with the Jetstar because I had committed to that project prior to losing the data and most of my software. I honor my commitments and Jim was right there when I asked for help along with the Special Kay restoration team who have provided me with open access to all of their data and experience. These two projects occupy my development time which typically starts around 03:00 and run about six hours, seven days a week. The rest of my time is devoted to my house restoration and rebuilding my research archives.
IMO
There was a comment above that appeared to view my data loss as a "trivial" matter. For me, this event altered the course of my life. I had an entire product line representing over 50,000 man hours invested in that body of work, which was intended to provide for my retirement. I would challenge anyone on this forum to invest that much sacrifice and energy into an education or business to refer to it as trivial when the work is destroyed, with no recourse or remedy to recover.
I continue this work because if I don't have my hands in it I will lose the skill sets and fall behind in the development curve. I have no intention of allowing that to happen...thus the Jetstar and K Invader.
Occasionally I will vent my anger and share the more personal side of my recent experience. I don't intend any malice and I truly appreciate everyone's support.
Thanks friends.
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