Modelling

Modelling basics

What modelling program(s) do the community use? See #Programs.

Which one do you recommend? It depends on which program do you get used to the best. You may try as many as you can, so you could see which one better fits your preferences. Some say TrueSpace is simple but sometimes annoying. What is sure you will need it to set the hierarchy using this program.

What does a FreeSpace model consist of?
Your FreeSpace model must have one main body, which is basically the ship itself, other subobjects must be turrets or radar dishes. Your model must consist of at least two subobjects, which must be grouped together. If your model consists of only one subobject, you can add a local light and group the two.
A turret and a radar dish has to grouped together, too. See #Default Hierarchy.

Default Hierarchy

One-part turret

A one-part turret is basically only one subobject, with a local light grouped to the turret mesh. The local light is the point where the weapon projectile will appear when the turret fires, so set it to an ideal place.

Multi-part turret

Multi-part turrets are hard to do for the first sight, but in realty, you won't find it difficult if you follow each step exactly and precisely. First, draw the turret, with the barrels. Set everything into its prefered condition, then set the angle of the turret base, then move it to the bottom of the turret base. Then do the same with all the barrels(set the axes' position to the bottom of each barrel). Only after you have set all the axes to the appropriate position, you can glue the parts, accordingly to the image.

Programs

Caligari TrueSpace
3D Studio Max
GMax
Rhino 3D
Blender