Replacing limbs or body parts from one model with that of another, for SFM or Gmod?

[squall429]

I don't quite know the exact name for this type of this. I believe it's Blending, but I'm not entirely sure.

Anyway, I was curious as to how this would be done? I'm pretty sure I have to use a graphics program like blender, 3DS Max or something like that, but I'm pretty stumped on this. Lol

I'm initially trying to take a body part from one model and replace it with another models. Like a head, chest, arm, leg, etc, etc.

I'll gladly edit the models myself, if I can just get some guidance or tips as to how to go about it. I'm interested in learning and doing this myself.

Thanks in advance for any answer I receive and if anyone is still confused, I'll be glad to add more detail. Thanks!

[squall429]

*le bump*

Am I saying it wrong or is there just no one able to help me on this issue?

I hate to bump but I've been checking periodically on the forums since I posted and was quite shocked to see no responses because most people on this forum are very smart and helpful on these things.

[Jeff_epic_mopeds]

I believe what you're trying to do is called a model hack. In a nutshell you need to decompile the .mdl file, import the model into a 3D program, make the changes you want, then recompile it.

[URL="http://source.gamebanana.com/tuts/11227"]Here's a good place to get started[/URL], also covers Blender-specific topics.

[squall429]

[QUOTE=SergerantJoe;43456373]I believe what you're trying to do is called a model hack. In a nutshell you need to decompile the .mdl file, import the model into a 3D program, make the changes you want, then recompile it.

[URL="http://source.gamebanana.com/tuts/11227"]Here's a good place to get started[/URL], also covers Blender-specific topics.[/QUOTE]

Ah, yes! That's it! Body hacking. However I know how to decompile. I'll read the guide further and see I'll reply here again if I need anymore help on the sort. Thanks a lot.

If you have any tips as to how to actually take off a part of a body from one model and move it to another, that the guide may not mention, please let me know. Thanks!

[Jeff_epic_mopeds]

Well that guide is mainly for compiling/decompiling. The model part you have to do in a 3D editor.

Blender is popular with beginners since it's free and rather simple to use, and personally I prefer it over Max. Here's a fast dirty tutorial:

First get the [URL="http://steamreview.org/BlenderSourceTools/"]SMD tools[/URL], then import the models and make any changes you need.
- Rotate the camera with the middle mouse button, hold Shift to move.
- Right click on a model and press Tab to go into Edit mode, where you can select/delete/move vertices. (protip: Ctrl-L selects linked)

Once you've made all your desired changes, hit Tab again to go back to Object Mode, select both models, then hit the Join at the top-left. At the Scene tab on the top-right, export the model with [URL="http://puu.sh/6dy5N.png"]these[/URL] settings, then compile your exported SMD file.

[squall429]

[QUOTE=SergerantJoe;43458726]Well that guide is mainly for compiling/decompiling. The model part you have to do in a 3D editor.

Blender is popular with beginners since it's free and rather simple to use, and personally I prefer it over Max. Here's a fast dirty tutorial:

First get the [URL="http://steamreview.org/BlenderSourceTools/"]SMD tools[/URL], then import the models and make any changes you need.
- Rotate the camera with the middle mouse button, hold Shift to move.
- Right click on a model and press Tab to go into Edit mode, where you can select/delete/move vertices. (protip: Ctrl-L selects linked)

Once you've made all your desired changes, hit Tab again to go back to Object Mode, select both models, then hit the Join at the top-left. At the Scene tab on the top-right, export the model with [URL="http://puu.sh/6dy5N.png"]these[/URL] settings, then compile your exported SMD file.[/QUOTE]

Question: Will I have to re-make a skeleton or rig for the hacked model or will it have it's own with it?

[Jeff_epic_mopeds]

No, the rigging is generally left the same, unless you have different skeletons.

[squall429]

[QUOTE=SergerantJoe;43459079]No, the rigging is generally left the same, unless you have different skeletons.[/QUOTE]

If one models upper torso has a different rig than the model with the lower body, do they merge or does a new skeleton have to be made?

[Jeff_epic_mopeds]

If you're lucky and the two skeletons are about the same, you can get away with simply renaming weights. That's a bit more complicated topic however.

What exactly do you want to hack anyway?

[squall429]

I want to add a seperate torso from one model to another and the legs of one model to another