[Question] Backporting Weapons From 3.3.5 to 2.4.3/2.4.3 to 1.12.1?

[sid1488]

I've been trying to backport models recently, but I can't quite get it to work.
I started by attempting to backport the molten fury claws from TBC to Classic. I did this by:

- Exporting the model into .ms3d (Milkshape) using WoW Model Viewer.
- Using Biturn to convert the .ms3d to .3ds
- Using a 3dsToM2.exe (I'm not even sure if I have the right version of this, honestly) to convert the .3ds to .m2
- Injecting the model into the game by placing the .m2 aswell as textures (converted to .blp) into a .MPQ (renamed to patch-5.MPQ), in their correct filepaths and whatnot, and putting that in my Data folder

But as soon as I get ingame, my weapon has simply turned invisible. This is partly good, because it confirms I'm indeed using the correct filepath and filename at the very least, but it's rather bad because it doesn't tell me what I did wrong.

I assumed it had something to do with the animated model, so instead I attempted to convert a completely different one. Still from TBC, but it was 100% static. No animated models, no animated textures.

I went through the exact same procedure... But, nothing. Still invisible.

Now, I'm not sure what the problem exactly is, but I have some clues. It could either be that it isn't attaching the textures properly when converting from .ms3d to .3ds. I'm not really sure of this since it did rename one of the texture files, and therefore it did touch it. It was however overlaying the incorrect file (The... reflect? file. The one with a gray background and a single white line over it. Every weapon has this file with it when exported.) over the weapon in the preview, but when I looked further it was attaching both and showing as if it had two textures, so I doubt this is the issue. It could be though.

The more likely issue is that I simply have the wrong version of 3dsToM2.exe, but I can't find any other ones that claim they're for 1.12.1. I don't even know how to check whether mine is the correct version or not.

I would really like some help with this. It's for a private project where I want to implement TBC/WotLK instances and raids into a Classic version of the game. I'm not very good at creating my own models, so having the ones from the later expansions simply available would be a lot easier to me. (Even if I did, it's not like I'd know how to get those models ingame either.)

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I tried to explain my issue as clearly as I could. Thanks in advance!

[aidarius]

there are few ways to use models from expansions:
1. all models from tbc alpha are 100% equal with vanilla just use them directly
2. tbc weapons or all nonanimated models( m2 versions 0401 to 0601) could be easy converted by hexediting file - compare bones structure and vertices between tbc and vanilla
3 files from 2.4.3 have changed partilcles structure - more difficult to convert, it needs separate converter.
4. files from wotlk (without separated .skin file) alpha and beta are could be converted simply like ad. 2

generally if u spend some time studying m2 structure you can easy write in c+ converting procedures, and forget about converting with 3dstom2, u will get troble with line of sight, collisions, materials.
send me some of those m2's, i will try convert them.

btw ihave also added karazhan and caverns of time into my vanilla project here are some screens Modcraft - View topic - [SHOWOFF]*Stan's 1.12 cosmetic rebuild

if you going to improve vanilla, remember about cliemt limitations ec areatriggers, conditions, etc...

[Eratoc]

there are few ways to use models from expansions:
1. all models from tbc alpha are 100% equal with vanilla just use them directly
2. tbc weapons or all nonanimated models( m2 versions 0401 to 0601) could be easy converted by hexediting file - compare bones structure and vertices between tbc and vanilla
3 files from 2.4.3 have changed partilcles structure - more difficult to convert, it needs separate converter.
4. files from wotlk (without separated .skin file) alpha and beta are could be converted simply like ad. 2

generally if u spend some time studying m2 structure you can easy write in c+ converting procedures, and forget about converting with 3dstom2, u will get troble with line of sight, collisions, materials.
send me some of those m2's, i will try convert them.

btw ihave also added karazhan and caverns of time into my vanilla project here are some screens Modcraft - View topic - [SHOWOFF]*Stan's 1.12 cosmetic rebuild

if you going to improve vanilla, remember about cliemt limitations ec areatriggers, conditions, etc...

I love your vanilla projects! Very inspiring really.

Importing things from new WoW to 1.12 is a really cool idea aswell. I thought of something, maybe it's possible to import the new and improved models for all races into 1.12 when it's released?

/ Eratoc