Asked

Hi, I downloaded the Millenium Falcon for the FSX steam edition.  It's there and flies and all, but all I see are three blue rectangular shapes. If you turn just right with the scenery behind the ship you can see the outline, it's just invisible.  I copied everything over just like all the other files and they work fine.  Just this one.  Please help.

Expert Answered

It sounds like you're encountering a common issue in FSX Steam Edition where certain aircraft models appear invisible. This can be quite perplexing, especially when the model seems to be partially visible against certain backdrops. Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:

  1. Check Shadow Settings: As mentioned in a discussion on the Steam community forums, invisible aircraft can sometimes result from shadow settings. Try disabling the option "Aircraft cast their shadows on the ground" in the simulator's settings and see if that resolves the issue.
  2. Verify MTL Textures: The issue might also stem from missing or incorrect MTL textures. MTL textures are crucial for rendering the visual aspects of aircraft in FSX. Ensure that you have the correct MTL textures installed for the Millennium Falcon model. Also, check if the AI settings in the simulator are configured correctly, as this can sometimes interfere with texture rendering.
  3. DirectX Version: Another possible cause for this issue is the DirectX version you are running. FSX Steam Edition has been known to have compatibility issues with DirectX 10 (DX10). In some cases, switching to DirectX 9 (DX9) resolves the invisibility problem. While DX10 offers advanced graphics features, it also has known issues with certain shaders and texture rendering in FSX. You might want to switch to DX9 to see if it solves the invisibility issue with your Millennium Falcon model.

In summary, try adjusting the shadow settings, verifying the MTL textures, and switching between DirectX versions. These steps should help in resolving the invisibility issue you're facing with the Millennium Falcon in FSX Steam Edition.

Feel free to update this thread with your progress or if you need further assistance.

Fly safe!

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