FS9 .api files

[(Boosty)]

Hi
I downloaded a couple of objects for my scenery (palm trees-jmpalms.zip), and they are .api files. How do I install these?
Another question please-does anyone know of an object library that includes normal trees, and houses (homes), cars and/or trucks?
Thanks,

[old_wombat]

Boosty, so that you know, you are at the bottom of a very long learning curve staring upwards. To give you a high-level answer, you need an "object placing program" (many of these are downloadable freewares) that will (duh!) place these objects wherever your heart desires. This creates a scenery file which you then install. Sounds simple, can require a lot of detail.

This in fact also covers your other question. Lots of those things on this site, search for them. Your mileage may vary depending on taste.

Steve from Mudgee.

[Boosty]

you are at the bottom of a very long learning curve staring upwards. To give you a high-level answer, you need an "object placing program" -Steve from Mudgee.

Thanks Steve. Sorry I just threw that out there, in that way-I was a bit tired at that time.
To clarify, my question about .api files is more twofold- I would like to know IF the use of “macros” and “.api files” for scenery objects are commonly used and (more importantly) supported in FS9? I have a recent working experience using ADE to create/edit airport and object .bgl files. So, if they are still quite popular, then I would like to know, very basically...how do I install them?!
Thanks again -GaryG

[old_wombat]

Totally. As per my comment.Someone else can advise you on the best object placement program. I use AIrport for Windows whihc is now sort of frowned upon.

Steve from Mudgee.

[old_wombat]

Once you create your BGL files, you put them into a folder under Add-on Scenery/scenery. You can either add the BGLs to an existing folder, or you can create a new folder for your own BGLs, in which case you need to add that folder in FS -> Scenery Library. I think that is well-discussed in an FAQ on this site.

Steve from Mudgee.

[Boosty]

I can see that the pursuit of knowledge is best considered the "fun" part of FS editing, too... as no simple task/idea goes without challenges Thank you very much, Steve!
Actually, I am very familiar with .bgl creation and placement using ADE. It is the whole .api/macro ignorance issue that has me asking these questions. Sorry, I'm a little confused about .api files in general. Are .bgl's created from the .api files? Or, are they totally different animals? I downloaded one object (palm tree) that the installation instructs: "Put the folder "JM palms" (.api files) directly into your Airport for Windows API folder."...So, apparently I need a program that supports objects in .api format, for .api files to be of any use in FS9, right? I wonder if ADE can do it? Hmm, OK, I'll get a cup of coffee and then I will go find out.
thanks again!
(Boosty) GaryG

[StringBean]

If you want to use .api files in FS9 you can convert them to FS9 models with ModelConverterX.

Once they are FS9 .mdl files you can then create an object library with Library Creator XML and place them in your scenery with an object placement tool such as Instant Scenery or RWY12.

Or you could simply use the .mdl in something like ADE9X.

ModelConverterX and Library Creator XML are both free and available at www.fsdeveloper.com.

You will run into issues with texture names on some objects, but they can be dealt with.

What you will find is most .api models are very simple, low poly models (which may be fine for trees) that are relics from developers who created objects for computers with sub-gig processors.

peace,
the Bean

[(Boosty)]

Thanks, Bean
I currently use ModelConverterX and Library Creator XML with Sketchup for building models, so I think I will try your advice on the lighted palmtrees, as I suspect they are pretty unique. Thank you for giving me some direction, here.
Have a great day!

[tgibson_new]

A much simpler way to get palm trees into your scenery is download Matt's series of tree libraries. There are palms galore. Do a library search for Matt's Trees here or at the other place.

Hope this helps,