Lightwave Workflow

I have a client with a bunch of legacy content developed using LightWave 7.5. The artist is not available, and the content includes both static models and animated figures. I'm only vaguely familiar with Lightwave but I have the software and documentation.

I assume that 3DS is the way to go for static models.

Can anyone recommend a way to get the animations into Blitz3D?

Use Lee Page`s excellent LightWave3D to Blitz3D convertor maybe? I think it`s in the tool box section. Should do exactly what you want.

Jason.

[Edit: Hmmm, I can`t seem to find it in there, maybe someone can point us in the right direction?]

Lee's great magical Lightwave to B3D program is Right here:
http://www.blitzbasic.com/sdkspecs/sdkspecs.php

Was there a problem with non uv mapped surfaces in Lee's converter?

D'oh should have looked there. Thanks for the advice, I'll see how it goes.

The other option is to purchase Unwrap3d and use that to convert Lightwave Layout exported DirectX files to B3d format.

Or just load the X files into blitz directly

Lee's convertor can't handle "planer", cylinderical" etc mapping that LW has, it needs UVs. Other than that it's great. But UUW3D is easy also.

How do these options handle animated figures though. Static models are easy -- I can just save 3DS.