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A:M Forum Rules
GENERAL FORUM GUIDELINES
The A:M Forum is for technical support and the sharing of tips and ideas between users/prospective users of Hash software. It is moderated constantly by technical support representatives.
DO'S!
-Ask questions about the software.
-Assist other users... everyone was new at this once.
-Inform people of your version/platform when asking for help.
-Share resources; tutorials, models, textures, tips and techniques (link to useful websites).
-Post links to your work, or where your art is being used online (on websites, in games, toons', etc.)
-Search the A:M Forum and FAQ. The question you are about to ask may have already been answered.
-Organize and inform others about user groups, IRC chats, image and animation contests, job opportunities, etc.
-Discuss what you are working on and let everyone know about magazine reviews and articles that relate to your projects.
DON'TS!
-Do Not be rude or disrespectful or mean to other forum members in any way. Personal attacks will be removed.
-Do Not post bug/crash reports to the list (send bug/crash reports to http://www.hash.com/reports.
-Do Not complain about forum content. Complaints or suggestions can be sent directly to hash@hash.com
-Do Not reprimand other forum members for violating forum rules, that's the moderators job, which (unless you are a moderator) you are not.
-No complaining or whining on the forum or distribution of misinformation.
-No flames of any kind.
-No Off Topic posts. (Posts in the Off Topics section should be related to A:M in some form or fashion or benefit the A:M community as a whole).
-No soliciting of any kind without prior approval.
-No threads or comparisons related to other 3D Applications.
-No "Wish list" or feature requests, they should be sent to www.hash.com/reports for categorizing and prioritization (User requests define the future development of the software).
-No "me too!" posts
-No discussion of Hash Internal Affairs (finances, advertising, PR.)
-No posting of private email to the forum unless permission of the author is granted. (Private correspondence should remain private)
-No very general questions like: "how do I make a good 3D model" make your questions as complete and concise as possible.
If you have questions as to whether it's appropriate, send it to: support@hash.com, We'll be happy to let you know whether it is, or is not appropriate.
User Led Forum Considerations
Firstly and foremostly, please remember this is Martin Hash's forum and that it is every A:M User's primary resource for information about A:M. In order to remain relevant we need everyone's continuing support and interest.
Secondly, understand there is a distinction between A:M (the program) and the A:M forum. There are some topics and issues that are outside the scope of this forum and most can be deduced by reading through the forum guidelines. These include such things as Hash Inc internal policies, business practices, trade secrets, and specific plans for the future not yet publicly released. Each of these would be fascinating topics of their own but are better reserved for private communications with a representative of Hash Inc.
Related to the second, is purchasing, customer service and other areas outside the purview of the common user who may have no interest in such things; subjects relating to money exchanging hands are beyond the scope of the A:M Forum and often can lead to conflicts of interest between users and/or Hash Inc. (If Hash Inc cuts you a deal on volume purchasing it's really no one else's business). Likewise, individual complaints about a product or service are best remedied by going direct with Hash Inc representatives empowered to make decisions. Please allow them them the time necessary to resolve your specific issue and consider the cost of customized solutions.
This last area is likely the source of much confusion because many see the A:M Forum as the official outlet for Hash Inc... and it is. But the forum is not designed for conducting business and private matters best resolved by going to Hash Inc directly. Similarly, bug reports are best resolved by entering them directly into the A:M Reporting system.
Many problems can be easily addressed at the user level just by asking fellow users in the forum. If someone at Hash Inc suggests the forum as a source, it is very likely a problem can be easily resolved. For tougher issues there is even more reason to take the issue directly to the source... you don't want the issue discussed... you want it resolved quickly.
Finally, remember that we want to pass this forum on to future moderators and generations of A:M Users in the absolute best condition possible. A:M is just that good a program and is worthy of our consideration.
Thanks for making the A:M Forum a great community.
4,160 topics in this forum
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- 3 followers
- 15 replies
- 1.4k views
Hello, This is my first post, I was wondering if anyone could make a suggestion how to attach bvh file into character model? I already know how to import bvh file, but couldn't make the character model to attach to each other. Thank you, Richie
Last reply by Paul Forwood, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 1.4k views
I have opened AM, but every time tO try and draw a spline, I cannot see the control points. Am I doing something stupid?
Last reply by HomeSlice, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 827 views
was wondering if any one had any idea about making crystals and crystal formations
Last reply by Eric2575, -
how do i add details ? i can make a person but how do i add details?
Last reply by mtpeak2, -
- 15 replies
- 1k views
Hi there, I have some difficultie in labeling a bottle. I modeld the bottle with a doubleside-wall and put the fake glas mat on it. But then the label disapears. (See bottle in middle) I tried different versions with a liquid inside (Left) and no transpereny at all (right), doesnt look good. Also I tried the flatten command in applying the label. Is cyulindrucal here the better method? Any hints to get better results? I enclose the proj done in AM13.0 t Thank you Jake BottlelabelTest.zip
Last reply by jakerupert, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 965 views
Hi A:M users and specialists, I 've converted a logo from 2D to 3D by A:M and made it rotating. Now I wanted to render this rotating logo with "transparent" background. Is it possible by A:M to create an object surrounded by "transparency"? I hope it will be clear what is my problem. Thank You in advance for any help. Regards, Womil
Last reply by womil, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 982 views
Hey, i was wondering, if i possibly might have lost my cd, just in case, because i moved a little while ago. But if i happen to lose my cd, is there a way to get another one or something?
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
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I'm working on a short that takes place in mostly one place. For that giant bulk where the scene is set, and most things won't be moving, would you make it all one choreography file, or would you arrange choreography on a shot-by-shot basis? My first sequence I began by going shot-by-shot, but by the end there were segments of action that were continuous, so it made more sense to render the various perspectives out of the same choreography file. I can imagine a variety of perks to keeping one file (not pulling out all your props for each new shot), but I also feel like there are advantages to having a clean slate for each shot (not confined to realistic object …
Last reply by Gerry, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 1.4k views
I just learned how to make Normal maps in another post. Now that I know how to do it I am perplexed as to what the difference is. What is the difference?
Last reply by R Reynolds, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
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Hey folks, can anyone help me, I'm working on a model and suddenly I can't select any control points. If I click on one or any of them nothing happens that I can see. On a rare occasion if I try and grab a whole section of points the green selection box will grab another area of the model. I tried opening older versions and the same thing happens, which is nothing, so then I thought perhaps reinstalling the software might help. It didn't, same problem. I'm going through the Posts now to see if this has happened to anyone else but I may as well start a new post also and get the ball rolling, Help me animation masters, I'm getting desperate. Aj
Last reply by largento, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 1.8k views
This one is a bit more involved than I might otherwise target, but our own forum member steve392 has daringly volunteered it for inspection, so have at it! The centaur nature of the character complicates things a bit, but I think you can still examine this mostly in terms of a biped doing a standing jump. Which is a good basic body mechanics challenge for an animator. There's quite a bit going right here. Can you spot what's going wrong? side_jump.mov 3/4 view same jump
Last reply by alano, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 1.6k views
I'm planning on trasnferring from M@y@ 8.5 to A:M and I had a few questions about what to expect: 1) Can I bring in .OBJ's of some of my models in A:M? 2) I'm looking into A:M because I'm more into NURBS than POLY's. A:M is different from both, but I understand it's more like NURBS. Can someone elaborate on this? 3) Can I import vector lines in .ai format and use them as the base for patch modeling? 4) How much file size does A:M take up? Because I'm starting out with the 1 year subscription, I have to use a cpu with internet, which only allows for my laptop. And I'm hoping it's slimmer and less demanding on the cpu resources so that it doesn't fre…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 15 replies
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last week i rendered a 5 mins work, i cant believe that i was 203mb, wat could have cause this and how can i reduced the seize of my rendered file
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
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I met an animation major, and she was saying how on job application reels, it's best to use a minimalistic "rig" rather than a fully fleshed character. She also said some people will throw away a tape just because of the rig they see used. So my question is, what's a good pre-made rig for A:M to practice animating, not modeling? Mind you I do own the bonus models DVD, so those are fair game for recommendations.
Last reply by heyvern, -
- 15 replies
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Ive been having issues with painting the models. When in normal mode and I go to paint, lets say a normal round brush, it is distored horribly either long ways or widthwise. SO then I do Projection painting and it looks great however when it goes to accpet not only does it distort what was painted but it also will mirror what was painted on one side on to the other. I tried breaking the head decale in two two seperate decales on front and one back and painted them accordingly but if I painted on lets say the back of the head with the back of head decale then it still copies over to the front decale even though it was never to be painted. If there is an instructional site…
Last reply by Sean delgatto, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
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I have searched on "render farm" in this forum, but could not find any postings on this topic. I assume many users would be interested in this - perhaps there is already a posting on this network rendering, if so, how can I find it here? Here's what I wanted to know.. 1) Is there a built in network rendering capability so that I could assign the rendering to other machines in my network? 2) What external render tools exist that are compatible with A:M? 3) What platform(s) are supported in network rendering? 4) What Mac specific hardware requirements are there for network rendering. 5) How many seat are included - assuming there is a network renderer…
Last reply by Rob_T, -
- 15 replies
- 1.2k views
Hello, can someone please help me. I have been trying for a month now to model a robot. I have the robot compleat but I had to break it up in several model files. My original idea was to import all the models into a single model but it is just too complex and was taking hours to drop in a model. I heard you can use Choreography and Actors to get these same results. Something about a hook bone? I'm really not sure, I have been searching the forums and testing it out on my own but I can not get bones created in separate models to interact with each other in the choreograph, please help if you can. -irscottie
Last reply by itsjustme, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
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I'm trying to add detail to some vents and wall outlets. Namely, screw heads. For the the life of me I can't figure out how to make a bolt, or screw head...any tutorials or suggestions?
Last reply by John Bigboote, -
- 15 replies
- 1.2k views
so im using the flame sprites that i grabbed from the tuts extra cd for a candle flame. the problem i found is that for some reason the candles glass container seems to block the bottom of the flame. i should be able to see the flame through the transparent glass. must be some parameter setting i missed?
Last reply by johnl3d, -
- 15 replies
- 1.8k views
Hello, I need to change the pivot point in a choreography fir a model. It is easy to change the pivot point in a model with the manipulator, in the choreography it moves the whole model. I tried using the manipulator properties I just do no t have a scale to know where I am in the window. I want to spin my model to I need the pivot point in the center of the model while in the choreography. By the way you guys that constantly help others are fantastic. I really do appreciate your help and hope one day to be good enough to pass on the favor.
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 1.2k views
this is not a project i'm working on now, but i'd like to understand something and find out what that something is . to make a model come apart at the seams, think "Sarah's Asylum Nightmare" in T2, the nuclear explosion, she's at the playground fence or Iron Man says to computer "exploded view" - is there something called exploded view in reality? (yes i know where this might point and yes i might stray but it's a:m for me, period.) - is there a simple way to use the patch information to perform this type of operation in a:m? boiling down to, can i blow up any model, or should i for instance go find a polygon model and then explode it in a:m? i'd …
Last reply by jimd, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
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I have a layer and its in a chor its supposed to be a bunch of tiny lights off in the distance. Any ideas on how to make the lights which are basically circles of solid colors twinkle?
Last reply by jason1025, -
- 15 replies
- 1.8k views
I have created an action that rotates an object 90 degrees. The problem is that it always starts from the zero azimuth If it is not a too advanced subject is there any to have the start of the action to be from where the front of the action is facing? Then, I could rotate the object 90 degrees from there.
Last reply by bubba, -
Fluid model
by bubba- 15 replies
- 1.4k views
I have been working with this project for some time and cannot seem to get it to look any better. Here are the settings: and here is the output: Fluids3.mov
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 15 replies
- 1.4k views
I’ve played around with Boolean cutters several times now and I’m pretty pleased with how simple they can be used for cutting shapes. However, I’ve been digging through the project files on the A:M Extra DVD and I’ve not (yet) found a project that makes use of a Boolean Cutter, instead, I only see very skilled spline modeling of which I can only dream of. I did a quick search hoping to find a possible reason why I don’t see it used often and if there are any downsides to using Boolean Cutters.
Last reply by wildcard, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 1.7k views
Hey everyone, Wondered if anyone knew how to create bouncing particles with collisions? For instance, I'm doing something with a ton of soccer balls and wanted a bunch of soccer balls to fall from the top of the screen, bounce off a logo in the middle and land on the floor. Make sense? I can't seem to figure it out. Not sure how to control them. I know this is a big one, but any input would be so appreciated. Attached is screenshot of something I did with After Effects, but I know our beloved A:M could produce much better results with greater control... I just know it! Also, I attached a video clip of what I mean. Notice how the balls bounce off the 3D text…
Last reply by new guy, -
- 15 replies
- 1.9k views
Hello and here is my scenario: I have developed MANY detailed models in A.M., V15 - that I want to have plastic Injection Molds made from. The Models are to Exact Scale because threaded Inserts will be needed and holes will need to be lined up and they need to interact with other components in the "Industry Standard" size. I am trying to convert one of the many files with little success. My Problems: 1. AM's MDL files are not supported except in Wings 3d (Old version). 2. When I export the model into a *.OBJ or *.DXF File - I lose my curved surfaces. I must have curved surfaces (I thought DXF supported that? No? How do Autocad users get their smooth model…
Last reply by Wildsided, -
- 15 replies
- 1.2k views
Hello ,new to the forum and fairly new to A:M i boughta copy on ebay v12 looking for plugins mainly sweeper for now ,found a place to download it but i dont have a key # to activate it,wish i had v13 i guess its part on A:M now.Can anyone help me out?
Last reply by livewiresrus, -
- 15 replies
- 2.2k views
I am looking at coming back into the fold but was hoping some of you could answer a few questions for me. Back on v13, A:M used to really slow down if I had 10K patches or more. With the newest version (especially the 64bit), has this been taken care of or does it still slow down at 10K? If I purchase the v16, does that still qualify me for the v17 beta? What type of improvements have been made since v13? Ummm... I guess those are really the main questions I had to ask. BTW, last I heard, Martin had gone on a safari, returned but was rarely heard from. Hope things are going okay for him and he is still involved with A:M. Oh yeah, I had to …
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 15 replies
- 1.8k views
I bought AM at Wondercon last year and haven't looked at it since I installed it. Today I decided to learn a little about it. It asks me for registration info every time I start up, then gives me this error message: Unable to load plug-in [/Applications/Animation Master 16.0/Textures/Simbiont2.atx],-err- Then it opens and I can play with everything. I went through the first video tutorial but I couldn't save anything. This makes me think I'm not really registered. I have the disc with the activation code, but I thought I put that in when I installed the program. Thanks for any help you can offer.
Last reply by RobinR, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 2.5k views
Hello everyone, its been YEARS since I've been on this forum and used A:M. Quick Question(s)... When I make a model, What kind of file can I export it as? How many types of model files can I export? This 3D printer takes STL files. Can I export A:M Model Files as STL too? Thank You everyone! I hope to be using my A:M program soon!!
Last reply by TRN, -
- 15 replies
- 3.3k views
I wasn't sure where to place this topic. It's probably already been discussed somewhere. Does A:M function on the Windows 10 platform? I'm upgrading out of necessity and will no longer be on past versions of windows. I doubt I'll downgrade to Windows 7 or 8 on a new system. I will however use A:M on my older systems if it won't run on Windows 10.
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 2.3k views
Hi, Just wondering. Is it possible to group 'groups' into another group as a hierarchy? Or is the group structure flat? I've made up a very simple patch as an example. Sp-Top are the 2 CPs along the top of the patch Sp-Bottom are the 2 CPs along the bottom Sp-Left are the 4 CPs on the left hand side Sp-Right are the 4 CPs on the right hand side. Holding Ctrl I can select each group and then make a new group included everything within each of the individual groups which is Sp-All. I'm wondering if it is possible to have a group that includes sub-groups but as a hierarchy - i.e. with a '+' so that it can be 'opened' / 'closed' in …
Last reply by LenseOnLife, -
- 15 replies
- 3.2k views
I restarted a subject I did earlier about fractal sum. I made this Thunderbird and wanted it to have a flare of light and smoke. This isn't that bad, make a small transparant disk and position it at the end of the engine. That is.., if the object is flying one direction all goes well. But the fractalsum asks a lot of calculation, which makes it hard to navigate between the frame position. So after all is planned and I want to change direction at say after 15 sec I have to wait several minutes before my computer has calculated this position. This is a bit weird because after another frame I have to wait again. So I compromised my choreography by shutting down all fra…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 14 replies
- 1.7k views
This discussion is designed to serve two purposes. First, to highlight some excellent resources, and second to point everyone to related 'breathing spaces'. Breathing Space is the term I use for when you have been working at a project for a long time without taking a good break. Ideally, that breathing space should be as far as possible from the task that you are trying to take a break away from. However, it isn't so far away that you stop working on the project. If you wander too far away... that's a vacation! For more than a few people that means the end of the show. Move just far enough away to get a refreshed perspective on the task at hand. Take a…
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 14 replies
- 1.8k views
We are embarking on a project here in the New Users Forum to identify, resource, fully illustrate and thoroughly reveal areas of Animation:Master that users of Animation:Master want to see fully explained. The perspective we are seeking is that of the New User. From opening the box on the first day to adding detail to your animated film successful we want to document it all. This is not a new idea and there are many who have contributed to the wealth of knowledge already available. We are greatful for those that have worked so hard to help everyone understand the power and ease of animating with A:M. We hope you'll join in and help with this project. Shortly …
Last reply by Hutch, -
- 2 followers
- 14 replies
- 1.1k views
I'm just curious. When I take my daily look through the various forums I often wonder about the ranking system, from Newbies to Masters. Obviously one has to work one's way up. But how does it does it work? Rodney, perhaps you can enlighten me? Ed
Last reply by Robert-Jank, -
- 14 replies
- 1.2k views
As the last bit of the "Moving Foxhole" set, I'm building an alley where the action starts. I want it narrow and dark. So far, so good. But the lighting is giving me fits. I want a bright light at the far end so the characters throw long shadows in front of them as they walk forward. It's coming. But slowly. [ Biggest problem is that the right amount of light to produce the shadows makes a a burned-out, hot spot at the end of the alley]. But my biggest headache is the yellow rays indicated by the arrow. I searched Tools>Options> and there's no fog or volumetrics turned on. I looked in Properties under the light used in the alley: Volumetrics WAS turned on, now it's …
Last reply by Stuart Rogers, -
- 14 replies
- 943 views
Ok, I'm lost here. This is what I know. I'm using about 19 decals. If I add more, they won't show up in the final render. I can switch decals. So, in other words, I can delete a decal, and a different one in a different spot, it will still work. Here's the strange thing: when I use render lock mode, all the decals show up fine. So I can go past my "limit" and using render lock mode click the screen in choreography and all the decals appear just fine. I am going to try and post screen captures. Assuming I'm successful, here's what you'll be looking at. 1) the model un-rendered. 2). the model rendered using "render lock" mode. 3) the model rendered hitting the "rende…
Last reply by heyvern, -
- 14 replies
- 884 views
One day I noticed that the top menu bar was missing. How do I turn it back on? I can not find the menu item for that.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 14 replies
- 1.2k views
I just want to know which one is better for using AM, a wacom tablet or optical mouse in a long run?
Last reply by UNGLAUBLICHUSA, -
- 14 replies
- 1.4k views
Hi All, Can anyone tell how to simulate light emitting from a light bulb? What is the most effective way of doing this in AM? This light and many others will be visible in my scene. [attachmentid=15095]
Last reply by vf124, -
- 14 replies
- 1.1k views
I want to preface my question with the comment that when you think you've found a bug in something very basic, usually it means you have a flawed understanding. In a choreography, numerous times I've needed to copy and paste a block of keyframes and I've been unable to get them to paste exactly where I want it to go. For example: [attachmentid=15565] After selecting some keyframes that I want to paste elsewhere, I've tried setting the frame number to where I want the keyframes to go and then do a paste: [attachmentid=15566] Now, when I captured these images, it was my intention to show my problem. That is, the keyframes only approximated going t…
Last reply by Paul Forwood, -
- 14 replies
- 1.6k views
is there a way i can copy a group of bones and past them on another area? i have made new arms on my tripod and i rigged one arm but i want to know if theres a way i can copy and past them to the left two times heres a screen cap [attachmentid=17049]
Last reply by NancyGormezano, -
- 14 replies
- 1.3k views
Hi, I am buying AM within the next two weeks. I have searched the forums and had some questions answered and other not it may e because I am not searching them right. I have very little animation exp. I currently do animations projects for creative fun and I draw them, then make models in milkshape. Sometimes I record 3d worlds and then export the avi into filmstrip and then render new or adjusted 3d animations within the video. I am hoping AM can not only help me learn but cut down on the drawing because it takes months to re-draw just a few seconds of video footage. Well it may take some less but i'm green. If anyone can point me to the tutorials or like questi…
Last reply by LuLu, -
- 1 follower
- 14 replies
- 1.3k views
i tried to save my best modle in the "my library" section and when it did, it was denied, so i quit and came back to see if it would work better, but instead, my weeks and weeks of work on my modle was erased and never seen again. is there a way to save in the library and if not, please tell me if i can ever retrieve my weeks of work!
Last reply by pwknox, -
- 1 follower
- 14 replies
- 1.1k views
I know these are most likely going to be very basic questions, but we all gotta start somewhere right... I would know how to do these things in a polygon modeling app, but with splines are a bit different, so even the basics sometimes are a bit misleading. I want to build a very small, very cartoony building. Big enough for maybe two people to stand in. The front of the building needs to have a working door, that opens to show the inside of the cude, as well as a hole for a window. No glass in the window, just a hole that someone could lean through if they were inside. Something similiar to the GIF file attached... So how would I start this? Oddly enough, …
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 14 replies
- 1.2k views
Hi everybody, This is my second post and my first new topic. I appologise if this is in the wrong forum, but I couldn't figure out which one to post it in. My computer is having problems. I just got Animation Master Last weekend, and My computer runs the program ok. When I do anything more taxing than web surfing, I get a message alert that beeps and says that the processor zone is overheating. I don't want to render anything untill I get this fixed or buy another computer. Does Anyone have any overheating suggestions? If I do need to get a new computer, does anyone have any suggestons as to what I should look for? Any help would be apreciated…
Last reply by Krazyman, -
- 14 replies
- 812 views
I need a circle that has alot of patches on it, is there a way to take the 32 patch sphere and doulbe or triple its patches?
Last reply by MMZ_TimeLord, -
- 1 follower
- 14 replies
- 1.4k views
I started in modeling a face per the excercies. I created a nose and added an eye. So far so good..then I tried to tie the eye to the forehead and the cheek. My smooth curved splines suddenly became sprung wire angles. I tried adjusting the bias handles and things seemed to get worse. I kept tweaking the splines in the problem area until I would get them "kinda'" like I wanted and wamo zamo my tweaking had changed the spline bias for another area. I went back and watched the tutorial video. The instructor didn't seem to have a problem with his eyes and nose attaching nor did the example in the manual. What did I miss and what should I know to keep my models fa…
Last reply by Russell,
