need help viewing HL2 models

[Natan]

As you may be aware I'm planing to make a portrait sculpture of Alyx Vance. that means I need reference material. I need to see the model with no skin, preferably grey and shiny to see the form more easily. also I need to have a 2d front and side view. to create a very acurate profile.

so what programs are my best options? and how can I open them up?

thanks in advance. I will see about making a step by step sculpting tutorial

 

[mindless_moder]

you could just download the sdk and use the model viewer ...that should let you turn of textures and view everything .

 

[crackhead]

ahh dude if you made a tutorial that would be feckin awesome! although the model viewer will show you it without the texture it is probally better to download xsi as you will see the edges more clearly. if you download xsi and activate it. then downlaod the source addon. then download cannonfodders mdl decompiler. decompile the alyx model which is in the main models folder. then import the smd into xsi and make sure you select shaded. also if you go to display propeties and scroll to the bottom then you can alter the lighting and stuff. i posted the xsi hot keys on the modling section so they should come in usefull.

 

[Natan]

thanks for the help. can someone please post a download link. I've looked but seem to be going in circles.

here's my idea of where to cut her off..

 

[mindless_moder]

you can download the sdk from steam provided that you have legal copy of hl2.
as for xsi go to the softimage homepage and check the download section

 

[crackhead]

ill do it for you. do you have xsi yeah? whats your email?

 

[Natan]

thanks didn't know I can get it from steam. crackhead I sent you a PM