/3/ - 3DCG

Sup /3/

I'm just starting to learn how to use 3ds Max and I've come across a problem which I find pretty frustrating because I can't see the logic of why I'm failing..

I'm trying to use the 3D model for a tree I downloaded along with its textures (diffuse, alpha, etc.)

I've figured out that if I create a multi/sub-object material and assign the bark texture to group 1, texturing for the tree trunk is OK.

If I create a standard material for the leaves and assign the leaf texture to group 2, the leaves are rendered correctly, but I obviously need to use the alpha map as well (pic related, the white zones should disappear). But if I assign the leaf alpha texture to the opacity channel of the leaf sub-material and set the channel to 100, the whole leaves disappear. This is pretty frustrating.

If I assign an UVW map modifier to my object, then the diffuse and alpha channels behave correctly (leaves are rendered correctly, and transparency works fine). However whether i use planar, box, spherical, etc.. mapping, the result is ugly. I feel that I shouldn't need the UVW map modifier since without it the leaves are in place correctly.

What am I doing wrong?

Also since this is probably a dumb question, I guess this thread could be a Stupid Question Thread...