Originally posted by Kyle Sloane
Well blender 3ds import is totally screwy for me..
Blender does not export smoothing groups so if you're importing just the raw 3DS file your objects will appear faceted. To resolve this we have added a special feature in the scenery object editor...
1. Go to the Scenery tab.
2. Open the NL2SCO Editor.
3. Click "New" and save a new .NLSCO file in the directory of your choosing (usually where the .3DS file is).
4. Add the 3DS file in the General tab of the NL2SCO editor.
5. Go to the Advanced tab.
6. Check the "Force 3DS Face Smoothing" option.
Save the file again and when you add the object to your scene select the Scenery Object file instead of the .3DS file and your object should appear just as you expect it.
Let me know if this resolves your issues.