HLMV will show only the survivor models included in the game, specifically the ones found in the game's main vpk files, even when model files of the same name are in the relevant models\survivors folder. Thus, you need to compile the model to a different name or folder than what the game uses so that HLMV can show it. I use the following method to do so. You will also need to copy the texture files to the corresponding sub-folder of L4D2's materials folder to see the textures in HLMV, as indicated by the folders set by the $cdmaterials in the QC file.

NOTE: You can skip the following by using the "View as Replacement" button in Crowbar that does something similar with a copy of your qc file. No need to change your qc file at all, and Crowbar cleans up the temporary files it uses.

Steps to show custom survivor model in HLMV

• 1. Open the qc file in Notepad++.

  2. Change the $modelname file name by changing the "survivors" part to "custom".

  3. For example, a decompiled Zoey qc file has:

  4. $modelname "survivors/survivor_TeenAngst.mdl"

  5. Change it to:

  6. $modelname "custom/survivor_TeenAngst.mdl"

  7. Save the qc file.

  8. Compile.

  9. In HLMV, "File" > "Load Model...".

  10. Select the custom folder (which was created the first time compiling to that folder via the $modelname line in the qc file).

  11. Select the correct model file name.