[1.8.9] Override Model for Custom TileEntity

[WOLFI3654]

Hello there.
At the Moment I'm working on updating a mod from 1.7 to 1.8, but I got a Problem with one of my custom TileEntities.
I'm facing the Problem that Minecraft 1.7 wasn't using model files. Now I got a ModelRenderer Class for my Block which I don't know how to register to avoid using a model.json file.
Is it even possible in 1.8 to use an ModelRenderer as in 1.7?
I'm thankful for any response.

[larsgerrits]

You shouldn't avoid JSON models. Avoiding them will be harder than making a few model files.

[Draco18s]

Json models are super easy to work with. Recreating your models in them isn't too bad, though Ido recommend using an external program for the models, blockstates are simple enough to do by hand. 

 

McCrayfish's program is good. 

[WOLFI3654]

42 minutes ago, Draco18s said:

Json models are super easy to work with. Recreating your models in them isn't too bad, though Ido recommend using an external program for the models, blockstates are simple enough to do by hand. 

 

McCrayfish's program is good. 

Would this keep my old texture file intact?

[Draco18s]

Yes, but no, but yes. 

Yes: you don't need to do anything with your texture file

No: you'll have to fiddle with the output (or blockstate file) to correct the reference to your texture (McCrayfishs's to doesn't know your modid)

Yes: it'll work just fine except for that

[WOLFI3654]

Okay thank you. I'll try to convert my hardcoded model to a json model file.
One last question. Does the model have any effects on my rendering? Is it just for the hitbox of my block?

[Draco18s]

Model is just for visual fluff. Everything else is controlled by...well...everything else.