T2dshape3D::getDetailLevel error

Im trying to load the soldier 3d shape (or any for that matter) and in the console I get:

t2dShape3D::getDetailLevel() - Cannot retrieve detail-level without valid shape!
t2dShape3D::setDetailLevel() - Cannot set current detail-level without valid shape!

heres my code:

...
%shape = new t2dShape3D() { scenegraph = t2dScene; };
%shape.setShape("~/data/shapes/reinstatedsoldier.dts");
%shape.setPosition( "659 199" );
%shape.setSize( 15 );
...

the textures are in the same folder. i've tried this with other .dts's with detail2 added to them when exporting with no luck.

please help!