swambast

I know the golden era of Vietnam passion is behind us, and many prefer post-Vietnam flying these days. But, I’ve been especially motivated by some recent activities. This includes some behind the scenes discussions with veteran modders. And GKABS recent work with the Intruder, has been really great to see. Beyond this, considering the never ending controversary of YAP stuff, multiple tragedies on the WTR Project and a general lapse in Vietnam-era assets…I thought it would be interesting to start a specific thread for those that still find this Vietnam era appealing. And especially any modders that would be willing to potentially collaborate on projects. From there I had some additional ideas to share if there's enough interest. Welcome your thoughts and comments on this topic, thanks.

Sorry, I really was not planning to post anything, but holy hell...I mean...holy hell. So much misinformation here, makes my head spin. For example, there are countless items from SF1/YAP ported to the new SF2 version as part of that scope - does that mean now it's all ethical, moral and legal...LOL? There are still plenty of concerns with content in this revamp project (not said lightly and supported by evidence). The project leader is absolutely trying to do the right thing, but he's inherited a hodge podge of illegal and/or unauthorized assets that's still used for the SF2 version. And there remains unethical modders that in my opinion stain the entire efforts undertaken. The leader is caught in the crossfire between progress and doing it ethically; please don't make sweeping claims and facts on this topic as myself and many other veteran modders lived through this time then and now and know the real story – and this portrayal is not it.

OK, nearing final completion - I know it's Overkill with the details but honestly that's part of the work I enjoy the most; recently added in portable diagnostic testing unit, portable arc welding station unit and rolling tool carts. And I packed/optimized nearly all the prop textures into a single 1024 res map with super low poly mesh props so should be minimal impact. Sorry in advance, some last shots are captured right from MAX viewport.

I'm so sorry to hear that Wrench, I hope better days are coming for you and Teddy. I saw even the Kwik-E-Mart put up a new sign...

I made this just as a joke really, does anyone actually want this? @Wrench PM or email me some high-res photo references on what you really want (front, rear, side, top views, etc.) and I'd be happy to make one for you - isn't there a genuine "real" Quickie food mart chain popular in California?

Ground tug with trailer and mobile light generator now fully completed as well.

Added in auxiliary support building; working to finalize all the prop assets I've been working on over the past few weeks to really jazz things up. Should be completed any day now, @Wrench will get first dibs for initial testing.

A very important and strategic target such as this, really should have some basic protection anyway... I'll work with Gep to get both versions available, clean and camo. The camo texture will be stand-alone, so you can edit just that file to whatever camo pattern you want.

Back to some serious work...decided to leverage same tug texture to add some variety, so created a trailer version...like so. FYI I'm a little lazy, so this is a screenshot right from the viewport.

Man, that is so awesome - thanks for doing serious work and it's looking fantastic! One suggestion might be to lower/make more subtle bump mapping on texture but might be fine...

So sorry, I just couldn't resist...some quick low res screenies right from the viewport... Seriously though Wrench, PM or email me some high-res photo references on what you really want (front, rear, side, top views, etc.) and I'd be happy to make one for you.

As previously mentioned, finished up the utility ground tug for hangar eye-candy, looks good to me but let me know of any proposed changes.

Still heavy travel days for me and appreciate Gepard’s incredible patience; happy to share I’m putting the final touches on the redux McDonalds model for him. Now we get to go from a “stand in” model to something more compelling. It was pretty fun working on this, acquired an excellent base model and then spent a lot of time detailing out with mesh enhancements and certainly texture work. Also, want to fully acknowledge up front all credit for the base figures goes to Geezer (I am grateful to be trusted with his source models, these I rigged up in new poses and textures). As-is often my problem, spent too much time dinkering around with adding in details...LOL. Anyway, should finish off soon, thanks Gep for your patience and allowing me to create this for you. I know I still owe you and several others updates on other requests and they are all still in-progress. From this: To this:

@Coupi Big congrats on this achievement, the never ending love-hate relationship of being a Thirdwire modder - thanks for all your contributions and cheers to being on the team!

Wow, little behind these days but what an absolute awesome surprise - love the "old school" love here! Great job GKABS, and if you have any more 'Nam focused aircraft next let me know as I'd be extremely interested in supporting/helping. Looking great so far and keep it going, so cool!