Redrawn Lines, Rivets, etc.. for the Mirage Factory's beautiful little F-84F Thunderstreak.
It can be used for SF1 or SF2.
This template is a .psd file at 4096 pixels. It can be reduced for those with low spec computers.
It was made using Photoshop. It has redrawn lines, rivets and various bits.
I had completed about half of this template when I discovered PappyChkSix's template and beautiful skins. Kicked myself repeatedly and at great length but I was also happy to discover the skins. Some of this template is based on and inspired by his original template and works.
The only skin with this template is USAF Natural Metal / Aluminum.
If you want to make the lines and rivets darker or lighter, this template allows you to do that yourself by adjusting the opacity of the lines, rivets or any layer of this file. To use it you must have a paint program that reads/modifies .psd files.
Then you can adjust the specular, glossiness and/or reflection entries in the skin's texture.ini file to get the skin to your liking.
I use the poor mans' method of bump mapping. I don't have the needed software or skills to create real bump maps. I use two template layers: one black the other white. The white layer is below the black layer and offset one pixel up or down and one pixel left or right. Then adjust the opacity of each layer to create a 'shadow' effect. When done right it gives the illusion it's 3D.
Add your own dirt, details and weathering.
Credit and Thanks to the Mirage Factory for this great little jet.

INSTALLATION:  Unzip to a folder/place of your choice.  Copy, Move, Drag-n-Drop or do whatever you wish to get the skin folder into your XXX folders.  Choose the desired skin in the loadout section.  Fly.

I'm releasing this under the Combat Ace Fair Use Agreement. Use it anyway you wish for personal use.  For any other use, please contact me first. 

If you find any problems with it, please PM me.  If you improve it, please PM me a copy. 

Thanks to all who are helping me learn to skin by direct involvement and/or by inspiration.

If I forget or miss anyone who deserves credit for anything I release, I apologize.  I have no intent to abuse or misuse anyone's property or claim it as my own.  Please contact me to correct any error.
 
Geary

Skin Template for the ThirdWire C-130A Hercules.

It can be used for SF1 or SF2.

This template is a .psd file at 2048 pixels. It can be reduced for those with low spec computers.

It was made using Photoshop.

Before anyone asks if I can make the lines and rivets darker or lighter, this template allows you to do that yourself by adjusting the opacity of the lines, rivets or any layer of this file. To use it you must have a paint program that reads/modifies .psd files.

Then you can adjust the specular, glossiness and/or reflection entries in the skin's texture.ini file to get the skin to your liking.

Add your own dirt and weathering.

If you just want the Natural Metal / Silver skin depicted in the attached picture, PM me.

If you need help, PM me.

INSTALLATION:  Unzip to a folder/place of your choice.  Copy, Move, Drag-n-Drop or do whatever you wish to get the skin folder into your XXX folders.  Choose the desired skin in the loadout section.  Fly.

I'm releasing this under the Combat Ace Fair Use Agreement. Use it anyway you wish for personal use.  For any other use, please contact me first. 

If you find any problems with it, please PM me.  If you improve it, please PM me a copy. 

Thanks to all who are helping me learn to skin by direct involvement and/or by inspiration.

If I forget or miss anyone who deserves credit for anything I release, I apologize.  I have no intent to abuse or misuse anyone's property or claim it as my own.  Please contact me to correct any error.
 
Geary
TW_C-130A_Template.7z

"Global Sedition" MiG-21MF Fishbed Skin/Decal Pak


 

-- For SF2, any and all that have the 21MF --


 
Yet another in the Series of "Things I'd Forgotten I'd Done, and Found On My Hard Drive"...
 
This is, basically, a redecalling of the stock MiG-21MF, but with new insignia decal for the 'Global Sedition' (an Evil Force ™, bent of World Domination (etc, and so forth). It's just another skin that can be used in the "What If..." world of the GS vs the North American Alliance.
 
Just for fun!
 
As always, READ the enclosed readme for full, detailed instructions. This package has been broken down into the various folders that SF2 needs, to make it a LOT easier to install (read: drag and drop).
 
enjoy!
Wrench
kevin stein

T-33A Shooting Star, Football City Air Force, Skin & Ini Pak


 

-- For SF2, Any and All (also usable in SF/Wo* 1stGens as well) --


 
Another 'just for fun' aircraft mod, for the universe described in the novel series "The Wingman"
 
This is a skin/ini package for Pasko's T-33A. It adds the new FBCAF skin, and the inis update a few items closer to SF2 Standards. Included is a new main, data ini, and a new Userlist.ini. A quick note on the userlist - it may not be fully accurate, and may not reflect ALL users.
The canopy has also been switched to a manual animation key: use Shift/0 to open and close it. All weapons are stock (excepting the use of the F-86 drop tanks for RECON), so none are included. However, the 'newish' cockpit IS. Landing lights have also been added.
 
As this is NOT a Complete Aircraft Mod, you'll need to have Pasko's T-33A first, of course, before installing this mod. You can get it at the following URLs:
 
CombatAce:
http://combatace.com/files/file/1627-lockheed-t-33-shooting-star/
 
Column5:
http://www.column5.us/aircraft7.shtml
 
As always, =READ= the enclosed readme for full, detailed instructions. This package has been broken down into the various folders that SF2 needs, to make it a LOT easier to install (read: drag and drop).
For SF/Wo* users, there's a note for you as well.
As usual, the expected "Notes and Other Nonsense for extra fun reading.
 
Now, go watch The Game!!
 
wrench
kevin stein

F-4B Phantom II, VMFA-58 "Wildcards" Skin/Decal set (A "What If.." skin)


 

= For SF2, any/all versions with access to the F-4B Phantom, merged or not =


 
A complete rebuild of my "What If..." Phantom skin from 2006.
 
This is a reskinning and redecaling of the stock, plane-jane F-4B (no year suffix), using Sundowner's templates (what a masterpiece!!!). New serial numbers and all new BuNum decals have been created. BuNums ARE 100% accurate, in that they are for F-4Bs. Since this is a fantasy skin ... they're purly there for looks. Many new decals, for crew names have been created and added to the canopy rails (these are characters and production staff from the Space: Above and Beyond TV show, with a few 'just for funs' thrown in).
What is unusual for me, is the fact that most of the generic national/service markings are painted on, as opposed to my prefrence for decals. This was done to "open up" some meshes for other decals, thereby greating imporving the historical "look", and accuracy (!), of the aircraft.
 
This skin/decal set is perfectly usable for ANY of the other F-4Bs (F-4B_65 and F-4B_67), and possibly even the F-4J. Renaming of the skin bmps will be required for use on the other aircraft, however, but their mapping is identical (this =HAS= been tested!). See below for more details & instructions.
 
The skins are 2048x2048, so users with older, slower machines may need to resize them down one step to 1024; expect some detail loss, but they're still quite beautiful, even at the the smaller size.
NOTE: I've supplied 2 different _1.bmps for use. The one being used right now has the ship name "USS SARATOGA"* above the squadron name. If you do not wish to use that, use the 'no-ship-name_F-4B_1.bmp'. Instructions for switching are in the 'To Install' section below.
 
Included as well are modified data and loadout inis; the data ini has a new landing light added and the canopy activated via a manual animation key. Use Shift/0 to open and close it. The loadout ini removes the non-existant reconpod,from RECON missions, and replaces it with the 600 gallon tank. All other loads remain stock. The landing gear's RollingRadius has also been adjusted, as I've gotten sick and tired of the 'flat tire' look. The numbers I used can also be used on all the other Phantoms. Other improvements are some additional armor over vital internals. No other changes have been made.
 
* the SARA was the space carrier The Wildcards was assigned to in the TV show; just keeping continuity <grin>
 
As always, detailed, step-by-step install instruction are in the enclosed Readme. It's required you actually read it ...
 
Good Hunting and Happy Landings!
Wrench
Kevin Stein

F-20B Tigershark Quickie Skin & Decal UPgrade Pak for SF2
=For SF2, Any and All (but Full-4 Merged Prefered/Reccomended*)
 
*Note: at minimum, you =MUST= have SF2:E, as the decals ini makes references/callout pointers to the stock F-15A serials. If you don't meet these minimium criteria, don't D/L this, as you wont be able to use it*
 
Just a quickie pak with slightly modified skin bmps and decal pointers to use stock in-game decals for Veltro2k's F-20B Tigershark.
You =MUST= have the F-20B to apply this pak to; it's just a skin, a few decals and a couple of inis for said skin and decals.
 
It's a rather generic skin, with tail code markings for the 56th FW, at Luke AFB, Arizona. The "LF" code is a new decal, as are the intake warnings. The rescue tags are borrowed from somewhere I can't remember (an F-104???).
 
As always, fairly easy to follow, detailed install instructions are included. So, please read them!! The usual "Notes" section for other interestering details and stuff, explinations, and general musings and things.
To make it easier, I'd reccomend (highly!) you unzip this archive first, and read the install instructions BEFORE installing, as without following them, you'll have a conflict.
 
*note: this is the correct tail code; the one shown in the "What if..." screenshots thread was not*
 
Happy Landings!
wrench
kevin stein

/// ------ MiG-31A What if--> Iran got some MiG-31's --------- ///     This is my First Aircraft mod upload so go easy:)    I used the MiG-31BM from the "MiG-BM_update pak" downloaded from Combat Ace SF2 MiG-31 Downloads.  There is no readme file attached just said jv44 is the original creator and want to thank him for the skin and lod file.   I tweaked the Data ini file to make nodes operational along with making the MiG-31A as an attack aircraft. Designed to attack the US Navy I am sure this is what Iran wanted it for. This Aircraft was put together with SF1 and SF2 Freeware Items. This Foxbat will for sure test your fleet and put the pressure on the F-14 Tomcats!!!
  "MiG-31A tested in latest patch SF2 against US Fleet and ground targets."

Included is the fully working MiG-23MF 'Flogger-B', cockpit and working Mig-23MF HUD cockpit converted to SFP2.
 
This MiG-23MF swing wing fighter saw much combat and claimed multiple kills over the years. The Mig-23/Mig-27 was the most important Soviet fighter type from the mid-to-late 1970s. It was designed to replace the famous MiG-21.
 
The MiG-23MF was a first generation MiG-23 and was not designed for close-in maneuvering. This would come with the later second generation MiG-23ML ("L"  for lightweight).  However, the MiG-23MF was still formidable if used as a hit and run fighter.
 
Short takeoff and landing was a major consideration in the case of a NATO vs WARSAW Pact confrontation. Also, the Mig-23 was designed to be able to be able to accept or decline combat against western fighters using hit and run tactics- maneuverability being a secondary consideration. As a result, it was designed to be faster in speed, faster accelerating and faster climbing than most western fighters...in which it mostly suceeded. It was much faster climbing than the F-4 Phantom with a reported initial climb rate of 45,000+ feet per minute.
 
However, it reportedly had an even higher wing loading than the Phantom of about 94/lbs per sq feet at normal takeoff weight and normal wing sweep. One of the contributing results was reportedly a very poor instantaneous turn rate of 11.5 degrees per second at Mach .9 at 15,093 feet and 8.6 degrees per second at Mach .5 at 15,093 feet (Mike Spick-Illustrated Directory of Fighters). The Mig-21 reportedly had a much better maximum instantaneous turn rate of around 18.9 deg/sec. in some configurations. Although a lot of factors are involved in instantaneous turn rates, it does give a general idea.
 
It equipped more Soviet fighter and attack regiments than any other Soviet fighter then in service in the 1970s. Over a thousand were estimated to be confronting NATO from both Soviet and WARSAW Pact nations.
 
This is from the original Mirage Factory (although it has been modified by so many people over the years that it is basically a new aircraft).
 
This Mig-23MF was a major production model after 1978. It could fire beyond visual range (BVR) missiles even for foreign countries and had a standard internal 23mm gun. Its radar was thought to be broadly comparable to the McDonnell Douglas F4J Phantoms' radar...formidable indeed.
 
Mig-23s emerged victorious against maneuvering Western-trained Mirage F-1s over Africa on 27 September 1987, so the Mig-23's weapons systems could be effective.
http://www.acig.org/...ticle_184.shtml
 
You can download the original Mirage Factory Mig-23 SFP1 package here:
http://forum.combata...p;showfile=5211
 
The Mig-23MF was the first major production version and also used largely for export. It saw combat in the Middle East with Syria and reportedly had some F-4 and F-16 kills.
 
It was a much improved export version after the previous MS version. The Warsaw pact, India, Lybia, Syria, Egypt, Cuba and others used the MF version. It fired radar-guided missiles and so was a BVR threat with its AA-7 Apex missiles.
 
Pilot report http://www.warbirdso...87/Default.aspx
 
This was so complicated to make work in SFP2, that I had to end up just making it one complete download. If it wasn't loading or blowing up on the runway, then the HUD was not visible, the pilot was out of his seat, the plane was invisible, or the cockpit was invisible, pieces were flying permanently along side you in flight blocking your view, you were flying sideways, and you could not pick weapons. It took pieces from endless airplanes and projects to finally make it work including parts from SFP2.
 
To my surprise, -the jewel-, the extremely complex Mig-23MF working HUD from Starfighter in SFP1 actually started working!
 
Directions:
 
1) Back up your Mig-23MF folder.
 
2) Just download the whole filefolder Mig-23MF intact into your SFP2 aircraft folder as one folder....ie into the C:\mydocuments\thirdwire\SFP2\objects\aircraft
 
3) When asked to overwrite say yes.
 
-Finished!
 
 
 
MiG-23M 'Flogger-B' First production fighter
MiG-23MF 'Flogger-B' Improved MiG-23M with a new radar and an infrared sensor pod, major production model after 1978
 
 
For strengths, it had incredible acceleration that reportedly equalled the later F-16 and F-15s. It also had an incredible climb rate and almost unmatched speed at low altitudes.
 
For weaknesses, it had a terribly slow turn, slow rate of roll and high angle of attack limitations and vicious stall characteristics in certain situations. Better keep it fast.
 
Good tactics in the MF are to sneak in fast at a low altitude, shoot and then run or use your fantastic rate of climb and acceleration in a vertical fight.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FLIGHT NOTES FROM A MiG-23 PILOT: The Mig-23 had incredible strengths and incredible weaknesses.
 
WEAKNESSES: For weaknesses, most Mig-23s never could turn or roll very well compared to its enemies and had very heavy controls. Its roll was hurt by its control system (spoilers and a diferential tail and the disconnection of spoilers at any but 16 degrees).
 
In close combat, the earlier versions in particular were a deathtrap because unless the pilot stayed within certain tight maneuvering limits, it would often lose control and simply crash. Its cockpit visiblility was one of the worst of any fighter. Visibility is life in a dogfight.
 
It had slushy controls in many areas of its flight regime and its nose would often hunt back and forth. Its unpredictable accelerated stall was often taking ones life into ones hands if attempted. It also had the typical Soviet disadvantage of a very short range. There are reports of its radar not working much of the time and it often not being mission ready.
 
It is hard to use an aircraft if it is not working.
 
Red Eagles, Steve Davies "Flying the Mig-23"
 
http://books.google....result&resnum=4
 
It is true that later versions had much improved handling/systems. However, I understand that maneuvering limits still existed.
 
http://dewarbirdraci...87/Default.aspx
 
http://www.flightglo...20-%200508.html
 
http://www.warbirdso...87/Default.aspx
 
 
Thanks to
 
-The Mirage Factory for the original Mig-23 in SFP1.
-Lindr2 , for the new external model and for armament options.
-Armourdave and Sal for orignal SU-17 cockpit.
-Nele for the superb flight model that shows that the Mig-23 goes straight and up like an arrow, but is a bear in the turning and rolling department and accelerated stall department.
-column5 Previous Flight Model:
-Pasko Pilot
-USAFMTL, Crab_02, Sony Tuckson
Testing, etc:
-Starfighter2- for the incredible avionics HUD
-Wrench- helpful hints on moving around the SFP1 cockpit gages and hints on converting aircraft to SFP2.
TK and Thirdwire - for SFP1 and the armament and options in the SFP2 version.
 
Not for payware in anyway. If you develop this more, please quote the authors.
 
Enjoy!