First Eagles - General Files

This Update brings the First Eagles to the latest code level, fixing many issues reported by users and adding new features to enhance the gameplay.
 
This Update contains all the fixes from previous patches, and it can be applied to any version of the game. Earlier patches do not need to be applied.
 
=======================
First Eagles / Apr 2008
Readme File
=======================
 
-----------------
Table of Contents
-----------------
 
1. Update Notes
2. Troubleshooting
3. Contacting Customer Support
 
---------------
1. Update Notes
---------------
 
This Update brings the First Eagles to the latest code level,
fixing many issues reported by users and adding new features to
enhance the gameplay.
 
This Update contains all the fixes from previous patches, and it can
be applied to any version of the game. Earlier patches do not need
to be applied.
 
If you have purchased Expansion Pack 1, you should install the
Expansion Pack first before applying this Update.
 
If you have installed any mods to the game, you should back up any
changes you've made before applying this Update. Update will delete
any files that may conflict with newer files. You should reapply the
change to new, updated files installed by this Update.
 
List of changes in this Update include:
 
Apr 2008
--------
 
* Shadow option is changed to adjust distance as well as the types of
object casting shadow. Low: No shadows are cast. Medium: Aircraft
cast shadow only in external view and only at close range. High: Aircraft
and some ground objects cast shadow. Unlimited: All objects cast shadow
at furthest distance.
 
* Rear view (Shift+F5 by default) is added.
 
* Delete Pilot and View Medal buttons have been added to the
Pilot Record Screen.
 
* Better support for dual-analog stick gamepads has been added.
 
* Static aircraft kills are no longer counted as air kills.
 
* AI pilots for player's squadron in campaign now start with higher
initial skill level.
 
* Compass for SE5A and Camel cockpits are now functional.
 
* Selection of army Co-operation mission sometimes causing crash to
desktop is fixed.
 
* View limits are adjusted correctly for widescreen and Matrox
surround gaming display.
 
* Flight model, AI, and campaign engine have all been further tweaked.
 
Oct 2007 (Expansion Pack 1)
---------------------------
 
* Blip Switch control is added for Camel and Fokker Dr.1. When HARD
flight model options is used, the throttle can only be set at
0 or 100%. Move the throttle past half-way position to get 100%,
or move it below the half-way position to get 0%. Blip Switch key
(by default Numpad Enter key or Joystick button 3), while pressed
down, can also be used set the throttle to 0%.
 
* During campaign play, unit name is now displayed on HUD instead
of aircraft type.
 
* Terrain engine can now use seasonal texture sets, which are
automatically selected based on mission date.
 
* Older style German insignia are added - they're used when the
mission date is before March 1918.
 
* New and more detailed pilot 3d models are included.
 
* Shadows can now be cast using more detailed geometry model.
 
* Airfields in Single Mission and Campaign play now include randomly
placed parked aircraft.
 
* Machinegun fire sometimes not stopping correctly in Multiplayer
has been fixed.
 
* Individual aircraft data.ini can now contain customized Dogfight
and ground-attack AI Data.
 
* Version numbering system has been changed to show month and year
in less ambiguous format.
 
* And many more minor fixes and improvements.
 
The following is a list of files that are explicitly deleted by the
Update installer. Additional files may be over-written by newer
files.
 
CAMPAIGN\WWICAMP1\WWICAMP1_DATA.INI
CAMPAIGN\WWICAMP2\WWICAMP2_DATA.INI
CAMPAIGN\WWIE1CAMP1\WWIE1CAMP1_DATA.INI
CAMPAIGN\WWIE1CAMP2\WWIE1CAMP2_DATA.INI
FLIGHT\FLIGHTENGINE.INI
FLIGHT\COMMDATA.INI
FLIGHT\EASYAVIONICS.DLL
FLIGHT\HUDDATA.INI
FLIGHT\MISSIONCONTROL.INI
FLIGHT\MISSIONSUMMARY.INI
FLIGHT\NATIONS.INI
FLIGHT\PARTICLESYSTEM.INI
FLIGHT\VIEWLIST.INI
MENU\CAMPAIGNSCREEN.INI
MENU\DEFAULT.BAK
MENU\PILOTRECORDSCREEN.BMP
MENU\PILOTRECORDSCREEN.INI
MENU\OPTIONSSCREEN.INI
MENU\WWIMENUTEXTSETTING.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFTOBJECT.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\AEG_G4\AEG_G4.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\AEG_G4\AEG_G4_DATA.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\ALBATROSD3\ALBATROSD3.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\ALBATROSD3\ALBATROSD3_DATA.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\ALBATROSD3OAW\ALBATROSD3OAW.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\ALBATROSD3OAW\ALBATROSD3OAW_DATA.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\ALBATROSD5\ALBATROSD5.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\ALBATROSD5\ALBATROSD5_DATA.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\ALBATROSD5A\ALBATROSD5A.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\ALBATROSD5A\ALBATROSD5A_DATA.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\ALBATROSD5A\ALBATROSD5A_LOADOUT.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\CAMELF1_110\CAMELF1_110.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\CAMELF1_110\CAMELF1_110_DATA.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\CAMELF1_110\CAMELF1_COCKPIT.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\CAMELF1_130\CAMELF1_130.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\CAMELF1_130\CAMELF1_130_DATA.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\CAMELF1_130\CAMELF1_COCKPIT.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\CAMELF1_150\CAMELF1_150.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\CAMELF1_150\CAMELF1_150_DATA.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\CAMELF1_150\CAMELF1_COCKPIT.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\DFWC5\DFWC5.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\DFWC5\DFWC5_DATA.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\DFWC5\DFWC5_LOADOUT.IN
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\FOKKERD7\FOKKERD7.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\FOKKERD7\FOKKERD7_COCKPIT.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\FOKKERD7\FOKKERD7_DATA.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\FOKKERD7\FOKKERD7_LOADOUT.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\FOKKERD7\COCKPIT\FOKKERD7_CPIT.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\FOKKERD7F\FOKKERD7_COCKPIT.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\FOKKERD7F\FOKKERD7_LOADOUT.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\FOKKERD7F\FOKKERD7F.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\FOKKERD7F\FOKKERD7F_DATA.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\FOKKERDR1\FOKKERDR1.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\FOKKERDR1\FOKKERDR1_DATA.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\RE8\RE8.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\RE8\RE8_DATA.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\SALMSON2A\SALMSON2A.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\SALMSON2A\SALMSON2A_DATA.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\SALMSON2A\SALMSON2A_LOADOUT.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\SE5A\SE5A.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\SE5A\SE5A_AVIONICS.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\SE5A\SE5A_COCKPIT.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\SE5A\SE5A_DATA.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\SE5A\SE5A_LOADOUT.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\SE5A\COCKPIT\SE-5A_COCKPIT.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\SPAD13\SPAD13.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\SPAD13\SPAD13_COCKPIT.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\SPAD13\SPAD13_DATA.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\SPAD13\COCKPIT\S13_CPIT.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\SPAD7_150\SPAD7_150.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\SPAD7_150\SPAD7_150_DATA.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\SPAD7_180\SPAD7_180.INI
OBJECTS\AIRCRAFT\SPAD7_180\SPAD7_180_DATA.INI
OBJECTS\GUNDATA.DAT
OBJECTS\GUNDATA.INI
OBJECTS\MISSILEOBJECT.INI
OBJECTS\OBJECTLIST.INI
OBJECTS\WEAPONDATA.DAT
OBJECTS\WEAPONDATA.INI
PILOTDATA\SQUADRONLIST.INI
TERRAIN\WWICAMBRAI\WWICAMBRAI_DATA.INI
TERRAIN\WWICAMBRAI\WWICAMBRAI_MOVEMENT.INI
TERRAIN\WWICAMBRAI\WWICAMBRAI_TARGETS.INI
TERRAIN\WWIVERDUN\WWI_AIRFIELD1.INI
TERRAIN\WWIVERDUN\WWIVERDUN.INI
TERRAIN\WWIVERDUN\WWIVERDUN.TFD
TERRAIN\WWIVERDUN\WWIVERDUN_DATA.INI
TERRAIN\WWIVERDUN\WWIVERDUN_MOVEMENT.INI
TERRAIN\WWIVERDUN\WWIVERDUN_TARGETS.INI
TERRAIN\WWIVERDUN\WWIVERDUN_TYPES.INI
 
------------------
2. Troubleshooting
------------------
 
Troubleshooting Tips
 
Before installing the game, please try the following:
 
- Close all other applications.
- Verify that your system meets the minimum system requirements.
 
If you are experiencing difficulties in getting the game to run,
please try the following solutions:
 
- Obtain the latest drivers for your video and sound card.
 
- Obtain the latest version of Direct X from:
 
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...6A-9B6652CD92A3
 
- Install the latest update for your game from:
 
http://www.thirdwire.com/support.htm
 
- Please refer to the readme.txt included on your game CD.
 
- Run scandisk and defragment your drive.
 
------------------------------
3. Contacting Customer Support
------------------------------
 
To obtain further technical assistance regarding this product, please
send an e-mail to:
 
support@thirdwire.com.
 
Please be sure to include the following information in your e-mail:
 
· Processor type and speed
· Operating System version
· Memory (RAM)
· DirectX Version
· Video Card type
· Error messages encountered and where/when you saw them.
 
Or visit our forums at
 
http://www.thirdwire.com/downloads_fe.htm

Alternative menu for First Eagles
WIP - PROVIDED AS IS
 
TO INSTALL MENU
(1) extract all files
(2) copy all files to the \MENU folder in your WWI folder
 
NOTE: the First Eagles menu set is a work in progress and these files are provided as is.
 
 
 
© 2008, Kout
 
These files are made available under the Creative Commons - Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 1.0 license
(Please visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/1.0/ for details.)
This basically means you are allowed to modify and redistribute these files, but that you should (1) give fair credit (2) distribute work based on these files under the same conditions as I did and you may not(3) use these files or works based on them for commercial purposes.

This "pack" includes both the 1024 X 768 size hangar and loading bitmap images for the Bristol M1c by Sabre51.

Alternative mainscreen for First Eagles
 
Copy all files to your wwi\menu directory.

This pack adds the SE5a 1024X768 Hangar and loading screens.

This is a substitute German theme screen depicting Kesta 4 in 1916, which you can substitute for the Spad hangars that appear in the loadout screen. Simply drop the file in the Menu folder and it will override the Spad screen. If you want to go back, just delete this file and the original will appear.
 
TK is considering adding code which will permit type specific loadout screens for each aircraft, but right now the code only permits one such screen for all aircraft.
 
I prefer the sepia version, which I now post as an update. I think the earlier B/W version will remain on the site- if not and you want BW, it is relatively simple to remove the color.

Addon Breaking Sound by ShrikeHawk
 
My intent here was to create a very distinctive ww1 sound for
breaking aircraft parts. I wanted to hear a wood-crunching,
canvas-ripping, "uh-oh!" kind of sound to accompany a part
breaking my own (or better yet, the other guy's) aircraft.

This is an update to my previous sound. It begins with an explosion sound
and empahasizes the cracking of wood more. I like this one better.
 
This is only a replacement for the previous sound. If you need the .ini
files to install it, please download the original.
 
Have fun!
 
ShrikeHawk

Here are the screens that I've been working on. If you'd like to test them, please refer to the README enclosed.

FIXED CORRUPTED ZIP FILE - MOVIE VERSION should be good to go now
 
INTRODUCTION - Guitarclassic55's Replacement Menu Screens with MOVIE
 
 
GREETINGS! Thanks for downloading Guitarclassic55's Replacement Menu Screens for First Eagles. I created these because I felt the stock screens were a bit lacking in ambience and I wanted more visual immersion from the WWI era.
 
Unfortunately, because most of the new screens "call" the same global INI files (which I have modified), you can't pick and choose which ones you'd like to use. I'm afraid that for the most part, it's either use these, or the stock ones, or other custom screens by someone else. The one exception: I did create new versions of the stock hangar screens but they should co-exist peacefully with any custom hangar screens that you have already installed along with custom aircraft.
 
 
WHAT IS INCLUDED
 
There are two versions of Guitarclassic55's Replacement Menu Screens available for download, with only one difference:
 
Version 1. The Main Screen includes a "movie" in the antique watch face. Kind of cool but sometimes takes a little longer to load, and the download size is much larger. (65 MB)
 
Version 2. Same as above, but the Main Screen does not include the movie. (31MB)
 
In every other way, the two are identical.
 
 
The stock screens that are replaced:
 
Main Screen
Campaign Screen
Debrief Screen
Loadout Screen
Medal List Screen
Multiplayer Screen
Options Screen
Pilot Record Screen
Planning Map Screen
Roster Screen
Single Mission Screen
 
In addition, the Hangar screens for the twelve flyable stock planes/variants are included. The Loading screens have not been included but may be added at a later date.
 
One other change - Planning Map Screen Icons - the air and ground icons of the individual countries for the planning map have been reduced to 75% of their original size. I found the maps extremely cluttered at times, so this gives a bit cleaner look in my opinion. Anyone wanting even smaller (50%) icons may contact me for them. If you prefer the original stock size icons, simply open the MENU folder, find the BMP files that begin with "MAPICON..." and delete them.
 
INSTALLATION
 
First, first, and FIRST! – copy the MENU folder (located in the root First Eagles directory, whatever you decided to call it when you installed the game) and all its contents, then paste the copy somewhere safe just in case you want to go back to your previous menus.
 
NOW - unzip the version of the Replacement Menus that you have chosen, then copy the MENU and OBJECT folders and paste them in the root First Eagles directory. You will be warned that the folders already exist. Click YES TO ALL (I believe) and all the contents will go into the proper folders. Read the next paragraph only if you feel you need more explanation.
 
[The object here is to ADD the files, NOT get rid of everything that's already there. So if you followed the directions correctly, assuming that I gave them correctly (crossing fingers) you'll have new files in the MENU folder, and new files in the twelve stock aircraft sub-folders inside AIRCRAFT which is inside OBJECTS.]
 
And guess what... that's it! The wonderful simplicity of ThirdWire's modding system.
 
 
 
UNINSTALLING
 
You can:
 
1. Do a clean re-install of the whole game. Not recommended if you have other custom things, like planes, campaigns, texture sets, maps, etc., OR
 
2. If you want to get rid of everything from the mod EXCEPT the new hangar screens:
 
A. Locate your backed-up original MENU folder.
 
B. Find the MENU folder in the root directory of your First Eagles (or whatever you named it) folder and delete all contents.
 
C. Paste all contents from the backed up MENU folder into the MENU folder inside the First Eagles root folder. That should do it.
 
3. If you also want to get rid of the new hangar screens:
 
A. Go to FIRST EAGLES/OBJECTS/AIRCRAFT/AlbatrosD3 and delete the file "AlbatrosD3_hangar.bmp"
 
B. Repeat the same process in the eleven other stock plane folders inside the AIRCRAFT folder. The folders, and files are:
 
AlbatrosD3OAW - delete AlbatrosD3OAW_hangar.bmp
 
AlbatrosD5 - delete AlbatrosD5_hangar.bmp
 
AlbatrosD5A - delete AlbatrosD5_hangar.bmp
 
CamelF1_110 - delete CamelF1_hangar.bmp
 
CamelF1_130 - delete CamelF1_hangar.bmp
 
CamelF1_150 - delete CamelF1_hangar.bmp
 
FokkerD7 - delete FokkerD7_hangar.bmp
 
FokkerD7F - delete FokkerD7_hangar.bmp
 
FokkerDr1 - delete FokkerDr1_hangar.bmp
 
SE5a - delete SE5a_hangar.bmp
 
Spad12 - delete Spad13_hangar.bmp
 
 
 
KNOWN ISSUES:
 
The Chat record on the Debriefing Screen may or may not be functional. I've never flown multiplayer so I have no idea whether this works or not. If it does not and you'd like it fixed, let me know and I'll try to do so.
 
I'm not aware of any other problems... but something may surface that I didn't catch. If you find something, please let me know. You can PM me through the forum, or leave a message on the forum itself, or e-mail me directly at jimdickson@fastmail.fm.
 
 
 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
 
Thanks to jarrko for the background picture on the mainscreen, used also altered by me for the options screen. Thanks to kout for his original alternate mainscreen, which planted the seed and got me hooked on doing this in the first place. His work is excellent and inspiring. Thanks to sockboy and Barkhorn for their testing. Though brief, it was a pleasure working with you, guys. Thanks to p01ppy for the idea to use a small chalkboard for the hangar screens. He even offered to let me use his hangar screen work as a basis for mine; I initially wanted to but found it too intimidating because his work is also most excellent... so I went in another direction.
 
I hope you enjoy what I've come up with. There's a lot I could change still, but it is after all a game, something to be enjoyed. It was fun putting it all together... too much more though and the fun would begin to go away for me. Perhaps I'll take another pass at it sometime in the future.
 
Guitarclassic55
 
[Jim Dickson]
 
Prince Edward Island, Canada
 
May 2008

INTRODUCTION - Guitarclassic55's Replacement Menu Screens NO MOVIE
 
 
GREETINGS! Thanks for downloading Guitarclassic55's Replacement Menu Screens for First Eagles. I created these because I felt the stock screens were a bit lacking in ambience and I wanted more visual immersion from the WWI era.
 
 
Unfortunately, because most of the new screens "call" the same global INI files (which I have modified), you can't pick and choose which ones you'd like to use. I'm afraid that for the most part, it's either use these, or the stock ones, or other custom screens by someone else. The one exception: I did create new versions of the stock hangar screens but they should co-exist peacefully with any custom hangar screens that you have already installed along with custom aircraft.
 
 
WHAT IS INCLUDED
 
 
There are two versions of Guitarclassic55's Replacement Menu Screens available for download, with only one difference:
 
 
Version 1. The Main Screen includes a "movie" in the antique watch face. Kind of cool but sometimes takes a little longer to load, and the download size is much larger. (65 MB)
 
Version 2. Same as above, but the Main Screen does not include the movie. (31MB)
 
In every other way, the two are identical.
 
 
The stock screens that are replaced:
 
Main Screen
Campaign Screen
Debrief Screen
Loadout Screen
Medal List Screen
Multiplayer Screen
Options Screen
Pilot Record Screen
Planning Map Screen
Roster Screen
Single Mission Screen
 
 
In addition, the Hangar screens for the twelve flyable stock planes/variants are included. The Loading screens have not been included but may be added at a later date.
 
 
One other change - Planning Map Screen Icons - the air and ground icons of the individual countries for the planning map have been reduced to 75% of their original size. I found the maps extremely cluttered at times, so this gives a bit cleaner look in my opinion. Anyone wanting even smaller (50%) icons may contact me for them. If you prefer the original stock size icons, simply open the MENU folder, find the BMP files that begin with "MAPICON..." and delete them.
 
 
INSTALLATION
 
First, first, and FIRST! – copy the MENU folder (located in the root First Eagles directory, whatever you decided to call it when you installed the game) and all its contents, then paste the copy somewhere safe just in case you want to go back to your previous menus.
 
 
NOW - unzip the version of the Replacement Menus that you have chosen, then copy the MENU and OBJECT folders and paste them in the root First Eagles directory. You will be warned that the folders already exist. Click YES TO ALL (I believe) and all the contents will go into the proper folders. Read the next paragraph only if you feel you need more explanation.
 
 
[The object here is to ADD the files, NOT get rid of everything that's already there. So if you followed the directions correctly, assuming that I gave them correctly (crossing fingers) you'll have new files in the MENU folder, and new files in the twelve stock aircraft sub-folders inside AIRCRAFT which is inside OBJECTS.]
 
 
And guess what... that's it! The wonderful simplicity of ThirdWire's modding system.
 
 
UNINSTALLING
 
You can:
 
1. Do a clean re-install of the whole game. Not recommended if you have other custom things, like planes, campaigns, texture sets, maps, etc., OR
 
2. If you want to get rid of everything from the mod EXCEPT the new hangar screens:
 
A. Locate your backed-up original MENU folder.
 
B. Find the MENU folder in the root directory of your First Eagles (or whatever you named it) folder and delete all contents.
 
C. Paste all contents from the backed up MENU folder into the MENU folder inside the First Eagles root folder. That should do it.
 
3. If you also want to get rid of the new hangar screens:
 
A. Go to FIRST EAGLES/OBJECTS/AIRCRAFT/AlbatrosD3 and delete the file "AlbatrosD3_hangar.bmp"
 
B. Repeat the same process in the eleven other stock plane folders inside the AIRCRAFT folder. The folders, and files are:
 
AlbatrosD3OAW - delete AlbatrosD3OAW_hangar.bmp
 
AlbatrosD5 - delete AlbatrosD5_hangar.bmp
 
AlbatrosD5A - delete AlbatrosD5_hangar.bmp
 
CamelF1_110 - delete CamelF1_hangar.bmp
 
CamelF1_130 - delete CamelF1_hangar.bmp
 
CamelF1_150 - delete CamelF1_hangar.bmp
 
FokkerD7 - delete FokkerD7_hangar.bmp
 
FokkerD7F - delete FokkerD7_hangar.bmp
 
FokkerDr1 - delete FokkerDr1_hangar.bmp
 
SE5a - delete SE5a_hangar.bmp
 
Spad12 - delete Spad13_hangar.bmp
 
 
 
KNOWN ISSUES:
 
The Chat record on the Debriefing Screen may or may not be functional. I've never flown multiplayer so I have no idea whether this works or not. If it does not and you'd like it fixed, let me know and I'll try to do so.
 
I'm not aware of any other problems... but something may surface that I didn't catch. If you find something, please let me know. You can PM me through the forum, or leave a message on the forum itself, or e-mail me directly at jimdickson@fastmail.fm.
 
 
 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
 
Thanks to jarrko for the background picture on the mainscreen, used also altered by me for the options screen. Thanks to kout for his original alternate mainscreen, which planted the seed and got me hooked on doing this in the first place. His work is excellent and inspiring. Thanks to sockboy and Barkhorn for their testing. Though brief, it was a pleasure working with you, guys. Thanks to p01ppy for the idea to use a small chalkboard for the hangar screens. He even offered to let me use his hangar screen work as a basis for mine; I initially wanted to but found it too intimidating because his work is also most excellent... so I went in another direction.
 
I hope you enjoy what I've come up with. There's a lot I could change still, but it is after all a game, something to be enjoyed. It was fun putting it all together... too much more though and the fun would begin to go away for me. Perhaps I'll take another pass at it sometime in the future.
 
Guitarclassic55
 
[Jim Dickson]
 
Prince Edward Island, Canada
 
May 2008

This isn't a mod for any of the flight sim games. This is a desktop theme to change the look of Windows XP. It's inspired by guitarclass55's really cool menu and loadout screen mod for First Eagles.
 
I've included 2 files to download.
Part 1) WWIAircraft.zip is the desktop theme file set. To use: just unzip to the root directory of the drive in which windows is installed (usually drive C:), and all the necessary files will be copied to the correct locations.
 
Part 2) XPUxthemeDLLPatch.zip This is a patched file for windows XP's uxtheme.dll. This isn't necessary to install to make the theme work, but using it will allow the WoodGrain.msstyles file included to change the color scheme of the taskbar, windows frames, etc. to a sort of wood grain pattern that matches the look of the desktop theme. If the patched uxtheme.dll file isn't used to overwrite your original windows uxtheme.dll file, the WoodGrain.msstyles file won't work. The WWI Aircraft theme will still work, just not the color scheme. So, using this patched file is optional. For those who would like to use the patched uxtheme.dll file, I've included an MS Word document that gives explicit instructions on how to replace the stock windows uxtheme.dll file. The only part in the Word document you don't have to follow is where it tells where to go and download the patched file, I've included them in this download. One is for windows with service pack 1 and the other is for service pack 2.
 
Again, this theme is for WinXP only. I'm almost possitive it won't work with windows Vista. So you guys with Vista shouldn't try to use it. It could wind up doing some evil deviltry to your operating system.

I got tired of hearing the same old engine sound on the Fokker Dr1 of the new expansion so I made a new one.Drop the Dr1 wave file into your First Eagles sound folder,then go to the objects/aircraft/Fokker Dr1 folder open up the FOKKERDR1_DATA configuration settings INI.scroll down to the [sound] section and edit this line to read EngineSoundName=Dr1 That should do it go fly and have fun.I take no responsibility for any problems caused by these addons. Gumpy

FE_Update_Oct2008b

New Tracer with Smoke Emitter for First Eagles.
 
Mod based on excellent illuminated tracer effect by Gbreuder & Fubar512
 
To install:
Drop the TracerSmokeEmitter.ini and TracerSmoke.tga file into your Effects folder. (Default C:\Program Files\ThirdWire\WWI\Effects)
 
Uninstall:
If you don't like it simply delete TracerSmokeEmitter.ini and TracerSmoke.tga file.
 
 
 
Jan

FE Sounds V.2 (Revised 8 March 09)
 
EDIT 8/3/09:
Some people were experiencing problems with some of these samples, so I've made some changes to the package. The "Read Me" will explain...
 
 
Aside from using authentic sound samples, in my opinion, the next most important aspect of decent sound within a game is balance. I therefore paid particular attention to this when editing these files. As an example, check out the "WindLoop" sound, just audible above the noise of the engine.
 
New sounds included:
 
"PropLoop"
"Lerhone"
"RotaryEngine"
"Vickers"
"Lewis"
"Spandau"
"Parabellum"
"WindLoop"
"Tiretouch"
"Dirthit"
 
Please note:
The game's default volume for bullet hits on AI planes will be heard at the same volume level as hits to the players plane, which is obviously unrealistic. So to rectify this, extract, then open the "SOUNDLIST.INI" file from the "FlightData.cat". Scroll down to "DirtHit", and change the "MaxDist=" line to: MaxDist=010.000000.
 
Disclaimer:
I just want to let it be known that these files have been tucked away on my PC for three years or more, and therefore I can't remember where they originated from. Although I've enhanced and edited these samples to the point where they bear little or no relation to the originals, if anyone recognises one of them as being theirs and then take exception to their use, then please PM me and I'll be happy to delete that file from the package.
 
EDIT 2/3/09:
Sorry, forgot to mention...Just as a guide:
I use "Lerhone" for all the early 1915-16 rotary engine aircraft: DH2, Pup, Nieuports, Eindekker's, etc. It could also be used for the Fokker Dr.I and 110hp Sopwith Camel.
Use "RotaryEngine" for the Sopwith Triplane, 130 & 150hp Camels and all other late war (mid 1917-1918) rotary powered planes.
 
 
I hope you like at least a few of 'em
 
Bucky

Thirdwire Nov 2008 patch for First Eagles.

Here's one for fans of the macabre!...A blood curdling scream and collision sound file, activated if/when you collide with another plane or terra-firma!
 
Two versions to choose from. Installation instructions included in the 'Read Me'.
 
Hopefully, it'll add a bit of drama to your game?
 
Bucky

This is the 'PropLoop' sound file I'm using these days. I just thought some of you might like it.
 
Also, I've included an engine sample that better suits the early war, in-line engined aircraft...Adds a bit of variation. Use it with the following planes:
 
Aviatik C.II
BE2a
BE2c
BE2d
DFW C.II
Farman MF7
FarmanMF11b
FE2b
Pfalz EV
RFC MF11
RFC SF11
 
Installation instructions included in the 'Read Me'.
 
Hope ya like 'em.
 
Bucky.

You can see here a very small sample of an extensive lot of new pretty faces for your flying machine's log book / carnet de vol / Soldbuch. Now with more than 200 pictures! Huns, Frogs, Aussies, Limeys and Yanks, I hope everyone will find what he's after.
 
This mod exists in two files: with or without national flags inserted.

Welcome to my latest update, December 2015, for this Medals Pack intended to provide your campaigns on the Western Front with a more complete immersion into the WW1 universe.
 
Compared with my latest update in July 2010, you will notice many changes, especially the appearance of new lists of awards for the Belgians and for two more German States, and some conspicuous increase in the already existing lists. The available panels now cover Germany, the United Kingdom & British Empire, France, Belgium, and the United States. About Germany, four panels are actually provided, allowing you to embody a pilot from either one of the main four federated kingdoms of Prussia, Saxony, Bavaria, or Wurtemberg – and to receive awards accordingly. Each Allied panel includes several awards from other Allied countries, each panel for the German Kingdoms includes several awards from other German States.
 
Two Nations lists are provided, the first one devoted to campaigns and missions taking place before early 1918, and the second and default one reassessing the state of the belligerents from early 1918 on. You’ll have to juggle with both lists according to the period of the War when you plan to fly your campaigns. Everything has been designed, when swapping the pre-1918 for the 1918 medals file during an extensive career, for the decorations you were awarded before April 1918 both to be preserved with original look and citations, and not to be awarded a second anachronistic time thereafter.
 
The pre-1918 list grants much more lenient criteria to be awarded the same distinctions you could also receive later spending more sweat, and prevents you to get awards unavailable before 1918. This pre-1918 list also allows you to explicitly fly as distinct nations both of the British air components existing before the Royal Air Force: the Royal Flying Corps, and the Royal Naval Air Service, both of them with their own lists of ranks, awards and citations.
 
Generally speaking, the requirements for awards for enduring service have been now revised upwards by large, to hang on to Ojcar’s Armchair Aces dynamic campaigns allowing to go through that long-term World War in its seemingly never-ending aspect. Each panel includes several decorations from allied countries (or from other German States in the case of the Second Reich). I chose to have the citations display the decorations’ names in original language without subtitle, as you can notice on the screenshots. Be easy, the awards you deserved are still announced in English on the Debrief Screen, and listed in English on the Medal List Screen.
 
A complete set of musics for all occurrences has been enriched, and sometimes modified since my latest update in July 2010. Several themes from the soundtrack of “The Blue Max” replace the game's default themes (Main Screen, Base Screen, Options Screen...), while national anthems and marches are devoted to each nation's overtures and successful debriefings sequences.
 
This Pack is a huge lot, and has been many, many times entirely re-engineered on a new basis. Each list of medals includes many links to other files, and not all of the available panels have been tested on the long term. Please report all of the quirks, crashes, and other non-appearances of medals or citations you could experience. I shall then edit the Pack according to the problems found.
 
VERY IMPORTANT : Be aware that in comparison with the former July 2010 update of this pack, this updated version has reshuffled orders of precedence and that the decorations in each panel had their code names modified and their individual numbers reallocated. This may certainly alter the lists of honours received already in any of your ongoing Allied or German campaigns. So think twice before installing this December 2015 update if you have current campaigns underway, and prefer installation when beginning new campaigns.

Hi Folks,
 
here comes the announced belgian medal pack. Together with the allready available skins you can now fly as a pilot of the belgian crown.
 
Many thanks to Capitaine Vengeur's assistance, allowing me to use some of his medals. His "alternative medal pack july 2010" is also needed!
If you don't have it yet, download it first.
 
The package includes:
 
- medals
- belgian names list
- belgian ranks list
- a few belgian pilot pics
 
Installation Instructions are included.
 
Hope you will have fun with it.
 
Hermann the Hun

This download contains files and parametes to create ambient sounds and action sound to certain ground objects.
 
Horse vocals and galluping for Geo's Wagen objects
Wind, crows, and distant artillery for stock balloons
Charging infantry sounds for Stephen1918's Infantry Units
Airfield ambient sounds of birds chirping, light wind, and distant artillery
 
Readme files are inside.
 
Enjoy,
Quack74

A new batch of pilots pics covering the non-Western fronts: Russians, Italians, Austro-Hungarians and Ottomans. This mod exists in two files: with or without national flags inserted.
 
November 2014 Update: adds Ottoman pilots and many new pics for existing nations, including Russians in colors. |Total: 28 Italians, 20 Russians, 30 Austrians, 10 Turks]

Here's a bit of drama for the FE (Gold or 2) Menu.
Works best with Guitarclassic55's menu add-on.
 
Theme: Palladio (K. Jenkins) with a bit of WW1 drama
 
Installation:
- Download & unrar into temp directory
- Make copy of your existing files (sound files within 'sound' and 'flight' folders)
- Copy/overwrite with extracted files
 
Hope you like it