FastCargo

The loadout.ini is only used by the program to 'auto' load weapons for a particular kind of mission. It does not dictate if certain weapons can be loaded or not and in fact can override the restrictions placed on a weapon station. Also, the program is looking for a file called Weapondata.dat in the Objects/Weapons folder. If it does not see that file, it will not use ANY of your addon weapons. That file is created from the Weapondata.ini file located in the Objects/Weapons folder. FC

This discussion reminds me of something a simulator builder (as in the simulators for airlines, the FAA, military, etc) once stated: "If you put everything a pilot wants into a simulator, you will end up building the actual aircraft." I would add this - "...and it will probably be more expensive than the aircraft, because you're trying to simulate reality too." The trick simulator builders (especially those who focus on post-1950's air combat) is trying to find where the top of the bell curve between arcade and simulation is (ie the balance where you will find the most people willing to buy). Add to this the complexity in single player of proper AI balance, and you have a tough nut to crack. I'm wondering if all the time and money the various developers are pouring into their products will EVER yield a positive ROI. FC

Well, realistically, the problem with an 'epic storyline' is that it's scripted. Which requires a sequence of outcomes. Now, you can try branching storylines (depending how a battle goes). But your complexity goes up immensely. It's a matter of time and money. I don't think you would ever recoup your investment. The closest I think this has ever been done is Strike Commander...simplified (but not totally arcade) aircraft systems, decent tactics, combined with a great storyline and scripted events. I would love a modern version of Strike Commander. Don't change the storyline, just update everything to modern specs. Funny, there has already been a project that has been done along similar lines...Privateer has been updated to use a modern 3D engine (with real 3D models of the spaceships) but still keeps the old menu/scripts mechanics. FC

No they aren't: http://www.cracked.com/quick-fixes/8-b.s.-news-stories-that-fooled-your-friends-part-21/ FC

You did not post the answers to the questions I asked. We cannot help you if you can't answer the questions posted. Please re-read the links and answer the questions. Then we can start to help you. FC

Glenn, Gunrunner is correct...your questions are vague. You need to be specific. However, I suspect you don't know what you don't know...so we are going to help you with that. First, read these threads: http://combatace.com/topic/25845-basic-definition-of-terms/ http://combatace.com/topic/26456-acronyms-for-the-thirdwire-series-of-sims/ http://combatace.com/topic/25880-official-game-patches-and-services-packs/ This should give you a primer when folks start throwing out terms that make you scratch your head. Secondly, tell us about your computer and install: What operating system (or OS for short - Windows XP, or Windows 7, etc) is your computer using? Which Strike Fighters sim? What patch level is the sim at? Read and digest those threads, then post your answers to these questions here on this thread. FC

Actually, I kind of wonder if he had maybe gone with someone like GOG.com for distribution. I would think they would have been a better fit. After all, you wouldn't have to worry about altering the distribution exes. Heck, if he transferred over exclusively to them for distribution, he could (in theory), shut down the e-commerce side of the ThirdWire website (which has to be costing something...) and let GOG.com keep track of who downloaded what, distribution of patches, etc. Just thinkin' out loud... FC

Hopefully it will be ready sooner rather than later. In addition, because the original creator of the MAX file did not put any restrictions other than proper attribution, I will release the MAX file here in the modders area for anyone to make improvements. Also, someone asked about the F-108. I released the MAX file, templates, and basically everything that composed it into the modders area a while ago, hoping someone would bring it to completion. Sadly, that does not appear to have happened yet. FC

Did you try adding folks from your rosters? FC

Looks okay...though my Nations.ini for the force I'm using uses USBomber as the default bomber formation. I have no altered Formation.ini file (pretty sure there is such a thing)...using bone stock ini file. FC

Kevin, can you zip one you are having trouble with and send it to me via PM? FC

Guys, am I missing something? I have massed formations of 9 each group (Oyster 1-1 to 1-9)...up to a max of 16 aircraft with me as the lead. Ignore the paintjob...I'm still working on the FM and it will eventually get a different paint scheme, decals, and maybe spec/normal maps... FC

Ah yes, now the hobbies start in earnest! Good luck to you Jug! FC

As a human factors guy.... Different activities should require different interfaces. Most push button activities can have a touch screen button equivalent. In addition, designation of targets can probably be touch based unless there is a tight group. Remember, the human finger is NOT nearly as accurate as a cursor. A mouse or trackball is a great cursor manipulator because you can vary speed and direction with one input, verses slewing with a rocker switch which only gives you a fixed maximum and minimum speed of slew. I tend to be leery of voice interfaces for anything but the simplest command. Imagine trying to tell the computer to 'Change to frequency one three nine decimal five two'...and it gets it wrong. Verses typing it in or spinning a knob. I could be just an old fogey in that respect. Finally, some things must be manual control with very obvious levers reflecting the switch or control position. Stick, throttle, gear handle...and preferably, a guarded switch for weapons arming. These things need to have very obvious handles, with the position of the handle/switch giving instant feedback as to the status of that control, even in a cockpit full of smoke in the middle of the night. FC

Actually, you can have an engine fail due to overheating...but only the player's engine will do this. I experimented with this during testing of the KAW mod...it was possible to run the engine outside of limits for a period of time before it failed. Unfortunately, it tended to fail catastrophically, instead of just seizing. FC

I keep thinking I've been here just about as long as Typhoid...good God.... Lots of trimuph. Lots of tragedy. FC

Oh come on, really? FC

You got it... FC

Since about 2007 I think... http://combatace.com/topic/23082-calling-fastcargo/ Hopefully some kind soul will upload it here again...I have the source file somewhere in the archives. FC

You can have spinning engine fans without sacrificing anything else. FC

FC

Correct. But the game only supports 10 Animation calls. Frame 0 = Object with no animations Frame 1-10 = AnimationID=1 Frame 11-20 = AnimationID=2 etc,etc up to Frame 91-100 = AnimationID=10 FC

That was tail 85-0070, I believe the nose art was 'Excalibur'. She did go back to flying...in fact, I remember seeing her on the Dyess flight line. Based on later pics, it looks like she went to Ellsworth at some point before she got 'Boneyarded' in 2002 from what I understand. I actually knew the A/C who did that landing, but I couldn't remember his name to save my life. I've got video (somewhere) of one of our jets rolling out from a full aft wing sweep (67.5 degree) landing...looks pretty normal up until 20 minutes later when the landing gear catches fire. The wildest video of a Bone landing I've seen (and I haven't been able to find it ANYWHERE) was from when I watched it 20 years ago with a 55 degree aft wing sweep landing. The nose position and speed just looked WRONG. It was taken from the approach end of the runway and it was *%*^$# scary. FC

I believe that is the case. Plus, with these ultra rare cars, calling it a 'production' vehicle stretches the term a bit. FC

Sad. Rest in peace. FC