swambast

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...

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.

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:

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...

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.

@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!

Hi there, busy lately but making progress here - thanks for those that reached out. Here I have now a utility lift vehicle for some eye candy in the hangar. It is nice and low poly with simple 1024 res map so easy on the frame rates when you hangar in, and obviously I painted it in military style GSE yellow. I plan to do an older style pushback tug/tractor next and have already acquired the assets so I don't have to scratch build, and can focus on more on simple mesh updates and even more on texturing which always takes the longest time. Anyway, just quick update for now and hope you like it.

OK, some weekend progress - first round and start of "interior decorating". Will continue to add more details and interior props soon enough, hope you enjoy for now, thanks!

Progress update: started on open hangar version first since it’s obviously going to be more complex and detailed. New support struts and scratch texturing based on reference pics, added exterior paneling details including weathering and riveting, strung up the overhead lamps, etc. Any other suggested changes, let me know. Otherwise, I will assume is OK and move into my favorite part of modeling – adding in details for the interior which I always enjoy (always a sucker for the details). Side note: @allenjb42 - that is awesome! Maybe you can give it a try through these hangars soon enough....LOL

Had strange feeling as well, I can't wait to hear the explanation on this...what a "School Project"....

Need some input here - for the rear of the hangar is there a preference to have it a closed wall structure? In some cases, it seems like the front hangar doors are mirrored in the rear as well, meaning you can enter and exit through front and back. Hope that makes sense describing it? So, would it be best to do 1) a front open hangar door with a closed rear wall or 2) a front open hangar door with similar hangar door in rear (e.g., mirrored front and back)?

Thank you for your kind words GKABS, and likewise the countless contributions you've made here are amazing indeed. I am looking forward to the opportunity to partner on another project again soon!

Wow, that is ironic indeed and good timing... I would be happy as always to partner with @GKABS on any thing he might have in the works, as we've partnered on similar structures in the past and they really turned out nice!

How can anyone seriously defend this? This is clearly as @Menrva called it, "ripping-off without shame." Of course my works have been stolen and used without my permission as well - disgraceful indeed. This seems to be more the norm these days, people coming in stealing whatever they want, putting the goods back together in some way and then desperately wanting attention and recognition to lift their egos. Sad from where we once were, but reality indeed and another warning to stay guarded on what is publicly shared...

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we now tearfully announce the loss of our greatest contributor, our biggest fan and a wonderful person…Marty James Nielson ("NIELS" around here). “Utah Air National Guard, Senior Master Sergeant, Marty James Nielsen left the airspace of this world on his last refueling mission with God's angels on May 21, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Marty was born on July 7, 1960, the first of three sons to James Nielsen and Nancy (Fullmer) Nielsen. Marty grew up in the Glendale neighborhood of Salt Lake City...he joined the Utah Air National Guard, where he served honorably for 30 years as a boom operator, refueling military aircraft in mid flight, and as a crew chief." Marty was a constant supporter and advocator of the When Thunder Rolled Project since Day 1. He was always willing to help out wherever possible with enthusiasm and passion and was an official team member. Marty provided helpful research support, but more importantly, was one of the masterminds behind our target area creations. He became known as the target placement king; having a keen appreciation for detail and creating some of the most meticulous target areas ever created for this sim such as the North Vietnamese rail yards (the last he was working on before he passed). Many of our custom assets were directed by his requests. And we would happily create them; he always put them to great use and genuinely appreciated them. Moreover, among many development lows resulting in slow downs, Marty was always there providing motivation, encouragement and willing to help out whenever called upon. His presence and influence alone greatly contributed to getting back in action, delivering the goodies he needed to do his placement magic and feeling blessed to have such an amazing supporter with us. I personally enjoyed my discussions and collaboration with Marty, and felt so fortunate that our paths would cross sharing a common passion and hobby together. A foundation in Military Service, Family and Faith further helped unite us. My last communication from Marty was as follows: Thank you for the reply Steve and the kind words. Got home yesterday from the hospital. Struggling a bit today can’t guarantee much progress. I will do my best in the next few days…Godspeed my friend. Bless you and your family. Marty Well my friend, I know it’s too late for you to respond…but you have ALWAYS done your best for this project, for me and for the greater good. Today we lit a candle in your honor. Today we immediately thought of you when we heard the words: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Right back at you: Godspeed Marty, Blessings to You and Your family…and until we meet again...rest in peace and thank you for the impact you had on my life, it was a true honor to know you. Post Script and Lesser Thoughts Beyond just the WTR Project, many members here have interacted with Marty in various ways as he was an avid fan and supporter of this community. I’d ask for each of you to please remember him and his family in your thoughts and prayers, his enthusiasm and appreciation for all the collaboration and modding work here will truly be missed. Feel free to share in this post any fond memories or other thoughts you may wish to share, he would love that. In Marty’s memory and honor, we will be memorializing him within the WTR Project. We have finished our tribute plans for him and are currently collaborating with an artist to make this a reality which includes Marty featured as the KC-135A Tanker Boomer, a renown F-105/Thud Pilot (among his favorite aircraft ever) and even more. We will post more details as that tribute continues. With Marty’s passing, he takes with him most of the WTR target area lay-outs we planned and nearly finished. Obviously, this is a significant set back and therefore another progress update will be delayed until late Summer. As usual, if you have an interest in helping please send a Private Message. Take time to reflect on this loss, how Marty might have made your day in some way. Time is short and yesterday is not promised, so remember to love and appreciate today...take this moment right now to thank someone for their love and support. All of you, be well. In sadness for the loss, in gratefulness for the friendship... Steve (aka "Swambast")

Just before I migrated to Windows 11, of which I'm still experiencing massive 3ds Max issues and falling back to the old development computer, I had a few goodies underway that I need to unload. Much to everyone's surprise, the mystery vehicle has been revealed. And the assigned crew here are not happy about Wrench's rusty van serving American hot dogs. But in secret, some are really starting to enjoy them. Created this just for fun in case you like it. Wrench, I'll PM you with more details and see what other changes you might like. And maybe, just maybe if you sell more dogs you can get this thing a fresh paint job...

Wow, that looks really nice - love the coloring and weathering you put on it especially - great job Wrench!