swambast

@yakarov79 Ever consider doing this rare and often overlooked Hiller OH-23 Raven?

Wow Dels, always first class quality work, looks amazing and that is quite a roll-out of goodies! I especially love how you have an exceptional ability to manage "polys for performance", and a new high-fidelity cockpit is so welcome and needed, what a great surprise - wonderful update indeed!

Thank you - you know who you are - deal was just completed!

If you speak Japanese or can refer me to someone that does, can you please send me a PM or email, need some assistance - thank you!

August 2, 1964…Beneath the intense Southeast Asian Summer sun, the warm waters of the Gulf of Tonkin shimmered in a deceptive calm, unaware of the turbulence that was to come. Aboard the USS Maddox DD-731, a steadfast Sumner-class destroyer, the crew remained on high alert during the first leg of a covert mission under Operation Desoto Patrol. Its objective was to deploy signal intelligence equipment to stealthily gather intelligence on North Vietnamese military activity. At 3:00 PM, the silence was abruptly broken and the mission in peril as radar screens came alive with hostile blips indicative of three rapidly approaching torpedo boats. Suddenly, the Maddox found itself in a precarious fate, as enemy vessels closed in with torpedo pods glistening in the sun. The Maddox responded by firing three distant warning shots overhead as the now identified P-4 torpedo boats broke within 10,000 yards. The warning shots broke the stillness, yet the tide refused to turn and the P-4s commenced their attack runs instead. Sensing an escalating threat, the Maddox radioed a desperate call for support, connecting with the USS Ticonderoga. The comm channels of the USS Ticonderoga, an Essex-class aircraft carrier denoted CVA-14, crackled with life. USS Maddox (DD-731): "Maddox to Ticonderoga, Maddox to Ticonderoga, over." USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14): "Ticonderoga receiving, go ahead Maddox, over." USS Maddox: "We are under threat by three North Vietnamese torpedo boats. Radar contact, visual identity confirmed. Range 1-0 thousand yards and closing fast. I repeat, imminent danger. Request immediate air support, over." USS Ticonderoga: "Roger, Maddox. Threat response protocol initiated. Scrambling fighters now. ETA ten mikes. Hold your position Maddox, over." USS Maddox: "Copy that, Ticonderoga. Tracking and engaging enemy with 5-inch guns. Possible enemy torpedoes in the water. Awaiting immediate air support, Maddox out." Suddenly, the USS Ticonderoga erupted in motion – colorful human support warriors sprinkled in random directions across the aircraft carrier deck, wide-eyed pilots scrambled up ready ladders with something to prove, and the roar of F-8 Crusader Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engines shot thunder in the sky. The F-8 Crusaders streaked off the carrier deck, hitting full afterburner seconds later leaving whirlwind shockwaves in their wake as they hurled towards the Maddox at supersonic speed. Meanwhile, the Maddox swung its bow in violent fashion over the waters, initiating full evasive maneuvers and jockeying into attack position, while her 5-inch deck guns blasted fire overhead and her crew eyed the deep for enemy torpedoes questioning if they were real or illusions. A heat blur on the horizon and perfect timing denoted the arrival of the F-8 Crusaders. Suddenly, the Heavens parted overhead, and birds of prey swooped down with lethal precision as 20mm cannon shells ignited the air. A symphony of 5-inch shells from the Maddox, 12.7mm enemy P-4 machine gun fire and 20mm cannons swirled in the afternoon skies looking to inflict punishment. But it was the 20mm Crusader firepower, with its angry and hungry strafing patterns, that took a bite out of the P-4 steel hulls, reverberating sounds of splintering steel and orders for immediate retreat. The combined fire from the Maddox and the F-8s proved too much, two of the P-4s hobbled along with damaged frames and egos. The third P-4 encircled the limping vessels, swiftly moving into lead position and escorting a full-speed retreat. August 2, 1964…And beneath the intense Southeast Asian Summer sun, the warm waters of the Gulf of Tonkin longed again for calm waters, but instead would remained parted by ships of war and churning foam for another nine years until the signing of the peace agreement…and only then this shallow body of the Pacific Ocean could begin to truly shimmer and shine once again.

Gepard, that is absolutely the foundation to a great start - an enhanced terrain region that completely covers the "incident" - WOW! Count me in, happy to support however I can although I'm far from a terrain wizard, but could certainly help with _target.ini dance and coastal objects for sure including some of the 3d models required for coastal areas. I supposed more research would be in order to determine what other objects would be needed, but logic might suggest shipping yards, ship docks, any coastal defense areas, etc.

UH-1 shot down over Vietnam 1964...whirlwind of imminent death...

A return to where it all began… For what began as a routine patrol in international waters escalated into a high-stakes skirmish that would forever change the fate of so many. The events of that day paved the way for the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, especially thrusting the United States deeper into the “Vietnam War.” In the space of just moments, a conflict that would claim millions of lives and divide nations and citizens throughout the years was set in motion by the exchange of fire between a single destroyer and three enemy boats in the remote Gulf of Tonkin… The historical impact of this event is obviously evident. There have been previous efforts to re-create this scenario, but I always felt like shortcuts were taken or a “close enough” attitude prevailed. Therefore, for years I’ve had this idea parked on my wish list, of one day re-creating this scenario with greater authenticity and immersion. In keeping with the spirit of openness and transparency as shared previously (see my Vietnam-Era Lovers: Vision for Unification post) I’d like to propose an open-ended community redux project. One in which those that are interested in supporting the project can find a role, previous team issues set aside and a steady focus on enhanced quality standards, high-fidelity 3d models, high-res terrain tiles and more. I thought this scenario would be a perfect option, especially since some of our most talented modders are buried in real-life demands, and this re-creation is actually very limited in scope. At its core, we would really only require the following: USS Maddox (DD-731) Sumner-class destroyer USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14) Essex-class Aircraft Carrier F-8 Crusader – U.S. Navy fighter jets from the USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14) carrier group. North Vietnamese P-4 Torpedo Boat What do you guys think? Let me know your thoughts, availability and general interest and any other comments you’d like to share. Thanks for the opportunity to put this out there. Feel free to publicly post here or send me a PM, whatever works best for you.

Are you sure you don't have inverted normals or overlapping faces either? Check Normals and see if you can unify. Don't forget to close all your mesh modifier stacks and ensure they are "Editable Mesh." Also, to rule out texture issue, perhaps try attached. Happy to try to work with version of source file as well. WTR_CompletelyClear.tga

GKABS, I've seen similar effects happen when there are disparate smoothing groups. Try smoothing all at L1 or Autosmooth, collapse the mesh stack and then re-apply the material texture. Also, are you sure you don't have a double-sided mesh or any polys have been flipped - that could cause it too.

Totally agree with that. For fairly simple items, I would suggest learning Blender or 3ds Max so you can make them yourself, just like some of us had to take that journey (yes, I'm talking about myself and still constantly learning from those more proficient).

Hauling goods over Vietnam...

Volker, absolutely looks outstanding. I thoroughly enjoy seeing artist's work with so much love and care and attention to details. It is surprising sometimes how "high-res" textures don't take advantage of the space available to properly craft the details and instead blob out "rivets", decals, etc. when so much more artistry can be applied. I've had the extreme privilege of partnering with a few rare masterful painters like this (working on some current projects right now) and it is a true joy - keep up the wonderful work.

Absolute truth there.

@GKABS Huge fan of the more photorealistic look, love those type of intricate details, keep up the great work!!!

@Nightshade/PR Ha ha, that is always a fun target... and actually reminded me that some time ago I had made an update to that "high priority strategic target" (think somehow encouraged by Wrench?). Anyway, here was the revision based on a real world representation with some artistic licensing and a functioning smoke stack once in-game, PM me if you'd like it! The "real deal" reference New rendition: seems innocent enough, little eatery... Wait just a minute - what's this? Some secret "cellar" door with a restricted sign warning? It must lead to some hidden VC supply cache, underground HQ or something of strategic importance worthy of being designated a target...!

No, it's not. Besides, who cares at this point?

Dawn Patrol over North Vietnam...

Awesome discovery ravenclaw, congrats!

Uh, that is absolutely excellent for 26k polys, fantastic work and you should be damn proud. Being intentional and optimizing right upfront the base model is the way to go vs. often relying on multiple lower level LODs, well done FLOGGER23.

Awesome work!

Here in the U.S., it is the day after Memorial Day. Still fresh in my mind is remembering and reflecting on the ultimate sacrifices made. And another reminder of how important it is to set aside our differences, and unify our thoughts and prayers around a common purpose. And then each year as Summer heats up, it gets me re-energized around Vietnam as the August Gulf of Tonkin anniversary comes around that escalated everything. And all that got me thinking… The old glory days of widespread Vietnam interest have faded away, and today a much smaller and fragmented approach remains. In my humble opinion, while individual projects and personal initiatives arise that are commendable, it no longer makes sense to continue to stand-up siloed projects. We have eBurger’s legendary SF2V Air & Ground War, YAP and Revamped YAP, When Thunder Rolled, Capun’s Vietnam creations, individual project efforts and more. Every one of these projects for various reasons have decided to “go at it alone” with a select group of participants and insiders. And yet every one of them is re-creating the same things over and over again; offering different flavors/versions like the terrain, aircraft, ground objects, etc. Can we consider a new and perhaps better approach this year? I would like to propose joining forces and the unification of all these projects. Bringing together, where it makes sense and is mutually agreeable, all available Vietnam project components, assets and team talents for those willing. And we set a new quality and ethical baseline, a fresh start, collaborating to ensure we use only purified assets - those that have received proper permission and credit. This ethical approach not only honors the original creators but also upholds the integrity of the new unified vision. One initial plan and consideration could be to deliver the project in phases. Starting with the most important aspects of the war, obviously for me that is Operation Rolling Thunder. And then expand to cover additional campaigns/strategies such as the Tet Offensive, Lam Son 719, and more. Along the way we expand and cover what is needed – such as supporting/major helo operations (LZ X-Ray a must), Search and Rescues including BAT 21 Bravo, Recon aircraft such as Bird Dogs over the A Shau Valley and more. We compare assets, we leverage what is best available from across the projects and where appropriate create a trusted sharing arrangement. And it’s done in a controlled and manageable “piece by piece” approach broadening out the scope covering more and more aspects of the war. I don't have all the answers on the nitty gritty how and what about this, or what about that - I'm just trying to first assess the possibility and potential interest. Let me also say, that I have been blessed and trusted by many modders with literally countless source files, permissible contributions and assets related to Vietnam. Being a Vietnam fanatic, I have meaningful relationships in some capacity with every one of these separate Vietnam-era projects underway, including all project leaders. I am already reaching out to them to further explore this idea and others as well. In full transparency, having access to and being a major contributor to the When Thunder Rolled project opens up incredible new options and considerations no longer exclusively payware and many more options for freeware and donation-based approaches. For example, instead of creating yet another terrain foundation, perhaps the WTR terrain that already included the ground-breaking original/enhanced version with rail lines, Ho Chi Minh trails, NVA camps and countless other details could simply be leveraged - and then simply enhanced for accuracy and "updated" vs. having to “do it all over again.” Obviously just one example, but when scaled to the entire scope of possible assets becomes a major accelerator to enhancing Vietnam-era assets with better options available today. I am wondering if we could set aside and work through our past and differences, and look towards a different future. By coming together and unifying our efforts, we can combine the best of our resources, talents, and ideas. This unity not only becomes a rallying point, but also fosters a sense of community and love for a shared purpose among all participants. We can create a cohesive and powerful tribute that far surpasses anything we could achieve alone. Could this be a possibility; what are your thoughts?

Yeah, but I've already personally collaborated/supported them in the the past and contributed to that project and likewise they in return permissions to WTR, so I don't really see that as an issue unless I'm overlooking something.

Hi, while modding time is challenged these days I've had at least 3 requests to make a very large aircraft hangar, capable of housing something like B-52s, KC-135 fueling tankers and more. As far as I understand, we don't really have too many hangar options of that scale. So I decided to honor the requests and made this one from scratch. This is the version I am using, which is much more typical than what you find in some of the newer reference images (e.g., the newer half-dome / wide arc hangars from recent images are very new and quite rare costing est. $34M). Anyway, let me know of any suggestions you might have; otherwise once I finalize the exterior, I will begin creating an interior version as well. Side note, I've created it so the center emblem is completely customizable - you can remove it altogether, you can easily add your own version, etc. so this should allow great flexibility to use it as you need it. Thanks. /

@Wrench Here's one mock-up version, created brand new low poly scratch model. Base texture work with full credit/acknowledgement to Tomas; with additional texture enhancements/modifications by me. Will this work or did you have another version in mind?