swambast

I know the golden era of Vietnam passion is behind us, and many prefer post-Vietnam flying these days. But, I’ve been especially motivated by some recent activities. This includes some behind the scenes discussions with veteran modders. And GKABS recent work with the Intruder, has been really great to see. Beyond this, considering the never ending controversary of YAP stuff, multiple tragedies on the WTR Project and a general lapse in Vietnam-era assets…I thought it would be interesting to start a specific thread for those that still find this Vietnam era appealing. And especially any modders that would be willing to potentially collaborate on projects. From there I had some additional ideas to share if there's enough interest. Welcome your thoughts and comments on this topic, thanks.

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.

End of Summer Update As we near Summer, it’s time for another SITREP update. Here’s just some highlights of what’s been happening as we continue to evolve and enhance… …the Vietnam terrain to bring unsurpassed accuracy, topography features, elevation fields and more with special focus on working to complete the entire network systems of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, Trail Camps, and Northern Rail lines, wet season rice paddies and major city lay-outs such as Hanoi …our environmentals especially various cloudscapes and convincing stormy skies/IFR flying conditions …making refinements on the KC-135 for simulated air-to-air refueling with a high fidelity model, new details and evolving higher res textures …working to finalize our red-side love in the form of an exceptional quality Mig-17 as a token of respect and promise to Stary …creating numerous accurate airfield auxiliary support equipment including bomb loaders, crew vans, light carts, start carts, tractors, ground support crew and more. …creating insanely detailed target areas, such as the major strategic target area of the Northeastern Kep Railyard which includes over 50+ new models and leverages actual historic reference photos We’ve included some sample screenies to support each of these highlights, hope you enjoy.

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. /

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...