swambast

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")

Took a looooong break from modding, but trying to find time and get back into it. Sure, it can be done - here are a few mock-ups for example with different styles. Obviously not sure about desired height of smoke plume color, thickness, etc. but this is just to demo one approach and prove of course that it can be done.

Terrible news indeed. Could not agree more with Wrench's comment, so sad and concerning...

GKABS, it has been quite some time since I've been around, but I saw your post and likewise wanted to comment. I am so terribly sorry for your loss - it sounds like it was a bitter struggle to the end and you have my deepest sympathy. I hope the wonderful memories of your brother during happier times will help you in your grieving and recovery process. Take care and may your healing come swift and more complete day by day. I know the entire community here will be thinking about you and welcoming you back with open arms when you are ready to return - here's to wishing you brighter days ahead.

OK, this was my last test using variety of different techniques, but glad you guys got if figured out - later!

Here is quick mock up in case it's helpful and I can always tweak it...maybe make it more murky and less clear? You know the deal Gep, PM me as needed.

A variety of custom objects and texture upgrades for Gep's outstanding Battle of Britain terrain - subdued dreary look with custom cargo ships, barrage balloons, dock cranes, bridges, port warehouses, etc.

Hi Wrench, I'm in the exact same boat - not switching past Win7 either and my old rig has been running exceptional. I might suggest taking a look at FireFox: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/

In honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, December 7..."to remember and honor the 2,403 Americans who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, which led to the United States declaring war on Japan the next day and thus entering World War II." God Speed...

Not really a fan of the "modern jet era" - but have to take time out and say great job on that GKABS, it is looking really nice and keep up the good work!

Hi GKABS, not sure I understand - do you mean something like this? Are you using a PBR texture by chance and need to need to make the base diffuse texture extend then?

I can't recall how many stops and starts I've had with this one... I know it's an oddball / minority request but I've been wanting to get this North Vietnamese P-4 Patrol Boat created for a looooong time. If it makes the list and I have free time, more than happy to help with the modeling and texturing partnering with others if that helps, thanks!

This is absolutely awesome - what a great story to share and very impressed with the level of coordination and determination to make this a reality... My most sincere compliments and thanks for sharing the pictures, as they really bring you guys to life...

Skyviper, congratulations - way to stay persistent and realize your goal, all the best to you!

Hello, for those interested in the When Thunder Rolled Project and recent updates... Since the General Discussion forum is the most visited forum, we wanted to post a few teaser WTR screenshots here. However, we encourage you to visit our dedicated forum with additional screenies and details, thanks! https://combatace.com/forums/forum/342-wtr-general-discussion/

Hey Ant, sure I have for another project... Send me a PM and let me know what you need done.

Vietnam '67...River Rats Patrol.... GKABS-Swambast partnership project: credit GKABS for almost all modeling; myself for new texturing and misc details.

Awesome GKABS! Will you be making the base M109 Vietnam variant too? I believe the M109 first saw combat operations during Vietnam. Just was wondering if that was a consideration...

Hi Sophocles, yes this should work if I'm understanding you correctly and of course it must be exported as .tga only as that is the only native transparency that the game engine supports as far as I know.

All, been out of regular modding for a long time due to real life demands. I'm getting things fired back up, but I can't remember the degree of export support on 3ds Max Opacity Maps. For example, can I apply an opacity map as follows and the exporter will support the setting and applied texture map? Alternatively, of course I could combine the textures - in the diffuse map create a new alpha channel and import the alpha mask texture and save as .tga - but it would save a lot of time and effort if the Opacity Map setting was natively supported. Appreciate any insight on this, thanks. 3ds Max Map Panel: I've applied Opacity Map Texture Sample Opacity Map Texture: rw6_alfa.jpg (gray scale opacity map saved as .jpg)

Gkabs, LOVE IT - anything 'Nam and now you've got my attention! Let me know if there's anything I can do to help including updated texturing - actually had an unfinished PBR at one time so will be good to see one come to life! Also for the ATC model and concept was done even long before that, I'm grateful to be the keeper of some great project assets such as this one, for example used elsewhere:

@alexis99 Although I don't model a lot of aircraft, I really like this idea and think it's a great suggestion.

Man, exactly what this guy says - totally agree! Let me know what we might be able to help with on this request.

Let me be the first to congratulate Menrva and all those involved in this incredible achievement. The attention to detail, countless enhancements and level of quality places this mod (in my opinion) as one of the greatest ever made for this series!