swambast

All, just curious to get some perspectives. I understand that IL-2 is still considered a World War 2 masterpiece and "go to" sim. And I know there is a separate but rather calm forum here. But I'm just sincerely wondering what specific reasons and limitations exist as to why that genre never really took off under the SF2 game engine?

Easy enough to get it started... LOL @Mue, so under the GPL if I made this available I or anyone else can then subsequently take it and sell it? Or am I totally misunderstanding...

In my opinion, I could not disagree more and hate the way this is heading...The Developer of this Sim created an encrypted .LOD file format for a reason - to prevent theft and unauthorized distribution. I have never seen a post where the Developer has made a claim about not caring about reverse engineering - why do you think he ended up locking certain .LODs and other game components away then if he didn't care? Anyone can justify anything if they want, but it doesn't make it right. I'd personally prefer to see Thirdwire continue to go on it's own way and FlightGear do the same - I don't see what benefit Thirdwire or the community has in this arrangement - for example, do we suddenly get access to FlightGear assets? But I'm sure I'm again in the minority - seems to be just a free for all these days.

No - the game engine does NOT support Multi-Sub object texturing.

Hi Russ, don't forget this important tip as maybe it could be an issue as well...? As many of the models become higher and higher poly (digress to say some even overkill), you're going to have to think about slicing mesh components down to lower poly counts. Beyond a certain single mesh threshold, the game engine will simply not cast shadows (and same applies if you're using .tga transparencies and/or double-sided materials). I think it's something around 3000-4000 polys but can't recall exact count - so check that mesh piece! Otherwise another thing to try as a hack / workaround: place a small 1-sided cylinder/square/whatever directly in the engine innard and use a partially shaded/dark .tga texture to make the inside "look" darker (not ideal but could be quick fix).

Thanks Russ, much appreciated - that was about right...!

I can't recall, does anyone remember what the max poly/tri count is for a single mesh piece when exporting? There is an upper limit that if exceeded will crash 3ds Max...

Thanks Russ, but I never get that prompt...the model just opens.

Hi all, for some bizarre reason I just realized all my mesh units are in inches instead of meters. What is the best way to mass convert all the mesh in the file properly into meters while avoiding any scaling issues (noting I have many layers)...?

Damn, this is just such amazing work as always. Sophocles, your F-5A here is going to set the bar for superior quality and details - thank you for continuing to bring this into reality...

Russ, are you starting with a blank/transparent layer as the background layer first? If you don't have this, I've found that when the layers are collapsed when you save the file you can end up with a solid white or black background. Another thing is I've often had better luck with merging visible transparent layers as opposed to completely merging all layers (esp. when using other programs like Paint.net, PS Elements, etc.)

It is nice to see you giving proper credit the model source is X-Plane and you're importing - I'm sure you received permission so thanks for doing the right thing. One suggestion to think about: the runway textures, while they look high res, still need work (seams, repetitive wear, mirroring, etc.).

Are you planning to do these completely from scratch, or are you taking models already available from the net? There are dozens of options to leverage existing models for the GAZ and UAZ for example.

Awesome Mue, really appreciate your continuing support on this. How hard would it be to make a 32-bit compatible version though - just want to understand if that's a possibility or not? I might be in the minority on this, but if not think it's a fair question (I use 32-bit for older support programs including 3DS MAX, PS, and a slew of older games, etc.)

I've seen this happen sometimes when you have an invalid entry in your options.ini: [ScreenShots] Directory=C:\Users\Admin\Saved Games\ThirdWire\[INVALID PATH]\ScreenShots Format=JPG

Mue, does this mean you've dropped 32-bit support or what am I overlooking as I can't get this version to even open...(I hope not, that would be a bad idea IMHO).

And you should always as a professional courtesy include in the README the ORIGINAL artist's name/credits and where you obtained the model from...

Hi Ravenclaw, Just as a point of comparison, here is a 300-gal reference

Thanks Gents, traveling but will be back in action again soon - Volker and I were able to connect, thanks much.

What's the poly and tri count on it?

Menrva said it best... LOD trees and shrub groupings have been around for years, but creating 3d models especially those that rely on .tga texture maps are an FPS killer. I agree 100% with Menrva when he says "TOD trees and buildings are the way to go." Unless you're building the 3d trees for a very specific purpose such as decoration around a specific building structure, airbase, etc. - and even then they should be used sparingly as to yakarov's point they may suffer from alignment issues on slopes.

Cool! But hope you are planning to update the textures - right now they look like a cartoon or they were taken from a reference drawing but maybe they are just placeholders for now???

Hi ravenclaw, just in case this helps but when you make the lower level .LODs they must retain the exact hierarchy, textures, etc. Basically start with your detailed model and remove verts/polys but do not change textures, mesh names, or hierarchies or your lower level LODS will never appear. Also, I might suggest take a 2nd level .lod and set it as the first level, remove all other entries and test to see if only that .lod shows up. That can at least help to see if it's a naming discrepancy, etc.

Hi Brian, I see no one replied yet. So in the meantime, I whipped this up real quick (includes spec highlights, mild weathering and bump mapping but hard to see in quick default render). Just in case you're interested or until something better comes along.

And the hidden return of talent...from China now. Oh we are so desperate and excited - yes, gkabs - that is the best I've ever seen and you also are wonderful...wow - can't wait for all the rest you've made. Everyone already knows you are going to be a legend here and have so much more true talent to offer... :drool: Are you accepting requests and donations - we need new models at all cost! Please do whatever you can to supply us everything we need - everyone loves you already!