Wrench

Paulo, I take it you're just getting into the WW2 stuff for the SF series? Well, as anyone can tell you, accuracy in my ww2 mods is absolutely paramount!! For example, there's an upcoming mod for the TBD Devastator, that is 99.9% accurate -for the Battle of Midway squadrons; aircraft modex numbers (individual ID #s) are perfectly matched to the USN BuNums assigned to ALL the aircraft from ALL 3 squadrons; right down to the names for the aircrew for each aircraft. Attention to detail is paramount for me ... even when I can't get it quite right, I try to explain in my readmes as to why. Sometimes, however, it can drive you absolutely bat-sh!t crazy! (especially with terrains!) The A,B,C,D 1-6 (and 1 & 2 for the CO and XOs aircraft) numbers are a nothing job ... they're just decals. Took me about an hour to make them all. Accurate/matching serial numbers is another matter..with 3-4 hours research* (my books-which were fairly useless- and web-crawling), I've only been able to match 13 aircraft, with a partial on a 14th. Fortunatly, since I have the full production run numbers, I can extrapolate 'fill in' serials for the rest. when I get this finished, I'll shoot you the 1st copy -you can take a look at it, and see if you like it. wrench kevin stein *=the hardest thing when doing the research, was typing in "brazilian..." and the first responses were for 'brazillian wax' and 'brazillian women'. Most distracting... But well worth the side-trip!!

for even more fun, Google B-17 vs Mavis flying boat (or b-24/pb4y-1 vs Emily) as to who would win???? I'd put my money on the Fort. It was designed from the outset (model 299 in 1935) as a long range bomber, NOT as a Lufthansa airliner, with turrets and weapons stations 'shoved in' (not even gonna mention the main wing spar failures on the Condor...) wrench kevin stein

F-80C originally by Pasko; early jet pilot comes from razbams' payware Banshee, iirc (might need some 'adjustments' there -meaning double checking with Raz if it's really his, and if so, possibly removing it, as payware bits cannot be used in freeware mods -other than reskins and ini edits ) wrench kevin stein

None of them exist; none of them are WIPs wrench kevin stein

The Knowledge Base is your friend.... assuming this is for using Skypat's Extractor, and for 1st Gen sims (note-absolutely does NOT work on SF2 series): http://forum.combatace.com/topic/32706-using-skypats-cat-extraction-tool/ Gerwins for NextGens has pretty simple to follow instructions in it's readme wrench kevin stein

You can also convert the canopy to an animation key (shift/0), instead of using the auto speed. The replacement statement would be: [Canopy] SystemType=ANIMATION InputName=ANIMATION_10 AnimationTime=3.0 AnimationID=6 Also, double check the tailwheel MaxSteeringAngle= if it's a negative number; ie: MaxSteeringAngle=-35 or some such, you'll need to make it a positive angle MaxSteeringAngle=35 or you're wingmates will have "issues" taxing. wrench kevinstein

Elaborating on Tailspins post on using Skypat's Cat Extraction Tool for 1st Gen 3rd Wire sims (SF/Wo*/FE) Link to the illustrated tutorial in the SF Knowledge Base: http://forum.combatace.com/topic/32706-using-skypats-cat-extraction-tool/ wrench kevin stein

Moved to the proper forum, and Welcome! --- not only adjusting in the Options ini, but the InstantAction.ini as well. You'll also have to pull (ie: extract) the InstantAction.ini from one of the Flight cats in the /Flight folder -can't remember which off the top of my head, most likely the FlightData.cat- , using Skypat's or Gerwins Cat Extractor Utility (Skypats is better for thses 1st Generation sims, as you can pull the exact file you want, rather than with Gerwins, dumping miltitudes and myriads of extra stuff that you'll probably just delete anyway) The extractors are in the SF downloads section, under Utilites (oddly enough!!) Instructions for use on Skypats (illustrated, too!) are in the SF Knowledge Base. It works the same for all 1st Gen 3rdWire sims. I remember writing a tutorial for the SF/Wo* series on how to change the InstantAction.ini for any era, hopefully, it's in the SF KB somewheres.... wrench kevin stein

took me forever to find the thing...now I remember why I stopped work on it...couldn't get the damn font right for the flight letter/number decals (A1/6 through D1/6, and enough accurate serial numbers; to honor the men that flew these, that's rather important to me (for your country and mine, and even Axis powers) Mind you, this is WW2 MTO ONLY; a skin/decal pak to be used with Wolf's 47D-25 bubble top. I think THIS is what you were going for ... note the correct loadouts, 100% accurate lights (not having the right ones always bugged the daylights outta me). Also, finally fixed the issue with it wanting to load P-38 christmas tree racks, instead of the 4.5in bazooka launchers. Now, for post war, a NM skin for FAB uses different markings (my 180 gig external HD has nearly 100 gigs in JUST research/reference books on pdf ... had to run through ALL my P-47 books to find some other data, but not pertinant to WW2 MTO ops) wrench kevin stein

And Holiday greetings and best wishes for the coming year to you as well, my friend!! I"d actually started that skin a few years back ... let me see if I can find the bits, and if you want them, I'll get them too you Always wanted to do the Mexican Jugs 'Aztec Eagles' for the PTO as well... wrench kevin stein

http://forum.combatace.com/index.php?autom...ode=sst&id=5759 File Name: Vought F4U-2 Corsair Nightfighter File Submitter: Wrench File Submitted: 3 Jan 2008 File Updated: 7 Feb 2008 File Category: Allied Fighters File Version: 1.00 Website: No Information F4U-2 Corsair Nightfighter mod for SF/WoV/WoE, PTO installs 1/3/08 This is a modifcation of Wolf257's F4U Corsair into the -2 nighter version used by the US Navy and Marine Corps in the Pacific during 1943-45 This is a semi-complete aircraft mod, including all the necessary parts, excepting the aircraft LOD, to recreate the -2 Nightfighters. You =WILL= have to copy the "F4U-1.LOD" from your original Corsair's folder to this one. Included is the full cockpit, modified by Lexx_Luthor, from the F-86D for use in this aircraft, 2 full skins representing VFN-101 and VMFN-532, all inis and damage tgas, and a NEW -only available in this mod- Corsair Nightfighter Hangar Screen. You're also be using the weapons editor to add the new wing-mounted radar pod, modified from the Ekco pod as seen on the Hawker Seahawks. == YOU MUST HAVE THE LATEST WEAPONS PAK INSTALLED TO GET THE WW2 WEAPONS!! == PLEASE read the enclosed readme for full, detailed installation instructions, and special thanks to those who assisted!! And the usual section from "General Notes" Happy Hunting! Wrench kevin stein Click here to download this file

A quickie fix to the data ini, this will help increase the 'response' of the AI wingmen to airborne threats. Open the data ini, and copy/paste the statement below DIRECTLY over the existing [DetectSystem] section: [DetectSystem] RadarName=AN/APS-4 RadarType=AIR_INTERCEPT RangeUnit=NM RadarAzimuthLimit=60 RadarElevationLimit=60 RadarSearchTime=2.0 RadarSearchRange=70 RadarSearchStrength=70 RadarTrackTime=5.0 RadarTrackRange=60 RadarTrackStrength=50 VisualBlindArc=5,6,7 VisualRestrictedArc=4L,8L,12L MaxVisibleDistance=6000.0 This will effectively make them a bit 'smarter' when looking for bogies with their radar enjoy! wrench kevin stein

File Name: F6F-5N Hellcat Nightfigher File Submitter: Wrench File Submitted: 26 Mar 2008 File Category: Allied Fighters File Version: 1.00 Website: No Information F6F-5N Hellcat Nightfighter mod for SF/WoV/WoE - WW2 PTO Installs This is a modifcation of Razor/Geo's F6F-3 'Hellcat' into the -5N nighter version used by the US Navy and Marine Corps in the Pacific during 1943-45. I call this a 'representative' -5N, as it is based on the -3, and still has the rear cockpit windows, which would not be present on the later -5N 'represented' here. This is a semi-complete aircraft mod, including all the necessary parts, =excepting= the aircraft LOD, to recreate the -5N Nightfighters. You =WILL= have to copy the "F6F.LOD" from your original Hellcat's folder to this one. It's highly reccomened you have the original, plus any weapons it adds, in you PTO install. Included is the full cockpit, modified by Lexx_Luthor, from the F-86D for use in this aircraft, a skin representing VMFN-542 - complete with accurate Modex numbers and nose art (BuNums not included), all inis, damage tgas, and a NEW -only available in this mod- Hellcat Nightfighter Hangar & Loading Screens. The skin is brand new, from a template created by me, based off the original tri-color that came with the -3 Hellcat. Weapons stations have been added for the wing-mounted HVARs, as well as the usual bombs and drop tank. You're also be using the weapons editor to add the new wing-mounted radar pod, modified from something I don't remember at this point in time. This is designed ONLY for use with the Bunyap Weapons Pak, and NOT the TMF pak, as their's does not contain the WW2 weapons. It is also NOT designed to be used in a WW2 style install of WoI, as WoI handles propeller aircraft -completly- differently, and they don't fly properly. You've been warned.... I've included Geo' original readme, please give it a look over. == YOU MUST HAVE THE LATEST WEAPONS PAK INSTALLED TO GET THE WW2 WEAPONS!! == Please read the enclosed readme for more, detailed install instructions. Etc and so forth... you know the drill!! Wrench kevin stein Click here to download this file

This is a quickie fix to the data ini, to increase the 'response' of the AI wingmen to radar contacts/airborne threats. Open the data ini, and copy paste the statment below DIRETCTLY over the existing statment for the [DetectSystem] [DetectSystem] RadarName=AN/APS-6 RadarType=AIR_INTERCEPT RangeUnit=NM RadarAzimuthLimit=60 RadarElevationLimit=60 RadarSearchTime=2.0 RadarSearchRange=70 RadarSearchStrength=70 RadarTrackTime=5.0 RadarTrackRange=60 RadarTrackStrength=50 VisualBlindArc=5,6,7 VisualRestrictedArc=12L MaxVisibleDistance=6000.0 this'll help the AI controled aircraft 'see' enemy aircraft with their radars a bit better wrench kevin stein

Important Information on File Upload Policies and the Minimum Requirements Thereof: (a small edit, as the post that was originally linked here has mysteriously vanishing into the ether...) At the very minimum, the following is required for an upload here at CombatAce 1) A screenshot of the mod; not a photgraph of the RealLife ™ item, but an in-game shot, so people can see what it looks like. For terrains/terrain mods, a shot of your favorite aircaft flying over the terrain, hightlighting terrain features is a good one. 2) A quick, simple description, this is what shows in the Announcement Threads below, describing for WHICH 3W Game series; meaning if for ONLY SF/SFG/WoV/WoE/WoI, or Only SF2 Series, OR is usable in both; what the purpose of the mod (is it a "What If..", or a mod of an original aircraft or mod of another mod, etc) Generally, explain the purpose and intent of the Upload. 3) Inside the uploaded zip, a COMPLETE readme with full instructions on How To Install, if other parts are needed and where to get them; etc. There are several dozens of REALLY good, clear conscise readmes around that one can base theirs off of (I should know - I wrote most of them!) Also, list sources and if using someone else's as a base PLEASE make sure you have permission (as in for TMF Products). If the mod is of someone that has signed the Freeware Accords, PLEASE make sure you list their name, and Thank Them for their origianl work. It's the civilized way, doncha know! Thank you all for you kind attention to details; working together we can only create better mods, and a better 3rd Wire Community Wrench kevin stein

No. It can be whatever color you want to paint the tga too (notice the oddity -- the Hellcat's skin map is a tga NOT a bmp) (and no, you can't change it to bmp by editing the LOD - I've already tried and it don't work) You'd need to create a complely new template for it, from scratch, as none exists. Redraw all the panel and rivet lines, etc,etc,etc and so forth. why brown? they were NEVER brown, even the Royal Navy FAA versions or AeroNaval, all US aircraft were either NS Blue/gray (early -3s) or tri-color blues or solid dark gloss blue (both -3/-5) (excepting some radio controled drone versions used as flying bombs in Korea) If planned to be used as a 'stand in' for something else, a Hellcat will ALWAYS look like a Hellcat. wrench kevin sten

Probably ANSI vs Unicode. Don't forget, the TE really dosen't even work with 08 level games -- it ain't be updated since 4/2006 for WoV/WoE/WoI version. The SF Desert TE is even older. It's missing most if not all the 'newer' stuff for terrain shaders and the like. All that has to be added later to the _DATA.INI by the builder. Also, the fact that all the 4 stock terrains (not counting the 2 in FE) are all identical, with only new effects added. But, like I said above, I haven't had any problems getting older terrains working in SF2 NextGens, other than making a few simple ini edits to bring the fx up to speed. TK's promised us a new one, but I for one, sure ain't holding my breath. btw, those are SUPERB icons for the TE, and right on the money! wrench kevin stein

I think a better description of the mod itself, as opposed to the squadron history or the uniform description would be better (that would be better off inside the readme, in a 'Notes' section); also a screenshot of the aircraft in-game, so folks can acutally SEE what they're getting. A statement as to WHICH D-Jug this is -Razorback or Bubble top? (I mean, =I= know which were used, but others might not) Lack of read me with install instructions included in the pack, the aforementioned screenshot -- these are pretty much REQUIRED items now (see the "Before You Upload a Mod" thread in every 3W forum here CA. Required reading) Also wondering if Wolf257 has revoked his request that aircraft LODs NOT be included with full aircraft mods? If so, that's news to me!! other items: wrong engine sound -- R2800s don't sound anything like V-12 Merlins; I've heard them both in Real Life ™, and can attest to it. Exported should be FALSE (for a fully nationalized aircraft, such as this). The name of the folder, main ini and "AircraftFullName=" in the main ini should reflect this. Use of a numbers.lst when less than 18 aircraft exist (minimum required for proper decal showing is 18) Damage TGAs are all wrong for this aircraft -- the ones included herein are for a Kittyhawk .. they ain't gonna work on this for several reasons; there's only ONE skin bmp, not 10 - the damage tgas are based off that single map. D-tga names MUST match exactly the aircraft skin bmp name. D-tgas for the Jug are to be found in either my NM skin or a damge tga pack I did a few years back; feel free to use them. just some suggestions...from The Head Prop Head wrench kevin stein

It's because the probe ONLY exists on the aircraft lod, NOT in the cockpit lod; unlike the Intruder -it has the probe built in to it's cockpit lod. Have you tried the OpenCockpit=TRUE line in the cockpit ini?? It might make the probe visible due to the FE coding used. However, it WILL cause other problems in the cockpit itself (most likely with the internal framing of the external model (LOD) showing through the G cockpit that's being used). Be an interesting experiment, though Other than that, it's a 'just have to live with it' kinda thing wrench kevin stein

Capun's got a Beta Curtiss F8C that might be used as a stand in for the Corsair (isn't it odd that Vought kept reusing the name??) You might be able to reskin the Nate, and shoehorn a 2nd pilot figure in for the Ida; won't be too terrible close, and other ini edits will be required. The Val is just too large, and has the wrong wing shapes. not to many fixed gear aircraft around to use...to say nothing of 30s era biplanes wrench kevin stein

also fixed in the aforementioned upgrade pak. Mind you,you'll need the HAWK launchers and the 2 associated radars. What I don't remember, is if I used the old Pasko versions or the newer ones from the TMF WoI weapons pak. If I used the older ones, you'll need to edit/add the TMF versions to the types and targets ini (to say nothing of the new and various HAWK missiles themselves to the weapons data) IIRC, the Arab nations get some upgrading too, as I recall placeing the One and Only SA-5 site they had outside Damascus. wrench kevin stein

Shouldn't be a problem. I've usually used just the 0, but I know 359 works, so 360 should too! What I've seen in targets placements, the Game Engine™ dosen't seem to care how the heading is stated ... I've seen or used 1, 2 and 3 digit headings with no issues (even seen them as minus heading ie: -090, which to me would be 270 ?? ) The only thing I don't think can be used is the z numbers -for vertical displacement; or at least I've never seen it working! (like on the original ww2 maps, the amtower always seemed to have 3 placements -70,100,10 or something equally odd) wrench kevin stein

either from Geo's site or 'hidden' within the WW2 EAW Euro terrain (which means you'll need to assemble the pieces into a folder for placement in your /GroundObjects folder. that's what I had to do with mine -all the ground objects are just dumped into the terrain folder and sort of floating loose in there -will all need reassembly, and editating of the types ini to UseGroundObject=TRUE for said objects) also check Gepard's Battle of Britian terrain wrench kevin stein

CAF I-16-10: http://forum.combatace.com/index.php?app=downloads&showfile=5449 wrench kevin stein

It's the map. There are no STOCK Shipping Routes for the Red Side to attack (meaning: no Isreali routes). They're all for the Arab nations use, to be attacked by the IDF. However, that's been solved by my IsrealME upgrade pack of 3/08... you'll find it in the downloads section, proably under "Terrains" (btw: NOT designed for SF2:I, and completly unknown results if installed to NextGen sims) wrench kevin stein