Wrench

The models, LOD, are built in 3dMax; other programs can be used; like Anim8or, but they still need importing into max for finalization and exporting, using TK 3rd Wire exporter. Skins are made from UVmaps created in Max (I think!!!) with some plug-in who's name I forget, then the multi-layered skin template is usually made in Photoshop. I'm sure Gimp could be used as well; I use PS, so I can't speak to GIMP. I do know it handles layers and can create the 32-bit tgas (with Alpha channel) for making decals. And GIMP is a free-ware. Having created some skins from scratch with the UVmap as a guide, I can tell you is truely NOT FUN!!! Guestimating panel and rivet lines, matching countours for camo patterns -that's sometimes hard enough to do on known planes with existing templates- it can be a long, involved process from scratch. With exiting aircraft, as the F-4, with the templates availble (TK's), already have the 3-tone pattern, so it's easy to follow and figure out the mapping (ie: mapping is how the bits all combine on all the bitmaps to make a smooth painted-on finish), if you wanted as a fer instance, a 3-tone desert camo for Petroland The real key: Experimentation. Paint it up, put it in game, look at it, see what works and what dosn't. Time consuming? Sure; but sometimes the end result can be VERY worth it! If you want to start skinning, start with easy, known aircraft with recognizable patterns; either natural metal (ok, that's a cheat!), or simple 1 or 2-tone camo paint schemes ala WW2 birds or early 60s stuff. I hope this helps somewhat! Wrench kevin stein

Agreed..."What If..." stuff is soo cool!! Notice the tilt-wing, in the background in the last pic?? X-13 direvitive, maybe?? Wrench kevin stein

File Name: Republic F-84B/C Thunderjet File Submitter: Wrench File Submitted: 1 Jun 2008 File Updated: 1 Jun 2008 File Category: F-84 Republic F-84B/C Thunderjet For SF/WoV/WoE and probably WoI This little mod is a tweek to RussoUK's F-84E, with a new lod with the bubble-top non-reinforced canopy. It represents aircraft from the 59st FS, circa 1948. Russo made the new lod for me several years ago, and this has been languishing on my HD for some time; I figured NOW would be a good time to finish it off and release to all you good folks! The new skin, with redrawn panel lines (but no rivets - this was done before I learned how, and wasn't going back to add them!), Serial numbers are accurate, for B and C models. Squadron marking, the yellow color bands, are as close as I could match the few color photos I could find. The auto-speed canopy has been disabled, as this no longer works in WoI (and by inference, when the SF/WoV/WoE patch arrives), but I somehow managed to fool the game engine by assigning it to the arrestor hook; so, the canopy will open when you hit the "H" key. A new WoE-style hangar screen, and a new loading screen are also provided. The loadouts are designed to work with the Bunyap Weapons Pak of 6/06, but can be used with the Mirage Facrtory Pak. I've suppllied the necessary lods, bmps, inis and instructions for adding the older, WW2 style weapons to the TMF Pak. Also, for both, there is an edited version of Zur's F-86 drop tank, for use with this aircraft. So, get your Weapons Editors warmed up. For whichever version you wish to use, you'll still need to add the fuel tank (see Notes below) It should be noted this is 1of 2 Thunderjet mods I'm releasing; an Historic version, this one, and a "What If..." for WW2: 1946. They are designed to be mutualy exclusive, and are available as seperate aircraft downloads. This Historic version would be a perfect addition to a 'Cold War Gone Hot: 1948' scenario. As is the other for a hypothetical WW2 that runs into 1947, or later. As usual, PLEASE read the enclosed readmes; it'll make your life just that much easier. Etc, and so forth; blah, blah, blah, and so on! Happy Hunting! Wrench Kevin Stein Click here to download this file

The Knowledge Base is your best friend: I'm A Link -->Extending Usable Years for 3rd Wire Sims <-- CLICK ME!! aka: editing the single mission and options inis Wrench kevin stein

Basher: the Admins just gave you an ENTIRE new thread just for YOU! Don't start any new threads, but use the new one to post you questions and such into. This will concentrate them all in one area, and not be such a bandwith hog. Thank you Wrench kevin stein

starfighter2: I sure did! I now express, for all to see, my very public THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! There's a few there I don't have! Look at the date of the F-84A.lod -- it's 2006!! I"ll check with Capun bout the PB-1W; as it's a DAT product, and may have to be released through them. Hopefuly, I can get permission for a public release Hope you all enjoy the T-Jets!! Wrench kevin stein

File Name: Republic P-84 Thunderjet (WW2 What If...) File Submitter: Wrench File Submitted: 1 Jun 2008 File Category: Allied Fighters Republic P-84 Thunderjet "What If..." WW2 version -For SF/WoV/WoE and probably WoI (maybe?) This little mod is a tweek to RussoUK's F-84E, with a new lod with the bubble-top non-reinforced canopy. It "represents" P-84 Thunderjet aircraft from the 61st FS of the 56th FG in the "What If..." world of WW2: 1946 aka SWOTL2. Russo made the new lod for me several years ago, and this has been languishing on my HD for some time; I figured NOW would be a good time to finish it off and release to all you good folks! The new skin, with redrawn panel lines (but no rivets - this was done before I learned how, and wasn't going back to add them!), has the marking of the 61st FS, still carrying their standard WW2 ETO markings as of 1947. Included are several historic nose arts as seen on their Thunderbolts. I've tried to match aircraft call letter with the approiate art work. Serial numbers are accurate, had the A model gone into full production. A new WoE-style Hangar screen is also included. The auto-speed canopy has been disabled, as this no longer works in WoI (and by inference, when the SF/WoV/WoE patch arrives), but I somehow managed to fool the game engine by assigning to the arrestor hook; so, the canopy will open when you hit the "H" key. It should be noted this is 1of 2 Thunderjet mods I'm releasing; this one, a "What If..." for WW2: 1946, and a Real Life ™, Historic version, which is simply called "F-84". It represents the B/C model, and is available seperatly, as they are designed to be exclusive to their eras. == YOU MUST HAVE THE BUNYAP WEAPONS PAK TO HAVE THE WW2 STYLE WEAPONS!!!! == PLEASE read the enclosed readme for full, detailed instructions, and more of the usual nonsense in the Notes section Happy Landings! Wrench Kevin Stein (yeah, I know I resued the same screenie from before...I'm lazy! Get over it!!! ) Click here to download this file

I'd recalibrate the stick, in the Windows control panel, to make sure it's working ok, then maybe drop the control ini in from another install (if you have one) Or make a backup copy of it, renamed to xDefault.ini, delete the old one and try resetting everything in the game's control panel. See if that works?? Wrench kevin stein

Not to sidetrack the thread.... starfigher2: better than farposst and betah??? You'd best shoot me them links bro!!! and thanks! WRench kevin stein

Don't know why, but I picture that scene from "Rocky Horror Show" ... with the 'just one more from the vault'... Anyway, somebody asked on another thread somewhere, what else have I got hiding..so I went looking... for those of us with a SWOTL type install, for WW2 if it proceeded into 1947; provided Republic could gear up fast enough. Supposed to 'represent' the P-84A Thunderjets, if/as used by the 61st FS, 56th FG Still need a few decal touches, etc. (not correct, as A models didn't get tip tanks -- but, figure a fast factory fix for those thirsty jets) And this one, based off that one, but more in a historical vein: A bit more realistic; F-84B/Cs as seen approx 1948; 59th FS (Jet Propelled) as seen at Otis. Need to finish off the decals for the buzz and serial numbers. Had major problems with the drop tanks, finally said f***-it! and used the Sabre tanks. Albeit not quite right, but they look approximately the right size (even though they and tip tanks should NOT have fins - no biggie) A couple of years ago, I asked Russo to remove the canopy frame from the E model, worked on it, and never finished it. Speaking of the canopy, I was even able to assign it to the 'arrestor_hook', so you can open it manually. If there's enough (or ANY) interest, they'll be released a 2 seperate aircraft; for SWOTL/WW2:46, and the more general B/D for The Real World . Both use The Great and Powerful Zur's Sabre cockpit, with some gunsight mods by me (K-14, with 2 sights: A-A and A-G So, what say you? Oh, and Russo, Ok for release??? Wrench kevin stein

Stratos: they're not skins; they're complete BLW airplanes. If they're not here at CA, they'll be on my site. Probably in the 'Fictional/What If' section on the New Aircraft Page. GAF/BLW Spit 9: Spit 22: IIRC, the GAFPilot has Galland's face.... Wrench kevin stein

bwild: (raiser finger to lips) ssshh!!! We don't want EVERYONE to know where we get those great reference books, do we???? We also want to keep this one under wraps, too: http://betah.co.il/BooksCatalog.aspx?top10=yes MUUUUHAAHHHAHAHAAAAA!!! Wrench kevin stein

Heck, over in the KB, in the BunyapPak Loadout fixes thread, are some tweeks for the B-29 and Tu-4; mostly some gun tweeks and fixing the engine eshaust emitters and small stuff. Don't know if it'll be any help...but just thought I'd mention it. Now, if we could just get it to STOP loading flash-bombs.... (yeah, I know, delete the entry from the weapons data...) Wrench kevin stein

I do have the Detail & Scale for the 102, if that's any help to ya! Been trying to get the D&S for the 101's, but having problems with the aquisition site's passwording - have to "find Waldo" in th picture to get the code letters/numbers to activate the D/L I just got the Warpaint for the Wellington last week, so for whoever is gonna skin it, let me know. I can't do fabric surfaces for diddly-squat Wrench kevin stein

File Name: WoI IsraelME Targets Enhancement Pak File Submitter: Wrench File Submitted: 22 Mar 2008 File Category: Terrains File Version: 1.00 Website: No Information IsrealME Terrain Upgrade for WoI This is an expansion of WoI's stock "lsrealME" map, with the addition of Isreali Air Defense units. I've added them in what I believe to be a sensible, logical manner, defending large cities, airbase, factories & POL depots, army bases, and generaly trying to give the civilian population some kind of protection. I've also made sure the Isreali airfields have a "ActiveYear=0" for all their AAA positions; as the game will usually fill them with the nearly useless M-55 Quad 50. Adding other AA units is reccomended :yes::) See next paragraph.... It is reccomended (read: REQUIRED) that you have Pasko's SAMs and Vehicles Pak installed in your GroundObject folder; expecially the Desert skinned vehicles, plus any additional vehicles such as Kesselbrut's ZIL truck pak, Moonjumper's fix for the BM-14-16 (adds working Kytusha rockets) and any other SAMS or AAA, vehicles or whatever strikes your fancy. See "Items You'll Want to Get" below. I've also included several things from it, just because I like having these objects around in-game, as some a set to be used on the map (parked vehicles and such). There is even a new vehicle, the Tiran 4/5 MBT! It is designed to use either the Bunyap or Mirage Factory Weapons Pak; some of the names for the IDF air defenses (ie: the HAWKs and their associated radars) and their 'arrangements', are taken from Nick Bell's 'NATO Air Defense Mod'; these are the names used for the 2 HAWK radars. In addition, I've included 2 new Infantry units - one generic Arab and one IDF, based off Kesselbrut's 'Infanty Squads'. I've replaced the RPG/LAW with an automatic rifle. I've also given you my fully updated gundata.ini and gundata.dat files, which have all the needed guns. I've also included the weapons data for the AT-3 'Sagger" anti-tank missile, so you'll be using the weapons editor -- make double damn sure it's the WoI one!!! Remember - this is for WoI ONLY!!! It won't work on anything else!! So don't even think about tryin' it!!! You all know the drill....I spent a good deal of time writing a real nice, informative, descriptive, step-by-step readme to aid in installing the package.....so read the cursed thing!!!!!! You know what they say....a man can get lost in that desert for 40 years...and no one would ever find him.... Happy Hunting!!! Wrench, The Kevin Stein Click here to download this file

Yah, it got shunted aside by some other projects; but rest assured (but not on your laurels), I'll get back to finishing it off in the near future. Have some things I want to re-do on the skin and such. Wrench kevin stein

The major problem with the Cab, is you'll need to original C-47B to start with; and it's member-ware. This is simply a decals and ini tweek. Minus the upper turret, of course. For those with the B model Dakota, I can easily upload the inis you'll need. All the decals are stock 3rd Wire, and exist in all versions (excepting maybe WoI) of the game. At worst, it'll go on my site. This shouldn't violate the end-user agreement, that even I have to abide by. The F-47D should be here at CA; I'll double check the d/ls section - if I ever uploaded it, I probably stuck it in the WW2 Planes section, along with the Generic Metal Mustang Both the Thunderjets, the SWOTL and Real Life versions should be out this weekend; just have to finish decals and readmes. Blackbird: I have the 'Detail and Scale' for the Thunderjet on PDF. I can zip it up, and send you a link, if you want. It'll be about 35megs zipped. PDFs don't seem to compress much. I, personally, find the whole 'Cold War Gone Hot: 1948' very intriguing...left over WW2 birds, the first jets...perhaps a revitalized BundsLuftwaffe to help out (hence, the GAF Spit 9 and Spit 22s I've done). Plus the newly formed NATO nation's Air Forces. Yes, most intriguing! Wrench kevin stein

OH NO!!!! The Cursed Hexagon!!! I really should have put more AD units around it.... you can switch out the oblesiks (sp?) for ASRs, like I for the Libyan version, or radio towers. Looks more electomaticly sinster that way! Wrench kevin stein

You DO know the USMC is part of the Navy Dept, right??? Therefore, having USN as the attachement would be the one. Also, USMC is NOT an attachment type, it would be USN For the NationName=, only one can be used And while the USMC is listed in the Nations.ini, if you look at other aircraft used by the Marines, you'll find their NationName= as USN (ie: Skyhawk, Phantom, Crusader). You get the 'nationality' on the loadout screen by the textureset ini's nation line. It probably exists in the Nations.ini for Campaign purposes only. So, sorry my Marine friends, you still belong to the Navy. (ducks and runs....) Wrench kevin stein

A coupla days ago...campaign, objects and map Look in the File Announcments Forum and/or the downloads section Wrench kevin stein

File Name: F-4E Phantom II, Hellenic Air Force File Submitter: Wrench File Submitted: 28 May 2008 File Category: F-4 F-4E Phantom II, Hellenic Air Force Mod A Stand-Alone aircraft for SF/WoV/WoE/WoI This package will create a complete, 'nation specific' aircraft; the F-4E Phantom II as used by the Hellenic Air Force. This is a stock, standard or garden variety Rhino, and NOT the AUP version currently flying with the HAF (see Notes below for my begging!) This is a completion of a pack started by Sundowner, and he supplied me with the Hi-Rez Agean Blue skin, and a bunch of inis, along with the Agean Blue camo 370 gallon drop tanks -- you WILL be adding these, so get your Weapons Editor warmed up!! The other skin, also by Sundowner, is the USAF SEA 3-tone; this is the paint scheme used as first delivered. It is set as the 2nd skin in the list, even though historically it should be first. -- NOTE: these are HI-REZ skins; 2048x2048. For those with older, slower machines or those with smaller vid cards, you might want to resize the skin bmps down one step to 1024x1024. You =WILL= loose some detail, but it's a trade off you sometimes must make. -- All I've basically done, is some ini tweeks for loadouts and some extreamly small changes. I also remade the serial number decals, as I couldn't exactly match Ant's font, extending the numbers out to a total of 24. They ARE correct serials as issued to these Phantoms, but I cannot claim 100% historical accuracy as to which squadron had which number set. Also, out of sheer laziness, both skin sets use the same decals - why waste good decals? That's my motto!!! :) A new Hangar screen is included, based of Ant's original; this one's for SF/WoV/WoE. There's also a WoI style one, called "woi_F4E_HAF_Hangar.bmp". So, you can choose, depending on your game, which to use. It is set up to use either of the weapons paks; the Bunyap Pak or Mirage Factory, or even NONE at all!!! As it is a complete aircraft, it should also be usable in WoI, I've tested it in ALL iterations of the game, it works just fine. In fact, I like the newer 'jetengine' sound in WoI better than the SF/WoV/WoE version!! I'd like to thank Sundowner for trusting me to complete and release this package. Ant gets 98.6% of the credit; the remainder is mine! After all, he DID all the hard work with the skin; and I gotta tell ya, the detailing on it is superb; as we've come to expect. PLEASE read the enclosed readme for more, detailed instructions. Of course, there's the usual noise in the Notes section. Sundowner Wrench kevin stein Click here to download this file

Lexx, I have a whole install called "Cold War Gone Hot: 1948" ie, Prop Cold War, with all the early jets and prop jobbies Even have a new main screen for it too, modded from the original If anyone wants it, I'll upload it. Since it's 'stock', all the hot spots stay the same. Even have a nice generic loading screen RG Smith's painting 'The Berlin Airlift'. They should be in one of my aircraft mods here...I just don' remember which!! repainted F-47D, with correct numbers for fun to shoot down, you can always take a Cab... Now, if I could get Capun to add the turret.... BTW, you know the DAT is working on 3 Peacemakers, right??? B, D and J Jake: just 10 HVARs and 2 Tiny Tims. or combo HVARs and bombs Wrench kevin stein

Oh, forgot to mention, the 61st nose art is a accurate as I can make it; call it 98.6%!! Based of the real birds Major Lee would be proud! Wrench kevin stein

Saaaaaawwweeettt!!! I'm glad somebody did this! Good job! Wrench kevin stein