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Wrench

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Posts posted by Wrench

  1. Posted

    Just finished making the BuNum decals last night...made a few changes on the skin; I'm still not really happy with it. There's a few bits I couldn't figure out the mapping for, for panel lines on the cockpit hump, anti-glare panel between the radar and windshield, a few small details like that.

     

    Speaking of the decals, I'd love to add the modex number to the front nose gear door, but can't find the mesh name!! Other than that, the decal placements are 100% as per BuAer.

     

    It's about as finished as I can make it. So, expect it out in a few days. I'll be including my layered psd templates, so some better skinner can tweek it out. It'll be the 2-gunned, missile armed 3M. There are still some flaws in the model itself, but it IS a beta version. Mabye someday Marcello will finish it off (and NOT change the mapping!!! :wink: )

     

    So, as long as Marcello is cool with me releasing to the General Public 'as is', I'd consider it a done deal!

     

    Wrench

    kevin stein

  2. Posted

    You'd need to create a copy of the CV, set as a regular WARSHIP in your GroundObjects folder (ie: an new folder). In the data ini, you'd remove all the references to the flight deck, cables, etc. Leaving the radars and weapons, engines, etc. intact. You could even set it as Cargo_Ship, and it might show up in anti-shipping missions.

     

    In the main ini, say we're using the Coral Sea, you'd need to do some renmaing...in the main ini:

     

    [GroundObjectData]

    ObjectFullName=CV-43 USS Coral Sea (NL)

    ObjectDataFile=CV-43NL_DATA.INI

     

    NL for "Not Landable"

     

    Rename the data ini to match as above, after remving the flight deck

     

    You'd rename the folder "CV-43_NL", the main ini to "CV-43_NL". Since your modificated data ini residies in the NL folder, it won't interfere with the working Coral Sea.

     

    A Similiar method could be use, if you wanted them parked in port. Transfer the lods, bmps, etc, into the terrain folder, then add an entry for it in types ini (see my Libya Upgrade that was recently released for examples). This makes them 'terrain objects', just like any other building.

     

    I personally haven't tried this, but it seems no different that creating a nation-specific aircraft. We're just making a 'usage specific' boat

     

    WRench

    kevin stein

  4. Posted

    Oppssy!!!

    A little correction here...the pic shown above is NOT VMF(N)-513 "Flying Nightmares"...after checking all my Squad/Signal In Color, In Action and the USN Carrier Air Unit's books, the white/red polka dot scheme belongs to VMA-332, flying F4U-4Bs, circa July 53.

     

    However...exploreering the folders, hidding inside is an all black skin, that the aforementoned books shows a drawing of for 513

     

    Now that that's sorted out...have to find the author of the bird. I've got a VC-3 skin/decals nearly done, hexedited/repainted Geo's Hellcat tank to Dark Gloss Blue, and will probably make more decals for the 513 skin.

     

    Now, if I could figure out the BuNums...there might be enough meshes for THAT decal as well!!! Probably need to visit Baugher's site, and hope he has them!

     

    WRench

    kevin stein

     

    ps: pics tommorrow. btw, VC-3 is/was Guy Bordelon's squadron

  5. Posted

    This is the aircraft in question:

     

    f4u-5nl.jpg

     

    Already done up in 513's colors. It's an old bird; the LOD is dated 12/27/2004...so it's been around for a while, and is definately NOT a Mirage Factroy product. In the back of my mind, I keep thinking it's Crab_02s.

     

    Once creatorship has been established, I can do some fiddling with it and maybe release it for whom ever originall built it, if/when permissions are recieved.

     

    YOu can see it's got all the goodies; the radar is built into the wing, flash hiders on the guns, the extra antena and the aux rudder extension.

     

    I guess this could be called 'yet another one from the vaults!' :haha:

     

    The pilot is the HI-Rez USMC Korea one; the one that can't be shared. I'd also have to bug Geo about editing/repaint the Hellcat tank, as it would be the center line one, albeit now in dark blue.

     

    Wrench

    kevin stein

  6. Posted

    He's been asking TK some animations questions, with some screenies of it Max over at the 3rd Wire forums.

     

    As to the -5N Corsair, I remember somebody working on one several years ago. Maybe Crab_02 or Mirage Factory (with all those nice Corsair's they've already put out.) I know they have a -4 and -7(FN)....might have to look into this at some point.

     

    If there isn't one, it wouldn't be a difficult stretch to make -5N or 5NL using Wolfs; albeit some 'minor' differences; aux rudder, extra antena on top, good radar equiped cockpit (the mod of the F-86D that Lexx did for me not withstanding)

     

    I have a -5N here, but I don't know (meaning remember) who built it, and when!!!! So, I can't do anything with it, releasewise until we know.

     

    Wrench

    kevin stein

  9. Posted

    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! :good:

     

    Wrench

    kevin stein

  13. Posted

    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

  14. Posted

    Republic F-84B/C Thunderjet

    View File

    Republic F-84B/C Thunderjet

    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

     

  15. Posted

    Republic P-84 Thunderjet (WW2 What If...)

    View File

    Republic P-84 Thunderjet (WW2 What If...)

    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!!! :wink: )

     

  21. Posted

    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

  23. Posted

    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

  25. Posted

    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

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