Geezer

George, I continue to marvel at the wonderful maps you produce - especially since you are color blind! Amazing...

Testing the N28 cockpit, and accidentally got some Pfalz D3a takeoff shots.

LOL!

The Nieuport trio:

Hum a few bars to La Marseillaise while going forth to do battle with the Evil Hun.

Making good progress on the artwork, especially the engine-turned cowling.

I've looked over Stephen1918's armed observer files - clever idea! Rather than modify the pilot, it looks like the ideal solution is to build the observer/gun combination into the 3D model? Perhaps two versions? One with a Hotchkiss MG and one with a Berthier rifle? Has anyone gotten ini files, simulating a rifle, to work ingame?

Superb stuff!

LOL, I haven't thought about it yet. Stephen1918 developed some innovative refinements with his rifle and grenade files, but I have not had time to experiment with them. At the moment, I am using a Hotchkiss as default but there is no reason why some other form of armament can't be used instead. I have some WW1 small arms somewhere on a backup disc, similar to the 1938 small arms shown below.

Really nice work!

A few more shots.

Been working on the N17/24/27 stuff and got the first one - the N27 - into the air. Furball over France!

You're quite welcome. I combine my professional knowledge of aircraft and visual design in one hobby, so its a lot of fun for this old geezer.

Actually, you are not far off the mark. Because the other guys need time to work the many files required for a new aircraft, I am experimenting with filling up a production pipeline with models and half-finished skins. This gives VonS, Heck, etc time to work at their own speed - I then update the model and artwork based on their feedback.

Been busy with Real Life, but managed to start mapping the N 17.

Progress on the Bleriot will be slow because it presents an unusual challenge. Sorta/kinda on the subject, I've found two things of interest. 1) The Mondragon semi-automatic rifle, designed in Mexico, was used in limited numbers by all combatants in the early days of aerial combat before machine guns became common. 2) Gterl's superb maps feature detailed shadows when run in FE2.

Got the Nieuport 17/24 done, so will probably map it next.

Heck and VonS have been very helpful with file development, and are considering more comprehensive data and info packs for the Fighting The Flying Circus concept. Speaking of which, the Nieuports 17/24/28 will have some really colorful opponents.

Got the first test article flying ingame.

Events of 100 years ago can sometimes be confusing. In 1914, the American public wanted nothing to do with "another European war." Indeed, Woodrow Wilson was re-elected for a second term as president by running on the platform "he kept us out of the war." Popular historians say that German submarine warfare changed American opinion, but that ignores facts. The infamous Lusitania sinking occurred BEFORE the presidential election of 1916 but did not affect American voters - they re-elected an anti-war president. After Wilson was elected, events such as the Zimmerman telegram outraged American voters and the government then declared war on Germany. The US originally wanted to use its white star insignia, but Allied pilots shot at anything not marked with a cockade, so the white star was not suitable for the western front. By the time American units began to arrive in France, Russia was out of the war so the US used the old Russian insignia.

Czarist Russia withdrew from the war in 1917, about the same time the US entered the war. Russia was no longer using its national markings so the US adopted them for its own use during WW1.

Give 'em Hell, Cap'n Eddie!

More Fighting The Flying Circus theme shots. Jeanba helped me find a primary source reference for the R11. The single photo he was able to find enabled me to make an educated guess about the R11's wing camo.

Rough shot of pilot's vantage point, plus the guns and flying surfaces are mapped.

Making good progress on the first color scheme - 27th Aero Squadron "Screaming Eagles."