Geezer

Got George Peppard working this morning. He may need a bit more work. As usual, click shots for hi-res image.

Making good progress on the skins - they are nearly finished. Then, LODs and cockpit. This illustrates why I don't release more aircraft. Making the aircraft model and skins - the fun part - is only 50% of the required effort.

I can see why VonS likes the triplane - there is something really appealing to the classic point defense fighter. No range or load carrying capability to speak of, but it climbs and dives like a bat outta hell. I can adapt a D.VIII to make a DR.I, but the middle wing root will be a fair amount of work. I like to "grow" my wing roots out of the fuselage to simulate the compound curves of a wing fillet. Also shots of a master craftsman making a wood fuselage shell for a D.VIII, and a factory shot of the two shells being mated together.

Not a problem. I'm sure some enterprising modder will make some Blue Max skins to go with the George Peppard pilot. Meanwhile, back at the factory...

Worked on the Pfalz D.IIIa skins and also started the Pfalz D.VIII. The work went quickly because I was able to adapt a lot of stuff from the D.III.

Thanks for your good work!

Tweaked the colors a bit. The skins are now good enough for testing - I'll finish them later, when VonS is done with his file magic.

Yep, damn shame about that but it's pretty typical for WW1 sims. They usually don't make enough money to justify development costs. I like FE2 because I like low-level dogfighting and FE2 is easier to mod than CFS3. I realize the WOFF guys - after many years of dedicated work - have a better looking sim, but they extensively modified CFS3 into something very different from the original Microsoft release. In addition to new aircraft, I keep fooling around with experimental ground tile art to improve FE2 at really low level.

Your G.IV is a really good job - I like it too! When VonS was working on the Pfalz FM, he also had problems with take off and landing roll. He eventually figured out how to achieve realistic take off/landing without compromising other flight characteristics. Possibly, he might be willing to help adjust the FM for you?

Got it working ingame using Stephen1918's Caudron G.IV files. Still a WIP, but it flys! Click shots for hi-res images.

Got the 3D model mapped and put together, but still lots of stuff to do before it can fly.

I read somewhere that the first experiments with 100+ octane fuel were done by the Brits in the 1920s. Their specific focus was wringing the most performance they could from experimental engines for the Schneider Cup competitions, not everyday use by commercial or military customers. Mass produced 100+ octane fuel for everyday use was not developed until the 1930s, and required concurrent improvements in engine technology.

Both gunners' stations could cover portions of the other's field of fire, but code limitations will probably prevent simulating this feature.

Got a lot of details done, particularly the bracing wires. The inner wing bays used double bracing wires, and some were sheathed in wood fairings, possibly to damp vibration. Click shots for hi-res images.

VonS plans on spending lots of time to make the FM. Historically, the R.11 had nice handling qualities - for a big twin engine aircraft. Adapted some stuff I already had to make the Darne-built Lewis gun mounted on a TO4 gun ring.

Got more work done on the Caudron.

The WIP is still rough but it looks like it will work. George Peppard will fly the Pfalz when it is released.

I'll need to make a cockpit - they often take as long as the airplane. Click for hi-res.

Fooling around with 5-color lozenge camo.

Got 'em - thanks. I'll fool around and see if I can make a George Peppard pilot.

If someone can send me GOOD, HIGH QUALITY photos of George Peppard, I could add a Blue Max pilot to the pilot pack I have in-work. As usual, click shot for hi-res image.

A few more shots of the standard factory color scheme. VonS is pretty much done with his outstanding FM - it even simulates the historical tendency to sideslip in tight turns. Now, I have to finish the art and the LODs, plus some other tedious chores before it can be released. Click shots for hi-res images.

Got a little more work done before switching to the Caudron. Click shots for hi-res images.

LOL Shot below shows actual artwork for a complex color scheme. Note how the upper parts of the fuselage cross project from the side sections toward the top section. This will be helpful if you want to make complex markings. Click shots for hi-res images.

I will include templates and sample textures in the Pfalz graphics pack for the guys who want to make new color schemes. Click shot for hi-res image.