Geezer

Here's some links: https://www.google.com/search?q=3ds+max+aircraft+tutorial&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8 There are still a fair number of Gmax tutorials on the internet that MIGHT be of assistance. Gmax is an old, truncated version of 3dsMax but most of the basics remain the same.

That IS puzzling. One way to confirm the problem lies in the model's mapping/skinning is to view the models in Mue's LOD viewer. If the little white rectangles display in the viewer, then the problem is likely to be in the model. Also, have any other guys seen this problem?

Yes. I have worked on several stealth aircraft programs. All stealth technology does is DELAY detection by radar, it does not make an aircraft "invisible." Also, stealth technology mostly works against high frequency radar - the types of radar that were in wide spread use in 1980-2000. Recently, new radar systems have been developed that use lower frequencies and these systems can detect stealth aircraft at greater distances than high frequency radar. It is still difficult to detect stealth aircraft with low frequency radar, but not as difficult as high frequency radar.

After schnapps und schnitzel, Helmut decides to buzz some German grunts. If time, motivation, and the game engine permit, I hope to add LOTS of rear area targets - such as supply depots - because modern armies usually have more guys in the rear than trigger pullers at the front. If properly defended by fighters and flak, this should make for lots of interesting missions.

After a little cheese and wine, Gaspard buzzes some French grunts...

With gterl's blessing, I intend to make a hi-res version of his excellent mod, just to see how far the old FE2 game engine can be pushed. It will include new ground objects as well as aircraft. Shots below of German and French ground object progress.

Downright beautiful.

Looks like there is an RTS game in-work, based on the Scythe board game: http://iron-harvest.com/

Yodeling skills?

I have followed your admirable work for some time, and would like to add an observation about gunners. The memoirs of many famous WW1 aces frequently point out that an experienced two-seater crew could put up one helluva fight. IIRC, McCudden once wrote how he 'gave a liver-colored DFW best' as they foiled each of his attacks, and each time damaged his SE5. It may not be possible to tweak the game to authentically simulate experienced two-seater crews because there are so many factors in the equation. One possibility is random assignments of experience levels to crews, with the old hands having VERY good gun accuracy? Keep up the good work.

Got the Boeing 281 airframe done, and have been working on details. While examining photos, I realized most sim models of the P-26/Model 281 got the gunsight wrong. Its usually modeled as a telescopic sight, but photos clearly show it was a kind of sight radius rod - a hollow tube capped with inserts at both ends. Those of you who know how to shoot will recognize what looks like iron sights - similar to a rifle - with windage and elevation adjustments. One of the shots below shows a similar installation on a wrecked Hawk III.

It probably won't be "soon" but it will be "eventually." 3D models and skins are only 50% of the effort needed to release an aircraft, so it will take a while. Shot below of progress on the B4Y Jean. Concurrent with aircraft development, new pilot figures and bombs will also be needed. Shot below of new pilot pack WIP. Already released RAF and Italian pilots are in the back, while new WIPs of Chinese, Luftwaffe, US, and Japanese pilots are in the front.

Outstanding!

To avoid wasting time re-inventing the wheel, though I'd ask if anybody in the WW2 threads knows anything about 1930s bombs. Research has revealed the Chinese Air Force in 1937-38 used several different families of aircraft bombs. In the days before universal bomb racks, what type of bomb rack specified in the purchase contract determined what family of bombs also had to be purchased. Aircraft purchased from US manufacturers in the early-/mid-30s used racks designed to carry bombs developed late in WW1, and used through the 1930s. At some point in the 1930s, the US introduced the family of bombs used during WW2 that most enthusiasts are familiar with. Photos clearly show aircraft purchased from the US in the mid-1930s had racks that could mount the later family of US bombs. To further muddy the waters, China obtained military aid from the Soviet Union beginning in 1937, so 1930s Soviet bombs are also part of the equation.

Thanks, I'll contact DreamK and ask. I've not found documentation that says the CAF used the Dragon Rapide, but so many different types of aircraft were used in China that it is possible a few were present, possibly as commercial aircraft. There were even a few Heinkel 111s used in China! For a list of operational CAF aircraft, go to http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/sino-japanese-1937.htm and scroll down to the bottom.

Things get really confusing when researching the Northrop Gamma 2E, which appears to have carried several different types of bomb racks to accommodate bombs of different sizes and types. Several references describe a strike on the Japanese cruiser Izumo, anchored off Shanghai, with 1,000 lb bombs that missed and hit downtown Shanghai instead. Shots below show the 2E could also carry large numbers of small 116 lb bombs.

Thanks. Still have to map it, make skins, plus LODs. Once those are done, using your files will enable me to release it much sooner than otherwise. Winter is starting to set in, so I will soon have more time to work on the China aircraft. I'm also considering the addition of two Japanese army aircraft to the pile of stuff to be done. The pile of stuff to do includes the Mitsubishi A5M2 - the early version of the Claude used in 1937-1938. It had a number of problems - bad pilot visibility was one of them - and was redesigned to eventually become the A5M4 that most enthusiasts are familiar with.

Two more shots. Round engines forever!

Nearly finished detailing the 281. Wrench has very graciously given me permission to use his Chinese P-26 files, so this one shouldn't take long to release. Warm up your white scarf!