Velvet

Winston & Sandbagger, I seem to be having troubles... I also run a Vista 64 bit (kind of new to it). I don't seem to have a directory path like Sandbagger discribed, but I changed all the ViewUI.xml files I could find on my system to BGScale = "0.15" (yes, I'm changing both lines of code). None seem to have an effect. Am I missing something? Velvet

Thanks Winston. Uncle Al, maybe we should add this to the Help/Tips section.

I'll be in Columbus for the OSU/Illini game that weekend, so I might be able to swing by the airshow on Sunday.

Hi All, It seems my old rig is dying a slow death, and I'm thinking about pulling the plug and getting a new machine. (Not being able to play OFF for the past couple of months is making the decision much easier). Can those with blazing OFF performance provide some hardware suggestions? I'm aiming to be able to play OFF with a high fps at high detail and density levels. Also, up to this point I've primarily bought DELL machines, but I feel there is probably better sources. Any suggestions? I'm in CT - USA. Thanks All, Velvet

Now I'm up a running with the new rig. It tooks a lot less effort than I thought it would to build. Thanks to all who added their 2 cents. It was a big help. Now I'm tweeking the graphics to get them where I like them. The level of detail is great, and the fps is nice (35 to 60). I've got a little work to get the AA were I want it.... Velvet

I got mine by playing pool & drinking beer. I made a nice shot (only 2 or three beers in of course), and a buddy dubbed me "Velvet Jeffers". The name worked out well for my early on-line Quake matches back at OSU.

I've just pulled the trigger. One difference from before was that I went with the GTX280. Now brace yourself for a storm of questions in 3 to 8 days..... Once again, thanks to all for all your input. Velvet

Thanks Bub, now I just need to buy & build it. Time to pull that trigger (gulp)..... Steve, it sounds like that rig will really scream along. I'm thinking like you, I'll keep the old rig around to protect my new one from the outside world. It's dangerous out there.

Thanks for the heads up Sitting Duck. My latest itteration has both sli and crossfire support I believe (The P6T board). I'm slowly learning....

Bub, The power supply is listed on Tigerdirect.com. I plan to get a new case, I had picked out the Cooler Master Centurion (sound impressive eh?) also on Tigerdirect. I kind of figured that I can give the CPU cooler a go, and return it if size is an issue (thus the build delay you mentioned). Unleal & Co, Thanks for the suggestions on the Graphics cards, I reconsider the lower price options. After all, almost whatever I get will blow the socks off my current rig, and there's always the option to upgrade later. Test Pilot, I'm going to have to pass on the SS drive for now. That's way to futuristic for me. Plus isn't it your job to "test"?

Hmmm... they look a little pricey, plus I'm not sure there's an advantage over a more traditional hard drive. Then again, I'm not familar with solid state drives.

Another iteration. I think this covers all the bases, should keep happily running P3 & P4 for a few years and will allow me to grow some in the future. Intel Core i7 920 2.66Ghz Processor ASUS P6T mobo (sli & crossfire support) 6GB Corsair Core i7 Dominator PC12800 DDR3 RAM - tri-channel, 1600MHz (3x2048MB) EVGA GeForce GTX 285 FTW Video Card - 1GB Western Digital 750GB 7200rpm 32MB harddrive Ultra LPS750 750watt powersupply Ultra 3.5" Floppy and multi-card reader Plextor Blue-ray, dvdr, cdrom drive Noctua NH-U12P SE1366 CPU Cooler (it looks like a beast) Vista 64bit system Do any of you computer gurus see any gaps? Thanks again, Velvet

If I remember correctly, the Canadians who were restoring the Me-163 found evidence of sabatoge in the wing. So that particular one may have been extra hazardous to fly. From Wikipedia: "Me 163 B, Werknummer 191095 is held at the USAFM and was gifted from the National Aviation Museum, Ottawa in 1999. It was placed on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force near Dayton, Ohio on 10 December 1999. The aircraft had been owned and restored by the Canadian National Aviation Museum. Komet test pilot Rudolf "Rudi" Opitz was on hand for the dedication of the aircraft and discussed his experiences of flying the rocket-propelled fighter to a standing room only crowd. During the aircraft's restoration in Canada it was discovered that the aircraft had been assembled by French "forced labourers" who had deliberately sabotaged it by placing sharp objects between the rocket's fuel tanks and its supporting straps. There are also indications that the wing was improperly assembled. Inside the fuselage was found patriotic French writing. The aircraft is displayed without any unit identification or Werk Nummer."

As a former Dayton resident, I stumbled upon the Dawn Patrol Rendevious about 15 years back. They had a Brisfit fly in and several DR1s (one with a real rotary). It was really awesome. Plus the Airforce musuem is a must see. Hopefully my Buckeye football tickets fall on the same weekend.

Sounds like a 64 bit system is the way to go. I checked the ASU P5Q-E stats, and it claims to be CrossFireX ready. I believe that will allow me to have dualing graphic cards (I think the documents mentioned the possiblity of 3 GCs if I use the PCI slot as well). Any thoughts on the Intel Core 2 Quads? They use the 755 connector like the Duo. Or is the 755 connector starting to be a thing of the past? Velvet

All right, I'm feeling ambitious and plan to build my own rig. Using all of your input as a starting point, this is what I've come up with: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Processor, 3.0 GHz ASUS P5Q-E Green Mobo - Intel P45 chipset EVGA GeForce GTX 285 FTW Video Card - 1GB Kingston Hper X Dual Channel 4096 MB PC8500 DDR2 1066 MHz (2x2048MB) Memory Creative Labs Soundblaster X-Fi Xtreme Bamer PCI Sound Card Western Digital 750GB 7200rpm 32MB harddrive Anyone see any gotchas? I haven't decided on the OS to use yet. I'm torn between Vista 32 or Vista 64 bit. From what I've heard, the 64 bit will allow me to expand memory, but there may be some driver compatibility issues with the 64 bit system (I'm using TrackIR, Pro Pedals and a Logitec Wingman stick). There's also Windows 7 on the horizon, but given Vista's less than stellar intro, I'm a bit gun shy about making that leap any time soon. Any comments out there on OSs? Thanks all, Velvet

Thanks for all the advice, now to do some research.

Of interest for WWI plastic modelers and OFF skinners - Eduard is about to release 1/48 scale SPADs in American colors: http://www.eduard.cz/info/photos/1142/1142-D.pdf http://www.eduard.cz/info/photos/1142/1142-B.pdf http://www.eduard.cz/info/photos/1142/1142-A.pdf http://www.eduard.cz/info/photos/1142/1142-C.pdf Velvet

I agree, my wife on the other hand.....

plus one of my all time fav sound tracks.

Quiet guys, you shouldn't be giving the Boshe information. "Loose lips sink ships".

I voted OK, but I do find myself avoiding attacking Airfields, rail yards and other enemy targets, since the AAMGs are murder. I try to stay way out of their range. On the other hand, I've never taken any archie hits. Some scalability in AAMG effectiveness would be handy.

Hey MK2, That makes us squad mates. I just started a campaign with the 56th playing 120% reality (I am cheating with the tac display). I started while they were still in England. I got bored with flying routine patrols, since there were no zeps or gothas to tangle with, and used the skip ahead feature. I've just made the transfer flight over the channel, and will probably see my first combat tomorrow. Best of luck, Velvet

All would be great, but I voted for other: Halb CL II & CL IV would be my top picks. Below is a general wish list: Dear Santa, I would also like to see the snipe and dolphin. 1915 birds as well. Some Alb & Rumpler two seaters maybe and DH4 & 9s to pad out the two seater population? Gothas and zeps would add a lot of drama (especially flying at night over England). Not that drama is lacking. Floatplanes too. I've been a very good boy, 82% of the time. Velvet

Thanks griphos.