sinbad

The Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter is a teameffort. Dagaith began the project early in 2009 and I joined to helpwith research and skins. Unfortunately, his commitment to quality,and the pressure of time, made it impossible for Dagaith to finishthe 3d model before he was drafted into the army (Estonia) in June. Icontinued work on the cockpit and skins, but I was unable to make thefinal adjustments and generate the LOD files necessary for game play.[Dagaith used a later version of 3dMax that would not render in theversion I have.] Fortunately Laton completed the LODsand made it possible to get the Strutter ready for game play. Theflight model was done by Peter01, the gunner by P10ppy. The finalcockpit and skin sets are my efforts. Southside Bucky did Betatesting and offered valuable advice to tune up the model and skinsfor release.
 
Skins in highdefinition (2048 x 2948) and standard definition ((512 x 512) will bereleased along with the model. A hidef set for B Flight 43 Squadron RFC is enclosed as the default.Additional skins are available in the download section. The2048 and 512 skin sets are NOT interchangeable. You may reduce the hidef set down to 1024, but if you do, keep the associated decal sets.Because some detail could only be sustained by decals in the standarddef sets, these are different from the hi def sets.
 
There is an sound file with the 130 HP Clerget for your sound folder.
 
The Strutter was the first British aircraft with a synchronized Vickers gun. There were several versions. The first a two seat observation type, wasknown to the RNAS and the RFC as the 9400 series, and later to theFrench as the 1A2. The 9400 is the version modeled here. A later single seat version, adapted for bombing, called the 9700 series was first produced for the UK. The French not only built both versions, but made about twice as many (4500) as the British. The first French bomber versions were identified as 1B2 (with a crew of 2). The later French versions, similar to the 9700, were called 1B1 (a crew of just one). The 1B2 version will be released for First Eagles after this model. The 1B1/9700 type may come later. There was another variant, a single seat interceptor, used for Home Defense of the London area.,which was fitted with one or two Lewis guns and a cockpit aft of the wings, where the gunner was originally placed. All versions had air brakes on the inboard lower wings which are not operational on the model, and were often not favored by the aircrews because they created “mushy” handling.
 
A substantial set of skins will be released in conjunction with this model. Please refrain from posting additional skins until all of the original skins are posted.
Standard res 512 RFC and RNAS; Belgian 9400 series, French 1A2 and 1B2 all in the pipeline. They will be up ASAP.
 
Thanks for your patience.
 
 
sinbad

The French had three versions of the Strutter. The 1A2 for recon and artillery spotting, and two bombers, the 1B2, which carried a gunner, and the 1B1 which had only the pilot. The French prioritized delivery of the 1A2. The 1A2 Strutters, like the English 9400 series, had a fuel tank between the pilot and the observer. Consequently the 1A2 had greater range than the 1B2 and 1B1, which carried internal bomb bays in that same area.
 
France began building Strutters under license in April 1916 to replace obsolete Farmans and Caudron G-4s. As the first French built Strutters were tested ten months later in February 1917, a 1B2 Strutter broke up in mid air. The British insisted over stressing by the pilot caused the crash but the French demanded a total design review. The review resulted in few changes, but French built Strutters were not put into combat until the Spring of 1917, when they were significantly outclassed by enemy aircraft.
 
Bombing squadrons were routinely equipped with a mix of the 1B2 and 1B1 variants. and the 1B2 was often used to escort the 1B1. I find no evidence that the French mounted any external stores on the 1A2 or either of the 1B Strutters.
 
The French produced approximately 4,500 Strutters through April 1918. Some American units were provided with French built Strutters, which they intensely disliked, in part because they were initially delivered without weapons. All versions of the Strutter had air brakes on the inboard lower wings, which are not operational on the model; these brakes were often not favored by the aircrews because they created “mushy” handling. Many pictures of Strutters nosed over, perhaps document this characteristic.
 
The flight models attempt to reflect the known variations in the French aircraft.
 
The windscreens on French Strutters were different (some would say more graceful) than the British. That, unfortunately has not been modeled in this version. Dagaith, my original partner in this project left to join the army before the 1A2 model was started. Perhaps one day I will become sufficiently adept with 3dMax to make the adjustment, but that is not possible today. I'd love to have some help with that, if there is someone interested who can make 3dMax sing and dance.
 
 
 
We may eventually have a 1B1 Strutter, but, meanwhile there are production delays. . .
 
Thanks to Dagaith for the original model, Peter01 for the flight model, Laton for the additional LODs, , Gustav for conseils français, as well as beta testing by Southside Bucky (for the original English versions) Panama Red and Ojcar, who prompted me to get this bird out of the coop.
 
The included skin sets for the 1A2 depict aircraft flown by two French Escadrille, Sop 226, with silver dope and Sop 284, which operated 10 camo 1A2s from March 1918, the date the unit was formed, until the end of the war. Some sources incorrectly depict the Esc 226 aircraft in clear doped linen or light yellow dope, a mistake I made before discovering more recent and authoritative information. There are two files sets, on for FE2 and another for all previous versions of FE. Just drop them in and go.
 
 
 
 
sinbad 3 Nov 2010
 
 

These files will modify the original Albatros DII by BortdaFarm by installing the stock Albatros D3 cockpit from the Third Wire Expansion Pack. This mod tested AOK with and without the April 08 patch. The files will not work unless you have installed both the Expansion pack and the BortdaFarm Albatros DII.
 
BortdaFarm invested a lot of time and effort into the creation of the Albatros DII, and I'm glad he did. There is only so much one person can do and the EP cockpit by TK and his team is more detailed and functional. Thanks to both BortdaFarm and Third Wire for making these models for us.
 
The files in this package include alternative loading and hangar screens. Back up your original files (in case you later decide you prefer the originals) and place all of the enclosed files in the AlbatrosDII folder.
 
In addition to the cockpit and the screens, there are two gunsight types included. The default is the classic Fokker crosshair. The alternative is a slightly larger Spad13 type with a small circle in the center of the crosshair. If you prefer the latter, simply open the file marked ALBATROSD3_COCKPIT.INI and change the following lines from this:
 
//GunsightMilSize=40
GunsightMilSize=30
GunsightName=Fokker_ironsight.tga
//GunsightName=Spad13_ironsight.tga
 
to this
 
GunsightMilSize=40
//GunsightMilSize=30
//GunsightName=Fokker_ironsight.tga
GunsightName=Spad13_ironsight.tga.
 
You may notice that the windscreen appears to be slightly forward of the gun breeches. Don't worry, it will still keep the wind off your face! There was no way I could find to avoid this and still place the new cockpit in the model in a way that functions properly. If anyone can resolve this dilemma, please do so. BTW notice the hole in the glass in the BTF model. These holes were in the original aircraft windscreens to allow sighting the weapons despite the smears of oil and dirt that often impaired the view.
 
I also want to acknowledge the dedication and continuing hard work by Peter01 on his outstanding flight models for the Albatros DII and so many other aircraft for First Eagles. These FMs are a tremendous enhancement of the sim.
 
August 22 2008
sinbad

Gotha Revised Cockpit and Bomb sight
 
This cockpit is derived from a mod by Ravenclaw_007 10 May 2008 and from the FokkerDVII Cockpit by Third Wire. This mod is NOT intended to depict an authentic GIV cockpit, but to improve functionality (primarily adding back the compass) and the appearance. The bombsight is derived from one originally developed by Dfang in 2008 for the Staaken.
 
The Gotha bomb sight in this mod mimics a Goerz “telescope type” sight, one of several sights used by the Gothas.
 
There are no records I can find which depict the actual sight picture, so the cross hairs and reference marks are speculative. We do know the real sight was illuminated for night use; the mod attempts to depict that function. None of the sights used by the Gothas were especially effective (one was actually called a "non-precision" sight). Sights were only one reason bombing was less than accurate. The Gotha approach altitudes in England were usually at or above 3000 meters to avoid defending aircraft, balloon cables, and AAA. The real Gotha bombardier was the aircraft commander, operating in the forward observer station.
 
Installation- First back up everything. Then to install for and FE1 and FE2:
 
In The Objects/Aircraft/GothaGIV folder
 
GothaGIV_Cockpit.INI
 
GOTHA_sight.tga
 
GOTHA V24 HiRes_gunsight Full center 5 nums.tga
 
GOTHA V24 HiRes_gunsight Open center 5 nums.tga
 
DVII_DASH_AMMO.bmp
 
D_VII_FLOOR_FRONT_BACK_WALL.bmp
 
D_VII_LABLES.tga
 
In the FE or FE2/FLIGHT folder
 
VIEWLIST.INI
 
MISSIONCONTROL.INI
 
The Beta testers and I all used variations of the June 2009 FM by Peter01, who did some of the original FM work on this project back in 2008. The calibration of the sight relies on it, so it is strongly suggested. There are two versions of the sight. One has a open cross hair and the other has a full cross hair. The default (with the open cross hair) will install unless you substitute the other. To install the alternate, save GOTHA_sight.tga as GOTHA_sightBAK.tag, then copy the GOTHA V24 HiRes_gunsight Full center 5 nums.tga, and rename that copy GOTHA_sight.tga. That way you’ll still have a full set of the sights if you want to reverse the process. Keep all versions in the Objects/Aircraft/GothaGIV folder.
 
Operation- When the aircraft loads, the sight will appear at eye level. Hit the \ key [immediately below the BACKSPACE KEY] twice. The sight will drop to the floor. When approaching the target, engage the wing leveler or autopilot and hit the .DEL key, to go to invisible cockpit. Use the mouse and the NUM PAD + key to position the sight. In FE1, you can then use the \ key to select the bombs from the various choices in the loadout, if you have selected multiple weps in the load out screen. In FE2 the game will not display these choices, but the ordinance will be selected. Drop the weps in the usual manner with the ENTER key.
 
The default altitude for missions is set at 3000 meters, or approximately 10,000 feet, the most common approach altitude for attacks on London and the coastal areas. The sight is calibrated to operate at 110 kph for 3000 - 4000 meters, and 90 kph at 1000 meters. The calibration speeds are very important to accuracy. Targets should be attacked with a "stick" of several bombs some toggled a bit ahead, and some a bit behind the apparent aim point.
 
If you prefer a different approach altitude, you will find alternatives in the folder. Simply copy the one you want, delete the old file and then save the copy as missioncontrol.ini. Do not simply delete the MISSIONCONTROL.INI without using one of the enclosed files as other operational settings are also adjusted for the Gotha GIV in that file.
 
Known issues- the Gothas carried a very diverse load of stores. In configurations with heavy bombs loaded under the nose, the bomb sight may be temporarily blocked by the bomb on the forward port side. One way to deal with this is to manually toggle only that bomb at initial approach; another is to select a loadout that does not place a bomb in the forward port rack. The typical load for the attacks on England was 6 50kg bombs, so it is relatively easy to set up an authentic loadout which avoids the "bomb block" bug.
 
Thanks to Southside Bucky and OlPaint01 for exhaustive Beta testing. This was a challenging mod to develop and the comments and advice they provided was extremely helpful. Thanks also to the original developers whose work is incorporated here -- Dfang, Ravenclaw_007, Peter01 , and of course Capun and the team at the Skunk Works for the Gotha.
 
 
sinbad 20 April 2010

Julius Arigi (1895-1981) was the second highest scoring ace in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Unlike most aces, Arigi was an NCO. On August 22, 1916, enemy aircraft were reported to be approaching the Flik 6 airfield. Arigi sought permission to take off and attack them. Because there were no officers available, to fly with him as observers, permission was denied. Acting against direct orders, Arigi took off with another NCO in his in his Hansa-Brandenburg C.I and shot down 5 enemy Farmans in less than one half hour. He survived the war, as the most highly decorated NCO in the Austrian Army Air Service, with 32 confirmed victories. No Hanroit HD-1s were among them.
My time machine is no longer operational. These skins are interpretations, well-grounded interpretations, but certainly a mix of accuracy and flaws. I am aware of two variations from the photos and other sources. The rudder depicted is round at the trailing edge, rather than the straight. Both rounded and straight rudders were used on Alb D.III’s, but I would have preferred to use the straight edge type because there are photos of this plane which clearly show the straight edged rudder. Available models do not offer the straight rudder. Some Alb DIII OEF were filed modified by removal of the prop spinner, because some came loose in flight. Again the available models do not offer this variation. Modifications of this magnitude beyond my present skill. If you can do it, please contact me.
Many sources were consulted in the preparation of these skins, including: Dr. Martin O'Connor, Air Aces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire 1914-1918, Austro-Hungarian Aces of World War 1 by Chris Chant, Mark Rolfe (Illustrator) / Paperback / Osprey Publishing (February 2002), Above the War Fronts by Norman L. R. Franks, Russell Guest, Gregory Alegi / Hardcover / Grub Street (September 1997), Windsock Datafile #19 Albatros D.III (Oef)/ Grosz/Colours & Markings by Ray Rimmel , The Aerodrome Forum, R.N. Pearson profiles and other material on line.
 
Just drop the folder in your Albatros_D3OAW folder and select Julius Arigi, in the loadout screen. There is no need to edit the ini.
 
This skins is made available only for your personal use. Please no distribution or republication of any part of these files. I’d appreciate any comments, especially with links to source material. Have fun.
 
sinbad © 2008

This skin depicts the camo and markings on Albatros D.Va flown by Lt Fritz Rumey of Jasta 5. While the skin was technically challenging, the more difficult aspect of this project was the research. Several well-regarded sources depict this aircraft. Unfortunately, and predictably, even the most authoritative sources do not agree on some significant matters. The “candy cane” pattern is shown with noticeable variations. In some views the colors extend over the engine cowl, while others depict a bare metal or polished metal cowl. Everyone agrees that the wings were done in a two-color mauve/green pattern, but there are wide variations as to the pattern, placement and color sequence, not to mention the colors themselves. Consequently, I spent far more time on research, than the actual graphic work, and a significant amount of material is still in the pipeline (including the Windsock two volume set on Jasta 5). I’ll probably decide to make changes later, but eventually I had to make decisions given the material available.
 
The sources include excellent photos and three views from the Smithsonian depicting the D.Va restoration there, as well as Mark Millers excellent image set, and profiles by Bob Pearson. As usual, there was some definitive advice from a man I regard very highly, Dan San Abbot at the Aerodrome forum, regarding the camo pattern.
http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/aircraft....html#post11894
 
The result you see is entirely my own, and my time machine is no longer operational. This is an interpretation, a well-grounded interpretation, but certainly a mix of accuracy and flaws. Some flaws I intentionally left in. I decided to include both logos for the prop and the Albatros factory (on the rudder). Both are entirely accurate but are flawed for different reasons. The prop logo (as far as I can tell) displays only on the rear of the prop when the skin is loaded. You’ll see it on the skin and as the prop turns over. Of course the actual logo was only on the front of the prop. The Albatros factory logo may or may not have been painted over by Jasta 5 (or it may have been painted over and replaced). In any event, it certainly was there when it left the factory, and I think it is at least possible it was on the tail when Rumey flew the plane. The colors for the famous green tail and the camo pattern for the wings, as well as the various bits of hardware are as accurate as the photos, data, and drawings available to me.
 
Have fun with it. I’d appreciate any comments, especially with links to source material.
 
I’d like to dedicate this skin to Peter01 in recognition for the tremendous work he is doing on the flight models for this sim.
 
Just drop the folder in your AlbatrosD5a folder and select Fritz Rumey in the loadout screen. There is no need to edit the ini.
 
Please no distribution or republication.
 
sinbad © 2007

The Bohme/Lademacher Dragodiles The markings, logos, and numerals are those that appeared on the Alb C.III flown by Lt. Erwin Bohme and his observer Fritz Lademacher. The evidence available (three photos and the text of a letter from Bohme to his girlfriend) strongly indicate that the Dragodiles were white.
 
When I started this project I thought that the beasts might have been a light green or yellow-green.
It took some time to get it, but after I read the Bohme letter describing the images as “”ghosts” I decided they really were white.
 
That is why the default is the ghostly white.
 
I still included the less authentic, but more colorful greenies.
 
If you prefer the more colorful version, simply delete (or rename) the Decals file, and then copy and rename the"Decals Green Dragodiles" to "Decals".
Both decal sets are in the folder and should be left there. The green and yellow/green beasts should now appear. If you want to switch back, reverse the process. (That's why you didn't dump the original file!)
 
The Wood and Linen Alternative
This skin set uses the original decals provided by Stephen1918 that generate a varied set of markings derived from original German units and numerals.
None of the part numbers on the struts, elevators, wings, etc. are adjusted. Please back up your original “Wood and Linen files before using these as they will overwrite the originals. The logo on the prop is the earliest version of the Axial logo. Loading, Loadout and Hangar Screens. The loading and hangar screens are in the main file set along with the skins.
 
The loadout screen is in the Menu folder, and will replace the stock loadout screen for all aircraft. If you prefer the original, just delete it. Thanks to Stephen 1918 for a great model!
 
All files are set up for use in FE2.
If you need help getting this package to run in FE1, let me know.
 
sinbad
 
September 10, 2011

Greetings:
 
This skin, v 1.3, depicts the camo and markings on a black Albatros D.Va flown by Lt Hans Udet, then JAFU, Jasta 37, operating out of Wynghene Aerodrome in early 1918. Udet flew many aircraft, and this appears to be one of at least three D.Va types he used at Jasta 37. I relied most heavily on an excellent profile by R.N. Pearson as well as other material.
You may want to visit Mr. Pearsons web site:
 
http://www.jastaboelcke.de/artwork/artwork.htm#
 
 
The markings on the upper and lower wings are revised in v1.3 to conform with images depicted by R. N. Pearson and Osprey, copies of which just became available to me. The change from v1.2 are slight, but those of us who are compulsive about such details will prefer this one. I also had valuable help and support from Barkhorn1x. Of course, I began this project with the general release skins provided by TK and Third Wire. The result you see is entirely my own, and my time machine is no longer operational. This is an interpretation, a well-grounded interpretation, but certainly a mix of accuracy and flaws.
 
Have fun with it. I’d appreciate any comments, especially with links to source material. At the time of this release no information was available as to the serial number for this plane. If you have such info, please pass it along.
 
Just drop the folder in your AlbatrosD5a folder and select Hans Udet Shawartz in the loadout screen. The name reads Hans Udet Schwartz because this is the black bird (Schwarz is German for black). There is another J 37 Hans Udet D.Va skin, depicting the natural wood fuselage aircraft that will be released along with this version. A third silver version may be released later.
 
There is no need to edit the AlbD5a ini.
 
Please no distribution or republication of any part of these files. There is a lot of unique detail that took a lot a time to research, compile and work into the skin. For that reason, these parts are not available for further use.
 
sinbad © 2007

This is a substitute German theme screen depicting Kesta 4 in 1916, which you can substitute for the Spad hangars that appear in the loadout screen. Simply drop the file in the Menu folder and it will override the Spad screen. If you want to go back, just delete this file and the original will appear.
 
TK is considering adding code which will permit type specific loadout screens for each aircraft, but right now the code only permits one such screen for all aircraft.
 
I prefer the sepia version, which I now post as an update. I think the earlier B/W version will remain on the site- if not and you want BW, it is relatively simple to remove the color.

Near Clear is a minor tweak that eliminates the puffy little cotton ball clouds nearby. The horizon clouds are unaffected. Simply drop the Cloud1 file into your Flight folder. If you want the cotton balls back, remove it. There will be no enduring effect on the game.
 
I have tested it in First Eagles with and without the Expansion Pack, but I see no reason it wont work in other games in this series.
 
Enjoy flying without the cotton balls.
 
sinbad

This skin depicts the camo and markings on Albatros D.Va flown by Leutnant Walter Böning commanding Royal Bavarian Jasta 76b in October 1917. After scoring a total of 17 victories, while flying an Albatross with different markings on 31 May 1918, he collided with another member of his squadron and was then attacked and wounded by 70 Sq RAF. He managed to land safely but never flew in combat again.
 
There is some uncertainty regarding the details. The result you see is entirely my own, and my time machine is no longer operational. This is an interpretation, a well-grounded interpretation, but certainly a mix of accuracy and flaws.
 
There are no decals for this skin set.
 
Enjoy.
 
sinbad

Greetings:
 
This skin, depicts the camo and markings on a Albatros D.Va with a wood finish fuselage flown by Lt Hans Udet, of Jasta 37. Udet flew many aircraft, and this appears to be one of at least three D.Va types he used at Jasta 37. I relied most heavily on superb computer renderings by Mark Miller, as well as other information generally relevant to the aircraft
 
Of course, I began this project with the general release skins provided by TK and Third Wire. The result you see is entirely my own, and my time machine is no longer operational. This is an interpretation, a well-grounded interpretation, but certainly a mix of accuracy and flaws.
 
Have fun with it. I’d appreciate any comments, especially with links to source material. Although I included a serial number, the tail markings on the images available to me are not clear. Hence the “D. 5876/17” is speculative. Nevertheless, the number is in correct form, and yes, that is why the individual numbers do not accurately line up. This is consistent with the form of the numbers on the reconstructed D.Va in the Smithsonian. If you have more information regarding the SN, please pass it along. The Albatros rudder logo is correct, despite the fact that it does not appear in the Mark Miller rendering.
 
Just drop the folder in your AlbatrosD5a folder and select Hans Udet Woody in the loadout screen. There is another J 37 Hans Udet D.Va skin, depicting the black fuselage aircraft that was released shortly before this version. A third silver version may be released later.
 
There is no need to edit the AlbD5a ini.
 
Please no distribution or republication of any part of these files. There is a lot of unique detail that took a lot a time to research, compile and work into the skin. For that reason, these parts are not available for further use.
 
sinbad © 2007

README
Godwin Brumowski (1889-1936) had the most confirmed (35) and unconfirmed (8 downed behind enemy lines) victories among Austria-Hungary's pilots. Brumowski began flying on the Italian front in the spring of 1916. Beginning in April 1916, he got five confirmed victories flying the Albatros B.1, Hansa Brandenburg C-1 and D-1. After studying tactics with Jasta 24 from March 19-27,1917 on the Western Front he returned to the Italian Front and took command of Flik 41J, Austria-Hungary's first true fighter squadron. In August 1917 Brumowski got his first Albatros, D.III Oef 153.06, with a natural finished plywood fuselage topped by green and mustard sworl camo.. In October 1917 Brumowski began flying 153.45, painted red in admiration for Manfred von Richthoven. From November 1917 to April 1918 Brumowski flew 153.52 and 153.45. Initially both were all red with the famous Totenkopf skulls. Sometime during this period, mustard yellow sworls were applied over the red. From November 1917 on, Flik 41J marked their planes with yellow-and-black wheel discs. On February 1, 1918 Alb 153.45 suffered heavy damage in combat and an in flight fire. Three days later, Alb 153.52 was totally destroyed after barely surviving combat with eight British fighters. Alb 153.45 was repaired and flown through April, when it appears to have been retired. In June 1918 Brumowski was flying 153.209 when he was grounded. I found no photos showing the sworl pattern on 153.209. By October 1918, Brumowski was flying a dark brown desk with a green blotter, in command of the Austro-Hungarian air force operating along the Isonzo.
No Hanroit HD-1s were among Brumowskis confirmed or unconfirmed kills.
The Totenkopf, or death head images on the fuselage, and the crosses on the rudder were carefully reproduced from photographs for the aircraft (153.45, 153.52 and 153.209) in this series. The sworled camo is the final rendition of many variations attempted after comparison with photos and other research. All four aircraft and all six paint schemes are included in this series. Choose your favorite.
My time machine is no longer operational. These skins are interpretations, well-grounded interpretations, but certainly a mix of accuracy and flaws. I am aware of two variations from the photos and other sources. First, some Austrian pilots removed the spinner caps because these occasionally came loose in flight. Second, the rudders depicted are round at the trailing edge, rather than the straight. Both rounded and straight rudders were used on Alb D.III’s, but I would have preferred to use the straight edge type as that is depicted in most photos of Brunowski aircraft. Available models offer neither the straight rudder nor the spinner free versions. Modification of these parts is beyond my present skill. If you can do it, please contact me.
Many sources were consulted in the preparation of these skins, including: Dr. Martin O'Connor, Air Aces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire 1914-1918, Austro-Hungarian Aces of World War 1 by Chris Chant, Mark Rolfe (Illustrator) / Paperback / Osprey Publishing (February 2002), Above the War Fronts by Norman L. R. Franks, Russell Guest, Gregory Alegi / Hardcover / Grub Street (September 1997), Windsock Datafile #19 Albatros D.III (Oef)/ Grosz/Colours & Markings by Ray Rimmel , The Aerodrome Forum, R.N. Pearson profiles and other material on line.
 
Just drop the folder in your Albatros_D3OAW folder and select the name in the texture set --Brumowski 15345Red, Brumowski 15345Sworls, etc. in the loadout screen. You can change the names if you like, but be careful; only two words or combination of words and numbers are permitted. There is no need to edit the ini.
 
These skins are made available only for your personal use. Please no distribution or republication of any part of these files. I’d appreciate any comments, especially with links to source material. Have fun.
 
sinbad © 2008

Frank Link-Crawford won six of his 27 victories in Alb D.III 153.11 during October and November 1917, while flying in Flik 41J. He was the fourth highest scoring pilot in the Austro-Hungarian Air Service.
 
No Hanroit HD-1s were among Linke-Crawfords confirmed or unconfirmed kills, but he was shot down and killed on July 30, 1918 by two Italian Hanriot HD.1 fighters from 81a Squadriglia. The pilot who got credit for the victory, Caporale Pilota Aldo Astolfi, had no others during the war.
 
My time machine is no longer operational. This skins is an interpretation, a well-grounded interpretation, but certainly a mix of accuracy and flaws. I am aware that the rudder depicted is round at the trailing edge, rather than the straight. Both rounded and straight rudders were used on Alb D.III’s, but I would have preferred to use the straight edge type. The available model does not offer the straight edge version. Modification of this part is beyond my present skill. If you can do it, please contact me.
 
Many sources were consulted in the preparation of these skins, including: Dr. Martin O'Connor, Air Aces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire 1914-1918, Austro-Hungarian Aces of World War 1 by Chris Chant, Mark Rolfe (Illustrator) / Paperback / Osprey Publishing (February 2002), Above the War Fronts by Norman L. R. Franks, Russell Guest, Gregory Alegi / Hardcover / Grub Street (September 1997), Windsock Datafile #19 Albatros D.III (Oef)/ Grosz/Colours & Markings by Ray Rimmel , The Aerodrome Forum, R.N. Pearson profiles and other material on line.
 
Just drop the folder in your Albatros_D3OAW folder and select Frank Linke-Crawford in the loadout screen. There is no need to edit the ini.
 
This skin is made available only for your personal use. Please no distribution or republication of any part of these files. I’d appreciate any comments, especially with links to source material. Have fun.

This skin set is intended for use with the excellent Eastern Front Campaign set recently released by Stephen1918. The Imperial Russian Air Service obtained Sopwith 1 ½ Strutters primarily from both England and France. Others were Russian license built French Strutters. Enclosed you will find cockpits for both the English and French versions, install one or the other as you wish (but the honor of France requires that the French aluminum and camo versions really should have the French cockpit).
 
There are also new Russian hangar and loading screens. If you want to use them, you will need to save the originals and rename these "Hangar" and "Loading"
 
This is only a skin set, so (if you have not already done so) you'll need to download and install the previously released Sopwith 1A2.
 
Sometime in the future, on a date known to no one, there will be another Strutter release with a revised aircraft as wellas new skins, (probably a 1A1) but this will do very nicely for now.
 
Enjoy
 
sinbad

Greetings:
 
This skin depicts the camo and markings on Albatros D.Va flown by Lt Hans Bohning of Jasta 79b, operating out of Villers-le-sec in the Spring of 1918. I have relied on the excellent profile by R.N. Pearson as well at the superb image by Mark Miller, as well as other sources. The result you see is entirely my own, and my time machine is no longer operational. This is an interpretation, a well-grounded interpretation, but certainly a mix of accuracy and flaws.
 
I became aware this morning that another version of this skin is a work in process. I have been encouraged to post this version now. I am a bit reluctant, but here it is.
 
Have fun with it. I’d appreciate any comments, especially with links to source material.
 
Just drop the folder in your AlbatrosD5a folder and select Hans Bohning in the loadout screen. There is no need to edit the ini.
 
Please no distribution or republication.
 
sinbad © 2007

README
Godwin Brumowski (1889-1936) had the most confirmed (35) and unconfirmed (8 downed behind enemy lines) victories among Austria-Hungary's pilots. Brumowski began flying on the Italian front in the spring of 1916. Beginning in April 1916, he got five confirmed victories flying the Albatros B.1, Hansa Brandenburg C-1 and D-1. After studying tactics with Jasta 24 from March 19-27,1917 on the Western Front he returned to the Italian Front and took command of Flik 41J, Austria-Hungary's first true fighter squadron. In August 1917 Brumowski got his first Albatros, D.III Oef 153.06, with a natural finished plywood fuselage topped by green and mustard sworl camo.. In October 1917 Brumowski began flying 153.45, painted red in admiration for Manfred von Richthoven. From November 1917 to April 1918 Brumowski flew 153.52 and 153.45. Initially both were all red with the famous Totenkopf skulls. Sometime during this period, mustard yellow sworls were applied over the red. From November 1917 on, Flik 41J marked their planes with yellow-and-black wheel discs. On February 1, 1918 Alb 153.45 suffered heavy damage in combat and an in flight fire. Three days later, Alb 153.52 was totally destroyed after barely surviving combat with eight British fighters. Alb 153.45 was repaired and flown through April, when it appears to have been retired. In June 1918 Brumowski was flying 153.209 when he was grounded. I found no photos showing the sworl pattern on 153.209. By October 1918, Brumowski was flying a dark brown desk with a green blotter, in command of the Austro-Hungarian air force operating along the Isonzo.
 
No Hanroit HD-1s were among Brumowskis confirmed or unconfirmed kills.
 
The Totenkopf, or death head images on the fuselage, and the crosses on the rudder were carefully reproduced from photographs for the aircraft (153.45, 153.52 and 153.209) in this series. The sworled camo is the final rendition of many variations attempted after comparison with photos and other research. All four aircraft and all six paint schemes are included in this series. Choose your favorite.
 
My time machine is no longer operational. These skins are interpretations, well-grounded interpretations, but certainly a mix of accuracy and flaws. I am aware of two variations from the photos and other sources. First, some Austrian pilots removed the spinner caps because these occasionally came loose in flight. Second, the rudders depicted are round at the trailing edge, rather than the straight. Both rounded and straight rudders were used on Alb D.III’s, but I would have preferred to use the straight edge type as that is depicted in most photos of Brunowski aircraft. Available models offer neither the straight rudder nor the spinner free versions. Modification of these parts is beyond my present skill. If you can do it, please contact me.
 
Many sources were consulted in the preparation of these skins, including: Dr. Martin O'Connor, Air Aces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire 1914-1918, Austro-Hungarian Aces of World War 1 by Chris Chant, Mark Rolfe (Illustrator) / Paperback / Osprey Publishing (February 2002), Above the War Fronts by Norman L. R. Franks, Russell Guest, Gregory Alegi / Hardcover / Grub Street (September 1997), Windsock Datafile #19 Albatros D.III (Oef)/ Grosz/Colours & Markings by Ray Rimmel , The Aerodrome Forum, R.N. Pearson profiles and other material on line.
 
Just drop the folder in your Albatros_D3OAW folder and select the name in the texture set -- Brumowski 15345Red, Brumowski 15345Sworls, etc. in the loadout screen. You can change the names if you like, but be careful; only two words or combination of words and numbers are permitted. There is no need to edit the ini.
 
These skins are made available only for your personal use. Please no distribution or republication of any part of these files. I’d appreciate any comments, especially with links to source material. Have fun.
 
sinbad © 2008

This is my second skin for release. I am especially fond of the Bruno Loerzer
color scheme. It was one of my best 1/48 models which I completed about 50 years ago. That version eventually found its way into a museum in Connecticut.
When last seen it was in a display case next to a genuine Blue Max.
 
Bruno Loerzer, commanded Jasta 26 and then JG3. He got 44kills and survived both WWI and WWII. Loerzer died in 1960.
 
Simply drop the folder into your AlbatrosD5a folder next to the other skins and
you should be good to go. No need to edit the ini file, but you will need to select
the skin in the loading screen.
 
Thanks to TK for the base template for Jasta 26; that made this job a lot easier.
 
If you have any comments or suggestions, I’d like to have them. Please post on the Combat Aces First Eagles board or PM me there.
 
Have fun with it.
 
Please no distribution or republication.
 
sinbad © 2007

Here's a little bit of fun for Halloween.
 
I first saw this D.VII marking in a German magazine published in the late 1930s. Later I found it had also been included in a Windsock Datafile Anthology vol III.
 
August Hartmann served late in the war with Jasta 30, after that unit had moved on from the Pfalz D.IIIa and the orange diamond markings that are probably better known than the yellow fuselage and tail seen here. Some believe the nose and tail colors were orange because the previous markings featured that color, but a British intelligence officer reported that the fuselage was brown and the nose and tail were yellow.
 
 
 
 
After only a few weeks service, Hartman was wounded and never had any confirmed victories, so, you can conclude that the witch either helped or saved him!
 
There are two files sets, one for FE and the other for FE2. Just drop the appropriate file set in the Objects folder and you should be good to go. Both the FE and FE2 file sets include Halloween Fokker D7 Loading screens. All you need to do to get rid of them is delete those files. If you have special loading screens for the D7, back those up before installing. If you rely on the stock loading screens, those will reappear as soon as you delete the special Halloween screens.
 
Enjoy!
 
sinbad
 
 
 
 
 

Greetings:
 
This skin depicts an HD-1, SN unknown, flown by the top scoring Italian ace, Flavio Torello Baracchini. Barachini flew this plane with 81 Squadriglia Caccia at Casoni in mid to late 1918. The Black Shield version was one of several aircraft with different markings Baracchini used as he accumulated the 33 victories he was credited with during the war. When this was reduced afterwards to 21, Baracchini became extremely bitter about what he regarded as a stain on his honor.
 
The colors and markings are derived from photographs and an excellent profile by Ray Rimell. There is ongoing discussion regarding the colors of the Italian HD-1s. Those built by Macchi were known to be finished in aluminum dope. There is also good evidence that at least some were finished with clear or yellow dope over the linen. This particular aircraft appears to have been a combination, perhaps mating newer wings and the horizontal stabilizer with another fuselage. In any event, the colors are as accurate as research permits. There was wide variation in the paints used by the Italians in the field to apply the national markings. Many used the dark forest green and dark red shown in this skin, while other units used brighter colors. Some even used a red, white, green sequence, rather than green, white red.
 
The model and the excellent template, as well as the cockpit and parts in the layout, were all done by EmlD. Without his outstanding work, patience and guidance, this skin would never have been possible.
 
This skin is based on a collaboration, but the paints and markings you see depicting this aircraft are entirely my responsibility, and my time machine is no longer operational. This is an interpretation, a well-grounded interpretation, but certainly a mix of accuracy and flaws.
 
Have fun with it. I’d appreciate any comments, especially with links to source material. At the time of this release no information was available as to the serial number for this plane. If you have such info, please pass it along.
 
Because there is another skin depicting a plane flown by Baracchini, I have modified the name in the texture set. Just drop the folder in your HD-1_ITA folder folder and select Baracchini Black in the loadout screen.
 
There is no need to edit the ini.
 
Please no distribution or republication of any part of these files. There is a lot of unique detail that took a lot a time to research, compile and work into the skin. For that reason, these parts are not available for further use.
 
sinbad © 2007
EmlD © 2007

Morane Saulner N
 
This is a skin set for use with the excellent Eastern Front Campaign recently released by Stephen1918. The Morane N, one of my favorite 3rd party models, was originally released by P1oppy over 5 years ago, and rivals the best Third Wire planes for detail. It is a special ride, with a special gun, 8mm Hotchkiss and a propellor with deflector blades. The Imperial Russian Air Service bought about two dozen Morane Ns from France and most went to aristocrats, such Smirnoff. In addition to Smirnoff's plane there are three others, Nikolai Kokorin, who flew with the 4th KAO, and two generics, a CDL and one from the “Air Ships Squadron” whose primary duties were to escort Russian airships and the giant Ilya Murometz bombers.
 
I include the most recent FM by Peter01, as well as the original FM, and the original installation instructions. There are no decals, but there are special sounds for the Hoptchkiss, and some special FX, such as the ribbon streamers that load as “Weapons.” I confess I don't use those, but they are there and you can select them from the loadout screen as “FLT LDR.” When I reinstalled the plane for the Eastern Front Campaign Beta test, I had problems getting the Hotchkiss sound to run. I thought putting the wav file in the sounds folder would do it but it didn't. I needed to install the SOUNDLIST.ini in the Flight folder. The Peter01 FM calls for the Rotary Engine sound while the original FM calls up the lerhone, both are in the sounds folder and you can choose the one you want. The file structure in this release is set up for FE2, but if you follow the original instructions, you can install in FE1 or the other variants of the game.
 
Eastern Front Morane N Hangar and Loading screens are included to help with immersion. This skins set brings together the work of some of the best modders to work on First Eagles, Stephen1918, P10ppy and Peter01. They all deserve our thanks.
 
Enjoy.

This skin depicts the camo and markings on Albatros D.Va flown by Leutnant Walter Böning with Royal Prussian Jasta 19, his first assignment, where he downed 6 enemy aircraft between April and October 1917. It has often been misidentified as a plane he flew with Jata 76 later in his career. More than one source incorrectly suggests blue and white Jasta 76 markings (and I did a draft in those colors). Greg VanWyngarden and Bob Pearson both hold what I believe is the better view, rendered here, with the yellow and black horizontal stabilizer of Jasta 19 and red trim for the fuselage markings.
 
 

This skin is my first released work. The skin attempts to depict the camo and markings on Albatros DIII OEF 253.64. This plane was flown by Korporal Geza Keisz of Flik 42j in August 1918. The OEF Alb DIII had two spars in the lower wing and thus avoided the problems with wing failure associated with the original design. The 253 series had the 220hp Daimler engine and was preferred by some pilots even in 1918 over other more recent aircraft types, not only for the stronger lower wings, but because it blended the increased power of the AlbDV variants with the maneuverability of the DIII.
 
Just drop the Flik 42 folder in your AlbatrosD3OAW folder. Then go to the loadout screen and select Flick 42 and you are good to go. No editing of the ini file is necessary.
German Camo1 will remain your default colors. You will need to select the Flik 42 skin in the loadout screen to see this skin.
 
You will also find a folder marked AldD3OEF Hangar and Loading. This folder contains replacement hangar and loading screens which depict both this camo scheme and a magnificent AlbDIIIOEF replica recently completed in Austria by Memorial Flight and Koloman Mayrhofer. http://memorial.flight.free.fr/Albatrosuk.html The dual spars in the lower wing are clearly visible, in the photo, which of course was taken by Herr Mayrhofer. This folder also includes a revised AlbD3OAW.ini which will enable you to see the new hangar and loading screens. Just backup the existing file and drop this in the AlbD3OAW folder. Restore the old ini file if you prefer the original screens.
 
If you have any comments or suggestions, I’d like to have them. Please post on the Combat Aces First Eagles board or PM me there.
 
Thanks to Christain59 for the great three views which inspired this little job.
 
Have fun with it – and remember no drugs allowed while flying!!
 
Please no distribution or republication, but feel free to do mods for your own use. If you do, please send copies to me!
 
sinbad © 2007

Greetings:
 
This skin depicts an HD-1, SN 7501, flown by Capitano Franco Sarrocchi with 85a Sq at Piskupi, in Macedonia in mid 1918. This plane is one of several which were equipped with two guns, after Silvio Scaroni first demonstrated that this increased armament was possible. The colors of the Dragon, turtledeck banner, roundels and lower panels on the wings are as accurate as research permits. There was wide variation in the paints used by the Italians in the field to apply the national markings. Many used dark forest green and dark red while other units used brighter colors. Some even used a red, white, green sequence, rather than green, white red. The turtledeck banner represents the Bersaglieri unit to which Sarrocchi was assigned before his transfer to aviation.
 
The skin is based on several sources, including 3 views from and Eduard kit, and “Above the War Fronts,” by Norman Franks, Russel Guest and Gregory Alegi.
 
The model, the excellent template, the cockpit and detail parts in the layout were all done by EmlD. Without his outstanding work, patience and guidance, this skin would never have been possible.
 
This skin is the product of collaboration, but the paints and markings you see depicting this aircraft are entirely my responsibility, and my time machine is no longer operational. This is an interpretation, a well-grounded interpretation, but certainly a mix of accuracy and flaws.
 
Have fun with it. I’d appreciate any comments, especially with links to source material.
 
Just drop the folder in your HD-1_DUAL folder and select Franco Sarrocchi in the loadout screen.
 
There is no need to edit the ini.
 
Please no distribution or republication of any part of these files. There is a lot of unique detail that took a lot a time to research, compile and work into the skin. For that reason, these parts are not available for further use.
 
sinbad © 2007
EmlD © 2007

Here is a hasty rendition of Hansa 28.69 to fit the really fine model by Laton.
 
Have fun.
 
sinbad