Skyviper

CombatACE Interview With Dels The next modder I would like to introduce hails from Sydney Australia. Dels has been a member here since 2004 and his most notable file is the AH-64 Package whose link is at the bottom of the interview. Thank you Dels for allowing us to interview you. So, can you tell us a little about yourself? I am 32 years old, married with three boys that constantly keep me on my feet. I work as a flying instructor in the Royal Australian Air Force with most of my time on the C-130J-30 Hercules. What interest you about aviation? Obviously the flying, but specifically it would have to be the ability to constantly challenge myself by striving to improve and achieve the unobtainable perfection. What is your favorite aircraft and why? This is a hard one. From WWII: it would be the Mustang, from the cold war: definitely the Scooter and from the modern era: the Hornet. If I had to pick one, probably the A-4 because it’s small, agile and can carry more than its empty weight in payload. What got you interested in flight simulation? Once I was interested in becoming a pilot (all those years ago) I looked for ways to satisfy that drive and improve my knowledge about flying and combat. After this, it became a search for the ultimate flight simulator that would balance game play slash immersion and technical accuracy. Do you remember the first flight sim you ever played? F/A-18 Interceptor. What motivated you to arrive here at Combat Ace and stay for 9 years? After Janes USAF became less prominent and the mods were getting a little worn out I found SF:P1 for sale in a games store for AU$19.99. I was initially hooked by the chance to fly the A-4 but soon found the game satisfied most of the requirements I had for a flight sim. I admit it was missing some features, but a Google search later I found BioHazCentral and I have never looked back. When did you start modding? I initially started modding on Janes USAF in 2000, but I started modding SF as soon as I found BioHazCentral back in 2004 and started uploading my humble mods in 2005. What motivated you to make the AH-64 pack? I am part of the ODS team and always thought that there were two very important aircraft in that operation. The AH-64 was one and the F-117 was the other. Once the upgrade to SF2 standard started getting underway, I saw it as an opportunity to finally bring the AH-64 to ODS. It seemed like a good idea to do both the A and D models at the same time and it wasn't much extra work. Also, I knew that once the A model was out there people would start asking for the D, so I just beat them to it! What are some of the mods you'd like to make, provided the game engine can support them? Because of my trash hauling background, I would like to do airdrop resupply and paratroop insertion missions, but I'm pretty sure that's a pipe dream. For something realistic, I would really like automatic air to ground gunnery implemented so that my AC-130's can do some consistent and accurate damage. What does modding do for you? Is it something that is relaxing, a neat hobby, etc.? I used to build model aircraft as a kid (most of the members here can probably relate to that) but after I joined the Air Force and started to move around, the models I made became broken pieces of hard work which was demoralizing. Modding is a hobby that satisfies the artistic part of my makeup, that building models used to fill, and helps me to drive toward the ultimate flight sim as previously mentioned. What modding tools do you use and why? I use 3D studio max, Photoshop and notepad. They seem to be all I need but in answer to why I use those specific programs: 3D studio max is the only program which models can be exported from, everyone has notepad and I like the depth and breadth of Photoshop’s functions. What is your favorite mod you have created? I had the most fun building my original C-130J-30 because it was the mod I “cut my teeth” on and I have an obvious special attachment to the Herc. What is your favorite mod that you did not create? Probably the Mirage Factory F/A-18 . Who is a Modder you admire or inspired you to start modding? Probably BPAO, who has since gone to be with our Lord and Saviour. I'm sure BPAO would be glad to hear that. Thank you, Dels, for taking the time to do the interview and for staying with us over the years. As for everyone else thank you taking the time to stop by and check this interview out. As promised here is the link to Dels AH-64 pack http://CombatACE.com/files/file/12340-ah-64-package-for-sf2-ver-11/. I'm Skyviper with the CombatACE News Team wishing everyone out there good hunting.

From MSN News a Tiny snake grounds a flight http://news.msn.com/world/tiny-snake-grounds-qantas-jet-in-sydney?ocid=ansnews11&stay=1 A CombatACE source states "I'm tired of this motha****in' snake on this motha****in' plane!"

CombatACE Spotlight Special Featuring: Wrench Wrench has been a member here at CombatACE since November of 2004. It's come to my attention that he deserves a little time in the spotlight. He has created or helped with over 300 mods that have accumulated roughly 60,000 downloads! “CA is just a great place. For the most part, everyone gets along and respects one another… I think the people here are just as they are in real life; and THAT's the best thing.” -Wrench Hello everyone! It is my great pleasure to bring you the interview of a long time member here at CombatACE the one and the only Wrench who is an awesome guy that has made or helped with hundreds of mods over the years. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview with us. So, Wrench, can you tell us a little about yourself? Well, I'm a native Californian, spent 30 years in the automotive industry as a repair technician (when electronics starting flooding cars, we got a title change from mechanic to technician, doncha know! Didn't get any more money, though.) I specialized in Emission Controls and Drivability. That led me to a certain type of thinking ... a very 'follow the charts and procedures' mentality that keeps one on track to locate, isolate, and fix the problem. Of course, being a "Type A" personality helps. Keeps you on track. What interests you about aviation? Being able to leave the ground, and float in the sky. Being one with the sky, the clouds, the winds ... almost as free as a bird. The old turn-of-the-last-century romantic notions do still live within, as does the little boy that is constantly looking up at any passing aircraft over the horizon. Being an acrophobe limits one to about 6 feet off the ground!!! LOL!! What is your favorite aircraft and why? It all depends on what era you're talking about. Could be the Mustang or B-17 or Sabre or the Phantom (but Phantoms are pretty much a given for just about everyone!!) What got you interested in flight simulation? Growing up and living just east of historical Santa Monica airport. So many important civil and military aircraft came out of there when Douglas Aviation was still here. When personal computers started their rise in the 80s and 90s, and flight sims started being developed, it was just a natural progression for someone that loved aircraft. Do you remember the first flight sim you ever played? 360 Pacific's "Megafortress", on my 386 DOS machine. That one taught me a lot about multi-tasking, because as the player, you had to 'jump' between crew stations to perform their tasks. What motivated you to arrive here at CombatACE and become a prolific member who submitted 354 mods that have accumulated well over 61,000 downloads? Well, when modding started for the SF series, there really wasn't anywhere else to go. Wrench you’ve been a member here at CombatACE for a long time. Has being a member of the CombatACE community affected your life any? I'm sure it has; I just don't know how. Maybe ask my wife!! (LOL!!) When did you start modding? Way back in the days of ATF and FA (Fighters Anthology). I did a lot a 'novel conversions'. Meaning, you used a set of missions (and suitably modified terrains) to tell the story of the book, by "flying" the book. I also did a LOT of mission conversions and some new builds for X-Wing and Tie Fighter. Converting the XW and TF original missions for use in X-Wing vx Tie Fighter. I don't remember exactly, but somewhere around 1500 individual files; many were complete campaigns. Even did some for XWA What does modding do for you? Is it something that is relaxing and neat hobby etc? It's relaxing and frustrating at the same time. Working within the restrictions imposed, in my case, by the Terrain Engine and its wacky tiling set up. The research I do for each terrain can be unbelievable -- navigational charts, satellite photos, etc. One needs to literally immerse oneself in the region that you're building. When building terrains, you need to look at the whole geo-physical structure of the region. It ain't just slapping down tiles and cities and then filling them in with targets (ie: things to blow up). It's the "hows and whys" certain things ARE where they are. A passing knowledge of geology, hydrology and maybe even ethnology comes in handy. What modding tools do you use and why? Since my major focus is terrains (giving all those neat 'toys' an appropriate sandbox.), the 3d Wire Terrain editor. Gerwin's TFD tool is a helper app, but not something I use to really build with. Of course, skinning and decaling aircraft requires the Usual Suspect - Photoshop. And a good (free!!) Hex Editor for those pesky lods that need a slight rewrite. What is your favorite mod you have created? I don't really know if I have one. My WW2 mods at near the top. But I'd have to say my terrain works. The KAW terrain has to be near the top, if not the #1. So much work went into that one that was unbelievable. That one pretty much crossed the OCD border to "must get this as right as possible". Who is a Modder you admire or inspired you to start modding? I can think of several I admire for their work, but as for inspiration to start, that had to come from within. You can take the mechanic out of the shop, but the desire to tinker with the workings always remains (yes, ex-Hot Rodder!) Most, if not all my admiration has to go to the 3D guys, and the FM gurus. They're like wizards, conjurers and sorcerers, pulling things seemingly out of thin air. Guys like Ravenclaw, Raven, FastCargo, RussoUk, Stary, Veltro2k. Of course, the late Bpao of the Mirage Factory. Absolutely one the best. Oli's passing was a substantial loss to the SF community. All these 3d modelers have my respect and admiration. I've always said, as a terrain guy "I've given you the sandbox; others have given you the toys. Make what you will of it". Do you have favorite quotes or thoughts about being here at CombatACE you’d like to share? None printable on a family site!! LOL!! No, seriously. I ask the people and think about some of their requests. There's far to many of the "gimmies" and "I wants". Before making requests, THINK about how said item would/could/should be used in game. Some are just so impractical, as to be jokes. CA is just a great place. For the most part, everyone gets along and respects one another. In these days of net anonymity, it's easy to hide behind a persona. I think the people here are just as they are in real life; and THAT's the best thing. Thank you Wrench for taking the time to do an interview with us. A huge thank you for all of the hard work and dedication you put into your mods, for sharing them with us, and helping this community grow. And much thanks to all of you out there that help our community to stay strong. I'm Skyviper with the CombatACE News Team wishing everyone out there good hunting.

An Interview With SidDogg SidDogg's Favorite Quote: - "May God have mercy on my enemies. Because I won't..." --- Patton Hello everyone! This week I had the wonderful privilege of interviewing a long time member and mod author, SidDogg, who very kindly agreed to do an interview with us. Thank you, SidDogg. So, can you tell us a little about yourself? Well, for those who know what it is, I'm from South Tacoma. Born and raised most of my years as a kid. Been in the U.S. Navy for 8 years now. I'm an Aviation Electronics Technician. What interest you about aviation? I was born on an airbase, grew up around airplanes, even in the city. Always had a far different aspiration as a kid. Being a zoologist, a paleontologist, even a bus driver when I was really small. Then again, by a twist of fate, I came back around to aviation, especially air combat, once I realized it was the one thing I could be truly good at. From then on, I grew to love it, more and more... What is your favorite aircraft and why? Eek! It's a hard tie between Crusader and Tomcat. Both airplanes were ahead of their time (still are...), both airplanes perhaps underrated in Washington. But both airplanes TOOK respect and fame abroad, while flying in combat. Did I mention both airplanes can out fly many more modern types, even those of today? If you ask me, there's nothing up there that's f***in' with that. What got you interested in flight simulation? While beginning to mess with aviation as a kid, I ended up slowly happening into contact with , and thus the knowledge of this type of game. Previously, although I was into airplanes like crazy by then, I had no idea such games even existed! THEN i got FS98 for my 11th birthday. I think that's when things really took off... Do you remember the first flight sim you ever played? MiG-29 Fulcrum. Heroes Of The 357th. Top Gun: Fire At Will! iF-16! Sabre Ace! The list could go on for a bit, messing with the good old games back in those days. What motivated you to arrive here at Combat Ace and stay here 9 years? Good Question. As I started learning more and more about flight simulation, I began to notice gaps, as far as subject matter was concerned. It was also around this time that I learned much about the air war in Vietnam. We had games like EF2000 and AHX-1 and A-10! Cuba and F-22 Lightning, but what about airplanes from the 60s, ESPECIALLY the less popular ones? In 2003, my question was answered when I bought a neat little game from an EB in Tennessee. Called STRIKE FIGHTERS: PROJECT 1. Had an F-100 on the back. AND an A-4. I saved up my 15 dollars and bought that sucker. Pretty sure I have the last original (buggy) retail copy in the U.S. because I never saw another copy ever again. Started seeing about addons online. Ran into SFP101.net. Then I found Biohaz Central. They required membership, so I joined. Not too long after, the site became CombatACE. Been growing with this family ever since. When did you start modding? Funny you should ask. Around the turn of the century, I found Flight Sim Toolkit. Games were fun already, but BUILDING one from scratch was another thing altogether!!! I immediately began putting work in on getting games that had been made and playing them, as well as seeing about making my own. After a couple years, my life took a turn of events that would force me to part with FST. By that time, I had full Vietnam, Top Gun, and Tuskegee mods complete. Airplanes and everything. What does modding do for you? Is it something that is relaxing, a neat hobby, etc? Modding in SF basically does for me what FST once did. Make my "own" sim within required parameters, without having to conform to whatever commercial markets think we should have. Let's face it aside from games like DCS series, War Thunder and a few others, the market on combat flight simulation has gone WACK (looking at YOU, JASF!...how dare you). IMO, SF is untouchable, though. What modding tools do you use and why? I WISH I had 3DS Max, so I can get back to doing what I did best --- making models. But for right now , it's all about GIMP, TE and TFDTool. Keeping it simple. What is your favorite mod you have created? Still working on it! I work it so much, it throws me into boredom, and I have to take a break from time to time. But I enjoy it very much, and I hope you all will, as well. What is your favorite mod that you did not create? Just ran through a whole "career" as an A-7 pilot, SF2V ex pack, mixed with SF2NA ex pack, then on through ODS to "retirement". Good stuff. Who is a Modder you admire or inspired you to start modding? Since I was modding as a kid, and got up on SF the same way, I can't really say I've looked up to anyone...with that said, there is a WEALTH of skill, experience and sheer talent, gathered here at CombatACE. The reason I am still here is because I sincerely believe that as far as combat flight simulation goes, there is NO ONE else out there who can even f*** with us. Hand these folks any game engine. They commit mass murder. Of course, I love SF, and I am thankful that TK gave flight simulation players AND modders such an opportunity. Once again, thank you SidDogg for taking the time to do an interview with us and being here at CombatACE and thank you so much for all you do to help defend freedom. Well folks that’s all for this interview. I hope you enjoyed it. I’m Skyviper with the CombatACE News Team wishing you all out there, good hunting. SidDogg's Hashtags. #howdareyou #megamod #thatisall

I like flight sims and I like Combat Ace for making the flight sim experience better. It hurts me because my finacial situation (as of now) does not allow me to contribute like I want to. So I was wondering if you will accept these IOUs. Until I get the cash flow going. I'm working on it. As soon as I get the necessary few hundred bucks its going to you.

Nice photos thanks for sharing them.

Wow indeed.

I too would like to know this.

That's pretty nifty.... like a lego cellphone ... almost. But that's a really good idea. ... Wonder how well it can send and recieve calls or how well everything can stay connected after a period of time.

Here this thing is from sixties still transmitting and I my cellphone keeps droping calls.

I love the second picture. :)

Here's a link to the full report http://money.msn.com/now/post--boeings-iconic-globemaster-says-goodbye?ocid=ansmony11

Would ACDC Shoot to Thrill be an okay song for Combat Ace?

And the funny thing is there is more computing power on a modern cellphone than on that thing.

Dido that music ... that video ... wow. Yes keep the ads of course hell I need to roll some coins and chip in myself.

You know I just might use Wrench it flows so well with the story ... if the thing becomes a movie I'll make sure the Combat Ace guys get some tickets ... hell Wrench can have mine. I hate theaters ... for lots of reasons other that high ass concessions.

Wrench kept coming up in the list too. I didn't want to deal with the whole ancillary and perpetuity rights thing. I like the other nick names too and I thank you all for chipping in. I'm going to play around with some these to see how they work out.

Hey guys I'll keep this short. I'm working on a sci fi story with some futursitic combat. I have a character who is a roookie to the Celestial Marine Corps and during a battle he disabled an assault mech with a depleted power cell he found from crates. He didn't single handedly save the day he just helped even the odds as he and the others (after seeing how he did it) rigged the power cells to blow. What would you nickname such a person? Scrap Toolbox Tool Just curious. I'm looking for something short. Thank you for your time.

Don’t forget that, in addition to physical prowess, American Football also for some physiological tactics too with a number of trick plays designed intentionally to fool the competitor also, as a side effect, create excitement for the spectators (if and when successful or great anger should things not work out very well.) But with all of the “physics” of American Football it’s pretty simple. Hit the guy holding the ball, try not to let the other guys score, and protect those on your team who are holding the ball so your team can score. And when there is a score everyone is supposed to perform the well rehearsed and choreographed touchdown dance … I’m kidding