peter01

Another update to the FM Packs for Oct 2007 EP. Will be available as a seperate download, as well as updates to the main packs. Will upload tonite, maybe tomorrow. Fokker E3a - fixed having only one gun Dh2, Tripe, N28, PfazD3 - improved, especially Tripe and Dh2 (also fixes double windscreen identified by Southside Bucky) F2b, Dolphin, Se5a - Main reason for the update. The Se5a is the trickiest of all FMs to get reasonable, and always has been due to the Aldis gunsight. It needs to be stable, which in EP means very "smooth" too, and doing that and getting performance, feel, stalls right is quite difficult. I'd say this one is pretty good. From posts around the place it looks like a patch may be imminent, once that happens I'll more than likely look at FMs for that rather than updating FMs for the earlier EP version. But its good to get one reasonably good, as redoing FMs and AI will take some time. Whether I do FMs depends on the patch itself ... whether it seems stable, what the changes are, what improvements. And of course, if I have time. Cheers

Arrrggg! Just forget my last post :blush2: , other than saying dagaith and whiteknight have some great ideas to improve the "Quick Combat" experience . Your right Bucky and Tailspin, it does work on month. I remember over a year ago having a problem with some planes turning up, but that related to"End Dates" being a little too generous (most planes were historically available in one way or another for a considerable period, and that was how they were defined in the data inis too). I did change this, again, that was over 1 year ago (and refined somewhat again for current version) for that particular reason - don't know how I forgot this, brain not working this morning... So Bucky, why not do what you intended, setting dates to what you feel maybe more realistic? Quick Combat is, well, Quick Combat, but I suspect many play this quite a bit.

Hi Bucky, Just a couple of things...and don't want to be discouraging, but can't understand how you could fix this... The aircraft start and end dates are accurate already (to the best of my knowledge). Of course end dates are always somewhat problematic. In "Quick Mission" its based on year, so you could fly the Pup in 1916 against planes available in 1916 eg Pfalz E3, Fokker E1 start-end is 1915-1916, or planes with start-end dates of 1916-1917 like Alb D2s. Its not based on month overlaps, because if that were true, you wouldn't meet the Pfalz E3 or Fokker E1 in the Pup (start date late 1916), as end dates for these two german ones are early 1916......no overlap in terms of "real" availablity based on month. But you do, or at least, I do! Also if the game used month, you wouldn't meet N27s and Spad13s (start dates Sep 1917) in the Alb D3 (160) with end date of May 1917 either (but Alb D3 170hp is available in June 1917 to 1918). You can get some very funny encounters at times (eg Dr1 versus Dh2). But thats the way it is. As Dagaith says probably the only solution is to have Month as well as Year in "Quick Mission", and even better, include commonality according to month as WhiteKnight states - Pup first available Oct 1916, maybe peak in May-June 1917. I think at present the only realistic solution can be obtained by creating individual Campaigns for planes (LOL 80-90 of them!), the available planes are created by the designer, they are not spawned.

The opening ceremony of the Olympics... the Chinese put on a real show. My prediction is Australia will top the medal count

Thanks Bandy, it is an interesting article. Funnily enough both well known triplane designs, the Dr1 and the Tripe, were considered to have very good climb, both by contemporary pilots (and others) as well as researchers (as against theoreticians and modellers). For example, the Tripe, from my understanding, wasn't as manoeuvrable as some (eg Pup), but its always noted for its excellent climb! In terms of drag, the Tripe did 115mph, same as Camel with a bigger engine. its a pretty good speed for the Tripe with a 110hp engine. Other factors of course such as 2 guns etc make a difference, but since they were done by the same designer with the same knowledge about such areodynamic effects, and they are similar, you'd think their drag profile in things other than the wings wouldn't be so dissimilar either. So just wonder if three wings in itself increased drag, in level flight or in a climb? The Tripe obviously is different to the Dr1. I guess the rudder stuff on the E3 also partly explains why it and other early planes would have been so hard to fly, especially in combat. I wonder if fixed rudders can be simulated in FE using say flaps or lift devices (as rudders)? Just some thoughts.

He he, it was a little difficult to see through. Thanks for bring it up.

I'd agree, the stall on the se5a could be improved. Mainly after a stall/spin starts. Its a pretty stable plane at higher speeds, and maintains speed well. Its stall speed is around 45-50 mph, much the same as most, and if your flying at less then 70-80 mph and yank the stick around you will start stalling or spinning.

Well couldn't find what it was exactly, but I did restructure the layout so went back to the original, and its fixed. The file i restructured was the latest FM I have, so it'll be a bit different to the one your flying. i'm still tweaking a couple, and maybe update the pack when done. Its performance is about the same, tho roll is a bit slower, mainly redid this so it feels a bit "older". DH2_data.zip

Yes I do, but if your happy with what you have, I wouldn't recommend changing. The planes probably feel a bit different with different joysticks not just stalls, whether FFB or not, so I was just wondering.

Maybe commercial suicide, but maybe not. Certainly a risk. To me it would be a smart move. Look at what Oleg did tackling something different... I doubt Thirdwire will increase sales of First Eagles by adding to what they currently offer with a few new planes like say Nieuports or DH9 or whatever (and most likely done by the community anyhow), as the Dr1, Fokker D7 and Camel is what attracts casual gamers. They have and will continue to buy on that basis. And there are so many add-on planes available for the Western Front thats its like having that last slice when you have eaten almost the whole cake anyhow. Somewhat satisfying, but not critical. Don't get me wrong , I love every plane, and any addition is very welcome. But if they do something to distinguish the game, like a new front , and improve it with better campaigns, well, the benefit is that ww1 simmers that tried the original FE will look at it again, and that is where the $s are I think in the medium term. Its certainly what many of the FE fans here say would like too, I suspect . Its a win-win for Thirdwire ....I know, I know, its not my money on the line . Thirdwire have said they will do a couple more Expansion Packs, so looks like TK is seeing a longer term potential. Maybe we should raise it with Tk, he does seem to listen to suggestions....maybe start a poll at Thirdwire... ... that seems to work for FE.

Thanks Bucky, I'll have a look at it. Peter

Thanks guys, looks like some interest, and maybe I'm not the only one with that view... Thanks Deep, yes character, its what I like too, and making them different to one another in a way that seems "right" (in my mind, and with the limitations of the FM). TK does this very well too, and for better or worse his Dr1 has loads of character. Do you have a force feedback stick? Anyway, in line with that, this one is a slightly different in feel to any I have done. Seems appropriate both being different and in how it feels, just wouldn't feel right if it was basically the same as all the others. I like TKs Camel very much, partly for that reason too. With this particular FM, I am very keen to know what you think, good or bad. If you don't like it, I don't mind, I'll just include it as an alternative FM in the Dr1 folder in the main download. If you do think its okay, then, I'll put TKs as the alternative :), with my AI changes. FOKKERDR1_DATA.zip

Been flying all the planes a while now, and although Thirdwires Dr1 FM is interesting and has some character, must say I tend not to fly that one much...pity, the Dr1 was THE WW1 plane. So I've redone one, without the tail heaviness/propensity to climb, better roll, climb and rudder. Its fun to fly for me, not dissimiliar to TKs but substanially redone. But not sure whether to upload this one as an alternative , so.... waddya think? Do people or does everyone like Thirdwires? If interest in an alternative I'll upload here on forum, for feedback. I'd hate to upload to CA's download section an alternative FM for this plane especially, that even slighly detracted from the game experience.

Thanks for the detailed response bezpete. With the cursor and waiting animation (hourglass thingy), I much prefer yours, but, I find the ww1 cursor makes it slightly harder to accurately make selections for example in Notepad (do a lot of that LOL) its not as precise, and the waiting animation seems to cause a longer lag then the default hourglass. Not sure why, its a small graphical animation, but it slows me down a bit. I'll try your alternate ones. Re sounds, I like them very much - engine, music etc. But the music seems to replay continously. Even when say I go into FE, it continues to play for some time until another sound file takes over. It seems like the music file, that is initiated by some cursor actions? What I was wondering is can you disable repeat play, just have it complete one play of the song only? And thanks again, quite novel and very nice - both as a graphical enhancement and for immersion. The rotary sound (Avro gnome eh), especially makes me want to just fly some ww1 planes! Unfortunately, it also reminds me how much the default game engine sounds (and other sounds) need improving :(.

Its a good point Whiteknight, there are few terrains done or available for FE compared to the Jet sims, even WW2. Definitely an area where FE could be improved greatly.

I'd say the WOI and FE (Expansion pack) code is basically the same. But as well as other things, they are a major departure from previous versions of the Flight Model - mainly in the code, but also how the data.inis are done. The difference was maybe not as obvious for jets (TK probably minimised the difference in the transition on purpose), but sure was significant in FE. FMs done pre-Expansion Pack are hardly flyable in new version. The FMs had to be redone completely, lots of work. Probably same for WW2. To get the WW2 FMs working well in WOI means redoing the FMs for the new Flight Model. But if done, work very well, and prop stuff is very good in the new game, far better then in the previous Flight Model. AI is, well, taken several levels further than would be the case in SF etc . Its been improving greatly with every version/patch of FE, extremely good now, and would be for WW2 as well.

Hi bezpete, Finally got around to installing this, only desktop theme though. Very unique, very nice. Certainly if you like WW1, most definitely if you like FE as it does fit very well with GuitarClassic55's excellent menu screens - adds another layer to the immersion Hope you don't mind, but couple of comments: I prefer the standard mouse pointer and hourglass, the ww1 ones are not as precise in selection etc, maybe a bit slower too? The sounds are great (ahh, love those engine sounds, have you thought about doing alternative engine sounds? you seem to have a talent for this), but it seems to repeat for some time. Can that be changed? Thanks again.

Well spotted Czech6, now fixed, thanks

Thanks Mikhayl, glad you like it. Its not as bad as it first may seem, but it sure does take some downloading , but worth it as the addon planes make it all worthwhile.

Best terrain IMO is Edwards Flanders terrain: http://forum.combatace.com/index.php?autoc...p;showfile=4424 Dr1 here near bottom of page: http://cplengineeringllc.com/SFP1/Skunworks1.html You need to email Capun to request access to download the dr1 and other planes, this is what is required............. "You need to apply via email to get a username and password, you also need to read and acknowledge our User Agreement before you are allowed to download our files. If you do not hear from us in one week try again, some email providers may be blocked. Please send an email to capun1950 (at) Yahoo (dot) com The instructions are to provide your first and last name, forum username(s), City & State/Country. For free mail services (Hotmail, GMail, Yahoo, etc), we require the name of your ISP (Internet Service Provider) All Information is kept confidential"

"Am I making this too difficult?" No, not really, it does take some working out. The Gotha is here, bottom of the page: http://cplengineeringllc.com/SFP1/Skunworks1.html Tha Cambrai campaign requires a number of add-on planes, I think most available at that site (The A-Teams). The email address is not capun51(at)yahoo(dot)com as in your last post. BTW do not use "real" email addresses in forums - problems with scammers, use (at) (dot) etc. This is their process..... "You need to apply via email to get a username and password, you also need to read and acknowledge our User Agreement before you are allowed to download our files. If you do not hear from us in one week try again, some email providers may be blocked. Please send an email to capun1950(at)Yahoo(dot)com The instructions are to provide your first and last name, forum username(s), City & State/Country. For free mail services (Hotmail, GMail, Yahoo, etc), we require the name of your ISP (Internet Service Provider) All Information is kept confidential"

Okay, seems to have fixed itself.

On the download "FULL SET FMs and Campaigns for Oct 2007 Version EP ONLY". This was the case, but its now fixed. Error message remains, how is this removed?

Yes, at times its almost full-time. What i really need to do is find a new job. Bit too comfortable. FE has been an challenge and diversion. BTW, for an easily modded game, having one person doing all the mods to FMs and AI is probably ideal, given the assumption that you think that the work is good. Otherwise it just becomes inconsistent, as it was in the early days - and it is impossible to get everything consistent unless one person or team do it with that in mind. To me thats important. And maybe an advantage FE has over other Thirdwire sims too? But now that its done, hopefully others will add or modify things, theres a framework, for better or worse? And certainly lots of examples of FMs and AI done differently to one another and to TKs, that can be built on. Of course the next challege is to update things for a current patch. I doubt I will ever do this, certainly not for a full set of planes. And even then, only if TK makes some "must have" improvements....mainly sounds and campaigns and ground objects and balloon damage effects. It looks like he will do further Expansion packs (said so on his Forum), but if its the usual same old changes to Flight Model and some extra planes, then not me - I'll just port the models to the Oct 2007 version and do FMs for them that work. Having a full set of planes that works well is my main goal, minor improvements are secondary and not worth 3-6 months of my time. But TK surprises us all the time, so you never know....and we should be lobbying him to make the changes we want. We don't do that much now, its a problem I think unless TK visits this site to see whats happening. He does listen, he made many changes in the EP that were raised earlier..... stalls, better AI, engine starts, damage modelling, collisions, harder and better FMs, some improvements to campaigns. As it is, IMO this is far and away the best WW1 game around as is, and TK is so talented it could be the best for many years.

"Should i add any mods? Do i need any mods? What about graphics add-ons?" Yes, its what makes the game. Theres menu screens, loading screens, terrain and skins here at Combat Ace, and all these can be installed safely. Its hard to say what to install, its a matter of preference. Mine are Guitarclassic55s menu screens, Alligator Devil's Hangar and Loading Screens, Edward's Flanders terrain. For user made campaigns and missions, generally you need add-on planes. And there are bout 86 Add-on planes - and with Thirdwires stuff, FE has about 103 planes!! IMO these are what make the game, and puts FE in a class of its own. However to have all the add-on planes working properly, and to try a completely modded game, you must purchase the Expansion Pack - its different to the April 2008 patch. Sorry, but Thirdwire keep changing the Flight Model with every patch. FMs dont mix and match across versions - it'll drive you crazy if you do this. The benefits of buying the Expansion pack, and then downloading and installing say my mod is its simple (now, see below), all the add-on planes will work well, its a far better game modded (bit immodest here!), other things like working Le Prier Rockets and AI planes made flyable are done (takes a bit of fiddling if you are new to the game), as well as having other must have plane models such as Camel, Fokker Dr1 etc. In terms of complexity in installing, you just pre-empted me by a few hours ...... just uploaded a "Quick Start..." pack IF you have the oct 2007 EP. This doesn't require add-on planes - they can be added later. Mainly to very quickly try a modded game with some more difficult mods already done, and easily added to with additional planes as they are acquired.