mppd

I think that we all say things at times that we could have rephrased a little better, but there is a difference to me when someone is trying to point something out, or request something, than when just complaining about something or trying to start an argument. And when it is about a freeware item for starters, that is when it really flew in everyone's face that contributes here. That was simply a lack of maturity and respect. Mike D.

I guess I'm not quite sure what the issue is here, but my take on "modding" is that it is the most sincere form of flattery for the work TK and others have done, and intended only to highlight and make existing work perhaps even better, or perhaps a bit more historical. As any form of artwork, I know myself after a certain point I say that I've had enough, and I finish what I'm working on figuring it is as good as I'm going to make it. If someone else wants to take my project and improve it even more, that's super! Or fix the things wrong with it (often due to lack of reliable info when something was being made) - by all means, go for it. Nothing here is offered for a fee - it's all for free to anyone that wants it. My personal feeling is included in every readme I've ever written - feel free to do what ever you want with my mods - it's only a little artwork or whatever... Mike D.

I just use Notepad, which comes installed with the various Windows operating systems. The .ini files are simple text files. Mike

By the way, the couple of texture glitches in the screenshots above were fixed - just didn't feel like doing the screnshots again! Thanks, Mike

Here are some more F-4 tanks for you folks since you were talking about them. I added a few more details, and made 5 Vietnam-era versions - 3 camo minor variations, an all olive drab and all white. The white is suitable for Navy versions of course if you have to fly B/J/N models... Submitted for approval today. Mike D.

View File Updated USAF F-4 370 gal wing tanks Updated USAF 370 gal wing tanks for the WOV F-4 This is an update for the 370 gallon wing drop tanks I made for the Wings over Vietnam F-4C/D/E. The tanks are higher polygon versions a bit more accurate in shape and with a few added details. Five versions are supplied - the first three are minor variations of the standard SEA tanks, the other is all olive drab version and the last all white. (Both the latter two were seen on F-4Cs in 1965-1966). You must be able to use the Weaponeditor to install these tanks. These entries do not overwrite your old tanks, but will overwrite my first version tanks files. I have enclosed an F-4D data.ini as an example if you are still uncertain how to install these - both pre and post-October patch versions are given. The first three tanks are given as selections in the files. Mike Druzolowski Submitter mppd Submitted 01/30/2009 Category Single Ordnance Files

Just as easy to hex edit the .bmp name inside the tank .LOD - there are piles of freeware hex editors. I found that you can even insert characters in the .bmp name from inside the hex editor - does not have to be the exact same number of name characters. Mike

You can edit the tank files/aircraft data files to have the option of multiple tanks. I have three normal camo F-4 370 gal wingtanks that I can select on my F-4s in SEA - just for variety. I'll eventually make an all-white one, all olive-grey one also for the F-4C early versions. Here are two: Mike

Thanks FC for taking the time to delve into all that. Never having flown in any military type, it's always great to hear from someone that has. I can tell you that as an armchar simmer, I consider the Third Wire sime VERY imersive. I still remember the feeling I got flying one of my first of John Shelton's YAP missions - taking off at night in a 497th TFS Nite Owl F-4D and trying to fly formation with another F-4D which was lead - then dropping flares over the trail in Laos and bombing a target (which I never saw). This was my first time flying wing on another fast mover, plus it being at night, all in all it was VERY interesting. I lost visual with him after the drop, couldn't work the radar to find him again, and returned to Ubon and landed alone...practically in a cold sweat! Now that's imersive. Mike

Group hug...

Some of the bobbing can seem a bit overdone to me too, but for a real reality check, see some of the Youtube videos of demo teams in close formation when filmed from one of the players - I never seemed to see all that movement at the airshows! It was WAY more than I would have guessed. Mike

Hey, I havn't been modding and posting here that long - and I remember as a newbie asking questions that I just couldn't figure out answers to regarding this sim series. That is why when I receive a PM with a question from a new person, I'm more than happy to take the time to help - sort of my obligation now as I've been treated so well by all of you, especially getting started. You are right Dave, this has been a fine community to hang around, and it has been my Internet home page for longer than I can remember. Thanks to you and all. Mike

Gee, after reading Stiglr's comments, I guess I should throw away all of my Third Wire sims and reload Falcon 4 and fly their one type of airplane with the accurate cockpit... Mike D.

The biggest visual difference is the ARN-101 hump on the fuselage spine and a few other antennas, but it is well done and the textures are very nice - a definate must have if you are a Phantom Phan. A nice job. Mike D.

My small contribution, in a seemingly endless series of small add-on parts for the F-4 in the WOV series: New USAF Phantom II intermediate pylons, AIM-4D Falcon rails and more detailed AIM-9 rails (short mount and with the 3-inch extensions). Mike D.

Interesting. The Misawa/Itazuke and Kadena Thuds stood rotational nuc alert at Osan, and the 36th TFW at Bitburg stood nuc alert I guess there - anyone know which config they used? Mike D.

The bomb bay fuel tank definately was fixed in place - it was visible when the bay opened and thus provided maintenance access, but no way could be jettisoned in flight.

Happy Birthday Ed, all the stuff you do is really appreciated! Mike D.

There are several little problems with this package - the post patch F-4 3D model moved some things around a bit, so the old textures don't quite match (outboard pylons for starters), plus the canopy rail art is not that great a fit. The new post-patch F-4 inboard pylons also have the later era chaff dispenser pods attached. I have several fixes in the works, including new permanent tapelight objects, new and more detailed pylons/sidewinder rails, plus TISEO and the built-in under intake strike cameras the 1972 Rivet Haste birds had at Udorn. Plus new higher-res textures. Would like to backdate the superb Mirage Factory RF-4C also to a pre-tapelight version and add textures to match my other F-4s. Plus new markings info as I mentioned. Please bear with me as I get all these done, and I'll reissue something better for everyone for a pretty good representation of Vietnam-era F-4s soon. Thanks for everyone's patience. Mike D.

Right on - I have several 160s that I paid $69 for - a steal.

WOV - have all of 'em though (except SF2 as I refuse to use Vista), but I was in High School during Linebacker, and I was trying to track units and squadron colors on F-4s back then. Now I can fly 'em. Mike D.

Just found some new info - on Youtube no less. 1974 markings at Udorn - small 432nd TRW insignia on fin tip colors. Also 1974 pics of "JJ" coded 34th TFS F-4Ds showed some with a 388th TFW insignia on intakes. This will be a constant work in-progress as new info pops up. Thanks again, Mike

Thanks - The F-4E decals.ini is set up for the F-4E-35 with my long gun mod, but the sharkmouth decals supplied are for the short gun. I submitted a small fix for both versions, which has not been approved yet. Sorry - thought I caught everything. Mike

F-4E sharkmouth fix View File In case you didn't download my long gun mod for the F-4E-35, here are the decals.ini files for the stock F-4E/long gun mod and the short gun F-4E-35. Also the sharkmouth decals which are slightly different. Add the decals to the Objects-decals folder of course. Add the decals.ini for the version you are using to each texture folder. Mike D. Submitter mppd Submitted 01/17/2009 Category F-4 Phantom II Skins