VonS

Welcome back to FE/FE2 gTerl, Yes I regularly fly FE2 (and WOFF Platinum Ed.) - that other WWI sim (ROF united) I hardly ever touch since these two are so much more immersive. FE2 is still great especially for the feeling of flight conveyed - it's remarkable how the data inis, with tweaking, still hold up, even though FE2 is getting on in years. Also the AI in FE2 is holding up really well. Currently I only fly the small enhancements provided on CombatAce for the stock Verdun and Cambrai terrains (different terrain patch colors, etc.) - and of course also your Italian terrains, and Stephen's eastern front and middle eastern terrains. For some reason I spend most of my time flying over Italy and in the middle eastern theater - I like the fact that FE2 is still the only WWI sim. that gives us some of these less well-known theaters, where we can fly some very obscure mounts. I fly all of your maps for Italy (the regular Italy map and also Caporetto) - so I would definitely download your revamp of Flanders too if you ever consider reworking it. Von S

@Swambast, sorry for the (slightly) late reply. In terms of the wing shape - the top view and also (curved) side view - the pics. in the post that begin with "First crack at new curved wing mesh..." are superior - and we should go with those - the wings in the pic. posted later are too flat (side view), and also slightly too narrow of a chord on those as well. Yes, as suggested elsewhere by me in this thread - it's best to stick with that one version that you have posted immediately above this post - with that side view - and the top view would correspond with the model indicated in that black-and-white photo below the relevant side-view. The beauty of that version is that it will work well with the 3-cyl. engined-up Anzani, also the 6-cyl. radial Anzani - or even for that matter a 7-cyl. Gnome Omega rotary - it is therefore the most "flexible" version, as you've indicated. Here is the pic. I promised earlier today - the fuselage length should equate in real-world terms to 7.53 meters (without the rudder attached). The wingspan should be about 8.58 meters total (that equates to about 27.9 feet). And we should "cut" a small groove into the trailing edges of the wings, next to the fuselage, as so - to correspond with the model featured in the side view posted. Also extend the span by about one foot and a couple of inches (in real world terms) - for each wing. Span extension and approx. location of groove cutouts indicated in pic. below. The slight span extension will give us a good approx. of the 8.58 meters span that usually went together with those groove cutouts. Notice also the slightly longer chord of the wing required. (My hunch is that the original freeware model was attempting to model the shorter 7.79 meters span, which is about 25.6 feet approx.) (I'll see if I can find another few source photos to post - but I think we should already be fine with those two posted above my post.) Flesh-colored patches indicate linen, behind pilot seat, and cowling up front. Top lip of cowling should extend slightly over the wheel truss assembly, as a kind of scoop, covering the top part of a 6-cyl. Anzani. If a three-cyl. Anzani is used instead, cowling should stop at the wheel truss since the 3-cyl. Anzani will be mounted inside, rather than on the outside, of the squarish frame of the wheel truss assembly. Von S EDIT: Managed to find a good top-view drawing that corresponds with the side-view indicated in the post above this one. Also, look over this top-view as well (while this one is technically for a two-seater, I have indicated the shorter fuselage length and re-positioned the tail/rudder, etc., for a one-seater version). Red line indicates the new final length to the trailing edge of the rudder. Also take note of the repositioned cockpit, in black ink, for the one-seater variant. The orange/flesh toned coloring has covered up, with fabric, the position of the seating for pilot, and observer, of the two-seater variant. Cockpit position is now in the correct place for a one-seater version, giving the pilot a good downward view through the wing cutouts.

Shape and curves of those wings look great! Will respond in a few hrs. with a minor illustration/suggestion - specifically in terms of the small cutout near the trailing edge of the wings, where they join the fuselage - as seen on some Bleriots of 1912-3 vintage approx. - also see the side-view of the top pic. in my post a few posts above this one (I think there's a small cutout there as well). It would also be good to do a measurement of the length of the fuselage, in your 3D program, and then to "convert" to real-world terms, in meters or feet. This will then help us to do a real-world conversion of the wing span too. For example, if we go with the cutout on the wings, we should aim for something that converts in real-world terms to about 8.6 meters wingspan (8.58) - since the older-style wings with no cutout are about 7.8 meters span. Fuselage should convert to about 7.53 meters in length. The Bleriot XI variant with 8.58 wingspan and 7.53 meters fuselage is the one to aim for, possibly with small cutouts in the wings - this will allow us to mount either the w-shaped, up-engined 3-cyl. Anzani on it, or the 6-cyl. radial Anzani (either engine will work fine since I've aimed with the FM model for it to approximate 50-55 hp or so, which takes into account both the rare, over-bored Anzani 3-cyl. and the 6-cyl. radial variant ). Von S

Re-hauling of the MS Types G and H over the last several days (see last post of the FM package thread) has also resulted in a complete FM now for the Bleriot XI - won't release the Bleriot FM until the model is completed but thought I'd post info. on it below anyway, since it's relevant to this thread. Happy holidays all, Von S

Very nice, I also like the front gear/engine support structure too - will allow for eny engine mount to be placed there, either the w-shaped 45 hp Anzani, or even the 6-cyl. radial Anzani 60 hp as in this pic. here (https://combatace.com/forums/topic/95551-two-seaters-rear-gunners-rarely-firing/?tab=comments#comment-776250). The beauty of the 6-cyl. radial is that it also doesn't rotate so we don't have to worry about animating a rotary engine, as we would with a 7-cyl. Gnome Omega for example. I look forward to further developments, as I'm sure will other Bleriot afficionados following this thread. EDIT: Interesting link with stats. on several early-war Bleriots at this link, for those who like checking some of the performance stats. (http://aircraftinvestigation.info/airplanes/Bleriot XI-2.html). Von S

Happy holidays to you Sky High and Stephen, and to all fellow FE2 (and SF2) fliers! (Photo by Yannick Bammert, 2010, detail of 6-cylinder Anzani radial, 60 hp.)

A few possibilities to try (even though I have to admit that I never bothered tinkering too much with gunner accuracy - since I've been focusing on FM tweaks instead): a) check the "Internal Guns" section of the relevant data ini file, for whatever two-seater aircraft you are modifying gunners, and look for something similar to the following (this is from the Rumpler C.I file, data for the gunner's weapon): GunTypeName=7.92MM_PARABELLUM_MG14_Gunner -----> change "Gunner" to "HGunner" since some guns, in the relevant Guns folder under Saved Games/TW/FE2/Objects/ contain "HGunner" variant files - those, from what I've been able to find, contain slightly greater ammo/bullet weight (AmmoWt), also greater accuracy GunnerID=2 MuzzlePosition=0.081,0.06,0.623 MaxAmmo=400 TracerLoading=5 BurstAmount=8 -----> possibly also double (x2) the burst amount, in this case 16 instead of 8 EjectShells=TRUE MinExtentPosition=-0.10,-1.9,0.6 MaxExtentPosition= 0.10,-1.2,0.7 b) under the "AIData" section of the relevant data ini, tinker with the following entries: GunnerFireChance=90 -----> increase this if necessary (value in percent) GunnerFireTime=2.5 -----> increase this if necessary (try x2, value is in seconds) GunnerAimOffset=0.0050 -----> for this one, see this thread (https://combatace.com/forums/topic/90596-gunneraimoffset-ai-parameter/); best values are between 0.07 and 0.09, apparently, for good deflection shots - have modified this in the tweaked FM package, wherever necessary, but doesn't hurt to double-check if still having trouble with gunner c) under the "AIData" section, include perhaps the following two entries (for min/max quality of the AI, to avoid novice AI and gunner AI): MinAIQuality=Veteran (or MinAIQuality=Regular) MaxAIQuality=Ace Von S

The physics engines of SF2 (and FE2) aren't really the reason why online play is impossible in the TW sims. See this response by JonathanRL to a thread we had going a few yrs. ago regarding the possibility of multiplayer in FE2 (https://combatace.com/forums/topic/88806-thoughts-on-multiplayer-in-fe2/?tab=comments#comment-717069). In short, the network libraries required for online play in the TW sims are no longer a part of Windows (as of Win7, possibly even earlier - most likely XP was the last to include the needed network libraries). The TW sims (first gen.) never contained "built-in" online capability, instead harnessing external Windows libraries. Happy flying (in single-player), Von S

@Swambast - A bit more contemplation on my part of the various iterations of Bleriot XI - I like the wing shape on that freeware model, as indicated previously. Works great for an engined-up Anzani Bleriot. I therefore also recommend at this point that we follow the simple "v"-truss cabane arrangement up front, as on Carlson's Bleriot (pic here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blériot_XI#/media/File:Bleriot_XI_Thulin_A_1910_a.jpg). Have been contemplating the top and bottom side views again from this series of pics. I posted earlier (extract of pic below): notice how the pyramidal-truss arrangement, on the top side-view, is complemented with wings that have small cutouts next to the fuselage (for better downward views for the pilot) - that wing is about circa 1913 or so, not earlier. The Turkish Bleriot, and the one below it with the simple "v"-cabane truss, have no wing cutouts. For a good example of the wing cutouts, see the pic. of the Swiss Bleriot on the Wikipedia page. We can decide these little details once we get to the wing area of the Bleriot - to see if we go for the pyramidal-truss arrangement plus small wing cutouts, or pre-1912/3 wing with no cutouts and inverted "v"-truss, as on the Carlson Bleriot. I haven't been able to find any sources listing Anzani-powered Bleriots with the model of wing that sports wing cutouts - so at this point in time I'm leaning in favor of leaving the wings as they are, also going with the simple, inverted "v"-strut cabane arrangement - and the other good thing about such an approach is that the stock tailskid in that freeware model may then be used (since that is basically the same tailskid arrangement on Carlson's Bleriot - although I recommend reducing the stock tailskid to about 70-80% of its stock size - seems a bit too big in its current form). If you have already deleted that stock tailskid, no problem at all - we can then go with the simpler one I've attempted illustrating in one of my diagrams, and also as seen on the top side-view indicated below. We'll leave such concerns for later - but I wanted to present them generally for the interest/leisured reading of those following this thread. Von S

Thanks once again Stephen for these wonderful Tripe variants. A quick note that "Revision 2" of my FM upgrade package for the Tripehounds is now available under this post (https://combatace.com/forums/topic/87403-tweaked-flight-models-and-realism-pack-for-fe2/?page=8&tab=comments#comment-775735). Lots more info. there in terms of what is included in the revised package (three Tripehound FMs, improved Alby data inis, etc.). Happy flying all, Von S

Comments always appreciated - the 3/4 tail-plane pivot arrangement is circa 1909 to about 1910/11 at the latest. Carlson's Thulin-built XI in the other vid. carries the conventional elevator from about 1911 onwards - and that would have been the typical tail-plane arrangement on most commercially-produced Bleriots from about 1911 onwards (here's one pic., a Swiss Bleriot, with conventional tail-plane: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blériot_XI#/media/File:Oskar_Bider_1913_Bern.jpg). And a nice Youtube clip of conventional tail-plane at work on the Thulin-built Bleriot (an authentic rebuild from what I've been able to find - Carlson found it dismantled in a barn somewhere, in the 1980s: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATbV2i9cfQE). Von S

Your last pic. with the higher poly count is the best one - most of our rigs will be able to handle slightly increased poly counts on the model - no need for astronomical poly counts but, whenever necessary, feel free to increase polys slightly for smoother curves, circles, etc. (In terms of the side-view, the bend, I think it could use some more bend but not at the risk of sharp bends emerging, more of a smoother c-curve if possible - although the s-curve arrangement seen in the relevant side-view pics, and on Carlson's Thulin-built Bleriot, works well too.) Von S Several pics. included below: Indication of where the pivoting rod is, at the trailing edge of the stabilizer, while the elevator should be a separate piece - this will allow the elevators to be mapped as "moveable" once we do all of the ini file crunching for this model. I recommend setting up the elevator as one piece, with that wedge in the middle and elevator attached to the pivoting rod - it can then be attached to the fixed stabilizer -may be simpler that way to model - although, if you prefer the historical way - you are welcome to chop the elevator into two pieces, and they can then be attached to the "pivoting rod" that forms the trailing edge of the fixed stabilizer. End result makes no difference but whatever is easier for you - main thing is to have the elevator (either as one piece, or two) separate from the fixed stabilizer - so that we can make it move up/down in FE2. Here's an approximation of how the curve of the stabilizer should look, from the side. [NOTE: while I don't know much, nothing really, about 3-d modelling - I'm speculating here that if you implement a subtle c-curve, when viewed from the side, to the stabilizer/elevators, and only after that separate the elevators from the fixed stabilizer - and flip the elevators around (left elevator becomes the right elevator, right elevator the left elevator) - we will then have a nice s-curve implemented when the stabilizer/elevators are re-joined along their pivot bar and viewed from the side - and as illustrated in those several side-view pics. I included in one of my earlier posts in this thread.] Elevator control horns, rudder control horns locations, etc. And one more pic. - illustrating location of stabilizer support rods (colored in orange)

Rudder is perfect now for a 1911-13 Bleriot - I like the skin too but that can be decided on later, seems a good match for pic. no. 3 in my relevant post further above - although perhaps the red bands should be a bit more weathered (but such details aren't important at this point). Horizontal stabilizer/elevators look great now too (no need to bother making them strictly a curved-s shape by the way, as in several of those side profiles I posted above, since also fairly convincing, and possibly implemented historically, was a subtle c-curve, when viewed from the side). Some of these stabilizers had four small connecting/support rods on the top, two each side of the fuselage, but we can look at that much later in the rigging stage of your Bleriot development. The only further recommendation I have at this point, regarding the shape of the stabilizer, is to extend its (trailing) tips outwards slightly, as per Carlson's model (in the relevant video), and as indicated in this pic. from one of my posts above (https://combatace.com/uploads/monthly_2020_12/BleriotTail.thumb.jpg.40fb231b89f19c9a680543d2b6868f12.jpg). Von S EDIT: Might be a good idea at this point also to split the horizontal stabilizer into three parts (fixed stabilizer and the two moveable elevators) - since, guessing as to how FE2 handles aircraft models, it will then be impossible (in the future) to have moving elevators without separating them, at this stage, from the fixed stabilizer - see pic. linked in this post for good location of where the break/split should be between the fixed stabilizer and elevators. We can add the “pegs” to the elevators, and rudder - where the control cables will join - after the main work is done with the stabilizer.

@Swambast, see my post a few posts above this one for detailed examples of horizontal stabilizer position, curvature, also rudder shapes and comments. I'm including in this post a couple of pics. with other general suggestions. The wings are fine by the way in stock form in that freeware model, in terms of overall camber, shape and span, but I recommend re-positioning of the rigging/warping wires. In terms of more detailed rigging of horizontal stabilizer, control cable positioning for rudder, elevators, etc. - I won't comment on that until much later in the development. No need to overwhelm ourselves. I will refrain from further detailed posts in this thread unless Swambast requires specific feedback, suggestions, etc., as the model progresses. Happy flying all, Von S

Here are a series of side-views of rudders that work well for the engined-up Anzani Bleriot. Your modified rudder works well too. Von S This is a rarer variant possibly of the rudder (Looks to be a two-seater Bleriot, rotary, but strangely sports the older cabane truss setup.) This is likely the most typical rudder setup on post-1910 Bleriots. A similar rudder to the one on the model immediately above this one (Also note the "pyramidal" cabane truss and simple tailskid on this one - this is likely a one-seater and, if it wasn't for the rotary it contains, noticeable from the side bulge on the full front cowling, would be an excellent candidate for an engined-up Anzani model too.) Again, note the typical rudder shape on this one too, although slightly more squarish. As well take note of the semi-open cowling on this one - if the engined-up Anzani model sported a cowling, it was most likely this variant of cowling. (Old-style cabane truss arrangement on this one - either a one- or two-seater variant, not possible to tell really.) Another representative model. Take note of the typical rudder shape again, and the simple "v"-shaped cabane truss arrangement, as on Carlson's Bleriot (seems to be a transitional cabane truss arrangement following after the initial style and before the later, "pyramidal"-truss arrangement - this is also a good candidate for the engined-up Anzani look). If you are asking me to pick one, I would go with the look of the one in picture no. 3, but with the semi-open cowling of pic. no. 4 (the Turkish model) - cabane truss arrangement can be either as in pic. no. 3, or the transitional truss arrangement ("v"-shaped) of pic. no. 5 - for simplicity's sake I would go with the "pyramidal"-truss arrangement of pic. no. 3 too - and since such an arrangement allows for more "aerobatic" flying - but somehow to incorporate the semi-open cowl of no. 4 into the model displayed in no.3 - and then we have an engined-up Anzani. MORE INFO.: In terms of the notch in the stabilizer, that is good that it is there - recommended is to extend the notch to the final, third spar of the horizontal stabilizer, since that will then mark where the elevators begin on that style of stabilizer (typical for the 1911-13 period). Also recommended is to give the horizontal stabilizer more of an s-shape, as seen from the side, particularly in pics. 2, 3, and 5 - and to move it forward by about half-a-foot (in real-world terms) so that the trailing edge of the elevators doesn't pass further than where the last vertical spar of the fuselage is located (the spar that joins the two halves of the fuselage together). Couple of pics. below, of the newer style, and older style, Bleriot stabilizer. Also included one with my crude illustrations over your modified rudder/stabilizer.

Have never had better trees or treelines in FE2 before tinkering with the alpha settings in the terrain data inis. A few more representative pics. below - will upload the relevant files in a day or two under my FM thread. Also, some observations regarding the "AlphaObjectTextureMaterial" entry of the terrain data inis (relevant for those of us on AMD vid. cards): // depthbuffercheck must be TRUE, otherwise trees visible through aircraft even when flying // depthbufferwrite must be FALSE, otherwise chopped and blocky trees and foliage artifacts // alphatestenabled may be set to FALSE for even more tree intersection and overlap, although I think it works adequately at TRUE // mipmap must be set to TRUE, otherwise small sparkling lights/flickering of trees and forests if set to FALSE Von S More varied spring/summer trees More types of conifers, firs, etc. Winter landscapes looking more robust, different trees outlining roadways, rivers, etc. Unrelated photo - to get a lighter-colored skin for the early Tripe by Stephen, open "Photos" in Win10, apply the "Sahara" filter, and re-save.

Included in this post is a zipped file (will leave the file up for about a week) that contains the data inis for the 45 and 60 hp variants of the MS Type G - either one may be used as the "generic" FM/data ini for the Bleriot XI - and then later I will tweak the file further (among other things, the Bleriot wings provide better climb since higher camber on them, but also more drag than on the MS G/H/L etc. wings). As well, for a good view of the 45 hp Anzani 3-cylinder fan engine (w-variant), I recommend this link (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anzani_3-cylinder_fan_engines#/media/File:Anzani_Military_Model_Fan_type.JPG). The 45 hp variant had 72 degree separation between the cylinders, as well as exhaust valves shorter and at the cylinder heads. The older 25 hp variant (and 35 hp variation) had 55 degrees separation between cylinders, and exhaust pipes longer and going behind the cylinders (link to older variant model here: https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=894p4lc1b7o4i7qbu9bpi9i1g1&topic=2719.msg44984#msg44984). Real output on the 45 hp variant was around 47-8 horses. There is also a rare, 53-55 hp variant (probably the 45 hp case with larger bore, and therefore even more prone to cylinder explosion, losing a cylinder, etc., since thinner walls on the cylinder). The 3-cylinder fan configuration was produced to about 1913, right before the war. The little holes going across the middle of each cylinder are to minimize pressure buildup inside, therefore less overheating, etc. There is also the y-variant of the 3-cyl. Anzani, with two cylinders facing downwards, but as far as I remember from my readings, the bottom two cylinders would often foul up (oil problems?) - the w-variant design is the more sound of the two. Von S [Edit: Attachment removed.]

I have no idea if Geezer will return to FE2 modding - he seems to have left for other sims. and/or the Unreal engine (for static war displays that he was experimenting with). Best thing is to send him a PM regarding the Bleriot model - although I don't think that he logs in to CombatAce regularly. At this point I think that a Bleriot XI will have to be worked from scratch (that freeware model is a great starting point in my opinion and will not require too much work to become an engined-up Anzani variant - see the "More Info." section of my relevant post above for details regarding dimensions, trusses, etc.). Take your time with the model if you decide to work on that freeware variant - I'm sure that we FE2-ers will be pleased with the results, and we'll try to help with questions whenever possible. Von S

A beautiful surprise and welcome addition to FE2! While I know nothing about 3-d modelling, I'll be more than happy to re-work a data ini file/FM eventually for the Bleriot - will use one of the early MS Type G variant data inis and will then tweak further until we have the Bleriot XI FM. (If you require a basic data ini to get that freeware Bleriot flying in FE2 - I would recommend the 45hp variant of the MS Type G that I have in my big FM package, as a start - I can always hammer things into shape further with that data ini file since it is the closest to an early Bleriot.) Take your time with this great model and I'm sure that some of our 3-d model specialists will pitch in with advice/suggestions if necessary. I'm leaving a couple of links here - one is for various stats. on Bleriot XI variants (an older post), and the other shows the front end of the now-abandoned Bleriot XI that Geezer was working on a while back (I think he was trying to model the 1914 type with 7-cylinder rotary, two-seater variant). That freeware type seems to be the 1909 "Channel Hopping" variant, judging from the front end and the truss assembly in front of the cockpit, as well as the shape of the rudder. I'm thinking out loud here so feel free to disregard my ramblings ... with the rudder reworked as the rectangular one that fits roughly to the middle of the end of the fuselage, to the last vertical truss that completes the fuselage ... ... FE2 would then have a very convincing Bleriot of about 1911 to 1913 vintage, perfectly believable as an early-war trainer and also scout/recon. aircraft for 1914 and early 1915 ... although the model is convincing as is (should it be impossible to change anything on it from stock form). Great stuff all around! Enough of my ramblings on the topic. Here are the links I promised: https://combatace.com/forums/topic/91066-new-aircraft/?page=20&tab=comments#comment-750611 https://combatace.com/forums/topic/91066-new-aircraft/?page=23&tab=comments#comment-751212 Happy flying all, Von S MORE INFO.: I'm sure that Crawford will spot this thread eventually too and will offer further historical guidance if necessary. Have included sections of a couple of pics. below that illustrate a part of the rudder shape used from about 1911 onwards on the Bleriot...tail wheel would have been substituted by a variety of skids, standard ones as indicated in that freeware model, also "x"-shaped tail skids, as well as the very simple one in the black-and-white photo, etc. The front truss assembly on the freeware model is typical of 1909-10. A single "v"-type cabane truss is more reflective of 1911 or so, and later, variants, particularly the "pyramid"-truss configuration for rotary-powered Bleriots. The only other thing I can think of for now is that - if an engined-up Anzani model is being made - it should probably have the following dimensions (8.58 m wingspan, 7.53 m fuselage - the 7.79 m wingspan is more typical of the 25-hp Anzani of 1909). The Gnome rotary variant (Omega?, 60 hp) should be slightly bigger - with wingspan of 9.88 m, and fuselage of 7.95 m. These are dimensions for the one-seater version, taken from my other post linked above. If I had to "eyeball" that freeware model - I'd say the dimensions are closest already to the engined-up Anzani model. Also see this link (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blériot_XI#/media/File:Bleriot_XI_Thulin_A_1910_a.jpg) - a nice pic. of Carlson's Thulin-built XI in flight - this is most likely how the engined-up (Anzani) Bleriot would have looked too - the only real ambiguity being the front cowling. Rotary-powered ones featured more of a full cowling - whether or not engined-up Anzani variants ever carried the partial cowling as seen on Carlson's early rotary-powered type or had an entirely open front engine mount, as did the 1909-10 model (25-35hp), is up for speculation, particularly since the Type XI came in a variety of configurations. Personally I think the partial cowling would work well with the 45hp variant.

The Emld N.28 also has a tweaked FM included in my large FM and realism pack for FE2. I did create a very similar FM for Geezer's N.28 too (located in the relevant package with Geezer's aircraft) - but there is something wrong with the prop. disc at certain rpms in Geezer's model - something that I can't fix unfortunately via data ini tweaks (I believe that Crawford tried fixing the prop. disc too but neither of us was successful with that). Anyway, the Emld N.28 is a very good choice. If this thread must turn into a (very humble) request list, the only one that comes to mind immediately is --- get ready for this one everyone --- the Bleriot XI (of whatever variant, but I particularly like the 45-hp Anzani or later 7-cylinder rotary type). That one has been vaporware for a while. Needless to say, and knowing myself how much time it takes to tweak things (let alone make models) - take your time fellow modders. Any new items for FE2 are greatly appreciated whenever they are released, but please don't burn out making the models. Thanks again Stephen for your excellent Tripehound variants - I'm getting close to finishing with my FM tweaks for the three variants and will post under the "Tripe Variants" thread when ready with those. Happy flying all, Von S NOTE: Those with excellent model-making capabilities are more than welcome to tinker with the N.28/28a in the package containing Geezer's aircraft, under the "New Aircraft" thread (p. 25). Maybe the only real problem with that model is that the tga files for fast and slow prop speeds need tweaking, and the dark disc problem (with the prop.) will disappear. Can't say anything more on that since I'm just a mere FM tweaker and ini file cruncher.

Have been tinkering over the last several days with settings inside the terrain data ini files for various theaters - and I think I've managed to get rid of remaining town/building flickering that I've been experiencing in FE2 occasionally. While the towns never looked psychedelic on my rig., the flickering at times ruined immersion. The trick, on AMD vid. cards apparently, is to toggle several settings in the "AlphaObjectTexture" section. Have also gone through various object types and will upload the files under my thread for the FE2 FM package once I'm done with some more tweaks. Those who are running AMD vid. cards will notice that the towns/buildings look a bit more see-through (holographic) with the tweaks, but tree intersection with buildings looks more natural now from a distance - and the important thing is that the flickering is gone. Some representative pics. below - also take note that with "AlphaTestEnabled" set to FALSE, under the "AlphaObjectTexture" entry - there is even further overlap/intersection of different tree types that way - makes for more depth and also camouflage as seen in one of the pics. with the lower wings of the Alby hidden with foliage (also second-last pic.). Will also look at some of the MassFraction entries in the data inis for the Alb. D.I, D.II, also the D.III and D.V variants since they are rather difficult to shoot down although there is no armor on them and structural strength numbers look normal. Perhaps a leftover oddity from the days of the stock Albies - but will look into it and will upload any modifications under the post where I've included the tweaked FM for Stephen's Tripe - and what a beautiful model that is - have been flying it for a few days already. Von S

Works fine although I recommend running SF2, and FE2, in Win7 compatibility mode. Your mileage may vary with the latest and always rolling "feature update" packs of Win10. I am currently locked down on ver. 1809 of Win10 on the Bootcamp side of the Mac Pro, with AMD vid. drivers ver. 17.x.x, and things are swell. Those interested in manually locking/toggling Windows updates (works both on Home and Pro eds. by the way) - are recommended to check out "Windows Update Blocker" (WUB) - works well and doesn't break anything on the Win install. Remember to unblock updates via WUB if you sometimes want to take a peek at latest updates offered by Windows - as well as to update "apps" in the Windows Store, if you use apps from the store. WUB available here: https://www.sordum.org/9470/windows-update-blocker-v1-6/ Von S

The Tripehound looks beautiful Stephen, and those latest pics. are stunning. I'm going to take a bit of a break from real work, and also from my WOFF-related stuff, once the Tripe is finally out - to dig into the data ini and tweak the FM for an early and later variant of the Tripe (as per one of my posts above in this thread) - been a while since I've done some in-depth FM tweaking for FE2 so it will be a good opportunity not only to tweak but to refresh my memory. Fortunately I have all of my notes and details organized nicely from my previous FM packs and tweaks so it should be enjoyable getting back into FE2 modding again (have been flying the sim. regularly but haven't done any deep FM modding for about a year already). Only so much free time and only so many sims. one can get to at the same time. Thank you for keeping this sim. alive - it still produces some of the best white-knuckle dogfights I've experienced anywhere in a WWI sim - and the post-damage flight physics are also great, as I saw recently again while enjoying some quick combat on the eastern front - some damaged planes fall like leaves, others oscillate, others go into nice downward spirals, others into fatal side-slips, and so on (maybe I'm nit-picky but that kind of realism and variety is rare to see - amazing what the old FE2 engine is still capable of). Von S

Great info. gents' - always enjoy reading these threads. If I remember correctly from my readings, some examples of later batches of the Tripehound moved the fuel pump prop. from the cabane strut to one of the gear struts, right or left wheel strut, can't remember the details now. This was done to place that small prop. further away from the pilot's face, but may have also been done to improve efficiency of the pump - with the small prop. (if I'm not mistaken) facing forward once the pump was moved to one of the gear struts - giving it more of a direct "blast" from the main prop. that way. Such setups are more typical on variants of the Camel. Here's some more info. on the Rotherham pump, as relevant to Tripes. Apparently, the 130hp Clerget-powered Tripes switched over to a mechanical fuel pump, from the wind-driven, earlier type (thus the absence of the prop.-pump on some models possibly): http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12934 Von S

Very excited to see the Tripehound being developed Stephen - I look forward to it. I will eventually re-work the tweaked FMs I have, for the A-Team Tripehounds (early and late Tripe variants), to fit this one as well (possibly for a ver. 10.0 of the FM update pack). One of the many great things about your models and Ojcar's FMs is that they are so much easier/more logical to work with, for tweaking of FMs, than some of the A-Team models that I have re-tweaked in the past. Glad to see there's lots of life/development left in FE2 (and SF2). Happy flying all, Von S