Master Dragon bring us new toys! !!

ccc · Post by **ccc** » 2001-08-20 04:53:00

Incredible! Aug 19 update!
http://home.woh.rr.com/rprior/macf4/

Widowmaker · Post by **Widowmaker** » 2001-08-20 07:44:00

Wow prety cool...

Widmak

T_Rex · Post by **T_Rex** » 2001-08-20 19:42:00

Ok, guys, we're all friends, so I hope I can say this without sounding REALLY bad, but...

Anybody else see the irony of introducing the SR-71 in a "realism patch"?

DON'T GET ME WRONG! Its great that we'll be able to put one in F4 (heck - I even made a skin for the F-16 that was modeled on the SR-71), I just thought it was ironic that it was mentioned with an RP.

T

ccc · Post by **ccc** » 2001-08-21 00:06:00

I dont think RPG want SR71 in their patch, not their style.

but you can count on Jerry

Zaggy · Post by **Zaggy** » 2001-08-21 01:15:00

But hey, atleast in that pic it is in its CURRENT form, with NASA flashes on the tails, so yeah, its kinda realistic... If it came down to it, i reckon the USAF would be able to 'borrow' its SR-71's back off NASA... So I guess its PLAUSABLE... Then again, its PLAUSABLE for the F-16C 50/52 to launch AIM-7 as well, but RP took that option away... Who knows... Its all supposed to be fun anyway!!!

ccc · Post by **ccc** » 2001-08-21 04:10:00

well, like i said, you can count on Jerry

With 3d God Dragon, all theaters can get their toys, sooner or later.

Tazz · Post by **Tazz** » 2001-08-21 13:03:00

Who cares about Realism Patches? Just make this a seperate patch and lemme have my Blackbird!!!

AWESOME WORK!!

Hmm I'll just edit my campaign templates to include the SR-71.. gawd, imagine returning to Kadena after a long haul strike up North .. and you see a SR-71 in the pattern in front of you.. oh my gawd, someone hand me some tissues!

Dragon · Post by **Dragon** » 2001-08-21 16:09:00

T_Rex:

Yes, we are all friends here

But, why does everyone have a hard time with the concept of "Realism"? Is the SR-71 a real aircraft??? Yes it is. Would I include it within a current Campaign file? No. But since a lot of us fly TE's (which is NOT reality) why not have the ability to place a SR-71 in there?

There are many obsolete aircraft within the data files. Heck, the RPG still keeps the F-22 in there even though they dont exist in squadron form. They even told me the B-2 has never been used in combat

A realism patch should attempt to make the aspects of the game realistic. A P-51 could be set up and made realistic and that would not hurt the concept of the patch. At the same time, if the Campaign was dated in 1990, then you wouldnt want the P-51 in there. We have a working nuke in our RP. It is not setup as usable due to problems within the campaigns but with a few tweaks you can load em up and have some fun! Which is the bottom line, "fun"

Anyway, enough ranting here. My thoughts: Provide the data and let the user use it as they see fit!

PMC Youtube channel · Post by **Snake Man** » 2001-08-21 17:31:00

quote:Originally posted by Dragon:
Anyway, enough ranting here. My thoughts: Provide the data and let the user use it as they see fit!

I agree.

PMC TFW
Snake Man

T_Rex · Post by **T_Rex** » 2001-08-21 18:34:00

Dragon-

First, please believe I meant no disrespect at all! You ROCK.

PMC Youtube channel · Post by **Snake Man** » 2001-08-22 02:18:00

Dragon is very nice guy. He fixed the Tornado 3d lod that was being worked by ComGP from (I think) Xanix's 3ds model.

Thanks goes to Dragon and rest of the gang!

PMC TFW
Snake Man

hc_pookie · Post by **hc_pookie** » 2001-08-22 04:16:00

Question RE: tail section - how is the tail graphic mapped? If possible, I'd like to break the tail out into its own bitmap, for giving correct for both the left/right sides. That, and a dedicated tail means a better looking tail graphic...

Like this: http://pookieweb.dyndns.org:61127/f4terrain/right.jpg http://pookieweb.dyndns.org:61127/f4terrain/left.jpg

ccc · Post by **ccc** » 2001-08-22 04:19:00

Great job Dragon et al.!

I could be too picky but,
1. onec i checked Xanix's Tornado file, i know its great for conversion, but the radome section could use few more polys to round out the curve. Too bad I cant get him for a while, his email address is broken.

2. ya, that air-superiority gray scheme is beautiful! any one got real pic of it? I remember Saudi bought some ADV? and IDS. If this pic means to be ADV, then the airframe got to be lenghtened few feet, and modify its radome.

anyway, just great to see...our dreams almost come true!! well done guys!

ccc · Post by **ccc** » 2001-08-22 04:31:00

well, thanx Jerry for sharing us remapped hornits!

I cant resist to say something.. 3d modeling for F4 is evoluting so fast, so amazing..it seems about time to redo many original shapes, if only we can recruit more 3d modelers!!

If you guys want to help modeling, be sure to join F4LE yahoogrops!

Widowmaker · Post by **Widowmaker** » 2001-08-22 07:35:00

I would wish for a double tailed
F-15c since the IS of 57th Tailmark is looking horrible right now.

Just a wish..

I become more of an LE guy in about 6 months
from now it is too time consuming besides my terrain work..

another thought:
thought it was mentioned before on f4terrain eggroup:

how hard would it be to have the dogfightplanes appear in TE and more imortantly in Campaign..
I would liketo have three differnt F4's
and 2 Mig versions for instance..

Well soemthing for later I guess
you guys do an amazing job

Widmak

Dragon · Post by **Dragon** » 2001-08-22 11:22:00

T_Rex:

I know where you are coming from. I just saw an opportunity to vent a little

No, I have no affiliation with the RPG. I was, at one point, part of their discussion group but they kicked me out saying I could not contribute anything.

As to the Tornado (ccc), all I am doing is structuring the model given to me. Once I get that done, it will be up to you guys to remap the tail, round out the nose, etc. I really have no desire for the Tornado at this time in my data files so I dont want to spend too much time on it. But at least you should have a model without look thrus when I am done that you can further tweak.

ccc · Post by **ccc** » 2001-08-22 14:27:00

quote:Originally posted by Dragon:
No, I have no affiliation with the RPG. I was, at one point, part of their discussion group but they kicked me out saying I could not contribute anything.

Oops!
You DO contribute SOMETHING!!

hc_pookie · Post by **hc_pookie** » 2001-08-22 16:07:00

Shame on you Dragon for not contributing anything! :^)

Widowmaker, the F-15 is off limits per the FalconV development agreements. While this may not include the 3D model, I don't want to risk legal action, and therefore I have marked the F-15 off of my LOD tweak list. Unless Eric "Snacko" Marlow (FalconV developer) says otherwise, we should leave the F-15 3D models alone. Anything else is still fair game!

Are you talking about different texture sets for the F4 and Migs? Texture sets will be forthcoming in the F4Terrain patch, but AFAIK they will only work in the eF1.10 patch. Texture sets are hard-coded, but the eTeam placed provisions for texture sets on aircraft other than the F-16 in eF1.10.

The Dogfight/TE additions will be available in the F4Terrain data patch. We just need to do some more testing to get that 'just right'....

- Jerry

Widowmaker · Post by **Widowmaker** » 2001-08-22 17:08:00

Great..

The F4terrainpatch is really good initiative

wellon the double texturing of the tails
I'll contact Shadow on this and poll if it ok todo only the tail markings double
I'll explain exactly why

we'll see

Widmak

T_Rex · Post by **T_Rex** » 2001-08-22 19:07:00

Dragon - lol - clearly, you have little or no knowledge of modern combat aircraft, let alone programming and data editing. So, of course, you would have nothing to contribute to RPG.

Makes perfect sense.

Keep up the good work.

T

ccc · Post by **ccc** » 2001-09-05 12:48:00

ATTENTION! DRAGAON UPDATES HIS SITE AGAIN!!
http://home.woh.rr.com/rprior/macf4/

oops! Falcon: Startrek!??

Dragon · Post by **Dragon** » 2001-09-05 14:04:00

Yes Startrek! I am going to try to get the RPG to include the USS Enterprise in the next release

Was just showing how many models already created on the web can be imported into LE. I found a site with a ton of Quick3D files so I decided to code in an import option for it. Actually a better format than 3ds.

Anyway, with the latest versions of LE, I feel the best approach to making new models is by importing one. Key is to find one that is in the right poly count range.

Right now, I can import 3DS, P3D and Q3O file formats. If anyone finds a site that has some models in a different format, let me know. It doesnt take long to code in a converter.

Hunter · Post by **Hunter** » 2001-09-05 14:39:00

How about WRL format?

Aeyes · Post by **Aeyes** » 2001-09-05 15:42:00

Yeah, check this site out,this guys has missiles and stuff in IOB(Imagine) and DXF format. Cool 3D models http://users.skynet.be/sky93454/MiG-29/3D-meshes.htm

T_Rex · Post by **T_Rex** » 2001-09-05 15:52:00

Dragon -
Again - you ROCK!

I was just thinking of searching on the web to see what else was out there in terms of 3D models.

T

ccc · Post by **ccc** » 2001-09-06 02:05:00

Aeyes, i think we can handle those missiles with LODC.
As your a/c, those mig29s and hornet look promising..will check them later, hope the poly count wont go too high.

======

Dragon, i note you update Mac SkinEditor..seems there are lots new features!
since im a heavy user of SE, any chance to bring us an update version?

Dragon · Post by **Dragon** » 2001-09-06 11:03:00

Well, you would have to ask Fred about porting any of my programs over to the PC side. My SkinEditor program has some nice advantages (not sure what the PC program can do as I have never run it). One of the biggest things it has is the PAK file system. You can load in all the textures and then add individual textures to a .PAK file. You can give it some general information (who created it, information, etc) and it creates a single file that includes all your textures.

That means someone else can load in your PAK file and insert all the textures at once. It works real nice and the PAK file is fully compressed for sending through the Internet.

This is how I am going to handle the Balkans (When I get around to porting the latest version). I already have several PAK files made up for the various skins.

ccc · Post by **ccc** » 2001-09-06 12:00:00

Thanx Dragon, on PC side we use F4patch to handle skin pack, ya, I've done some skin packs for various theater, similar concept: one click, swap all skins

BTW, for Aeyes:

1. three 3d model, mig29a, mig29ub, and f18 from that link tested.
2. mig29a shape is adequately modeled, very promising for conversion, though not succeed in LE. its poly count is ok. if F4A, or Ripper planing on next project, this one is a great candidate.
3. mig29ub, no good, inaccurate modeling.
4. F18.dxf, wow, more than 10000 verts, to complex, even using optimiser, still 5000+ more.

Aeyes · Post by **Aeyes** » 2001-09-06 12:40:00

Thanks for testing CCC, would be great for a new Mig-29 version. We'll see what happens.

Dragon · Post by **Dragon** » 2001-09-06 16:00:00

ccc:

You missed the point! There is not text file or anything. It is a single file that includes all the textures and information. The file is generated by you simple clicking ADD to add textures. Very simple and effective!

Have you tried any of the graphics converters? I ran across several for the PC that can load in various formats and then convert to other formats. That could be a nice way to get a model into a format that LE can read.

ccc · Post by **ccc** » 2001-09-07 00:33:00

well, i do misunderstand your PAK features in Mac SE.

343rdBadger · Post by **343rdBadger** » 2001-09-11 13:28:00

hello ...im late getting to this form...still not sure if i 'll get back...can someone send bme the link as im going thru hotmail and it won't let me book mark this form... www.343rdfighterregiment.homestead.com just leave me a link on the message board if you could...anyway...on to business....it looks like there is going to be ways of upgrading the 3d models in falcon by what im seeing here....am i correct in thinking this??...does it mean that we'll have "other" aircraft as nicely modeled as the viper???...this i think would greatly increase the use of the russian hardware an promote the opp force squadrons in the community for online play...would also encourage historical senarios in f4 engagements...who ever has the talent and means of doing this work....hats off to ya...making the other aircraft slicker is greatly going to add flavor to falcon 4/5...salyute, and give us a call if we can help...we have 2 f-16 pilots in the squadron that are willing to contribute in anyway they can...we also produced a makeshift loadout for force on force engagements that allowed the russian hardware the ability to fight the ground war ..and its rpg compatible...ie...air to ground missiles on the mig and su's...anti tank missiles on the su-25...all weapon loadouts will stay intact when switching any options in the f4 patch utility and not get corrupted...anyway...looking forward to the next generation of f4...salyute comrades

ccc · Post by **ccc** » 2001-10-01 14:39:00

As usual, well done Rick!!

new update Sep 30 !!!
http://home.woh.rr.com/rprior/macf4/

Tazz · Post by **Tazz** » 2001-10-02 12:56:00

WHOAH! Many theaters can use that Tu-22 and Su-24!! When can we finally expect all these great goodies (including the SR-71 and S-3) on the PC???

Dragon · Post by **Dragon** » 2001-10-02 13:58:00

The Tu-22 and Su-24 are complete and in our Mac version of RP. Since we do not have the ability to fly other planes, I feel the models are good enough. You guys may want to further tweak them.

As to getting them on the PC, it is a matter of someone taking the time and setting up the proper installation for them. Whoever would like to do this, just let me know. It includes 4 levels of models, shadow model and textures. I will leave the data edits up to you guys since my export options dont match any format you have.

Tazz · Post by **Tazz** » 2001-10-03 09:55:00

Unfortunately I'm not one of these gifted code Gods here

What's a Central Europe theater without a SU-24 or SR-71?

ccc · Post by **ccc** » 2001-10-03 10:14:00

Jerry is our hope

hc_pookie · Post by **hc_pookie** » 2001-10-04 02:17:00

I know for a fact that the RPG is interested in the Su-24, and Shawn Agne either has completed or is close to completing the Su-24 for the PC side. I expect the Su-24 to be available in the next Realism Patch.

Don't know about the Tu-22.... I do know that the Tu-160 is going to be ready soon thanks to Quake's efforts....

I plan to incorporate the Tu-160 3D model into the F4SP data files but I don't know about the loadouts - according to FAS.org they carry mainly cruise missiles and standard bombs. We already have the latter but the former may be an issue.

- Jerry

ccc · Post by **ccc** » 2001-10-04 03:11:00

quote:I know for a fact that the RPG is interested in the Su-24, and Shawn Agne either has completed or is close to completing the Su-24 for the PC side. I expect the Su-24 to be available in the next Realism Patch.

So F4SP could have Su24/S3/SR71?

quote:Don't know about the Tu-22.... I do know that the Tu-160 is going to be ready soon thanks to Quake's efforts....

I think its Spike, not Quake.

Dragon · Post by **Dragon** » 2001-10-04 11:03:00

Shawn and myself were working together on his Su-24 but ran into trouble with it at some point. Something was wrong with the model and we couldnt figure it out. I then pulled in Jane's F/A18 model of the Su-24 and structured, mapped, etc. it out. I think his model started from the USAF model.

Anyway, I have to reverse a texture mapping on the Tu-22 and then I will post them up on F4LE for someone to convert to F4p format.

Also, the C-17 is looking pretty nice! Should be done this weekend.

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