Aeroplane Heaven Helldiver.

[Ferry_vO]

Coming after the Typhoon: https://www.facebook.com/Aeroplaneheaven/posts/875943029210738

:applause:

[YoYo]

Coming after the Typhoon: https://www.facebook.com/Aeroplaneheaven/posts/875943029210738

:applause:

Great NEWS!!! Finally someone will do Helldiver (Razbam stopped this project years ago).Im very happy to see it!

https://scontent-waw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/16700272_875942319210809_4486692308260626750_o.jpg ?oh=e319b0a01e055a9ef798f3c29ed1ecbb&oe=594C1AD7

https://scontent-waw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/16700559_875942512544123_6290357930723040081_o.jpg ?oh=aa1201bc7074e92fb0b2fde8b84d5173&oe=5936BB37

Now I came back with this desktop wallpaper ;> :

http://s5.ifotos.pl/mini/2017-02-0_awxnnxa.jpg (http://ifotos.pl/z/awxnnxa/)

[TARPSBird]

After getting the sad news of Ickie's passing following his lack of posts here I'm almost afraid to ask, but...
Has anybody had recent contact with forum member Helldiver? No recent posts since June of last year, if I read his profile right. :concern:

[YoYo]

After getting the sad news of Ickie's passing following his lack of posts here I'm almost afraid to ask, but...
Has anybody had recent contact with forum member Helldiver? No recent posts since June of last year, if I read his profile right. :concern:

Dont know, but he was waiting for any Helldiver model.... I hope he will see its.

[FlameOut]

That's what I say fella's !
Some people were just plain rude/mean to Helldiver

I hope he is still with us. :applause:

[jankees]

WHOHO, looking forward to this one!

[Moses03]

Might as well hand my wallet over now.:encouragement:

[Roger]

I've pmed Helldiver with a link to this thread. I hope he gets to see it:engel016:

[StormILM]

Pretty amazing looking model!

[thefrog]

Very good news. Having just re-discovered the Vertigo SBD Dauntless just last week and what fun it is to fly, I thought that a Helldiver would be a great aircraft to accompany it, except that there wasn't one for FSX. Now there's one on its way!

[Flyboy208]

Definitely looking forward to this project ! Mike :applause:

[roger-wilco-66]

Wow! That looks very promising! I'm in for it.


Cheers,
Mark

[Bomber_12th]

It is great to see a Helldiver in development for FSX! I am curious however about why there is a shaded line/ridge on the fuselage, running below the port-side cockpit section, as well as what looks to be a shorter ridge around the same area on the starboard-side(?).

[bazzar]

Hi John,

There isn't a ridge there, it's just the render engine picking up the edge of the internal cockpit wall - doesn'r show in the sim.

[Paul K]

I hope it'll join the Javelin on my shopping list. Great choice of subject, A.H.

[hairyspin]

After getting the sad news of Ickie's passing following his lack of posts here I'm almost afraid to ask, but...
Has anybody had recent contact with forum member Helldiver? No recent posts since June of last year, if I read his profile right. :concern:

From his profile, he last visited in October.

[Bomber_12th]

Good to know, Bazz, thank you! I have been around a few different Helldiver restorations (though a -5, -3 and -1A), so this will be a definite must have. Although for many, many years now, there has only been the one airworthy/flying Helldiver (the SB2C-5 operated by the Commemorative Air Force), there are three more Helldiver restorations, in advanced state, which be airworthy/flown when completed - an SB2C-5 owned/under restoration by Fagen Fighters, a SB2C-1A owned by Jim Slattery/under restoration by Vulture's Row Aviation, and a SB2C-3 owned/under restoration by the Yanks Air Museum. Very likely the first of the current restorations to fly will be the Jim Slattery SB2C-1A (unique for its level of absolute authenticity in restoration, and for all of the mixture of early and post-production mod items that make it quite different to the later production variants).

[TARPSBird]

I've pmed Helldiver with a link to this thread. I hope he gets to see it:engel016:
Thanks Roger, I shoulda thought of that last night.

[bazzar]

Good to know, Bazz, thank you! I have been around a few different Helldiver restorations (though a -5, -3 and -1A), so this will be a definite must have. Although for many, many years now, there has only been the one airworthy/flying Helldiver (the SB2C-5 operated by the Commemorative Air Force), there are three more Helldiver restorations, in advanced state, which be airworthy/flown when completed - an SB2C-5 owned/under restoration by Fagen Fighters, a SB2C-1A owned by Jim Slattery/under restoration by Vulture's Row Aviation, and a SB2C-3 owned/under restoration by the Yanks Air Museum. Very likely the first of the current restorations to fly will be the Jim Slattery SB2C-1A (unique for its level of absolute authenticity in restoration, and for all of the mixture of early and post-production mod items that make it quite different to the later production variants).

I've always resisted doing an SBC2 as I believed them to be a little ugly and ungainly. However since getting into this thing it has really grown on me. I started the Monogram kit a few years back and never finished it for simiar reasons. Maybe I will finish it now! The early Monogram is a fine kit in 1/48. I had a couple of original early kits and one was a builder rather than a keeper so I started to build it up.

On a technical note, the version we are doing is the early -4 without radar.:engel016:

[Panther_99FS]

I've pmed Helldiver with a link to this thread. I hope he gets to see it:engel016:

I thought of him too as soon as I saw this thread....Heck, I'll buy it for him! :mixed-smiley-010:

[Daveroo]

Please no one yell at me,but any chance this will be tacpac'd? Or could be by a third party? And,as an after thought,are there any tacpac'd WWII aircraft or weapons yet?

[bazzar]

Sorry, no TacPac.:engel016:

[heywooood]

personally I look forward just to flying it. I love your F3F and Electra - can't wait to see this big attack aircraft in FSX..

we've enough old straight deck carriers now to land it on I think

[WarHorse47]

This is great news, but I'm a little skeptical about the delivery date in light of the fact that other announced products have yet to be released.


Slated to fly this March

Not to worry, however. I will definitely buy it and fly it when it does come out. :encouragement:

[Montie]

I thought of him too as soon as I saw this thread....Heck, I'll buy it for him! :mixed-smiley-010:

Me as well.

[bazzar]

This is great news, but I'm a little skeptical about the delivery date in light of the fact that other announced products have yet to be released.



Not to worry, however. I will definitely buy it and fly it when it does come out. :encouragement:

Actually, we (Aeroplane Heaven), have only one other product due for release and that's the Typhoon. What we make for other people is subject to their schedules and testing procedures over which we have no control. The Typhoon was announced in December and is due this month. :engel016:

[bazzar]

This is great news, but I'm a little skeptical about the delivery date in light of the fact that other announced products have yet to be released.



Not to worry, however. I will definitely buy it and fly it when it does come out. :encouragement:


I'm glad you are thinking of getting this of course, but I need to clarify something for you given your post in CBFS forum. We only have two products awaiting release here at Aeroplane Heaven, the Typhoon and the Helldiver. The Typhoon was announced in December and is slated for release this month and the Helldiver which has just been announced and is slated for release in March. We do build for others but we are subject to their procedures and timelines and have no control over their products, for obvious reasons. On that note though, the Hunter release is imminent, The Javelin is progressing to order, the VC10 is massive and will take time. Your comment of "vapourwear" is totally unjustified.

Do you really think these things take just a few weeks to make? The average model represents well over 1,000 hours. Patience is a vitrtue as they say.:engel016:

[WarHorse47]

Your comment of "vapourwear" is totally unjustified.Agreed. It was in reference to other projects and not related to anything underway by AH. My apologies.


Do you really think these things take just a few weeks to make? The average model represents well over 1,000 hours. Patience is a vitrtue as they say.:engel016:No. I realize these things take time. I am patient. I just didn't want anyone to overwork themselves. :adoration:

Bottom line is that it seems like there is a lot going on at once. Exciting. :very_drunk:

[Bomber_12th]

Lots and lots of SB2C "Helldiver" (and the Army-version, A-25 "Shrike") photos:

SB2C-4: https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/sets/72157654108818009
SB2C-1: https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/sets/72157654112908830
SB2C-3: https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/sets/72157654117314928
SB2C-5: https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/sets/72157654523644231
Various: https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/sets/72157654205822479

As a feature, it would be awesome to have at least two different versions of the SB2C-4 - one with and one without the nose cone, revealing the Curtiss-Electric prop hub (as photos show, the nose cones were removed and never seen again in the field/in-action, by late in the war and post-war - probably an unneeded maintenance-related headache).

[roger-wilco-66]

[...]

Various: https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/sets/72157654205822479

[...]



What an awesome photo collection!!! Thanks for sharing, John!


Cheers,
Mark

[bazzar]

Brilliant collection John, thankyou.:engel016:

[YoYo]

Lots and lots of SB2C "Helldiver" (and the Army-version, A-25 "Shrike") photos:

SB2C-4: https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/sets/72157654108818009
SB2C-1: https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/sets/72157654112908830
SB2C-3: https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/sets/72157654117314928
SB2C-5: https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/sets/72157654523644231
Various: https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/sets/72157654205822479

As a feature, it would be awesome to have at least two different versions of the SB2C-4 - one with and one without the nose cone, revealing the Curtiss-Electric prop hub (as photos show, the nose cones were removed and never seen again in the field/in-action, by late in the war and post-war - probably an unneeded maintenance-related headache).

Wow, how many nice and very interesting pictures! Thanks for sharing. :applause:

[Bomber_12th]

Some examples one might not think of when thinking of the Helldiver (though most of these are early variants)...

RAAF A-25 "Shrike"

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/A-25A-15-CS%20Shrike%20A69-29%201_zpszzqaogso.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Bomber_12th/media/A-25A-15-CS%20Shrike%20A69-29%201_zpszzqaogso.jpg.html)

WASP A-25 "Shrike"

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/080717-F-1234P-003_zps1477etzs.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Bomber_12th/media/080717-F-1234P-003_zps1477etzs.jpg.html)

Factory-fresh A-25 "Shrike"

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/A-25A-5-CS_Shrike_41-18798_zpsgcb7bneq.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Bomber_12th/media/A-25A-5-CS_Shrike_41-18798_zpsgcb7bneq.jpg.html)

Royal Thai "Helldiver" (the French also used the Helldiver extensively)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y282/Bomber_12th/sb2c-5_rtaf_j3-4-94_rtafm13_02_zpssuog07nt.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Bomber_12th/media/sb2c-5_rtaf_j3-4-94_rtafm13_02_zpssuog07nt.jpg.html)

[Dimus]

John, since you started on non-US examples, I have to include the Greek ones, unfortunately used in anger during the bloody civil war 1946-49. this picture shows such a sortie, with gun pods for strafing and Spitfires escorting in the distance:

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r111/NeuralDream/blogger/GreekHelldiver1949.png

One example is still on show at the HAF museum in Tatoi:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/cb/8d/27/cb8d276cc72f3b4e43a165e06840cd89.jpg

[mvg3d]

Hi Friends,
Here some Italian Helldivers of Aeronautica Militare Italiana / Italian Air Force...

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w240/mvg3d/HELLAMI1_zpszb9hbo5n.jpg (http://s177.photobucket.com/user/mvg3d/media/HELLAMI1_zpszb9hbo5n.jpg.html)

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w240/mvg3d/HELLAMI3_zpsgky6oepu.jpg (http://s177.photobucket.com/user/mvg3d/media/HELLAMI3_zpsgky6oepu.jpg.html)

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w240/mvg3d/HELLAMI2_zpsnidyxvaw.jpg (http://s177.photobucket.com/user/mvg3d/media/HELLAMI2_zpsnidyxvaw.jpg.html)

[mvg3d]

Hi Friends,
Here the only two Helldivers of Marina Militare Italiana / Italian Navy...

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w240/mvg3d/HELLAMI6_zpszlv5mjts.jpg (http://s177.photobucket.com/user/mvg3d/media/HELLAMI6_zpszlv5mjts.jpg.html)

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w240/mvg3d/HELLAMI4_zps45eu4z27.jpg (http://s177.photobucket.com/user/mvg3d/media/HELLAMI4_zps45eu4z27.jpg.html)

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w240/mvg3d/HELLAMI5_zpsddsjit2b.jpg (http://s177.photobucket.com/user/mvg3d/media/HELLAMI5_zpsddsjit2b.jpg.html)

[b52bob]

It seems like there is some interest in this product (lol).

me thinks there will be a lot of repaints when released, somewhat like the recent PMDG 747. I found did all those repaints in one package, the would be at least a 10 gig download.

looking forward to this. I know it takes time but in the immortal words of Bill Murray, " I need, I need, I need"

[roger-wilco-66]

I remember reading a great autobiography which contained a lot of information about the aircraft and how it was to fly into combat with it:

Dauntless Helldivers: A Dive Bomber Pilot's Epic Story of the Carrier Battles

by Dr. Harold L. Buell





Cheers,
Mark

[jankees]

I was thinking of starting to look for repaint inspiration, but it seems that is being taken care of, thank you!

[wolfi]

I realized that I just want a CFS2 with the FsX scenery and aircraft possibilities, this Helldiver looks great and outstanding without a doubt!

wolfi

[YoYo]

Few new shots from FB!

https://scontent-waw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/15895563_897861580352216_3164365884646382220_o.jpg ?oh=219137ec78da10ac1973aa6aa825ae08&oe=5962CC2D

https://scontent-waw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/17157685_897862467018794_4682563267690202407_o.jpg ?oh=9ea1cb7a2441f3a54d9b23eee9a012d7&oe=5962978A

https://scontent-waw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/17211817_897862007018840_3590546851730319605_o.jpg ?oh=579d0eb1d9becd59112feb7dc82fd34e&oe=5969CC1C

https://scontent-waw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/17218304_897861620352212_1751522901225504076_o.jpg ?oh=0bfc5e1f53c500c210d39813be564870&oe=59634116

[txnetcop]

Gorgeous!!!
Ted

[YoYo]

Maybe SOON ??? :love_heart:

[xpelekis]

About the weapons load manager - if any that is... - please consider the "define load station weight
for weapon to show up" way, if this is not much trouble for you and/or it can still be changed...

This will be very handy for Tacpack users, allowing for personal mods, even if you don't integrate Tacpack at the plane.

Looks really nice.

[bazzar]

"The Beast" is progressing well. On the rear gunner's cockpit at the moment. Would anybody by chance have a clear shot of how the gunner's cradle tilts (I believe it has to)? It's cozy in there!:engel016:

[Naismith]

Can't help but wonder where our member Helldiver is on this release and if he is OK. I remember he was always on about getting a great Helldiver in the sim yet he hasn't appeared for a while.

[StormILM]

Can't help but wonder where our member Helldiver is on this release and if he is OK. I remember he was always on about getting a great Helldiver in the sim yet he hasn't appeared for a while.

I was thinking the same thing.

[txnetcop]

Can't help but wonder where our member Helldiver is on this release and if he is OK. I remember he was always on about getting a great Helldiver in the sim yet he hasn't appeared for a while.

Yeah it would be nice if ol' Helldiver could fly this and talk about it! Hope he's OK!
Ted

[Roger]

Yeah it would be nice if ol' Helldiver could fly this and talk about it! Hope he's OK!
Ted

I pmed him when this thread first appeared but so far I haven't seen him on the forums.

[Cees Donker]

He's already 88 years old....He's very quiet these days.

:kilroy:

Cees

[bazzar]

Cockpits now completed and heading for beta very soon.:engel016:

[roger-wilco-66]

Great images! CC is ready! :-)


Cheers,
Mark

[Cees Donker]

Great images! CC is ready! :-)


Cheers,
Mark

Mine Too!

:biggrin-new:

Cees

[YoYo]

Cockpits now completed and heading for beta very soon.:engel016:

Thanks for this update.

The first thought - this gunner looks so small...!

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=48494&d=1490085074

but, it looks like is ok here! Cant wait for the final version!


http://warfarehistorynetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/Sovereign-2013-Photo-no-2-Samar-Jim-SB2C-CANDIS.jpg

[hairyspin]

I rather hope Helldiver himself would be pleased, :jump: the rear was his station iirc.

[bazzar]

Gunners tended to be smaller build than the pilot. There is very little room in that cradle. Add in the radios, oxygen equipment and hatch controls and it's tight to say the least. Our pilot is regulation 6 ft. The gunner is 5' 7" . :engel016:

[c87]

Looks absolutely great! Another must-have for my hangar.

[YoYo]

It looks like really soon.

Product page: http://www.aeroplaneheaven.com/product_helldiver.php

[dvj]

It looks like really soon.

Product page: http://www.aeroplaneheaven.com/product_helldiver.php

Ok, it's 4 days later and no Helldiver. :mixed-smiley-027:

[Cees Donker]

Ok, it's 4 days later and no Helldiver. :mixed-smiley-027:

LOLOLOL!

:biggrin-new:

Cees

[THibben]

What is the reason for the notch at the bottom of the vertical stabilizer?

Thanks in advance,

Tom

[WarHorse47]

What is the reason for the notch at the bottom of the vertical stabilizer?

Thanks in advance,

TomI believe that its related to the rear cockpit fairing. In a closed position the rear canopy blends in with the stabilizer. When the gunner lowers the canopy to raise his weapon, there is a natural gap there. Just a guess. :adoration:

[WarHorse47]

Ok, it's 4 days later and no Helldiver. :mixed-smiley-027:I think Yoyo was stating an "alternative fact." :biggrin-new:

[YoYo]

Soon means soon :very_drunk: !
I'll can bet - next week?

[WarHorse47]

Soon means soon :very_drunk: !
I'll can bet - next week?LOL. I wonder how many of us actually look up the definition of "soon".

The only cure for this is to what until it happens. :encouragement:

[YoYo]

LOL. I wonder how many of us actually look up the definition of "soon".

The only cure for this is to what until it happens. :encouragement:

It depends from simulator and company.
IL-2 "two weeks", DCS "two years" :biggrin-new: .

[Daveroo]

:encouragement::biggrin-new:


Definition of soon
1
a obsolete : at once : immediately
b : without undue time lapse : before long soon after sunrise
2
: in a prompt manner : speedily as soon as possible the sooner the better no sooner said than done
3
archaic : before the usual time
4
: in agreement with one's choice or preference : willingly I'd just as soon walk as drive
See soon defined for English-language learners
See soon defined for kids
Examples of soon in a sentence
We will soon be making changes.
The soonest I can get there is tomorrow.
When is the soonest possible date of delivery?
The audience soon realized that it wasn't a stunt.
She found a job soon after graduation.
How soon can you finish the job?
The sooner you finish your homework, the sooner you can go outside and play.
I will let you know as soon as possible.
I'll get there as soon as I can.

[Cees Donker]

It will be ready when it's done. Sooner or later.

:untroubled:

Cees

[Desert Rat]

It's out!!!

[Desert Rat]

just kidding. :p87:

[PRB]

That's funny. Evil, but funny!

[bazzar]

It never fails to amuse me how long people think these things take to make. Release is due next week. That's 8 weeks since the announcement and first clay render of the exterior. Work commenced mid January. Have a wee think about some other productions and see how we stack up on time. I know everyone is anticipating this one but come on guys, seriously?:engel016:

[Roger]

It never fails to amuse me how long people think these things take to make. Release is due next week. That's 8 weeks since the announcement and first clay render of the exterior. Work commenced mid January. Have a wee think about some other productions and see how we stack up on time. I know everyone is anticipating this one but come on guys, seriously?:engel016:

They're just kidding Baz...we're all happy to wait:engel016:

[heywooood]

Roger's right Baz - the way to tell if something is going to sell red hot is by the level of heat in the progress thread. It's just established now -

You guys at AH should be proud - seems to me most if not all of your progress threads get to this point usually by page three!

[bazzar]

Well, yes, we are delighted of course, that people like and want our stuff. We do, however get quite a few unreasonable PMs accusing us of being late etc. I guess that's just the business of development. One answer is, I suppose, to ignore requests for time estimates but I don't think that would be popular either! As Cees quite rightly says, these things tend to be ready when they're ready. I don't think people would thanks us for anything less.:engel016:

[heywooood]

Well, yes, we are delighted of course, that people like and want our stuff. We do, however get quite a few unreasonable PMs accusing us of being late etc. I guess that's just the business of development. One answer is, I suppose, to ignore requests for time estimates but I don't think that would be popular either! As Cees quite rightly says, these things tend to be ready when they're ready. I don't think people would thanks us for anything less.:engel016:

enough chit chat - that Helldiver should have been out already ! lol

[WarHorse47]

Heck. I just wanted to see if YoYo was truly clairvoyant. :a1310:

[Cees Donker]

just kidding. :p87:

LOL! You made my early morning a bit brighter!

:biggrin-new:

Cees

[hairyspin]

If that was January from scratch (which I doubt - bought mesh??) that is warp speed in FS time. I take yonks, but it's a hobby fitted in to what spare time I have. Hats off, Baz!

[bazzar]

It's all we do. It also helps if you don't have a life. 60 - 70 hour weeks are not uncommon here. :engel016:

[scotth6]

:biggrin-new:

Take a look at the Aerosoft CRJ thread and tell me that Aeroplane Heaven are slow! A bit of perspective always does wonders.

http://forum.aerosoft.com/index.php?/topic/33966-aerosoft-da-crj-preview/

[bazzar]

I believe that its related to the rear cockpit fairing. In a closed position the rear canopy blends in with the stabilizer. When the gunner lowers the canopy to raise his weapon, there is a natural gap there. Just a guess. :adoration:

There is a control lever and valve in the gunner's cockpit that is used to lower the turtle deck. Obviously this is done to allow clearance for the twin machine guns which are pulled forward from their stowed position and raised up onto the support ring, tilting upward, over the lowered turtledeck. The turtledeck itself is quite an ingenious system of six hinged concertina panels, operated by rams when the lever is pulled. With the addition of radio equipment and oxygen, rotating gunner cradle, seat and gun-mounting, that rear cockpit is "snug" to say the least. Having modeled all this, I now appreciate just what SOH member "Helldiver" must have experienced!:engel016: