Vertigo Studios F8F Bearcat

[Deano]

Hi all just a few render pics show casing our upcoming release of the F8F Bearcat 1

http://vertigostudios.co.uk/files/F8F_pics/Bearcat-render1.jpg

http://vertigostudios.co.uk/files/F8F_pics/Bearcat-render2.jpg

http://vertigostudios.co.uk/files/F8F_pics/Bearcat-render3.jpg

http://vertigostudios.co.uk/files/F8F_pics/Bearcat-render4.jpg

http://vertigostudios.co.uk/files/F8F_pics/Bearcat-render5.jpg

http://vertigostudios.co.uk/files/F8F_pics/Bearcat-render6.jpg

Enjoy

[spotlope]

Beary nice. :salute:

[boxcar]

.
This puts a much needed smile on my face after a long, hard day, Dean. :) Looking forward to her as well as the P-36.

~lol~ Bill!

.

[papab]

Yes, I need this one as well.......

So many aircraft so little money!!

At least I have a shoe box of "Honey don't know" money tucked away.:icon_lol::icon_lol:

Rick

[Helldiver]

Having worked on Bearcats at Jacksonville and on the Carrier, I would say so far so good. Now the prototype had a brace in the rear of the canopy. But the Blue Angels (The Naval Flight Exhibiion Team as it was called then), they got some of the first F8s and they didn't have a brace in the canopy. I would leave it off.
The other thing is they had a new car shine to them. Don't put no fogged up shine on it. Finally, the airplane was rather small and the pilots head filled the cockpit. Don't put some ten year old pilot at the stick.
I'm glad somebody who knows what they are doing is making this grand airplane. When the first one that landed at Jax he beat up the runway and you should have seen the Hellcat drivers standing in awe of it. The Bearcats put on a show in front of you, that the jets have yet to copy.

[Helldiver]

Oh, I just noticed something. The tailhook as shown would cut through the wire in a jiffy. It's got to be wider. As wide as a large mans hand cupped. They were forged steel and had a hard nickel plated inside of the cup area for a low abrasion resistance.

[Cirrus N210MS]

nice looking model :salute:

[skyhawka4m]

OUTSTANDING!!!!!

My only concern is the shape of the canopy......

[roger-wilco-66]

Great work, I look forward to that!

@ Helldiver: that's some awesome detailed information! Great that there are people here who've "beeen there and done that"!

Cheers,
Mark

[bearcat241]

YEAH baby!!!...a new BearRod for the virtual hangar!!!


...
The other thing is they had a new car shine to them. Don't put no fogged up shine on it. Finally, the airplane was rather small and the pilots head filled the cockpit. Don't put some ten year old pilot at the stick.
...

...and please consider giving the jock WWII era headgear, not some Indy racing style helmet from the '50's. :salute:

[Lewis-A2A]

in this modern age of facebook,..

Lewis 'Likes' Deano's post :ernae:

[Pips]

Very, very impressive. :)

[rsgunner]

Very impressive.

I hope a model without the 20 MM gun barrels is done.
IIRC the 20 MM made it F8F-1B.

Need a slick for the airshow paints.

Russ

[CheckSix]

I agree with RSGunner we definitely need a "slick" for the airshow rounds, also preferably with a modern Bone Dome... Puhlease :D :D :D

[noddy]

Looks pretty darn good.

[Odie]

Another bit of feline Grumman goodness.....looks outstanding!

[raptor19]

Looking good Deano. Another definite on my list along with the P-36!:applause::applause::applause:

[NWarty]

I'm not a FS Warbird guy, but the Bearcat has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. Looks wonderful fellas :salute:

[Barfly]

Beautiful a must have... been waiting for a nice one of these for awhile, almost as much as a tigercat. Didn't someone else start that? I hope it's a serious effort.

[X_eidos2]

For the Bearcat lovers in the crowd-

Here's a link to a video over at the AirShowBuzz website showing the Horsemen flying Bearcats with the Blue Angles at a recent airshow. The video includes an interview with a member of the original Blue Angels team that flew the Bearcat.

http://www.asb.tv/videos/view.php?v=b222a7cb&a=feature

Nice looking model of the Bearcat. The color of the model material reminds me of how they used to make prototype models of cars using clay and it would be sculpted by hand.

[Helldiver]

The F7-F Tigercat doesn't get of a mention in the US Naval history. It could only do one thing. That was to go in a straight line pretty fast. It was too heavy for the carriers of the day, it's tail hook design was marginal and it could not land on a Carrier worth a damn with one engine out. So they consigned them to the US Marines and let them figure it out. So little, was the F7-F was thought of by the Navy, that they only produced 297 of all variants.
However the Bearcat F8-F was so well thought of that they produced 1266 of them. It was called the zenith of piston engined fighters. It could do everything well as well as being compact, an important feature on a crowded Carrier deck. I liked the airplane a lot. I only wished it had come out a year earlier.

[fliger747]

F7F:

Working on that one right now with Milton Shupe and associates. Mostly a FS9 project. The Navy's chief test pilot was quited as saying the F7F was the best damn fighter he had ever flown, despite some aerodynamic shortcomings. Not going to get int a my cat's better than your cat discussion. An interesting couple of planes by Grumman, covering most of the piston fighter bases....

According to Corky Meyers the genisis of the F8F was when LeRoy Grumman ( a very competent pilot in his own right) flew a captured FW 190 in England. His comment... this is the plane we should have built!

Cheers: T

[p14u2nv]

You know Helldiver, I for one really appreciate your posts. Not many can speak right from the seat so to speak as you can as it's all based on experience and not just some info learned by reading and simply repeated. I served in the very early 70's and only managed to see a few older military props. I can only imagine what it was like to see many of these aircraft in their "hey days" and be able to see for real versus what I can only see, and experience, sort of, but only as a simulation hobby and an occassional airshow.

Anyway thank you kindly sir for sharing what many of us can only read about, if we're lucky!

[oakfloor]

The bearcat truly was one of the top piston fighters, along with the "H" model mustang and the last marks of the spitfire. Im so glad that someone is going to make a quailty model at last, and lets also hope for a AM6 Zero, that would be a fun flyer too. Now the wait begins..

[Helldiver]

FW-190 Bearcat
Speed 426 453
Ceiling 41,600 40,800
Rate of climb 3300FPM 6300FPM

\I guess Corky got his dream.

[Quixoticish]

The bearcat truly was one of the top piston fighters, along with the "H" model mustang and the last marks of the spitfire. Im so glad that someone is going to make a quailty model at last, and lets also hope for a AM6 Zero, that would be a fun flyer too. Now the wait begins..

The Sea Fury always epitomised the pinnacle of piston engined aircraft for me, along with the Bearcat.

[oakfloor]

The Sea Fury always epitomised the pinnacle of piston engined aircraft for me, along with the Bearcat.
Oh yeah! I forget the sea fury! although it did not see combat in WW2 IIRC, it was used in Korea to good effect.

[CheckSix]

Hear Hear Chris H.

Whilst I have a big love for the Bearcat and the Tigercat the Sea Fury, however, really puts the zap on both of them.

[Deano]

Thats one aircraft that I wanted to do for sure, the Fury

[Quixoticish]

Thats one aircraft that I wanted to do for sure, the Fury

Well that just made my day! :applause::applause::applause:

[Deano]

With the newly released Fury, is it worth trying to pull in additional sales from another model :-S

[huub vink]

A bit off topic, but in answer to you last question;

The recently released Fury is a race version. I think there are people which did not purchase this version because of this reason, who will purchase a full military version. However I have some doubts whether this number is really big enough to justify the efforts to develop a new Sea Fury model.

But I have these doubts about most warbird models. I am a regular visitor of the Dutch Flightsim Weekend. It always amazes me to see the small amount of people involved in virtual military aviation during this weekend. And when I deduct the modern warbirds lovers from this already small amount, there are only a six or seven left. (Which are of course all member here.....)

So when you want to go for sales (which I of course do not promote), I assume general aviation is a much bigger market.


With the newly released Fury, is it worth trying to pull in additional sales from another model :-S

About the Bearcat: Nice choice and the model looks promising!

Cheers,
Huub

[Bomber_12th]

The Bearcat is looking very promising indeed! The one thing I would suggest, is to keep the canopy design and the surrounding area a focus to ensure it is accurate, as it is such a focal point sitting atop the fuselage. I look forward to seeing how this area further develops, with the addition of the remaining windscreen framing to be done (with the forward armor-glass being very flat). I really like the cowling/engine/prop and landing gear work!

[jetstreamsky]

To have a proper Sea Fury in FSX would be WONDERFUL

having seen a Sea Fury and a Bearcat fly together at Duxford in the entertaing way that aircraft are flown at the flying legends airshow, there could be no better pair to have in sim.

These monstriously powerful aircraft deserve such attention that a quality model house can bring to the simulation.

Please make this happen

[CheckSix]

I think we would all be very appreciative of what ever we are offered be it Bearcat, Tigercat or Sea Fury.

Personally I would love to see all three! But then I am greedy.

Having looked at screenshots of the "Race" Fury and videos of it I am not that keen tbo, it looks some what toyish.

[CODY]

With the newly released Fury, is it worth trying to pull in additional sales from another model :-S

The way you guys do them.....
"Hell Yes!".................................................. .............
I would be on board for it!
Along with the Bearcat life would be good.


Jeff

[Deano]

We are looking into the Canopy and also the arrest hook.

For the Airshow guys around we will be offering you a clean version, without the bomb racks and wing guns, so yes '2' versions will be in the final release.

However, the rarebear version wont be included for obvious reasons.

For the Racing / Airshow fans, please post your desired paintschemes, 2 of which will be included on release.

[Quixoticish]

With the newly released Fury, is it worth trying to pull in additional sales from another model :-S

Most definitely. The other one wasn't a "proper" Sea Fury in many peoples eyes (myself included).

[Bomber_12th]

We are looking into the Canopy and also the arrest hook.

For the Airshow guys around we will be offering you a clean version, without the bomb racks and wing guns, so yes '2' versions will be in the final release.

However, the rarebear version wont be included for obvious reasons.

For the Racing / Airshow fans, please post your desired paintschemes, 2 of which will be included on release.

Sounds great, Dean! While I can't speak for the SOH community as a whole, I am sure TFC's Bearcat would be a good one to go with, for the U.K.-Bearcat fans: http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?regsearch=G-RUMM&distinct_entry=true

There's plenty of U.S.-based examples to pick from: http://warbirddepot.com/images/calendar/fighter1_1280ma.jpg

Some great photo sources:
http://warbirddepot.com/aircraft_fighters_f8f2-cafsc.asp
http://warbirddepot.com/aircraft_fighters_f8f2-lewis.asp
http://warbirddepot.com/aircraft_fighters_f8f1-lewis.asp
http://warbirddepot.com/aircraft_fighters_f8f2-t-lewis.asp - (My personal favorite)
http://warbirddepot.com/aircraft_fighters_f8f-pardue.asp

There is also this Thailand-based flying example (very nice!) : http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?regsearch=KH15-81/95&distinct_entry=true

Besides those shown here, other flyers include two owned by the Friedkin-family, one owned by the Tom Wood estate (factory-fresh), one owned by the Historic Flight Foundation, and one owned by the Lone Star Flight Museum (Blue Angels).

[rsgunner]

Excellent news on the clean model.

Russ

[Deano]

Guys we're currently looking at the canopy from the side and all seems perfect, well not perfect but enough for it to pass our QA, one alteration that will be added and thats the front framing thats missing.

[Naki]

The Bearcat looks awesome so far..might get this one for my hanger


The Sea Fury always epitomised the pinnacle of piston engined aircraft for me, along with the Bearcat.

There was a Lavochkin LA-9 flying here in NZ and the pilots that had flown the Bearcat and Seafury believed the Lavochkin LA-9 was better still..its a lot smaller but about the same power...difficult to land but extremely quick and agile in the air. The LA-9 is on its way to the States..so some of you might see this beast fly over there...

I would also love a proper mil Sea Fury (isnt someone else making one?) for my hanger - not a racer.

[JamesChams]

Hi all just a few render pics show casing our upcoming release of the F8F Bearcat 1...Mr. Dean Greasley,
Looks lovely... but, how did you make them out of clay (putty) in the computer? :icon_lol:
No worries, I'm buying this one for sure...
BTW: I totally love your previous work too (F6F Hellcat (http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/hellcat)), which I own and :jump:enjoy flying. Please continue with my full blessing and support...:wavey:

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (http://www.lionheartcreations.com/Spiritual_Journey.html)

Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
From,
James F. Chams

[stansdds]

I am so happy to see progress on a FSX native F8F. I have tried to use the FS9 Bearcat that was ported into FSX, but it has problems in FSX.

Please listen to Helldiver, he was there when the F8F was the newest and last USN piston engined fighter. He is so correct on the shine issue. USN glossy sea blue paint was just that, glossy, like a fine automotive finish. It was not dull or muted until exposed to plenty of sunlight, sea air, dust and grit.

This is a happy time for FSX, a F8F in development for FSX and a F7F in FS9 with the plan of an FSX version.:jump::jump::jump::jump:

[Helldiver]

That Canopy needs work. It needs a little fullness on the back side of it and It was overblown that is, in the front view it is spherical in shape. See attached.
Also including a picture of Butch Voris in a F8-F cockpit. He takes up the whole cockpit. They purposely set the seats up high to look over the cowling

[Odie]

We are looking into the Canopy and also the arrest hook.

For the Airshow guys around we will be offering you a clean version, without the bomb racks and wing guns, so yes '2' versions will be in the final release.

However, the rarebear version wont be included for obvious reasons.

For the Racing / Airshow fans, please post your desired paintschemes, 2 of which will be included on release.

Hey Dean,

Any chance of a "Rare Bear" white/gold paint for the clean version? Something about that color combo that looks nice on the Bearcat....just a suggestion.

[boxcar]

.


...For the Airshow guys around we will be offering you a clean version, without the bomb racks and wing guns, so yes '2' versions will be in the final release...


...... http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/cool/cool-smiley-015.gif .Yes! .http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/cool/cool-smiley-021.gif

Great to find this little gem today, as I'm outa here for a few months beginning tomorrow morning. Will look for her as soon I get back in September or so, thanks Dean & crew! Have really been looking forward to this one.
.
.

[Naki]

Theres a nice Bearcat in Blue Angels colours for sale here..

http://www.courtesyaircraft.com/Current%20Inventory/N68RW%20Grumman%20F8F-2%20Bearcat%20Spec.htm

[Helldiver]

I sent a PM to Deano but he hasn't answered. Perhaps he satified with what he has.
I ran into a Bearcat pilot just today at Plum Island Airport.. He ended up flying for Eastern Airlines.
He was aboard the Oriskany on the west coast while I was on the Leyte on the east coast. He outlived the purge of 1945 when I got dropped from Flight School. Only one in three made it.
We were told we could stay in or take a discharge and face the draft into the Army.
As a group we chose to stay in the Navy.

[Deano]

Just a small update, the fixes are now in place and the model is back on schedule. We should have some in-game screenshots available in 4 weeks.

[jmig]

There is a F8F Bearcat at the Lonestar Air Museum in Galveston, TX painted in Blue Angel colors. I took pictures of it. If they will help I would be happy to email them.

[Helldiver]

Deano - If you look at my message showing the canopy as it truly is, you would have noticed the barrel shape of the canopy and the fuller shape to the profile.
Plus if you look at the frames they are much too light. In the Butch Voris picture you will notice that your canopy frames should be thicker.
I'm no artist but here's a sketch

[Deano]

The corrections we've made to the canopy have been aligned to a photo of the bearcat. The front view of the canopy sketch youve provided is very much exaggerated.

unfortunately no more alterations will be applied to the canopy as we have to draw a line somewhere (no pun intended), otherwise we can be making alterations hand over fist. I hope you can understand my decision,

[Slug Flyer]

The front view sketch there doesn't even look like it matches the photo on the book cover right next to it.

Here's an interesting photo where the shape of the canopy can be seen. Doesn't look like nearly as much of an exaggerated bulge as Helldiver's sketch, though perhaps a bit bulgier than in the screenshots of the model thus far (though it's hard to tell because there haven't been any head-on).

6826

http://www.richard-seaman.com/Aircraft/AirShows/Chino2006/Highlightsi/F8f12oClock0605.jpg

[CheckSix]

Well I don't know, I think Helldiver has a point...

6827 68286829

[MudMarine]

The point is, its someone else's model, they can do with it what they see fit. Then it's our choice to buy it or not; I will buy it!!

[CheckSix]

Amen, you are absolutely right.

[skyhawka4m]

Probably not then......its too bad that someone points lot an issue, as I see it also, and the developer basicly says take it or leave it. I would put out some nice cold hard cash for an accurate model but I'll have to be hard up for an inaccurate one just to have a nice VC.

Back to Alpha Blue for me.

[Helldiver]

You have a right to turn out anything you want. Your canopy is far from correct.in each view.I have sat in many Bearcats. You have not. I also have visited Tex Star. the people that produced the canopy. They had patented the method of vacuum forming and then blowing it into shape.
Plus your canopy frames are much too narrow.
But have it your way. It just won't be accurate.

[MudMarine]

I don't think anyone starts out with anything less than perfection in mind. But nothing is perfect, we all can find errors in just about every modeled aircraft. Modeling is an art, art is subjective. If perfection was the standard to be always obtained, we'd all be in big trouble. I feel sorry for anyone who turns down a fun "simulated" aircraft because it doesn't meet their idea of perfection. But that's just me, to each his own.

[skyhawka4m]

Mud I do agree in some respect...but with what people are asking these days for these aircraft.....I want the plane to look like it should. Thats just my wallet talking.

[mal998]

Dean and All,
here are some photos that clearly show the cockpit and canopy area of the Grumman Bearcat. Hopefully they will provide you a bit more reference material pertaining to the shape of the canopy and windscreen framework.

Normally I would post these on your website, but unfortunately there is no mechanism that allows me to do so.

I know that you make every attempt to re-create your aircraft in a most faithful manner. Have a look at these and compare them to the work that has already been done.

I hope these help...

BR's,
mal

http://www.alphasim3.com/upload/bearcat1.jpg

http://www.alphasim3.com/upload/bearcat5.jpg

http://www.alphasim3.com/upload/bearcat7.jpg

http://www.alphasim3.com/upload/BEARCATS%201.jpg

http://www.alphasim3.com/upload/BEARCATS%205.jpg

http://www.alphasim3.com/upload/BEARCATS 7.jpg

http://www.alphasim3.com/upload/BEARCATS%204.jpg

http://www.alphasim3.com/upload/BEARCATS%2040.jpg

http://www.alphasim3.com/upload/BEARCATS%2049.jpg

[MudMarine]

Mud I do agree in some respect...but with what people are asking these days for these aircraft.....I want the plane to look like it should. Thats just my wallet talking.

I've been in a lot of military aircraft......NO two are the same. If people want perfection they're expectations are unrealistic.

[Deano]

I personally think that the model has minimal differences, from the photos posted by Mal

[Bomber_12th]

Anyone know if there were multiple canopy designs used on the Bearcat? I'm not all that up-to-speed on differences between Bearcat models. I ask, because whatever drawing was used to create the side-profile of the canopy on the VS-Bearcat, there is a very distinct bump at the forward most end of the canopy, which is not present on any of the canopies pictured here in this thread. In the photos posted in this thread, the tallest portion of the canopy is over the pilot's seat, just in front of the armor plate, with a gentle curve from the front to the rear. I know that the aircraft I am currently producing, had more than 5 different distinct canopy glass designs/shapes that were employed during its service life!

(Be sure to notice that in the tail-view photo provided by Mal, you can faintly see where the canopy bulges out farther than the canopy/windscreen frame. The glass itself bulges out from the base, curving up to the middle, and then semi-circles over the top. Having the canopy bulge outward was very important, otherwise you wouldn't be maximizing the pilot's viewing-capabilities.)

[noddy]

Looking at the last shot posted by Mal and Dean's I can't tell the difference. But I am just a humble simmer.

Great work so far.

[jmig]

Looking at the last shot posted by Mal and Dean's I can't tell the difference. But I am just a humble simmer.

Great work so far.

Yeph! I am just a pilot. I worry more about how it flies and feels real to me than the number of rivets. That is just me, however. We all have our reasons for buying and not buying. Who is to say one is better than the next?

[mal998]

Looking at the photos and looking at the most recent renders from Dean, I have to say the model looks pretty damn close to the photos!

There is not enough of a difference (if there is one, I don't see it) to engage in further discussion on the subject.

Full speed ahead Dean...I look forward to tearing up the virtual sky with this little demon.

[Deano]

Hi Mal, full speed it is.

[Deano]

enjoy

http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/files/F8F_pics/f8f5.jpg

http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/files/F8F_pics/f8f6.jpg

http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/files/F8F_pics/f8f7.jpg

http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/files/F8F_pics/f8f8.jpg

http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/files/F8F_pics/f8f9.jpg

[bruce448]

Dean I want It now....I said now!!!!!

Bruce

[peter12213]

Jesus wept, I say no more!!!!!!!! BEGGING TO ALPHA OR BETA PLEASE PLEASE!

[MenendezDiego]

Me too! I have nothing going on this summer!

[c87]

Dean, it seems that with every aircraft Vertigo does, it just keeps getting better. The level of detail in the modelling is terrific in my opinion and the texturing is outstanding. With craftsmanship like that you've essentially tapped a spigot directly into my credit card. Keep up the excellent work and I hopefully look forward to many excellent aircraft to come.

[PRB]

Wish they would make a Wildcat! :icon_twi: :a1310: :d Ok, sorry. I couldn't resist! I'll behave now...

[roger-wilco-66]

Dean, that is stunnning!
Top notch. I think you are setting new standards for the visual appearance of FSX aircraft.

Cheers,
Mark

[letsgetrowdy]

Whoooooo!! I'm loving seeing the Fighter Collection's Aircraft in FSX!

[Cleartheprop]

Fantastic job one more time.
I think the texturing goes beyond everything that has been done before on a WWII fighter in FSX.
:ernae:

[Z-DarthVader]

There I did it again, ruïned a perfectly good keyboard by drooling over it!! :jump:

Good show!!!

[JensOle]

The bearcat is beginning to look very good! It just needs some South Vietnamese textures....

Regards
Jens-Ole

[BOOM]

Whoaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's real purrty!!!!!!!!!!!:salute:

[letsgetrowdy]

Yep, really excited to see this in FSX!
Just make sure their's either a paintkit included, or alternatively, this scheme...

http://www.key.aero/central/images/gallery/805.jpg

[noddy]

Dean I want It now....I said now!!!!!

Bruce

LOL, me to.

[VCN-1]

Looks great.

Please let there be a paint kit.

VCN-1

[Tim-HH]

Wow, Dean, that looks just awesome! :applause:

Greetings
Tim

[Deano]

yes there will be a paintkit available as an additional download so no need to worry guys.

[MudMarine]

Wish they would make a Wildcat! :icon_twi: :a1310: :d Ok, sorry. I couldn't resist! I'll behave now...


Wise guy!!:icon_lol:

[Helldiver]

The Bearcat cockpit layout in detail can be seen at:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD>
www.cybermodeler.com/<WBR>aircraft/f8f/f8f_pit.shtml (http://www.cybermodeler.com/aircraft/f8f/f8f_pit.shtml)

The bottom picture shows the reverse curve of the canopy. It's really there.
The following picture shows it also. It also shows the correct curvature of the canopy. The one that's shown is too "flat."
It took some doing in order to blow mold the canopy and hold even thickness. Any deviation would cause optical distortion. So the company came up with a Vacuum forming / Blow molding technique to prevent any distortion.


<TD vAlign=bottom align=right>Remove frame http://www.google.com/images/isr_c.gif (http://www.cybermodeler.com/aircraft/f8f/f8f_pit.shtml)
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Tartuffe]

:jump:
Great job here !

Bravo !

[thefrog]

Can't wait!

[stansdds]

It's looking good, but Helldiver is right about the canopy. Also, the faded and worn paint looks like a unit that has seen a lot of service and it's nice, but I hope we can also have high gloss fresh paint as well.

[flyingip]

Can't wait :bump:

[Helldiver]

Any F8-F in the US Navy service even saw the least bit of weathering, or worn out paint, the plane captain could expect a Leading Chief's boot in his rear end. Corrosion at sea is a constant enemy.

[Cag40Navy]

However the Bearcat F8-F was so well thought of that they produced 1266 of them. It was called the zenith of piston engined fighters. It could do everything well as well as being compact, an important feature on a crowded Carrier deck. I liked the airplane a lot. I only wished it had come out a year earlier.
Didn't know that the Navy had TV's in WWII..... Secret technology? Let alone Zeniths....
(Joking here)

Nice shots, lookin real good over here!

[Deano]

Heres an early work in progress Vc screenshot of our upcoming F8F Bearcat

11182

[BOOM]

Looks Great Dean,Thanks for the update!:salute:

[d0mokun]

Beautiful! :ernae:

[bruce448]

your just teasing us now Dean

[skyhawka4m]

this is gonna be good........


With these awesome NAVY planes coming out....has anyone done any WWII, and or Korean era carriers?


Also, wasn't someone doing a birdcage Corsair for FSX?

[stiz]

looks great, do you guys ever sleep ? :isadizzy:

[dswo]

I am really looking forward to this one.

[ctbram]

May I ask what you guys model in? I have been a long time maya user and getting clean surfaces with the gear openings, exhaust trough and oil cooler vents is just a horrific nightmare. Cutting opening in curved surfaces in maya, especially if there are tight corners is nearly impossible to do without destroying the surface continuity.

So I would dearly like to know what modeling software you use and the general workflow. I have been contemplating switching to a real surfacing program like rhino, inventor, alias, solid works etc. and then meshing the nurbs surface data. But it's all guesswork and I'd like to avoid running down to many rabbit holes in search of a proper set of apps and work flows.

Regards,
Rick Mulawa

[Dangerousdave26]

You will probably get a better answer from their forums.

http://www.vertigostudios.co.uk/forum/forum.php

All I can offer is an educated guess. They are using 3ds Max. For as long as they have been using it my guess is they are using version 9 which is last version compatible with the FSX SDK modeling tools.

If you look for it don't buy it anywhere you find it. Autodesk does not sell old software and the current release is 2012. Which is not compatible with the FSX SDK tools. To use 3ds Max 2012 you need the Prepare 3d SDK. Prepare 3d is Microsoft ESP licensed by Lockheed.

http://usa.autodesk.com/3ds-max/how-to-buy/ (you may need to look for your country version)

http://www.prepar3d.com/

http://www.prepar3d.com/downloads/

Now for the shell shocker. 3ds Max is not for the hobbyist unless you have a lot of $$ to throw around. It is a commercial product intended for commercial products.

[ctbram]

max is not that different then maya and I am not concerned with moving my models into FSX. What I am curious about is how he is punching vents and gear and panel openings with beveled and rounded edges and tight corners into curved surfaces without totally destroying the surface continuity and getting creases and bunched up edges flowing all through the model! As far as I know max has no magic tools to fix that and so I must conclude they are using something else and then importing into max or they have some magic workflow to address punching clean openings into poly surfaces that I would push my mom off a bridge to know about.

I will check their forums though and ty for the response.