Martin B-57A/RB-57A Canberra WIP

[nazca_steve]

Hello all,

well, as part of the continuing Flying Stations Canberra series, I am now making good progress with the B-57A version. I've been wanting to tackle this for a while, and these American versions will be the focus of the next pack. So the brief background. While the B-57B-G tandem seat versions are far more well-known, the series began with the short-lived B-57A version, of which only 8 were built, before moving on to the dedicated reconnaissance version, the RB-57A. Even these were quickly supplanted by the preferred interdictor tandem versions.

However, as a fan of the 'goldfish bowl' bomber canopy types, I am making these early versions, and these may be (correct me if I am wrong) the first dedicated models, i.e. not just repaints of British B.2s, for the 57A series. This means completely revised and repainted cockpit with new seats, deleted overhead windows for the observer, new consoles, equipment and canopy heater strips. A shorter, rotating bomb bay door with new ordnance. Various other cosmetic differences such as the J65 engine and intakes, differing pitot etc.

Some shots of the natural metal B-57A:

Bay door rotated (have to admit, this was a definite improvement over my beloved British Canberras, pains me to say!)

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57A_036.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57A_042.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57A_039.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57A_041.jpg

back on the ground:

(smoke will be revised to get dirtier and denser soon):

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57A_048.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57A_044.jpg

I have to add, it's been a joy painting this one up, lots of lovely reflective, burnished natural metal, and of course, who doesn't love that garish tone of zinc oxide! Can't wait to get around to the RB-57A schemes...

[Ferry_vO]

Looks great as usual Steve; love the metal finish!

:applause:

[Felixthreeone]

YES! Looking forward to these.....

[mgchrist5]

Fantastic, Steve! I can't wait to see the revised VCs in these Americanized British classics. I just bought your South American Export pack a few weeks ago and will gladly snap up this pack when it's released. Keep 'em coming.
:ernae:

[nazca_steve]

Thanks for the support, fellas and for buying the packs. The South American one was a fun one too.

Yes, the VC will be fun, it's amazing to see just how much the USAF designers cleaned up the EE cockpit design. Everything looks less crowded, far less 'coal hole', but then a lot of that was achieved with the light grey paint they used over the black finish of the Brit versions. I was most suprised to see the USAF seats were not a Martin-Baker design, so perhaps someone can tell me when these were first fitted to American planes. It's a totally different design that even has armrests; for someone only familiar with MB seats it was a trip to see that!

So, lot's of work to do on the VC and 2D panels now that the basic exterior is done. There will be some 'suprise' models also included in this pack - versions of the 57 I had not even heard about till recently. Should be a fun one :)

[Felixthreeone]

Steve, which pack will contain the NASA variants? Are they RB's or NB's haha I don't even remember

[nazca_steve]

No NASA variants planned for this series, as they are built off the tandem seat arrangement. Those models are for a different series and a different day! This whole series is bomber canopy versions only, but there has been a lot of interest in fighter canopy and tandem seat versions that I will seriously have to consider them later this year.

Buuut...there might be a different kind of NASA version in the B-57 pack that should be suprising to users...;)

[Felixthreeone]

Cool...thanks, Steve! I will be looking forward to this pack for sure!

[Desert Rat]

Looking amazing, great work on the metalwork there. Whilst the USAF birds ain't my favs, they will certainly have a place in my collection.

:salute:
Jamie

[nazca_steve]

The metalwork was fun to do, have to admit. I got a new Wacom tablet to replace my aging Graphire 2, this Xmas and boy is it a joy to work with. Made the burnishing a lot easier to do, given the extra pressure sensitivity you get in the pen.

Jamie, have to agree, the tandem seaters are not my faves, but I admit they are growing on me. These at least are still goldfish bowlers so we have that common ground with the Brit types. Natty paintwork coming up on the recon birds, I'll give US Air National Guard units credit there, they had some great designers/painters on staff!

[ZsoltB]

Beautyful!

The B2 version, I froze
But as you will have money, buy the other type too!

Thank you!

Regards,

Zsolt

[mgchrist5]

...the tandem seaters are not my faves, but I admit they are growing on me.

:icon_lol: Personally, I love the fighter canopy versions more than any others. Something about their aesthetics always appealed to me. It might not be as original as the Brit design, but it just seems "meaner"...for lack of a better adjective. Either way I'll take whatever Canberras you spit out. Bill Holker's models are fantastic, as is the old Alphasim B-57...but neither of them measure up to the VC clarity and functionality of your versions...and NO disrespect meant to either of the aforementioned...which were great models in their day!

The only question remaining is how many more models of Canberra can there be to model? Steve, you just might achieve a FS record for the most variants of a single specific model ever offered. :icon_lol:

[nazca_steve]

Haha, yes indeed, I wondered when someone would point that out :) The thing is the Canberra had such a long and varied career, that it HAD so many variants! There aren't many planes that can boast that. The other thing is, I am just plain mad for the type and genuinely enjoy making them, even if some are perhaps 'unnecessary' to the FS world!

So to your question, I think I have material for 3 more packs, and even then, that is cutting out the RAF recon versions.

Agreed, the B-57 tandems do look mean; the bubble canopies just look friendlier, perhaps why I like them. And also agreed, Bill Holker and Paul Foster's models were and are ace, but I never had Alpha's Canberras.

[nazca_steve]

Just took my first spin in the RB-57A version, very similar to the B-57A except with a camera bay and some other mods, pretty cool looking bird though. Here is the first of the paints, an Arkansas ANG bird.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/RB57A_003.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/RB57A_002.jpg



Just cannot get enough zinc oxide...

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/RB57A_005.jpg

[edmoore235]

Very nice Steve. Look forward to when you complete the package. Thank you.

Ed

[WarHorse47]

:jump::jump::jump::jump:

Beautiful. Can't wait.

--WH

[Motormouse]

I was most suprised to see the USAF seats were not a Martin-Baker design, so perhaps someone can tell me when these were first fitted to American planes. It's a totally different design that even has armrests; for someone only familiar with MB seats it was a trip to see that!

:)

Yoo..hooo ..Steve... American (USAF) seats were by AMI
http://www.ejectionsite.com/ami.htm; and IIRC the armrests contained the ejection trigger (handle); the USN on the other hand preferred Martin-Baker for its' aeroplanes, as the AMI seats could not be operated quickly enough below 500ft (ie if your plane was crashing and below 500ft; by the time seat triggered it would be too late); it was 1959 before AMI produced a rocket seat (for the F-106)

http://www.ejectionsite.com/emakers.htm

ttfn

Pete

[nazca_steve]

Fascinating stuff, I had no idea who built them, now I've just learned something. Cheers for that Pete.

[Cag40Navy]

Awesome job Steve! You make these Cann's shine! (Fighter canopy and tandem seats this year please?)

[nazca_steve]

Yep, I think these will be possible as FS9 models carrying on in this range. I was originally planning to do a whole new FSX build but think I will save that for a whole new project.

[WarHorse47]

Yep, I think these will be possible as FS9 models carrying on in this range. I was originally planning to do a whole new FSX build but think I will save that for a whole new project.Good news. :jump: Thanks for the update.

--WH

[Cag40Navy]

Yep, I think these will be possible as FS9 models carrying on in this range. I was originally planning to do a whole new FSX build but think I will save that for a whole new project.
Complete the Cann's series's then go back and make them all FSX native after FS9.

[modelr]

Complete the Cann's series's then go back and make them all FSX native after FS9.

I second that. :jump:

[DennyA]

Sweet, Steve! Glad I reinstalled FS9. I'd love to see an FSX series eventually -- FS9's really frustrating at times when you're used to FSX -- but it's worth going back just to be able to fly planes like this. :)

[nazca_steve]

Thanks Denny. Yes its the time-old FS9 vs. FSX dilemma, what do, what to do. I have tasted FSX briefly, and based on how good it looks, I know that aside from not yet having a machine capable of doing it justice, I need to hold off on installing it. It's like Pandora's box, once I have it, will I still continue to develop and enjoy FS9? Questionable. So, for now I will soldier on and finish this series. Any FSX fixes will be texture updates to the canopy glass, but not native new-builds on this series - too much work. FSX will be a totally new aircraft, most likely after I finish off some other to-do FS9 stuff.

In the meantime I have been working on tweaking the RB-57A and painting her up - a real pleasure. Hard to rein it in and keep working on the actual pack as there are so many cool colour schemes for this bird.

In her little (high gloss) black dress:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/RB57A_b_009.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/RB57A_b_008.jpg

Opening the oh-so-cool rotary bomb bay :)

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/RB57A_b_015.jpg

Yeah, this isn't really a recon run at this altitude!

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/RB57A_b_019.jpg

Climbing back up and camera bay open (that tiny little thing aft of the bomb bay)

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/RB57A_b_014.jpg

[WarHorse47]

Thanks Denny. Yes its the time-old FS9 vs. FSX dilemma, what do, what to do. I have tasted FSX briefly, and based on how good it looks, I know that aside from not yet having a machine capable of doing it justice, I need to hold off on installing it. It's like Pandora's box, once I have it, will I still continue to develop and enjoy FS9? Questionable. So, for now I will soldier on and finish this series. Any FSX fixes will be texture updates to the canopy glass, but not native new-builds on this series - too much work. FSX will be a totally new aircraft, most likely after I finish off some other to-do FS9 stuff.

In the meantime I have been working on tweaking the RB-57A and painting her up - a real pleasure. Hard to rein it in and keep working on the actual pack as there are so many cool colour schemes for this bird.

In her little (high gloss) black dress:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/RB57A_b_009.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/RB57A_b_008.jpg

Opening the oh-so-cool rotary bomb bay :)

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/RB57A_b_015.jpg

Yeah, this isn't really a recon run at this altitude!

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/RB57A_b_019.jpg

Climbing back up and camera bay open (that tiny little thing aft of the bomb bay)

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/RB57A_b_014.jpgGreat looking paints, Steve. Are ya' getting closer to a release date??

:ernae:

--WH

[nazca_steve]

No, sadly not. I've been slacking off a lot of late, mainly due to having a full-time day job again ;) I actually think I began to burn myself out on the project a bit too, so it's been nice having some 'time off' from it. That said, I do want to finish it off so will aim to get back on it again this coming week.

[WarHorse47]

No, sadly not. I've been slacking off a lot of late, mainly due to having a full-time day job again ;) I actually think I began to burn myself out on the project a bit too, so it's been nice having some 'time off' from it. That said, I do want to finish it off so will aim to get back on it again this coming week.Ahh... This is what happens when you post those great looking WIP shots. All of a sudden real life beckons, and there is less time in the day. Thanks for the update.
:ernae:

--WH

[nazca_steve]

Well, at long last I've got back on the project again, although have to report that I don't think the US versions will be the next pack now. Shifting gears to return to an earlier pack I had almost ready to go, and will return to the RBs later on.

Pleased to report I have got the bomb drop 'intervalometer' (as it were) working better now, so payloads will drop in a more realistic, staggered fashion rather than in side-by side clusters. I am also working on 2D pop panel to control these, which will make dropping from the external view more easier than the old 'VC in a window' method. I will make this panel, along with the new autopilot panel, available for all earlier packs as well.

All for now,

Steve

[Kowalski65]

And with tHE 9 vs X thing mentioned above any chance of just a thumbnail for us on the "DARK SIDE"? These planes are too good to go without a piccie

[nazca_steve]

Do you mean a thumbnail for the aircraft selection screen? Or something else? If it's the former, yes of course, please give me a list of what you need and the dimensions and I will sort them for you.

[Desert Rat]

Steve,

saw you'd posted, thought you might've had something nice for me :d Your gonna tell me you have aren't you? You were on just aboutto post that when you noticed the request and replied to that first, lol.

Jamie

[Desert Rat]

Don't go logging off just to throw me off the scent, I can feel it in my bones I tell thee.

[nazca_steve]

You're not an easy man to fool, there is indeed a new pack close to release but I'll say no more than that at risk of shooting myself in the foot.

Well...maybe I'll give you just a sneak preview of the new bombing animation and control panel.

http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/?action=view&current=B20_bombing_1.mp4

UPDATE:

Just knocked out the Rhodesian B.2 model; still needs the rockets rigging up but it's practically there. Which means release is round the theoretical corner once beta is complete. Here are some shots:

Basking in the sun with her new custom canopy sunshade:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/b2rhod_025.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/b2rhod_026.jpg

Airborne and testing out drop tank release with the new stores panel:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/b2rhod_033.jpg

Displaying her load of Alpha bombs (no, those are NOT oranges!!):

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/b2rhod_029.jpg

Showing off the rocket rails:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/b2rhod_028.jpg

And a couple of the more peaceful non-armed Aussie B.Mk.20:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/b2rhod_035.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/b2rhod_037.jpg

[Kowalski65]

Do you mean a thumbnail for the aircraft selection screen? Or something else? If it's the former, yes of course, please give me a list of what you need and the dimensions and I will sort them for you.

Yes, thats it, the aircraft selection screen.
As autothumbnail for some reason doesnt work for me at all, I could do with pics for all of them, but I cant ask for that, but if you could include them for future releases, I would be a happy bunny.I have no idea what pixel size they are though,I know they are about 8 kB in size.
Anyone else any idea?

[nazca_steve]

I'll get the dimensions from a friend, not to worry, and will include these for future releases, starting with the next pack. Incidentally, if anyone feels up for a challenge and wants to make a new FSX-friendly glass texture, feel free. If it works and is well-accepted by FSX users I will also include that in a separate folder in future releases and the helper will receive the next pack for free :)

[ZsoltB]

Beautiful work!

Regards,

Zsolt

[nazca_steve]

Now I'm back at last on the B-57A/RB-57A pack...feels good. Currently at work on the Hurricane hunting B-57A. This is a curious bird, very much akin to the RAF B.6(mod) with it's marrow-like nose. Therefore I definitely like this type - bags of character. She served for some time with the NOAA and US Weather Bureau, among other agencies. This is the first of her schemes shown during testing in dodgy conditions off Miami.

At the very least, I think she is a contender for the snazziest pitots seen in aviation.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57_NOAA_046.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57_NOAA_048.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57_NOAA_004.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57_NOAA_005.jpg

[edmoore235]

Very nice, I like it! Must wait - hurry please.

Ed

[rjcruzejr]

Now that's my kind of "Hurricane Hunter!"

Definitely looking forward to this pack. Okay, I look forward to all of them, but that's beside the point.

[Blackbird686]

Very nice work, Steve. I remember seeing the USAF Canberras in pictures as a kid. I built a model of one once.

The Hurricane Hunter was later transformed into (I believe) a variant with elongated wings and more powerful engines. They could cruise at higher altitudes for extended periods of time. NASA used this variant to study weather patterns. Even though the wings were supersized and the engines were alot bigger on the plane, it could still be made out to be a Canberra.

I really like the scheme on the Australian version. Aussie Canberras are one of my favorites.:greenbo:

BB686:USA-flag:

[nazca_steve]

Cheers Blackbird. I think you're referring to the WB-57F used by NASA with the massive wingspan and huge GE engines. This was the true dedicated high-alt weather version, but the one I have shown here was one of the handful of original B-57As that were farmed out to various research agencies for test-bed duties. This particular aircraft ended up in the Baker School of Aviation I believe as a static relic. I've seen pics of it fading away on the tarmac minus its nose. Sad.

Agreed on the Aussies B.20s - great warbirds, without doubt these saw more combat action than any other Canberra for an extended period of time. The scheme is cool, quite menacing with it's grey and green wrap. Big respect for the Aussies and their precision during Vietnam.

[Ztimbre]

Hi Steve, beautiful work!

I think it has been asked before, but since it's just been mentioned, will you be doing the WB-57?

cheers!

Z

[ian elliot]

There's a pretty good WB-57 by Piglet here in the SOH Library.
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/page.php?lloc=downloads&loc=downloads&page=info&FileID=6205

cheers ian

[Ztimbre]

Thanks Ian :) I do have that one installed, and it is quite nice, apart from some small shading issues. I would still love to see what Steve would do with the WB.

cheers!

[nazca_steve]

Sorry mate, no plans at all for the WB...I am not a big fan of that 'Canberra', if we can even still call it that. Virtavia would probably make one down the line if there was enough interest in it.

Just read the file description on Piglet's one - sounds pretty damn good with VC and flexing wings. Doubt I would do much different from that! Can anyone post some screens of it?

[wombat666]

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/419/rb57.jpg By (http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/419/rb57.jpg%20By%20wombat666%20at%202011-04-01)wombat666 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/wombat666) at 2011-04-01
Not a great screenie but you get the idea.

[Ztimbre]

Fair enough Steve. It certainly is a 'different' bird! :) :)

[nazca_steve]

Not that bad, freeware as well so I am certainly not going to knock it. Paintwork and markings look decent too, but I am not that much of a WB-57 expert either. Reckon this is your best bet Ztimbre. Amazing to see how far the Canberra came from the original A.1 to this...even though I don't like the WB it is testament to Petter's design that it still flies a functional role 60 odd years later. Gotta love the old girl.

[hae5904]

Now I'm back at last on the B-57A/RB-57A pack...feels good. Currently at work on the Hurricane hunting B-57A. This is a curious bird, very much akin to the RAF B.6(mod) with it's marrow-like nose. Therefore I definitely like this type - bags of character. She served for some time with the NOAA and US Weather Bureau, among other agencies. This is the first of her schemes shown during testing in dodgy conditions off Miami.

At the very least, I think she is a contender for the snazziest pitots seen in aviation.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57_NOAA_046.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57_NOAA_048.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57_NOAA_004.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57_NOAA_005.jpg

Fantastic Steve!! This version and the 333 (:wiggle:)..........Awesome!

Cheers,
Hank

[nazca_steve]

Good, then you're in for a treat with the next two packs then. The last pack especially is to be nose-job heaven. I'm really looking forward to working on that one, just got to get around to finishing off the US pack.

[hae5904]

Thanks Steve! Let the noses arrive.....:d

Cheers mate,
Hank

[Cag40Navy]

I look forward to the fighter canopies!

[nazca_steve]

There's going to be a Canberra hiatus before they arrive I'm afraid, Cag; I need to take a break from the old girl at the end of the bomber canopy series! They're still on the agenda for this year hopefully. Before that though it's going to be something more navalised...

[Desert Rat]

Before that though it's going to be something more navalised...

Ah, the lesser known Sea Canberra, excellent. Those Gannet style wing fold was awesome to see, especially since there were two more folds in each wing!! They were required to get them under the decks, not much room for much else mind. And watching the take-off was unbelievable, they way they bungy roped them across two cat's and prayed to god they pressed both 'go' buttons at EXACTLY the same time, WOW!! There was the odd sideways take-off when they misjudged it, good job the Cranberry's huge wing produces enough lift to maintain flight whatever direction it travels, marvellous fore-thought there by Petter. On the same point of genius design, the way they overcame the landing problems was just awe-inspiring, I mean, 12 huge parachutes 240 upward facing hairdryers and 48 inflatable life-rafts that deploy 12ft from the water by means of a huge dongle underslung from the belly.

Of coarse these in-genius features were ultimately the types downfall, there was no room left for use-able payload with all those 'chutes'n'rafts'n'dryers, but it sure was a spectacle while it lasted.

Very interested to see how you implement these unique features in FS Steve, can't wait to say the least.

Jamie

[nazca_steve]

Bit of a tall order, but I'll see what I can manage. That's one heck of an imagination you have mate! Mind you the Cran would look good in EDSG and Sky paintwork...could be a good what if there...

[WarHorse47]

Steve, how's the progress on the B-57A/RB-57A package?? :bump:

--WH

[nazca_steve]

Cheers for the bump, WH, unfortunately I don't have anything substantial to show at the moment. Work's been crazy this week and we are off to the UK next week on hols, so FS work has been on the backburner. That said, I am up to the VC now, which is something at least, after that still the last model to build of this package. I'd say mid May for a tentative release I'm afraid.

[hae5904]

Thanks for the update Steve!!

If I may speak for all, we'll be patient??

Cheers!

[nazca_steve]

That is all I can ask of everyone. Regretfully, real life has a way of always taking over. Then there's this little thing called Red Dead Redemption on the Xbox which is now competing for my evening time...guilty as charged, ma'am! But I will get back to it I promise - the series HAS to be completed!

[ColoKent]

...I too can't wait for your US bomber variants to be released. When you do the tandem canopy versions, can we please have an EB-57B or -E?

Also, do you plan to include paintkits for your birds?

This looks GREAT!

Kent

[nazca_steve]

Hi Kent,

no plans for tandem seat versions I'm afraid, but yes, I will try to get some paint kits done this century. The good news is that with a few odd bits here and there, the B.2 paintkit I released last year serves a lot of the variants.

[WarHorse47]

I'd say mid May for a tentative release I'm afraid.Now, where were we. :salute: Ah, mid-May, I believe. Hope things are progressing. :applause: Looking forward to the next release.
:ernae:

--WH

[nazca_steve]

Erk! That will teach me not to set dates in future! Oh well, at least I used the word 'tentative' :) Work has ground to a bit of a halt at the moment I'm afraid. Bit of a recharging of the batteries going on at the moment. I'll be sure to post when progress is being made again. Thanks for the interest mind you, and I think FSX users will have something to look forward from the rest of the Flying Stations team in the near future at least.

[WarHorse47]

Just let us know what we can do to help or motivate you.
:ernae:

--WH

[Desert Rat]

Let me just say, I'm not angry, I'm not upset, just disappointed.




Always worked when my parents said it to me as a child. :d

Jamie

[nazca_steve]

WH and Jamie play the perfect game of good cop/bad cop! I will get back on it soon properly I promise. I did open the B-57 VC file the other day and poked around...got to beat that and then the creative juices will begin flowing again.

[WarHorse47]

Who, me? :icon_lol:

--WH

[WarHorse47]

:bump::bump::bump:

--WH

[nazca_steve]

Sorry WH, nothing significant to show you, but I have been chipping away at the VC a bit of and off. Hoping to get back on it next week.

[nazca_steve]

Progress at last: first test flight of the B-57A with Jaguar rocket. This will be launchable later on, but you get an idea for how it all looks with these shots taken over Buckley, Colorado.

Takeoff:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57_jag006.jpg

Climbing:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57_jag007.jpg

Assume launch position:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57_jag008.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57_jag009.jpg

RTB:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57_jag011.jpg

Next to big brother!:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/B57_jag013.jpg

More to come soon.

Steve

[Cag40Navy]

Man, all i can think of "FSX, oh boy, please go FSX". Very impressive, i am very happy to see the family getting done. So thank you non the less.

[AndyG43]

Let me just say, I'm not angry, I'm not upset, just disappointed.

Always worked when my parents said it to me as a child. :d

Jamie

Thought you might like this then Jamie .....

There are 3 balloons, Mummy balloon, Daddy balloon and Baby balloon. Baby balloon is now 4 years old and Daddy balloon tells him that it’s time he slept in his own room.
After much arguing baby balloon agrees.

On the first night Baby balloon sleeps all night in his own bed. On the second night there is a thunder storm, and Baby balloon decides to get up and go sleep with Mummy and Daddy balloon. But when he tries to get into bed between Mummy and Daddy he finds there isn’t any space.

Baby balloon goes down to Mummy’s knot undoes it and lets a little air out thinking she won’t notice. He tries to squeeze in between Mummy and Daddy but still there isn’t enough space. He goes down to Daddy’s knot undoes it and lets a little air out thinking he won’t notice. Again he tries to squeeze in between Mummy and Daddy but still there isn’t enough space.

Finally he undoes his own knot and lets a little air out. He tries to squeeze in between Mummy and Daddy and finds there is just enough space.

In the morning when Daddy balloon wakes to find him there, he is angry. ” Son I am disappointed. Not only have you let both me and your mother down, but you have let yourself down too.”

[nazca_steve]

Man, all i can think of "FSX, oh boy, please go FSX". Very impressive, i am very happy to see the family getting done. So thank you non the less.

I'll probably get killed for saying this on an FS9 forum, but that is the plan on future releases. I will still do my best to make FS9 versions too if possible though.

[WarHorse47]

I think its time for another.. :bump::bump::bump:

Need to keep this one alive.
:ernae:

--WH

[nazca_steve]

Hi WH,

nothing substantial to report on the B-57A other than VC work is continuing but I am not giving any dates or mention of the dreaded 'S' word! I HAVE, however, knocked out a few new repaints for existing packs, which can be downloaded here:

B.6 WT212 of the Institute of Aviation Medicine, Farnborough:
http://flyingstations.com/repaints-can-bp.html

TT.18 WJ721 of 7 Sqn, RAF St.Mawgan:
http://flyingstations.com/repaints-can-tt.html

B.2 WD950 of the Swifter Flight, El Adem, Libya:
http://flyingstations.com/repaints-can-b2.html

Better than nothing, right? Thought I'd take a little repainting break ;)

[WarHorse47]

Excellent. More repaints. :applause:

Thanks, Steve.

--WH

PS - One needs to make sure that WD950 goes to the B2_early folder contrary to what the data.txt file indicates.

[nazca_steve]

Damn good catch old boy, you have the eyes of an eagle. I think a reward will have to wing its way over to you at some point soon! (Ok, I said soon). Duly corrected and the file has been re-uploaded. Go Swifter Flight!

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/newpaints_016.jpg

WJ721 with some towing action:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/newpaints2_027.jpg

and WT212 weathering some stormy skies:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/newpaints_021.jpg

[hae5904]

Thanks Steve for the repaints....downloading them now!

Cheers.
Hank

[WarHorse47]

Gotta keep this thread towards to the top....

:bump::bump::bump::bump::bump:

:icon_lol:

--WH

[nazca_steve]

Fret not good sir, I am hard at work on the VC as we speak. Getting closer by the day.

[nazca_steve]

OK, at long last some progress to show. The VC is now pretty much finished; I am moving on to final exterior model anims and upping the cart start fx to 'US standard'. Here a few snaps including testing the B-57A prototype in some very enjoyable stormy weather over Colorado:

The somewhat cleaner and more functional Americanised Canberra cockpit:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/grab_017.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/grab_018.jpg

and into the storm:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/grab_025.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/grab_026.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/grab_027.jpg

More to follow when I have it.

[hae5904]

Looks great Steve!! Thanks for the update.

Cheers,
Hank

[mgchrist5]

Looking great, Steve! The cockpit certainly looks much less claustrophobic than the Brit versions...even though they're dimensionally similar.

[WarHorse47]

Yah, Hoo... :wiggle:

Thanks for the update Steve.

:ernae:

--WH

[nazca_steve]

Hi Fellas,

yes, updates at last :) And yes, Mark, I have to agree, there is a less claustrophobic vibe to the cockpit here, which I think in part is due to the grey paintwork used across all but the main dashboards. Gives less of a 'coal hole' feel compared to the UK versions. The main dashes are slightly different in size and positioning, giving slightly more room (ever so slightly) to the instrumentation, which helps too.

[WarHorse47]

I'm only... :bump::bump::bump:

..so this thread can move to the top. :icon_lol:

--WH

[nazca_steve]

Evening all,

Lots more progress made...all repaints complete, models exported, smoke effects beefed up for the B-57 style cartridges. I have also finally decided to do away with the 'hit and miss' nature of my previous startup effects, and have tied them to the general engine startup effects line in the .cfg file. Not as accurate perhaps, but they work and everyone will see them now, which is better in my opinion!

So now we are quite close to beta. Some shots to tide WH over!

RB-57As:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/grab_B57A_020.jpg



http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/grab_B57A_003.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/grab_B57A_015.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/grab_B57A_013.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/grab_B57A_007.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/grab_B57A_041.jpg

JB-57A rocket launch:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/grab_B57A_000.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/grab_B57A_048.jpg

and enhanced smoke on the WB-57A:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/grab_B57A_024.jpg

and finally B-57A bomb runs:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/grab_B57A_018.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/nazca_steve/Canberras/grab_B57A_002.jpg

[hae5904]

Awesome Steve!! Looks fantastic. :jump:

Cheers,
Hank

[nazca_steve]

Cheers Hank.

For various reasons this pack has taken much longer than the others, mostly due to real world commitments, but partly due to 'scope creep' as they call it in the advertising world! I'm pleased with the new smoke effects, but they still need a bit of tweaking so not quite there yet. WH is going to kill me! All I can say is hopefully the wait is worth it ;)

[Blackbird686]

Hey Steve --

The Michigan ANG variant looks SWEET:applause::applause::applause:. Really an eye catcher. Reckon I'm going to have to spring for this one as soon as she's available.

Cheers -- BB686:USA-flag:

[p3aewguy]

They all look sweet! LOL! Can't wait!

[nazca_steve]

Have to agree Blackbird, the Michigan ANG paint is cool-looking; I love how they painted on the last two digits of the serial on the tanks and bomb bay door. The ANG logo is also pretty nice. All in all I dig the ANG unit markings.

Anyway, thanks for your feedback gents, and I promise to get these into the hangar soon!

[WarHorse47]

and I promise to get these into the hangar soon!You got my vote on that.. :applause::applause::applause::applause:

:ernae:

--WH

[nazca_steve]

WH, we can finally close this thread!

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/showthread.php?56132-Martin-B-57A-Canberra-pack-out-now

Your patience has now (hopefully) been rewarded!

[WarHorse47]

WH, we can finally close this thread!

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/showthread.php?56132-Martin-B-57A-Canberra-pack-out-now

Your patience has now (hopefully) been rewarded!Has the party started yet?? :icon29::icon29::icon29:

Great job, Steve (and team).

:ernae:
--WH

[nazca_steve]

Cheers indeed, WH, the party's winding down now, but the sentiment is appreciated nonetheless. Now what's next I hear you say...;)

[WarHorse47]

Now what's next I hear you say...;)If we're taking a poll, a B(I) Mk. 8 or PR.9 would be a nice addition.

:ernae:
--WH