T-28 Floh

[jhefner]

All;

Another one from the wild Hefner aircraft factory is the DFW T-28 Floh. When I originally built it for FS2002/FS2004, I made it institutional green, like the image I found for a model kit. It was also one of my early models, so it came out of the factory with brakes, radios, and free floating wing lights. I was convinced by others this was all wrong, so I had it transported back to my factory in Cleburne aboard an Air National Guard C-130 (training exercise, you know.) I then crawled into the cockpit and proceeded to rip all those un-needed items out:

http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/42142/2072320230079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://news.webshots.com/photo/2072320230079522983qBnAQs)

It then made a trip to the paint booth, and came out in a more correct white color:

http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/40324/2249190200079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://news.webshots.com/photo/2249190200079522983NmaKnC)

http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/40395/2508065550079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://news.webshots.com/photo/2508065550079522983OhLQrO)

I then took it up for a flight over Fort Worth. I experienced my first and last instance of Dutch Roll while trying to set up for this screen shot, but otherwise, it looked and handled fine:

http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/26848/2057477650079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://news.webshots.com/photo/2057477650079522983aOzQgT)

When Blutwerk came out with his very nice and affordable model of the Floh for FS9, I shoved mine back into a dark corner of the hanger. I know the FS market is very small, and did not want to offer a free and not-as-nice alternative to his. I think it survived the multiple computer failures I suffered a few years ago, will check and make sure in the next few days.

That would be the end of the story; but Peperez pointed out that it might be good for those fighting WWI in CFS2. It sounds like a good idea to me; it is not the masterpiece that Blutwerk's is; but I think it would be just right for CFS2.

That leads me to the next logical step; writing DP and DM files for it. I have two questions:

1. Do any of you WWI gurus out there know if it was ever actually fitted with a machine gun? Since only one prototype was built, and I think flown only once, I don't think it was.

2. Since the Ushakov LPL proves I am not a DP and DM expert, I was wondering if anyone wanted to help; at least with arming this flea.

Also, I basically copied the panel from the Sopwith Camal in FS2002; if someone wants to recommend a better candidate for shamelessly copying it's instrument panel, I am all ears. :wiggle: (There are no known cockpit photographs of the Floh.)

Thanks in advance.

-James

[Jagdflieger]

James,

Peperez is right. It would be a fun plane in CFS 2. I think that its true value would lie in its use as an AI perhaps. Either way, CFS 2 can get overwhelmed framerate wise by multiple airplanes on the screen. That is why most CFS 2 kites are multi-resolution. Is that something that could be built into the kleine Floh (little flea)? We have several modelers in the forum here that could help with that I'm sure.

For a flight model and DP file, it would be easy to start with files from a similar performing WWI aeroplane. Perhaps files from the Sopwith Pup would make for a good start.

I'm sure that our painters could make a regular "Flying Circus" of textures for the Floh.

[jhefner]

That is why most CFS 2 kites are multi-resolution. Is that something that could be built into the kleine Floh (little flea)? We have several modelers in the forum here that could help with that I'm sure.

Yes, I can add multi-LOD to it; the Ushakov LPL was built with multi-LODs as well.

I haven't used gmax in over a year, but I have installed now on one of my computers. So, I will see if I have the files for the Floh; put together a CFS2 package for someone to test fly, and add multi-LODs to it while they are testing.

-James

[Seagull V]

Hello jhefner

I can find a mention of 1 x synchronised fixed LMG 08/15 machine gun. Don't know where in the fuselage it would have been placed.

Windsock also released a Min-datafile on this little fellow.

Lovely model, look forward to seeing her in CFS2.

Regards SGV

A couple of posts while I am at it:-
http://www.elfmodel.com click on the 'Plastic Kits' button then on the 'more info' then on the 'Assembly Instruction'
http://www.modellversium.de/galerie/23-flugzeuge-ww1/2905-dfw-t28-floh-.html

[jhefner]

A setback; hopefully not permenant -- I cannot find my files anywhere; not on CDs of material I backed up prior to the computer issues, nor in the FS2004 installation I salvaged off of one of the computers.

Fortunately, I shared the Floh with someone else. I am contacting him now about sending me what he has back to me; the only downside is that my gmax files are probably gone forever.

Based on what I have read, the single machine gun would have been mounted over the engine. In some pictures, there are dots over the "eyes" that look like they could be gun ports; but that would be dual machine guns if they are. Those are the only possible gun ports I have seen.

A shame; this appears to be the only aircraft that I lost completely; I have at least my source files for everything else.

-James

[Jagdflieger]

Ouch!

I hope your friend still has his files.

[peperez]

Those crazy Americans are using oldliners to bring thousands of Marines against us...

39453394523945139450

[Seagull V]

Hello Pepe

Looks like those Marine transports could do with some gun turrets !!!!!!!

[jhefner]

Those crazy Americans are using oldliners to bring thousands of Marines against us...

39453394523945139450

Yep; in 1929 industrial designer Norman Bel Geddes proposed Airliner No. 4, a flying boat with a 500 foot wingspan, and complete with a resteraunt, ballroom, nursery, squashboard court, nursery, and cabins for 606 passengers and 150 crew. It was intended to fly from Chicago to Plymouth, England; with aerial refueling over Newfoundland.

It was never built, but thanks to the magic of FS and CFS, it not only flies, but was conscripted along with ocean liners to transport troops overseas.

Here is a slideshow of it flying past at 200 feet; taken in FS2002. I am amazed Peperez got it to work in CFS2, good show! :salute:

http://good-times.webshots.com/slideshow/569237136tCBWkx

Here, it dwarfs the Dornier DO-X and other flying boats:

http://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/38793/2618259540079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2618259540079522983MVexmL)

-James

[Hurricane91]

...in 1929 industrial designer Norman Bel Geddes proposed Airliner No. 4, a flying boat with a 500 foot wingspan, and complete with a resteraunt, ballroom, nursery, squashboard court, nursery, and cabins for 606 passengers and 150 crew.
It was never built, but thanks to the magic of FS and CFS, it not only flies, but was conscripted along with ocean liners to transport troops overseas.

James, is this aircraft available? As a fan of Bel geddes, I would like to see if it flies in FS9.
Norman Bel Geddes 1932 book Horizons, was republished by his daughter in 1977. Airliner No. 4 was among many outstanding concepts by Mr. Bel Geddes that was featured.

In my opinion, Bel Geddes was the most prolific and imaginative designers of the 20th century.

39548 39547

[sc7500]

http://funniestarea.blogspot.com/2010/12/worlds-biggest-airplane-in-history.html

[voyager]

James,

Add me to the list of people wanting to know if Airliner no.4 is available.

voyager

[Jagdflieger]

All these concept planes would make for some fun mission building for an ETO 1946 extravaganza.

[jhefner]

James, is this aircraft available? As a fan of Bel geddes, I would like to see if it flies in FS9.

Norman Bel Geddes 1932 book Horizons, was republished by his daughter in 1977. Airliner No. 4 was among many outstanding concepts by Mr. Bel Geddes that was featured.

In my opinion, Bel Geddes was the most prolific and imaginative designers of the 20th century.

Yes, it does fly in FS9; I did the following pictures in FS2002 because that was all I had available when I was developing it.

The following pictures are of "Version 0.5." In this version, the windows themselves illuminated at night. That did not look right to me; now the interior decks and walls (except the cockpit) self-illuminate for a more subtile effect.

They are hard to see, but there are now people scattered around the decks. What made this aircraft extremely difficult to build is that there are no exterior three views of it; only the exterior perspective drawing and the two cutaway diagrams in the above link; plus this deck plan:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zzl_dczrSAw/Siw1bvyOjbI/AAAAAAAAAxE/AyeW9OUgxB0/s400/BelGeddes_AirlinerPlan2.jpg

Building Airliner No. 4 consisted of building the interior decks to match the three drawings; then tweaking the exterior contours to match the single perspective drawing; a process that took countless hours of trial and error.

The main decks and bulkheads are in both the interior and exteior model. The numeric keypad keys are supposed to be pre-programmed to show you the views below in the interior views. Besides seeing the decks through the windows; if you zoom in closer than the wingspan or length of the plane, you can take "cross-sectional views" and see the various decks and a few scattered people.

It has not been released yet because I have not fleshed out the cockpit interior yet. I was planning on using my experence and some parts from the Ushakov LPL model to do so when the computers crashed. Fortunately, I believe the latest source files have survived and are now safely on both of my FS computers. I am somewhat afraid that I will run out of interior polygons in the VC; which is why I am amazed it works in CFS2.

http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/39567/2392665810079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2392665810079522983bLEmaK)

Norman Bel Geddes's Airliner No 4 departs from Chicago at noon on December 23. Bel Geddes designed it with the help of Doctor O.A. Koller; and the design was funded by certain Chicago business men who were interested in the possibility of constructing this plane with the idea of operating it between Chicago and London via the St. Lawrence River and Great Circle Route. It was to sleep 606 passengers, along with a crew of 155.

http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/35754/2623771230079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2623771230079522983MVUHrW)

It was to have 20 1,900 HP engines, PLUS 6 1,900 HP engines as spares! (I thought the idea of carrying spare engines was silly...until I found out the Boeing 314 four engined flying boats carried a spare!) Two of the spare engines are in the center of this picture; another at the far right. Notice the tracks of the railroad so the engines can be changed in flight, and moved around at ease within the auxiliary wing. The nonfunctioning motor can be replaced with a reserve motor within five minutes and the broken motor run over to the machine shop to be repaired on the spot. His design drawings appear to call for water cooled inline engines; but by 1939; nearly all large aircraft engines in North America were radial engines. The ones shown here are German-built DB 603 engines of 1,510 HP. Bel Geddes figured that while it required 20 engines to lift the ship off the water, only 12 were needed to fly at cruising speed, so it would be possible to remain in the air on just half the engines with which it was equipped. He considered this a safety factor of 2. For this flight, we throttled all engines down to 2/3 power.

http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/39911/2126052660079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2126052660079522983zgHVxv)

It took roughly an hour to climb to the design ceiling of 10,000 feet. Even before we took off, we turned to a heading of 72 degrees NE, and are maintaining that heading as we fly across the Michigan peninsula near Flint.

http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/38808/2543432830079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2543432830079522983dbHOHb)

Here, we looking down the length of the leading edge of the wing from the middle, on the Pomenade Deck (Deck 7.) It is 183 feet from where we are standing to the individual at the end! With cabins all the way out to the tips of the wing, only shallow banks could have been made. A thirty degree coordinated bank would have resulted in a rise of 134 feet at the wing tips, and a total rise along the Pomenade Deck of 268 feet!

http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/38033/2794488630079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2794488630079522983IWoSnV)

Evening of December 23rd finds us flying near Barne, Ontario, with scattered clouds below. We are still flying on a heading of 72 degrees ENE. We are cruising at 77 knots (87 1/2 MPH); Airliner No. 4 was to have a speed at ceiling of 87 1/2 MPH, a cruising speed of 100 MPH, a maximum speed of 150 MPH, and a landing speed of 72 MPH. (For the sake of comparison; the Boeing 314 had a cruising speed of nearly 120 MPH.)

http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/39739/2533584340079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2533584340079522983gSWyGy)

When we reach the St. Lawrence Seaway, we carefully turn north to a heading of 60 degrees, and fly along the Seaway. While PAA and BOA's seaplanes stopped over at Botwood, in the Bay of Exploits, Newfoundland, Canada for the night; Norman Bel Geddes's Airliner No 4 was to be refueled in flight while passing over Newfoundland.

http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/36767/2680902830079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2680902830079522983gGOCKs)

Once we reached the mouth of the St. Lawrence River, we turn to a heading of 90 degrees due east to head out over the North Atlantic. Daybreak finds us roughly 200 miles south of Greenland at N58, W40. Now at the halfway point, we then turn to a heading of 150 degrees to the SE.

http://inlinethumb08.webshots.com/39623/2857623430079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2857623430079522983sOmnhm)

We are standing on the balcony on Deck 6, overlooking the empty Lounge area on Deck 5. The main lounge on our FS model is 20 feet high, based on the drawings I used. Other sources say it was supposed to be 36 feet high. The main dining room up on Deck 7 coverts into a dance floor for 100 couples, complete with orchestra platform.

http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/36570/2650830200079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2650830200079522983yRLMlz)

Now, we are looking out the back from the Game Room on Deck 5. Looking at the ocean below, I am glad for the 6 completely enclosed 40 ft lifeboats capable of carrying 110 people apiece in the pontoons below. They were to have engines, windows along the side, radio gear, and food and water for 2 weeks. But, 110 people in a single 40 foot lifeboat sounds awful cramped. Maybe I'll take my chances instead with one of the two small seaplanes stored one each in the tips of the floats. Lower left corner of picture; I used a Tiger Moth model with the wings folded for my "floatplane." They could be launched in flight or standing still. 4 deck tennis courts, 6 shuffle board courts, and 6 quoits pitches were to located here in the Game Room. Like the Lounge, the game room in our model has a 20 foot high ceiling. There was also supposed to be a gym, complete with Men and Women's dressing rooms, a barber and a hair dresser.

[jhefner]

http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/39158/2987783050079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2987783050079522983vZkvfD)

Approaching midnight on Christmas Eve finds us still out over the North Atlantic at N51 W24. We have gone far enough south, so we now turned slowly to 90 degrees due East. (Don't want to throw folks off their feet, or out of bed. ;D) There is occasional lightning, and Airliner No. 4 is lit up by one of these flashes.

http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/39419/2444309820079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2444309820079522983JEsrcr)

We reached the Irish coast at around 7:00 Christmas morning. Sunrise finds us leaving Ireland behind and heading out over the Irish Sea.

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/38510/2087274040079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2087274040079522983HSEzNH)

We finally arrive over Plymouth, England at 11:00. We see the famous bridges off to our right as we fly over Plymouth to make a landing inside the breakwater.

http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/39397/2508091230079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2508091230079522983phAqgP)

Our flight took 46 hours; Norman Bel Geddes calculated it would take 42 hours. His may have been based on the above 100 mph cruise speed instead of our roughly 87-1/2 mph speed at ceiling. We also made a landing in the wrong cove, and had to consult our maps to find out where Plymouth was. ::)

http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/39634/2021814440079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2021814440079522983OpxpXP)

As you can see, the virtual cockpit is still empty. A discussion on the Martin M-130 in another forum was very enlightening in figuring out what the cockpit would have looked like. For example, in marine style, I envisioned just four thottle controls (more like engine telegraphs) for a group of five engines each; the engineers up in the engine room would determine what the throttle settings would be for each individual engine.

Pilots of Norman Bel Geddes's Airliner No 4 would even envy the pilots of 747s, since their cockpit is 53 feet off the ground!

Here is the latest version in FS2004. In this image and the slide show above; people are just barely visible as black dots through the windows.

http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/46400/2336979280079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2336979280079522983kscMlr)

-James Hefner

[jhefner]

Finally, here is a daytime view of the latest version flying in FS2004; showing off it's glint as well as it's N-number decal. A person is just barely visible standing in the wingtip cabin.

http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/47836/2829549500079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2829549500079522983jdKmlc)

Repainters may be disappointed to learn that due to the sheer size, the closeup views possible, and the number of windows on Airliner No. 4; there is no single texture for the outside surfaces. Rather, I basically have four textures, which are laid upon each interior and exterior plygon like aluminum plates - a plain texture, a texture with windows vertical, a texture with windows horizontal, and a texture with portholes. A similar set, but with the self-illuminating channel, cover the interior surfaces.

So, the only thing that can be done is to paint the interior and exterior a solid color. Hence, the N-number decal.

For the sound files, I borrowed some from a B-36 (need to look up whose.) It had that funny whin that pusher propellers have, plus the overall cacophony of 20 piston engines at work.

-James

[Hurricane91]

A person is just barely visible standing in the wingtip cabin.


...a stunning project James.

[jhefner]

I hijacked a commonly available graphic from the Internet to give an idea of how big Airliner No. 4 would have been compared to world's largest aircraft. Bel Geddes was certainly not a small thinker, the auxlliary wing along was roughly as large as the wings of the world's largest aircraft.....

http://inlinethumb59.webshots.com/17594/2102178620079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2102178620079522983cbJAyU)

The original webpage with the details and graphics I used for this project is no longer on the web, but thanks to the Internet Archive, it is still available at:

http://web.archive.org/web/20090326091842/http://home.att.net/~dannysoar/BelGeddes.htm

Before the crash of my "airplane factory", I started a seperate gmax file for the cockpit details. The idea is that I will integrate it in with the rest of the model when it is done; the gmax model for the rest of the plane was getting too large and complicated for such detail work. I am also afraid I will run out of polygons for the VC....

Anyway, I found the file I was working on, and the "airplane factory" is back up. Both Peperez and Hurricane91 have offered to help with the project, so we'll see if we can push it over the finish line and release it. I appreciate their help and encouragement; after working on it for over year, I was getting bogged down in some of the areas they are offering to help with. I can now focus on finishing the model; and with their input, will also be able to release with versions for CFS2, FS2002, and FS2004.

Getting back to the Floh; I have not heard from my hopeful savior yet; but it looks like he only checks in once or twice a month. As soon as I hear from him, I will forward what I have to someone who has offered to help with prepping it for CFS2.

Along with wrapping up the Ushakov LPL for general release, looks like I have my marching orders for the summer. :salute:

-James Hefner

[jhefner]

Good news; the Floh has surfaced! I have already passed the files on to someone who offered to help.

Thanks to "Slide" at the Old Hanger for keeping the Floh safe through my disk crashes.

-James

[Seagull V]

Let me know about any repaints required, would love to see her in lozenge pattern !!!!!!

[Jagdflieger]

I've got it flying in FS 9, but I haven't tried converting to CFS 2 yet. Might be a bridge too far for me as my success rate in these matters is abysmal at best.

Here are some screen shots of the Floh in FS 9. Great fun beating up those RFC aerodromes early in the morning. Too bad this kinder and gentler junior sim won't allow for real bombs and mayhem.

Seagull, that lozenge pattern would be taylor made for the Floh.

[jhefner]

I've got it flying in FS 9, but I haven't tried converting to CFS 2 yet. Might be a bridge too far for me as my success rate in these matters is abysmal at best.

Here are some screen shots of the Floh in FS 9. Great fun beating up those RAF aerodromes early in the morning. Too bad this kinder and gentler junior sim won't allow for real bombs and mayhem.

Seagull, that lozenge pattern would be taylor made for the Floh.

I am almost there with making it work in CFS2; let me work on it a little longer.

-James

[jhefner]

Hey Folks;

Once I changed the sound set from the one I was using to the one from the Neuport 24, I managed to make it work. Try it out; for time being, you can download it from:

http://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/cgumpx

I welcome any enhancements/improvements from CFS2; some from the top of my head are:

* The elevator and rudder droop and are non-functional; I don't know why. Maybe someone with some SACM expertise can fix them?

* Perhaps a better sound set?

* Better weapons settings?

* The lozenge pattern as an alternate skin?

Once eveyone is happy with the results, I will be glad to upload the finished plane here.

In the meantime, download and happy flying the flea!

-James

[Seagull V]

I will do a quick 4-pack for this perky little lady, hopefully will be ready by next weekend. :running:
1. 5 Lozenge pattern
2. Albatross D.V 2 tone wing camo pattern
3. Green/Brown splotches
4. Red Baron Special !!!!!!

If there is enough interest after that I will do another 4-pack with a further variety of schemes. Will also set up a template for those who want to do a few further alterations. :salute:

jhefner - Thanks for giving us Fleas. :wavey:

[Seagull V]

Texture Update - have started doing the mapping, looks like the top side of the upper wing is the same as the bottom side of the lower wing, and the underneath of the top wing is the same as the top side of the bottom wing. Could be a few issues with the tailplane as well.

If the mapping for the model is not able to be altered it will make it difficult to have the different coloured upper/lower wing camouflage effects.

Any thoughts/ideas ???????

I could still do an all over lozenge and Red Baron versions but camo upper surfaces with a sky blue undersurface will not work with the current mapping for the model.

Another option is a washed out green colour similar to the Fokker Triplane.
Any alternative all over colour schemes that would look good please let me know.

[jhefner]

Seagull;

Yes, the situation you describe is probably correct; I did not have the foresight that someone would want to paint a camo scheme. I am sorry about that folks.

I managed to follow Pepez's lead, and move the Airliner No. 4 to CFS2. I then flew a bomber escort with four of them and no enemies:

http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/45921/2387865520079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2387865520079522983zJlEJN)

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/49139/2700795010079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2700795010079522983SpZIRz)

http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/22969/2573612010079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2573612010079522983nKBZmm)

OK; confession time. I cannot hit the side of a barn in CFS2. My son has even parked still on the ground in a large plane, and watched me crash time and again into the ground without hitting him once. :blind:

But, it was too tempting...I started shooting them down:

http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/48730/2362394480079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2362394480079522983KeZKZE)

http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/1634/2319060930079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2319060930079522983VtKHLv)

It was like being in Star Wars. You have to pour round after round into them to make them go down; sometimes even a single rocket is not enough. Finally, there is puff of smoke, and they begin to go down.

http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/48145/2354204290079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2354204290079522983ynjnme)

http://inlinethumb53.webshots.com/46068/2588483570079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2588483570079522983tSgpNi)

When they do go down; they slowly roll downwards and usually go straight into the ground; looking like the scene in Star Wars when the Star Destroyer dives into the Death Star.

http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/47647/2932608150079522983S600x600Q85.jpg (http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2932608150079522983IydwHm)

Whew, that was fun, and a great stress reliever. But, now I feel guilt...

I will have a different texture model for Airliner No. 4 for CFS2 so the windows are clear; I will also remove some internal details and add LOD levels to it.

-James

[Seagull V]

Hello James

We can still do some extra paint schemes for the Floh, it just means that they will need to be overall paints rather than upper/lower camo. Will check out my references on the German WW1 schemes that can still be done - if anyone has some favourites speak up up.

http://www.wwiaviation.com/cammo.html
http://wwi.priswell.com/austro/index.htm
http://wwi.priswell.com/german/fokker/index.htm
http://wwi.priswell.com/german/foktri/index.htm
http://wwi.priswell.com/german/siemans/index.htm

If any SCASM Zen-Masters have a solution please let us know.

Regards SGV

[Jagdflieger]

I guess the sky is the limit with this one. As it is almost a fictional airplane, I guess almost any period German scheme would work.

Perhaps some "Flying Circus" textures would be fun with it.

[jhefner]

My vote for the four pack are:

* The original white
* Red Baron red
* Lozenge
* The white and black zebra stripes; I assume this can be pulled off with the current texture mapping.

It was built in 1915, so any of these could have been applied if it ever went into production. I really don't think a gun or guns were ever fitted; so we are already treading into the "alternate history" zone.

-James

[peperez]

My vote for the four pack are:

* The original white
* Red Baron red
* Lozenge
* The white and black zebra stripes; I assume this can be pulled off with the current texture mapping.

It was built in 1915, so any of these could have been applied if it ever went into production. I really don't think a gun or guns were ever fitted; so we are already treading into the "alternate history" zone.

-James

Don't forget Goering's white scheme...

[Seagull V]

Finally got the mapping worked out, have added fuselage frames so I can do the fun part - repainting !!!!!! :wiggle:
Time frame for release will now be the end of the weekend - sorry a few better offers have been available this week. :jump:

[jhefner]

SGV; thank you very much in advance.

-James

[Jagdflieger]

Lookin' good!

WWII had its Foo Fighters and now WW I will have its Floh Fighters.

[Seagull V]

Red Baron - still got some details to add/get right.

[jhefner]

Awesome! :jump:

So nice to see one of your creations in new clothes. Thank you sir.

-James

[Seagull V]

Red Baron is now complete apart froma couple of minor details. Next up the Lozenge pattern !!!!!!

James, I am glad to be of service - especially for this little lady. :salute:

[Seagull V]

First pass on the Lozenge pattern, will try a few variations until it looks smokin hot !!!!!

[Jagdflieger]

Wow!

[Seagull V]

Lozenge pattern done !!!!! A few issues with the mapping, could spend longer on it but might still not get the best result. Definately adds some colour to the Floh.

Hmmm, now next scheme shall be .......

[jhefner]

Wow is right! Fantastic job; and I love the flea you painted on the front cowl! First class job! :salute:

-James

[Seagull V]

Hello James

The Flea picture was added from a Vet products/health for pets site, I was going to do one from scratch but their's was superb so was utilised for this project. Am now looking at doing a 6-pack which will also include a re-vamp of your original white skin with the extra details I have set up for the repaint.

With the template it takes a little to get set up but once done it greatly helps with the production line.

The radiators/fuel tanks in the wings also show up underneath the wings due to the mapping but it actually helps to make the Floh look better.

Regards SGV

[Seagull V]

Get the sunglasses out dudes - this is only halfway done !!!!!!

[Seagull V]

Flohplage is done. Initial idea was around the suggested black & white scheme, was thinking of WW2 style invasion stripes, since some of the WW1 schemes were quite psychadelic, thinking of 70's era - hmmm, how about a DEEP Purple instead of black, and with orange spots. Now orange spots with Fleas - how about a Plague theme ? Also some of the Albatross fighters had the plywood fuselage unpainted. Here it is:-

[Seagull V]

Streaky Green out of the hangar. :running::running::running::running:

By special request the next one will be a white Herman Goering Special, hope Pepe appreciates the art-work !!!! :kilroy::bump:

After that a tidy up with my extra details of James first skin. :salute:

[Seagull V]

Hermans Bus. Only a quick scheme - would like a bit more time to get the shading/weathering done a bit better but will have to wait another day.

[Hurricane91]

Hermans Bus.
:icon_lol: Herr Goering's painter was certainly visionary. Great series of repaints SGV!

[Seagull V]

Thanks for the feedback dudes - this is also one project I have thoroughly enjoyed doing !!!!!!!

Final paint is Jame's original scheme but with some extra details, Fleas are still on the cowling as well. :salute:

Will have some tea then look at packaging them for upload. :running:

[Seagull V]

Currently awaiting inspection by Hauptman Rami before operations can commence. :salute:

[Stratobat]

Hey Seagull V,

Your textures looks brilliant - What an interesting subject :applause:

Regards,
Stratobat

[Seagull V]

Hello Stratobat

Thanks for the thumbs up, was definately interesting, especially how to use the old poetic licence but still keeping it realistic as well.

I am slowly developing a textures library, what I was thinking of was that we could then upload the layers at a standard size so that other painters could also use them. Further we could set up a standard colours texture sample, eg US, German, British, Russian etc colours. Once I get advanced enough I might start a thread in the painters section and see what response there is.

Regards, SGV

[Stratobat]

Hey Seagull V,

That sounds like it could be a great idea :cool:

Would you only include textures pertinent to aircraft repainting or also items for scenery designers (Wooden sheds, corrugated iron, etc)?

Regarding colour swatches, I came across this link some time back that you may find interesting.

- http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/digitalcolourchartswm_1.htm

Regards,
Stratobat

[Seagull V]

Hello Stratobat

Not meaning to hijak this thread :tgun2: but, yes I have seen those ones and downloaded them as well. Hopefully after my next few series of repaints I will have enough to start something, will open a thread in the repaint section when I do, and yes it would be a series of textures for all repainters in FS, along with good links, allied forums, and software packages. (Basically what I have learnt being passed on to help others, then if everyone else pitched their 2 dollars worth in as well .....) When out and about with a digital camera also think of what textures would be good at such at library/resource centre.

[jhefner]

A most excellant job, and thank you for my new ride. My son shall enjoy shooting me down in it. :gameoff: :jump:


-James

[Jagdflieger]

I'm getting my new Floh Jasta in place on the Western Front.

Issue 1: When air starting as the player in the Floh, the engine is dead and the fuel tank is empty. Any ideas?

Issue 2: AI airspeed is very high. I think this can be fixed in the DP file. I'll report back.

[Jagdflieger]

Add this data to the bottom of your DP files to get a more reasonable speed out of the Floh when used as an AI. The speeds in the DP Misc Data section are in kilometers per hour and the speeds shown at the MB way points are in knots. Only in the world of Microsoft, eh?

I also cheated a bit and used August 1, 1914 as the service entry date so that you can use it during any period of the Great War.

[MISC_DATA]
unit_family=1
category=1
allegiance=2
max_group_size=8
min_speed=110
cruise_speed=160
max_speed=180
min_alt=50
cruise_alt=3900
max_alt=6500
entered_service=8/1/14
crew=1

[jhefner]

Add this data to the bottom of your DP files to get a more reasonable speed out of the Floh when used as an AI. The speeds in the DP Misc Data section are in kilometers per hour and the speeds shown at the MB way points are in knots. Only in the world of Microsoft, eh?

I also cheated a bit and used August 1, 1914 as the service entry date so that you can use it during any period of the Great War.

[MISC_DATA]
unit_family=1
category=1
allegiance=2
max_group_size=8
min_speed=110
cruise_speed=160
max_speed=180
min_alt=50
cruise_alt=3900
max_alt=6500
entered_service=8/1/14
crew=1

Thank you so very much. I copied the one for a Newport I had in my CFS2 install; obviously it had problems. Thanks.

I read that on it's first flight, it clocked 180 KPM (112 MPH); so your speed range is good. (A fast speed was all it had going for it.) Thanks again in advance.

-James

[jhefner]

Since I have not uploaded the Floh to any of the CFS sites, I invited SGV to bundle up my plane, his repaints, and Jagd's revisions to the DP file into a single upload, and upload it to here and any other CFS sites he wishes.

I shared it with you all from my sendspace account to get your feedback; and I appreciate SGV and Jagd's contributions. Now, I welcome them to share it with the community; I am glad you are enjoying it, and I thank you for your assistance.

-James Hefner

[peperez]

Since I have not uploaded the Floh to any of the CFS sites, I invited SGV to bundle up my plane, his repaints, and Jagd's revisions to the DP file into a single upload, and upload it to here and any other CFS sites he wishes.

I shared it with you all from my sendspace account to get your feedback; and I appreciate SGV and Jagd's contributions. Now, I welcome them to share it with the community; I am glad you are enjoying it, and I thank you for your assistance.

-James Hefner

I'm researching to do a new airfile... Are you enjoying the BG-4?

Cheers

Pepe

[jhefner]

I'm researching to do a new airfile... Are you enjoying the BG-4?

Cheers

Pepe

Yes, besides having great fun shooting them down, I have been flying some more it in FS2002, FS2004, and FSX as well. I am also having trouble getting it off the water in some of the simulations (probably closer to reality), so I will be digging under the hood a little more.

-James

[Jagdflieger]

Pepi,

Thanks for working on the FM. She does seem to float a bit after making any maneuvers.

[peperez]

Yes, besides having great fun shooting them down, I have been flying some more it in FS2002, FS2004, and FSX as well. I am also having trouble getting it off the water in some of the simulations (probably closer to reality), so I will be digging under the hood a little more.

-James

In what simulations exactly? Using which airfile?

[Seagull V]

Hello Pepe

Is the updated airfile going to be ready by the end of the weekend by any chance ?

If so I would be happy with adding your airfile in and you as one of the contributing members in the Readme credits. Otherwise I could wait until next weekend or batch her up then users could upload the airfile at their own liesure. Let me know what you think.

Regards, SGV

PS What did you think of the Goering scheme ? (Will include one without the cartoon in the batch file so there is an early and late schemes)
Currently working on the He-46.

[peperez]

Hello Pepe

Is the updated airfile going to be ready by the end of the weekend by any chance?

No, probably it will be ready at next week...


What did you think of the Goering scheme ? (Will include one without the cartoon in the batch file so there is an early and late schemes)

Very fine and funny


Currently working on the He-46.

I already converted it.

Cheers

Pepe

[jhefner]

In what simulations exactly? Using which airfile?

FS2002; using your airfile. Need to confirm which one I was using in FSX when I tried it out. I've kept my FS2004 installation as it was before to have something to reference as we try out different things.

Hurricane91 also supplied a new panel for Airliner No. 4 to use in FS2004. I am treading carefully to keep these changes and your texture changes all straight while I determine what works and where.

Also moved FS2004 to a freshly installed second disk in PC one and promptly hosed my favorite add-in, Tileproxy; and am working on getting FSX to work reasonably well in PC two. So, I had to get Tileproxy and FSX straightened out; been playing more like a system administrator than a developer or even getting to fly in any of them; hope to have it all straightened out over the long weekend.

Once the Floh is out of the hanger, my plan is to return back to the Ushakov LPL flying submarine. Testing shows that it works great in all four simulators; so my plan it to finish texturing the VC, incorporate Pepe's great new textures, and release it next.

Since any cockpit in Airliner No. 4 would also be conceptual, I will then grab many of the parts I already built and textured in the LPL, and use them to finish out cockpit portion of the VC of Airliner No. 4. That will also give time to sort out the texture, panel, and flight dynamic changes, and test in all four simulators before releasing.

I also still plan to re-texture the exterior of Airliner No. 4 for CFS2 so that the windows are opaque and not black like they are now; and tweak a few polygons in the bulkheads so they don't make themselves visible in the exterior view.

-James

[Seagull V]

James & Pepe

I will wait until the next weekend to give Pepe a chance to update the airfile for CFS2.
After that I will be busy for a while so will not be on the interenet a great deal, but will be concentrating on the projects I want to complete and to also make the full move from repaints to modelling. Will still do repaints that interest me afterwards !!!!!

Regards SGV

[peperez]

Still too fast. Does anybody have correct figures for the Mercedes D.I engine? I also need the new model.

Cheers

Pepe

[Seagull V]

Hello Pepe

Check out Info on Milnes, Diamler & Mercedes:-
http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1913/1913 - 0151.html
http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1914/1914 - 0269.html (http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1914/1914)
http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1914/1914 - 0271.html (http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1914/1914)
http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1914/1914 - 0272.html (http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1914/1914)

(Note if links do not work then copy paste)

Special thanks to Flight for their archive :salute::salute::salute::medals::icon29::applause:

Will let you know if I find anything else

Regards SGV

[peperez]

Has no flaps and no brakes! Manoeuvers like a terrier... Maximum speed clocked: 112 MPH, like the real thing.

Cheers

Pepe

[jhefner]

Has no flaps and no brakes! Manoeuvers like a terrier... Maximum speed clocked: 112 MPH, like the real thing.

Cheers

Pepe

Awesome, it is hot, isn't it.

I will send you the latest update I have for it to add the airfile to.

-James