FR P-40N: Almost There

[mike_cyul]

All the models are now complete, just needing to be checked in detail, with the only major work left to do being some of the gauge coding. After that, there should just be texture checks, writing the Manual, and then the beta testing. Hopefully real life won't slow things down.... After that: release!

Until then, here's what may be the last set of screenshots until then. :)

Mike

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The Bendix-equipped aircraft of Chinese CAFW ace Wang Kuang Fu (6.5 victories). My Chinese friend Chrese kindly made sure the writing on the engine cowl ("Great Grandfather - Commander", referring to one of the former emperors) was correct:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff311/mike_cyul/FR_P-40N/97a_zpsfe1a8f5b.jpg

Firing on forces hidden in the jungle:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff311/mike_cyul/FR_P-40N/99_zps71df15f3.jpg

Burma Banshee on the prowl:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff311/mike_cyul/FR_P-40N/102_zpsd0a8b97c.jpg

...And on the attack:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff311/mike_cyul/FR_P-40N/104_zps1dc595f7.jpg

Damaged aircraft, too low to bail, and so attempting a one-wheel landing (FSX failure mode, very good for simulating battle damage):

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff311/mike_cyul/FR_P-40N/105_zpsb737caf7.jpg

View from the airfield:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff311/mike_cyul/FR_P-40N/106_zps2c9e0b6b.jpg

A safe landing and evacuation:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff311/mike_cyul/FR_P-40N/107_zps4d3db90c.jpg

45th Fighter Squadon aircraft, re-painted in the field for the coral islands they were fighting over. By the serial number, this aircraft may have been a P-40-1 equipped with six guns, of the type sent to the RNZAF. I've given it the correct instrument panel for the number, in any case. Small green rectangles are where they simply put tape over the fuselage stenciling before spraying:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff311/mike_cyul/FR_P-40N/108_zps74056d94.jpg

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff311/mike_cyul/FR_P-40N/109_zps98e88d5b.jpg

The later type, fully equipped instrument panel (unlike the lightweight early versions), now with the green and red range markings painted on the glass, and the white stripe at bottom to make sure the glass hadn't moved in the bezel. Auto-horizon caged until needed:

http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff311/mike_cyul/110_zpse5709bfd.jpg

[TheGrunt]

That sure is a beauty, a must buy :applause:

ROC paint is awesome!

If everything goes on the schedule, when do you expect a release, if I may ask? :running:

[mike_cyul]

I'd love to be able to give a set date, but experience has taught me that it's better to just say "it'll be out when it's out." Too many things can (and often do) get in the way. Once absolutely everything is complete and testing over, then a date will be announced. Sorry can't be more helpful than that!

Mike

[stovall]

Count me in Mike, as I said before, this is my favorite aircraft. Great work and take your time.

[Cleartheprop]

I'm in too!

[CWOJackson]

Very nice!

[Dumonceau]

This is a definite buy for me. I've been a fan of your models since FS9!!

Firing guns and damage just sweeten the deal!

paypal standing by!

[FentiFlier1]

:engel016:

Going to be great!

[Ian Warren]

Hot Diddly Dang ... battle damage and all :cool: crikey! hope we don't have to pay for the repairs :icon_lol:<input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><input jscode="leoInternalChangeDone()" onclick="if(typeof(jsCall)=='function'){jsCall();}else{setT imeout('jsCall()',500);}" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

[roger-wilco-66]

Excellent work, Mike, I hardly can wait!

Cheers,
Mark

[Sundog]

Nice work. Thanks for the previews. :)

[Bomber_12th]

As always Mike, thank you for the update on the project and these latest screenshots - I can't get enough! ; )

It's very nice to see the attention to detail down to the gage restrictions - that white tape on the base of each gauge with restrictions is something that is all too often missed, it seems. As you mention, similar to applying red tape from the wheels to the tires, the white tape at the base of those gages allowed the pilot or crew chief to easily notice if the glass had slipped, which would put the restrictions out of alignment. In some modern restorations, the restrictions are actually painted onto the gage dials themselves (through newly printed gage faces), where as originally, and in authentic restorations, the restrictions were/are always marked off with tape or paint on the glass surface, as the same gages were used in many different aircraft and weren't manufactured for a specific aircraft/engine type.

I also love the little details like the factory stencils being masked off when the desert tan paint was added (42-105110), just as you can see was done originally in period photos of aircraft such as that one.

[flaviossa]

Just waiting the release! :applause:

[txnetcop]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW HOT!!!

[jankees]

Just wonderful!
ready when you are..

[jeansy]

Awesome work, like the rest of the guys my PayPal is ready

[mike_cyul]

Just want to gently point out again that the failures illustrated are just the ones available in FSX, and are nothing special I've done. They are fun, however, in that due to their randomness sometimes you make it back to base, sometimes you don't, and then you have to find an emergency landing site, or jettison the canopy and bail out, etc.. If you're planning a 20 minute flight, you can make the failure occur any time in the next three hours, for example, and so perhaps you'll get hit with the failures, perhaps you won't. Good way to put some stress into things, especially if want to simulate a combat mission. Just pick the failures most likely to happen by a stray bullet, for example - losing a cylinder or two, hydraulic system, single brake or gear failure, fire, etc.. There's a great range of options.

:)

Mike