Forrestal Class Carrier

[expat]

Spotted this over at one of the SOH sister forums. Looks pretty good! I wonder if with the right credits to the original modeler (who cannot be reached it seems despite best efforts) this could be uploaded?

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/showthread.php?90219-Forrestal-Class-carriers!

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=16133&d=1417487234

[Bjoern]

Give credit in the readme file and that's it. If the original author rings your doorbell wielding a baseball bat, you can still work out a deal.

[skyhawka4m]

Wish it was the Forrestal. My late father is a plank owner of the Forrestal.

[WombRaider78]

This is a project I have been working on for some time now. I actually remodeled the hull and a lot of the island to resemble the CV-62. I am going to use the updated hull as a base to make all of the Forrestal class carriers.

Thanks for the interest.

Here is a progress shot from the other night.

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=19497&stc=1

[expat]

I am going to use the updated hull as a base to make all of the Forrestal class carriers.

I can't tell you how great it is to hear those words! Looks good and looking forward to it. As you say, this is a big gap that has been in need of filling for a long time.

[gray eagle]

USS Forrestal near Mayport - former homeport * This works with AI Carriers.

http://i61.tinypic.com/24p9w1f.jpg

[WombRaider78]

USS Forrestal near Mayport - former homeport * This works with AI Carriers.

http://i61.tinypic.com/24p9w1f.jpg

That is a Nimitz Class carrier. Forrestal Class carriers has their port elevator at the front of the landing deck. A poor design, but definitely something that needs to be different to have a Forrestal Class.

[gray eagle]

That is a Nimitz Class carrier. Forrestal Class carriers has their port elevator at the front of the landing deck. A poor design, but definitely something that needs to be different to have a Forrestal Class.



Yeah, I though the island and a few other areas looked a bit wierd too. Thanks for the catch. :encouragement:

[WombRaider78]

The models are all done. I went with the circa 1965 era for all of the ships. There are not any CIWS or missile systems. I added the rear gun sponsons with 5 inch guns, but did not add the as-built forward ones. There is a hangar bay now as well.

List of items left:
1.Attachpoints (Cables/Cats and Runway area)
2.Harden the deck
3.Export to .MDL
4.Testing/tweaking
5.Assemble a package for download.

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=19848&stc=1http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=19849&stc=1http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=19850&stc=1http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=19851&stc=1

[rvn817j]

Spotted this over at one of the SOH sister forums. Looks pretty good! I wonder if with the right credits to the original modeler (who cannot be reached it seems despite best efforts) this could be uploaded?

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/showthread.php?90219-Forrestal-Class-carriers!

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=16133&d=1417487234

One of my former residences...the "Sucking Sixty from Dixie". Good and bad memories.

[WombRaider78]

One of my former residences...the "Sucking Sixty from Dixie". Good and bad memories.


She is being broken up in Brownsville, Texas.

[expat]

The models are all done. I went with the circa 1965 era for all of the ships.

Awesome news, and that you are doing the whole class in this time period!

[rvn817j]

She is being broken up in Brownsville, Texas.

I'd rather be there at this moment. Very cold where I am. I'm looking forward to a few simulated cats / traps on the Sara. Glad I won't be living in the simulated "JO" bunk room below cat 2. Man your battle stations and hope the chains don't snap!

[WombRaider78]

I exported all 4 models to FSX. Now I need to add attach points. I wanted to more, but my turd of a Honda decided to take a lot more of my time.

Here are some pics of all 4 ships in FSX.

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=20077&stc=1http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=20078&stc=1http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=20079&stc=1http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=20080&stc=1

[strikehawk]

She is being broken up in Brownsville, Texas.

As a former ships company Sailor on the Sara it broke my heart when I found out she was going to be scrapped. When the news broke my wife asked why I was crying, and I am not ashamed to admit that I cried over her, I told her that my ship was being cut up in Texas. Instead of making fun she told me that she was sorry that it was going to happen. At least I can have her in FSX as well as my memories.

[WombRaider78]

I finished the ships today, and they are now ready to be downloaded.

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?action=jump&catid=114&id=19489

[expat]

WHOO HOOOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks a million for these!:jump:

[gray eagle]

I was able to edit the color of the island dds file to match the haze gray of the hull.

Now the Numbers need to be changed to a white color like on the pointy end of the boat, some how..... :)

The numbers must be in the mdl. I looked at the dds files and saw no numbers.......

http://s30.postimg.org/8rqiw8spd/island.jpg

[delta_lima]

Looks great - many, many kind thanks.

I have to admit, I far prefer the island colour matching the way GE has done - hope that can be incorporated somehow/sometime.

Can't wait to try tonight.

thanks again,

dl

[expat]

Can't find the d/l here or in the link in this thread?

[DaveB]

The link is in WombRaiders 'finished' post:encouragement:

ATB
DaveB:)

[gray eagle]

I was able to edit the color of the island dds file to match the haze gray of the hull.

Now the Numbers need to be changed to a white color like on the pointy end of the boat, some how..... :)

The numbers must be in the mdl. I looked at the dds files and saw no numbers.......

http://s30.postimg.org/8rqiw8spd/island.jpg

Edit: I fixed the island so that the number are in white.

See thread here:



http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/showthread.php?92902-Uss-forrestal-island-fix

[WombRaider78]

I fixed the island to all grey and edited my original post in the download library. There is a backup file called island.dds.bak in each texture folder that you can rename to island.dds to get the black color back.


Thanks Gray Eagle.

[simulloyd]

I fixed the island to all grey and edited my original post in the download library. There is a backup file called island.dds.bak in each texture folder that you can rename to island.dds to get the black color back.


Thanks Gray Eagle.

Excellent! Now would you be interested in the mods I started on SARATOGA? It is not usable yet, but it includes CWIS, a SLQ-32 on Starboard side of the island and a few other small mods.

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=20672&stc=1

[WombRaider78]

Excellent! Now would you be interested in the mods I started on SARATOGA? It is not usable yet, but it includes CWIS, a SLQ-32 on Starboard side of the island and a few other small mods.

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=20672&stc=1

Looking good. Perhaps we can team up and make a 1980s-1990s edition of the ships. I made the hulls unique. I just did not renumber the same hull. There are a TON of geometry and 3d issues with William T's model that I had to fix before it would look good.

[gray eagle]

Using AI carrier's turning options, I managed to navigate the FID thru the bends and turns of the channel to her homeport of Mayport FL .

http://s13.postimg.org/n5dqonpqf/Mayport.jpg

[gray eagle]

Eventually, I hope to see the radars added

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=20685&stc=1

[WombRaider78]

Eventually, I hope to see the radars added

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=20685&stc=1
I do not see the picture that you linked.

[gray eagle]

I do not see the picture that you linked.

I don't understand why. Here is same pic from different hoster

http://i58.tinypic.com/2j4vlt0.jpg

[Navy Chief]

Independence! Did two deployments on her. NC




I don't understand why. Here is same pic from different hoster

[gray eagle]

Here is your mast files applied to the FSD. I can't seem to find that mast fix file now. I thought it was here before

http://i61.tinypic.com/2j1aedw.jpg

[ejoiner]

Been having great fun with these Forrestal class carriers. However, would be awesome if there was some period era deck aircraft and or AI. How do I go about creating a living carrier?

These are great though. :biggrin-new::untroubled:

[gray eagle]

Been having great fun with these Forrestal class carriers. However, would be awesome if there was some period era deck aircraft and or AI. How do I go about creating a living carrier?

These are great though. :biggrin-new::untroubled:

I agree. On all of the carriers I've been on, they always had a big yellow crane (Cherry Picker) parked aft of the island.

http://photoguide.jp/pix/albums/kanagawa/yokosuka/cv63/kh084-web_050113-n-5781f-041.jpg

[WombRaider78]

Here is your mast files applied to the FSD. I can't seem to find that mast fix file now. I thought it was here before

http://i61.tinypic.com/2j1aedw.jpg

You have it already. When I changed the island to grey, it changed the vertical parts of the mast grey. The horizontal portions remained black. I changed the horizontal to all grey.

As for the tilly crane and the static aircraft on deck... I used default library objects for the fork lifts/air carts. There are no tilly cranes in the database, so I would have to model it. I really wanted to add one too, since the cranes are a pretty prominent feature on the deck. The same goes for the static aircraft on deck. I might take on the task, but it will also be a while.

As for the radars... I had initially had the AN/SPS-48 radars on top of the island. According to my research, they were not implemented until the mid 1960s. Early pictures I had found used the round radar dish (type unknown) that you see on the above picture. I might go back to the AN/SPS-48 at a later date, especially if I develop a 1980s-1990s version.

[gray eagle]

You have it already. When I changed the island to grey, it changed the vertical parts of the mast grey. The horizontal portions remained black. I changed the horizontal to all grey.

As for the tilly crane and the static aircraft on deck... I used default library objects for the fork lifts/air carts. There are no tilly cranes in the database, so I would have to model it. I really wanted to add one too, since the cranes are a pretty prominent feature on the deck. The same goes for the static aircraft on deck. I might take on the task, but it will also be a while.

As for the radars... I had initially had the AN/SPS-48 radars on top of the island. According to my research, they were not implemented until the mid 1960s. Early pictures I had found used the round radar dish (type unknown) that you see on the above picture. I might go back to the AN/SPS-48 at a later date, especially if I develop a 1980s-1990s version.

Hey WombRaider,
Doing a good job on the Forrestal class carriers. You may of seen this picture of Forrestal's port quarter showing the radars she had.
I found a web page the other day, that had pictures and descriptions of all the radar antennas and what they were used for. Can't find it now.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/USS_Forrestal_%28CV-59%29_port_quarter_view_of_island_and_masts.jpg

[gray eagle]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/37/USS_Forrestal_%28CV-59%29_island_and_masts.jpg

[gray eagle]

Maybe that AN/SPS43 (giant bedspring) could be animated, and perhaps some "stackgas" (stack smoke) would be awesome.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/SPS-43_radar_of_USS_Hornet_%28CVS-12%29_2008.jpg

[WombRaider78]

Those pictures were taken March 15, 1989. I had originally had those radars on the ships. When I added the 5 inch gun sponsons to the port and starboard/stern, I also went with the older radars. I really needed to add an antenna mast where the rear radar sits. Those are some really good shots of the island. I wish I could have gone more detailed than I did, but then it would have taken way longer and it's toll on everyone's FPS.

[WombRaider78]

Maybe that AN/SPS43 (giant bedspring) could be animated, and perhaps some "stackgas" (stack smoke) would be awesome.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/SPS-43_radar_of_USS_Hornet_%28CVS-12%29_2008.jpg

You cannot have animations with Google sketchup. I have some ideas about how to get some animations, but I have not tried implementing them yet.

[Bjoern]

I'm against any static aircraft. CAG composition differed from cruise to cruise and I don't want to have the deck littered with Bugs and Turkeys if I'm about to have USS Zippo lurk around in the Gulf of Tonkin.

[gray eagle]

I'm against any static aircraft. CAG composition differed from cruise to cruise and I don't want to have the deck littered with Bugs and Turkeys if I'm about to have USS Zippo lurk around in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Well, I disagree. It didn't stop Team SDB from adding Cag A/C to the Enterprise now did it??? And people bought into it. I did for one.
Why all the negative attitude (Bah Humbug) towards CAG aircraft. It adds some ambiance and a realism effect to it all.

FYI, I was there in July 1967 and witnessed USS Zippo burn, her "bugs and turkeys" burned too. I was on the USS Bon Homme Richard when we had just loaded/launched the last sortie to North Viet-Nam to conclude our nine month cruise. Suddenly, we start chugging full steam toward the FID to assist here. She was to be our relief but "Big Navy" had to find another carrier to relieve us so we could go home to the USA to be with our families. Ironically, The USS Zippo was the last ship (Sea duty) I was assigned to.

[DaveB]

Not that it matters much but SDB's Enterprise comes in two time periods and with either clear deck or parked aircraft in both;)

ATB
DaveB:)

[gray eagle]

Not that it matters much but SDB's Enterprise comes in two time periods and with either clear deck or parked aircraft in both;)

ATB
DaveB:)

And the Nimitz and IKE the same. I guess they offer a choice that will cover all situations.
As a comparison, some land base sceneries offer the company of other aircraft or none at all to just AI's coming and going.
A stark flight deck void of airplanes er... "bugs and turkeys" as someone curtly described, only portrays half of the real purpose of
an aircraft carrier. I can go either way however, sooner or later a pilot landing on a carrier will have company (Bugs and Turkeys on board).
It happens during carquals (Carrier qualifications) or on a deployment. That is just the way it rolls in the real world.

[DaveB]

Yup.. it's certainly nice to have the option. Much depends on the deck models though. The Flying Stations Ark Royal IV (for example) only has a parked deck option in FSX (it had both in FS9). Sadly.. the poor girl shows her age now but would look less dated if the parked aircraft were gone. This goes for land based statics too. Models without ground shadows look so naff these days but folk still shove them out. Looking at screenies of SDB's latest release (Whiteman AFB), there are a lot of these in evidence. It just doesn't work for me:(

Anyhoo.. yup.. having a choice is desirable but if the only choice is with parked models.. having none at all is often better;)

ATB
DaveB:)

[WombRaider78]

Perhaps Gary could modify my package, or allow me to "borrow" his statics from his awesome Midway carrier.

[ejoiner]

Perhaps Gary could modify my package, or allow me to "borrow" his statics from his awesome Midway carrier.

THat would be cool. regardless of period, it is more realistic to have some aircraft on deck than NO aircraft on deck, so I would love to see some statics. My pref would be late 60's or early 70's either late vietnam or just post vietnam.

[gray eagle]

THat would be cool. regardless of period, it is more realistic to have some aircraft on deck than NO aircraft on deck, so I would love to see some statics. My pref would be late 60's or early 70's either late vietnam or just post vietnam.



My idea of post vietnam would be late 70's to early 80's

CVW 17 (81 Cruise)

Embarked squadrons:

Tail code AA
VMFA-115 (F-4J)
VF-74 (F-4J)
VA-83 (A-7E)
VA-81 (A-7E)
VA-85 (A-6E and KA-6D)
VAQ-130 (EA-6B)
VAW-125 (E-2C)
VS-30 (S-3A)
HS-3 (SH-3H)

Here is a link to all deployments schedules and all embarked squadrons for USS Forrestal.

http://navysite.de/cvn/cv59deploy.htm

[ejoiner]

My idea of post vietnam would be late 70's to early 80's

CVW 17 (81 Cruise)

Embarked squadrons:

Tail code AA
VMFA-115 (F-4J)
VF-74 (F-4J)
VA-83 (A-7E)
VA-81 (A-7E)
VA-85 (A-6E and KA-6D)
VAQ-130 (EA-6B)
VAW-125 (E-2C)
VS-30 (S-3A)
HS-3 (SH-3H)

Here is a link to all deployments schedules and all embarked squadrons for USS Forrestal.

http://navysite.de/cvn/cv59deploy.htm

I'd be cool with that. MY only missing want would be A-4's but thats earlier period.

[Navy Chief]

Have to echo the sentiments of preferring a static aircraft-filled deck vs an empty one. After all, it is simulation, and the mere presence of those birds on deck really adds to the whole experience. I too, really like the deck configuration with 70s era aircraft. So awesome!

With the right settings, i.e. dark room, sound, EZDok, TrackIR, etc.... it's easy to imagine being back on the flight deck again. NC

[expat]

I'd be cool with that. MY only missing want would be A-4's but thats earlier period.

This is the problem with statics on deck. Everyone likes slightly different configs. AND, if you are like me with a short attention span, I like to change aircraft and periods frequently, and then for example you have A-7's mixed with A-4's (not realistic) or F3H Demon's with Phantoms, etc. I don't mind an empty deck for moving AI carriers as I am happy/relieved to do good traps - crash detection is always on - and then cat off again for more traps. I can suspend my imagination that there are parked a/c on deck.

On the other hand, I also have static carriers (AS Big E ported) including some bgl scenery I made with ADE using the Oriskany and Midway positioned on Yankee Station which you can then set up with AI parked and doing TNG's that are correct for the time period and boat assignments, etc. Between this and the other moving cv's on carrier tracks the whole environment offers good immersion.

[Bjoern]

Why all the negative attitude (Bah Humbug) towards CAG aircraft. It adds some ambiance and a realism effect to it all.

Because it's much more work for the modeler and opens yet another can of worms. ("That CAG composition is incorrect!" "I want a configuration from cruise xy!" "Why no separate landing and takeoff configurations?", etc blah blah...)


FYI, I was there in July 1967 and witnessed USS Zippo burn, her "bugs and turkeys" burned too. I was on the USS Bon Homme Richard when we had just loaded/launched the last sortie to North Viet-Nam to conclude our nine month cruise. Suddenly, we start chugging full steam toward the FID to assist here. She was to be our relief but "Big Navy" had to find another carrier to relieve us so we could go home to the USA to be with our families. Ironically, The USS Zippo was the last ship (Sea duty) I was assigned to.

Must've been a sight to behold. How much longer did you have to stay on station to make up for the unavailable carrier?

No Bugs and Turkeys on deck at that time. Probably mostly Rhinos, Scooters and Whales. (With the odd whatevertheRA-5wascalled thrown in.)

[ejoiner]

Because it's much more work for the modeler and opens yet another can of worms. ("That CAG composition is incorrect!" "I want a configuration from cruise xy!" "Why no separate landing and takeoff configurations?", etc blah blah...)



Must've been a sight to behold. How much longer did you have to stay on station to make up for the unavailable carrier?

No Bugs and Turkeys on deck at that time. Probably mostly Rhinos, Scooters and Whales. (With the odd whatevertheRA-5wascalled thrown in.)

Since I was unfamiliar with the terms "USS Zippo" and "FID" i did a wiki search on the Forrestal. The wikipedia entry for CV-59 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Forrestal_%28CV-59%29) is very interesting reading. its too bad this carrier wasnt preserved as a museum or at least, like Oriskany, made into a reef, though I see both were considered or attempted unsuccessfully.

[WombRaider78]

I would like to do some deck configurations on each ship. If anything, just generic period-era aircraft. Finding low poly models to use would be my only hurdle. Again, perhaps Gary can let me have access to his statics. Modeling a ship was a pain in the ass enough. I cannot fathom the work it takes to model a plane.

I am glad that folks are enjoying my work.

[gray eagle]

Since I was unfamiliar with the terms "USS Zippo" and "FID" i did a wiki search on the Forrestal. The wikipedia entry for CV-59 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Forrestal_%28CV-59%29) is very interesting reading. its too bad this carrier wasnt preserved as a museum or at least, like Oriskany, made into a reef, though I see both were considered or attempted unsuccessfully.

The ship was affectionately called "The FID", because James Forrestal was the first ever Secretary of Defense, FID standing for "First In Defense". This is also the slogan on the ship's insignia and patch. She was also informally known in the fleet as the "USS Zippo" and "Forest Fire" or "Firestal" because of a number of highly publicized fires on board, most notably a 1967 incident in which 134 sailors died and an additional 161 were injured.


http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/m-81rxSz4qRr-41Km0tOUJQ.jpg

The term FID used for the Forrestal was also coined to mean First in Drugs; I remember there being a serious drug issue when I was there.
The ships security teams (Master at Arms) used drug sniffing dogs thru out the ship, especially in the berthing compartments.
When the ship was anchored at various ports of call, I remember taking a returning liberty boat and would have to climb ladders rigged from the fantail section.
There at the base of the ladder well were trash cans (last chance) for those to dispose of illegal drugs. That idea proved to be worthless as it did not stop
the drug issue. FYI, all the ladders on the ship were inclined at 68 degrees.

[gray eagle]

I would like to do some deck configurations on each ship. If anything, just generic period-era aircraft. Finding low poly models to use would be my only hurdle. Again, perhaps Gary can let me have access to his statics. Modeling a ship was a pain in the ass enough. I cannot fathom the work it takes to model a plane.

I am glad that folks are enjoying my work.

I know I am, and really appreciate what you do. :encouragement:

What ever period aircraft you decide to use will be appreciated. Naturally, I hope you decide to put a few aircraft from the 79-81 era.

I can always "Borrow" the helo (SH-3) that is used with the Big E (Plane guard) and marry that up with the FID.

[gray eagle]

At last, a little "Company" on the FID. :adoration:

http://s7.postimg.org/9pc7dm62j/Plangguard.jpg


http://s2.postimg.org/5ctmkmvt5/planeguard1.jpg

[WombRaider78]

At last, a little "Company" on the FID. :adoration:

Nice shots.

[Bjoern]

I would like to do some deck configurations on each ship. If anything, just generic period-era aircraft. Finding low poly models to use would be my only hurdle. Again, perhaps Gary can let me have access to his statics. Modeling a ship was a pain in the ass enough. I cannot fathom the work it takes to model a plane.

Search on Flightsim for "Guy Diotte". I've found a SLUF (A-7), Hump Scooter (Late A-4), Hoover (S-3B), Sterile Arrow (EA-6) and a Rhino (F-4). Put those you want in a .bgl library and attach them to the deck like you did with the default vehicles.
Might need a bit of paint to reflect the proper operator, but you can leave that to those who want their deck crowded.





The term FID used for the Forrestal was also coined to mean First in Drugs; I remember there being a serious drug issue when I was there.
The ships security teams (Master at Arms) used drug sniffing dogs thru out the ship, especially in the berthing compartments.
When the ship was anchored at various ports of call, I remember taking a returning liberty boat and would have to climb ladders rigged from the fantail section.
There at the base of the ladder well were trash cans (last chance) for those to dispose of illegal drugs. That idea proved to be worthless as it did not stop
the drug issue. FYI, all the ladders on the ship were inclined at 68 degrees.

So what was the drug of the day back then? Opium and MJ?

[gp183601]

Perhaps Gary could modify my package, or allow me to "borrow" his statics from his awesome Midway carrier.

Catching up on some of the threads here and noticed this request. I'm working on an RN vessel at the moment (posting pics on flying stations), and a revamped Essex class so I probably don't have time to modify your carrier....besides you're doing a cracking job.

Providing statics however...no problem. Happy to package up my Tilly crane and flight deck tractors for you to use. Can also pass you the F-4 and A-7. Tried to optimise the aircraft as best as I can but they are frame rate heavy when added in large numbers so I would advise experimenting with deck configurations.

I'm currently working away from home at the moment so I haven't got access to the files. Drop me a PM to let me know where you want the statics sent and if you're okay with the wait I'll send them this weekend.

Do you want the statics in .skp format so you can add them to the build?

All the Best
Gary

[WombRaider78]

Catching up on some of the threads here and noticed this request. I'm working on an RN vessel at the moment (posting pics on flying stations), and a revamped Essex class so I probably don't have time to modify your carrier....besides you're doing a cracking job.

Providing statics however...no problem. Happy to package up my Tilly crane and flight deck tractors for you to use. Can also pass you the F-4 and A-7. Tried to optimise the aircraft as best as I can but they are frame rate heavy when added in large numbers so I would advise experimenting with deck configurations.

I'm currently working away from home at the moment so I haven't got access to the files. Drop me a PM to let me know where you want the statics sent and if you're okay with the wait I'll send them this weekend.

Do you want the statics in .skp format so you can add them to the build?

All the Best
Gary

That would be awesome Gary. I can take the .skp for the statics. I will PM you this weekend.

Thanks
Raider

[navy81]

I took a little time to recently paint the statics for Gary's Midway aircraft - VF-151 (F-4's), VA-93 (A-7) and VA-115 (A-6). I'd be happy to provide in the skins section with Gary's permission and if there is interest. For the Forrestal (series), I'd be happy to take that on as well, though it would take some time for four carriers. Wondering where low poly Tomcat statics can be found, so that both a 60's-70's era Air Wing as well as an 80's-90's Air Wing could be configured, depending on what the user would be flying at the time (kind of like the Enterprise with both and 80's and 90's Air Wing).

Final points - Thanks so much for expanding the fleet! Some day - America and JFK, and hopefully expanded Oriskany's to inlcude Hancock, Tico, and Bonnie Dick.:jump:
First screenie (yeah i know, no Tomcats on Midway...) shows VA-93 and VF-151, second one shows VA-115.
Cheers, Deke
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=20843&stc=1http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=20844&stc=1

[gray eagle]

For the Forrestal (series), I'd be happy to take that on as well, though it would take some time for four carriers. Wondering where low poly Tomcat statics can be found, so that both a 60's-70's era Air Wing as well as an 80's-90's Air Wing could be configured, depending on what the user would be flying at the time (kind of like the Enterprise with both and 80's and 90's Air Wing).



I'd be for that Navy81; Offer something similar like the Big "E" offers, 80's 90's era air wing. For the 80's; I'd like to see CVW-17 AirWing. :adoration:

[Mickey D]

Yup.. it's certainly nice to have the option. Much depends on the deck models though. The Flying Stations Ark Royal IV (for example) only has a parked deck option in FSX (it had both in FS9). Sadly.. the poor girl shows her age now but would look less dated if the parked aircraft were gone. This goes for land based statics too. Models without ground shadows look so naff these days but folk still shove them out. Looking at screenies of SDB's latest release (Whiteman AFB), there are a lot of these in evidence. It just doesn't work for me:(

Anyhoo.. yup.. having a choice is desirable but if the only choice is with parked models.. having none at all is often better;)

ATB
DaveB:)

As I'm sure you know static shadows are switched on/off in the sim Dave. That goes for ALL ours too. IIRC I took the screenies on my old system and the sim runs faster without shadows. Just forgot to switch them on for the shots that's all. Just to put the record straight ;)

[gp183601]

I took a little time to recently paint the statics for Gary's Midway aircraft - VF-151 (F-4's), VA-93 (A-7) and VA-115 (A-6). I'd be happy to provide in the skins section with Gary's permission and if there is interest.


Hay Deke,

I really don't enjoy doing textures so I was hoping someone would pick this up! I've got no issues with it so feel free to paint and share away!

Cheers
Gary

[DaveB]

Yo MD:wavey:

Actually.. that isn't the case and certainly not with the Ark Royal IV's deck models (and others). I load up Ark and the models have no shadows. I load up Victorious and the models have shadows. There's a function/option in SAMM2 when saving a model to save it with or without ground shadows. I'm not talking about scenery casting shadows. Cast your peepers back at Gary Summons original FSX VFR Airfields series. His statics here were much like the old FS9 versions (eg shadowless). Check out the latest versions (with the advent of Vol1 v2) and many of the statics have been remade with ground shadows. I never use the scenery cast shadows option as by and large, I think it looks naff but each to their own;)

EDIT: To make it a little clearer.. here's a shot of what I mean. The Cub has yet to have a make-over and you can see how odd it looks shoved in with the models that have ground shadows built-in
http://daveb.cbfsim.org/public/groundshadow.jpg


ATB
DaveB:)

[fsafranek]

The deck eye candy on the Big-E do have shadows. Same with the original FS9 version. If we were to do an NAS scenery using those aircraft again they would have shadows as well -- it is built in to the model. Might look weird if there was a mix of them and AI's not casting shadows though.
:ernaehrung004:

[DaveB]

Cheers Frank.. we crossed in the post. MD is obviously more confused than previously thought:very_drunk:

ATB
DaveB:)

[WombRaider78]

Still looking forward to using Gary's statics and tilly on my ships.

Anticipating the planes, I added specular mapping to the ships. The result turned out great, and will be included in the update with the static aircraft.


http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=20901&stc=1

[delta_lima]

A small request, with all this talk about statics:

While the majority would prefer some statics, I'm wondering if there could be even one hull number (doesn't matter which) with a "clean" deck. By that, the Tilly crane, but no a/c. That enables the carrier for use in either CARQUAL - where there were few birds on deck, and/or a much earlier angled deck period, (Cuban Missile Crisis era, etc).

No biggie if can't be done - but that would be most excellent if possible.

Kind regards,

dl

[WombRaider78]

A small request, with all this talk about statics:

While the majority would prefer some statics, I'm wondering if there could be even one hull number (doesn't matter which) with a "clean" deck. By that, the Tilly crane, but no a/c. That enables the carrier for use in either CARQUAL - where there were few birds on deck, and/or a much earlier angled deck period, (Cuban Missile Crisis era, etc).

No biggie if can't be done - but that would be most excellent if possible.

Kind regards,

dl
I was planning on having clear decks too.

[expat]

I was planning on having clear decks too.

Super! Thanks.

[delta_lima]

Super! Thanks.

+1 - great news.

dl

[Mickey D]

Cheers Frank.. we crossed in the post. MD is obviously more confused than previously thought:very_drunk:

ATB
DaveB:) Not confused at all Dave. You referred to the Whiteman screenies and so did I. The Big E deck candy have built in shadows. Different beastie.

[DaveB]

Have you missed the point or have I MD?? Your statics in the Whiteman scenery don't have ground shadows.. they'd look better if they did.. without having to resort to scenery casting shadows. I illustrated this with my screenie:adoration:

ATB
DaveB:)

[WombRaider78]

Gary graciously sent me his A-7, F-4, Tractor, and Tilly crane. I tooled around with ways to attach them to the ships. I also added some specular texture to the static models. I found an A-6 from another freeware 3D download site. It is really low poly, and VERY frame friendly. I folded the wings and added the landing gear today.

Here is a good shot of some statics on the deck.

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=20994&stc=1


Thanks Gary for lending me the statics.

[expat]

Those look excellent. Will you be able to include/exclude each type by adding/excluding each a/c bgl?

[gp183601]

Gary graciously sent me his A-7, F-4, Tractor, and Tilly crane. I tooled around with ways to attach them to the ships. I also added some specular texture to the static models. I found an A-6 from another freeware 3D download site. It is really low poly, and VERY frame friendly. I folded the wings and added the landing gear


I've always wanted to try specular texture mapping but have never been sure how to do it. What steps do you use?

Cheers
G

[WombRaider78]

I've always wanted to try specular texture mapping but have never been sure how to do it. What steps do you use?

Cheers
G

Using modelconverterX. Go to material editor. Find the texture map you want specular on. Select add specular texture and then apply. Do this for every texture map that you want spec on. Export the model.

Open up the texture maps that you assigned spec. to.(I use paint.net for an editor). Adjust the brightness and contrast to make the texture a bit darker, almost black and white. Then open layer properties. Adjust the opaqueness of the map down to half or 3\4 invisible. Use the Save As function and rename the file to add an _S.dds (ie fuselage.dds to fuselage_S.dds) to the end of the file name. Continue with saving, there will be a new spec map.

Easy peesy.
Raider

[WombRaider78]

Those look excellent. Will you be able to include/exclude each type by adding/excluding each a/c bgl?
Default objects are the only things you can attach to the models using attachment editor. That being said, I am having to merge the aircraft into the model. I am experimenting with other ways too. But to make single aircraft types on deck might make the download way too big.

I was thinking of making launch/recovery setups, crowded decks, and an empty version. The only problem I am running into is finding accurate and available low poly statics. I want an A-4c or e model, an AWACs bird, and an A-3 Skywarrior but I cannot find any. I found a few A-4s around the web. They all were not convertible using the tools I have, Guy's A-4 was a humpback marine version, or they were just ugly looking models.


I am also open to ideas on what and how to add to the decks.

Raider.

[WombRaider78]

Due to some issues that have come up in my life, progress has slowed to a halt on this project. I will be definitely picking up the pace soon. Here is a preview shot of the progress I have made. I have started with the CV-59. Made a crowded deck and a launch cycle. I plan on making a recovery cycle as well and maybe a few other variations. If anyone can point me to some other ideas, and I would love to have some texture artists work on some variations of paint schemes on the aircraft.

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=21425&stc=1http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=21426&stc=1

[navy81]

Looks superb!
I would be happy to help with the aircraft textures - a set for each four carriers - or perhaps two sets ultimately for each - one a 60-70's era, one an 80's-90's era. Will wait to see how the members respond.

How are the frame rates with the statics? Were you able to find some decent low poly skyraiders, whales, etc?

Deke

[WombRaider78]

I was unable to grab any Skyraiders or Skyhawks that were low poly. I found a nice Skyhawk, but it was of the wrong variant to use with this project. I would also like to have a low poly Tracer.

As for the FPS, I was getting 0 frame rate impact with the amount of AI. Other's mileage may vary.

[Navy Chief]

Looks superb!
I would be happy to help with the aircraft textures - a set for each four carriers - or perhaps two sets ultimately for each - one a 60-70's era, one an 80's-90's era. Will wait to see how the members respond.

How are the frame rates with the statics? Were you able to find some decent low poly skyraiders, whales, etc?

Deke

Am with ya on both time periods mentioned, and especially like the "pre-Lawn Dart" era:very_drunk: NC

[expat]

'64 - 65 deployments had a wide variety of aircraft (thinking more the widest choice of correct matching flyable aircraft than the AI), e.g. F-8, F-4, A-4, A-3, E-1B, etc.

http://navysite.de/cvn/cv59deploy.htm

[expat]

1967 also good:

VF-11 (F-4B)
VF-74 (F-4B)
VA-46 (A-4E)
VA-65 (A-6A)
VA-106 (A-4E)
RVAH-11 (RA-5C)
VAW-123 (E-2A)
VAH-10 Det 59 (KA-3B)
HC-2 Det 59 (UH-2A)
VAP-61 Det (RA-3B)*