F7F Tigercat New VC for FSX & P3D

**fsxar177** · December 26th, 2016, 07:30

I could get comfortable in that pit ..

**Bermuda425** · January 5th, 2017, 10:46

This project looks A-OK !

**gman5250** · January 19th, 2017, 19:10

Status Update:

I've been down for about a month with the repairs to the computer. New WD Black 5TB hard drive was necessary after the Windows 10 disaster. New OS on the fresh drive, new installs of everything from the ground up. I've got a clean system that is undergoing final fine tuning, but I'm back working and free from any further Win10 updates.

I also did a clean install of P3D on the SSD with the latest updates. All of my system drivers and NVIDIA are updated.

Currently I'm working on the Brewster Buffalo, F7F-3 Exterior/VC package and the Abrams Explorer along with four major scenery packages and some surprises.

I've taken on gauge building, panel modeling and VC lighting. Attached is the current work as of today.

Gauges have been the most challenging aspect of the learning curve, due to the un-indexed nature of the various tutorials written on the subject. There is an extensive databank of material on the subject, but finding data that addresses state-of-the-art simulators is sketchy. Many thanks to Mr. Leaming for his tutorials which clarify much of the "terse" data in the actual SDK documentation.

This is a color study of LED light steam gauges for a restoration quality (real world) airplane. I chose the blue/teal lights for this sample, although the military version will be traditional red...pending on vetted research. These screen shots are taken in various stages of light from dusk to total darkness. As I stated in a previous post in this thread, I've taken some creative license by adding the Garmin stack, rather than LORAN for this model. The radios make the plane very comfy for IFR flights, so don't flog me too hard on this one detail.

As always, I'll be very interested in opinions on the development. General observations are what I'm looking for as the VC is very much a WIP with many development and textural details still to be brought into focus. That being said, the overall representation of the night VC is quite soothing...IMO.

Bear in mind...this is my first VC and gauge/panel build. It ain't easy....that's for sure.

**gman5250** · January 19th, 2017, 19:12

**Flyboy208** · January 19th, 2017, 20:29

Gordon , the night lighting on this restored Tigercat VC looks superb ! Mike

**BrittMac** · January 19th, 2017, 20:34

Good grief! That looks great!

***Sundog*** · January 19th, 2017, 21:39

Outstanding work. One of the reasons I haven't attempted modeling again is the VC. I haven't any doubt it's as daunting as it sounds.

Thanks for the update.

***Crusader*** · January 20th, 2017, 01:54

Gman , you've become multi-talented in all aspects of aircraft and scenery building . I envy your talent and skills . This is excellent !

Rich

**YoYo** · January 20th, 2017, 05:02

Very nice and thank You. Any news about more expected by me ; ) classic version of VC?

***Duckie*** · January 20th, 2017, 05:15

G, exponential WOW factor. Very immersive atmosphere, and these are just screen shots. Panning around must be very satisfying.

Nice.

Steve

**gman5250** · January 20th, 2017, 06:25

Originally Posted by YoYo

Very nice and thank You. Any news about more expected by me ; ) classic version of VC?

The classic military VC is in parallel development along with the three civilian VC's. My approach is to do one aspect of the build i.e. gauge "lighting" for all of the models. In this case the texture sheets for the gauges and lighting are different for each plane, so I do them all in the same work flow. I'll post up some shots of the military variant VC lighting as I finish the artwork.

**dharris** · January 20th, 2017, 06:27

Congratulations on the progress so far, it is truly a beautiful work. If it continues as it has so far, you may as well put it up as payware. This kind of quality and attention to detail if very good indeed. Thank you. Don

**gman5250** · January 20th, 2017, 11:38

Originally Posted by dharris

you may as well put it up as payware... Don

Thank you for the compliments Don, and everyone else. I sincerely appreciate it.

Mr. Shupe and I are in agreement that this plane shall remain freeware, so I'll be releasing the new model as freeware once I finish the project. While the interior model is entirely a new creation by me, the exterior model began with Milton Shupe with extensive modifications by me when I took it FSX native. If I do decide to create a payware version of the F7F Tigercat I will use a new exterior model and infrastructure, which is currently under construction but very far down my priority list.

This project was my first exploration of aircraft modeling and has been approached as an intensive study exercise. I deem it appropriate to share that process with the community, as freeware, to encourage others to become involved in the development side of flight simulation.

For me, undertaking the curve allowed me to appreciate the work that developers dedicate to improving the flight sim experience.

**doublecool** · January 21st, 2017, 02:00

I love checking in on this thread... I am so looking forward to this bird

gman been busy...

***PRB*** · January 23rd, 2017, 15:45

Those pics are shocking! Just wonderful work!

**gman5250** · January 25th, 2017, 19:25

Update:

I needed to learn effects, so I built a fluorescent lighting effect for the new VC in low intensity blue for the restoration bird.
I love the way the effect throws real light and illuminates the base color work with even the knobs, nuts and bolts throwing light. All of the parts are interactive with the ambient light source, thus eliminating the need to bake highlighting into the night texture. The composite effect allows for building a LM texture sheet that will act as an additive color layer to the projected light, rather than painting in highlights etc.

The trim rings have been re-worked to throw a bit more light from the correct directions and I some adjustments on the "spot" light lighting on the pilot switch box. From this point the occlusion shadows can be added at switch cover bases and other locations wanting a bit of darkening.

Also, I exorcised the gremlin in the HSI that caused it to "short out" in flight. It's all a learning curve.

A few shots of the night time VC with the UV lighting illuminating the "office". Even with all of this high end poly work and 2048 texture sheets, the model is making 60 FPS in the air...still well within tolerance.

**gman5250** · January 25th, 2017, 19:26

**Lonewolfee1** · January 25th, 2017, 23:14

Gman that thing looks incredible! The finished product will be beautiful!!!

***jankees*** · January 26th, 2017, 07:05

this just gets better and better!
Fantastic work, Gordon!

**BrittMac** · January 26th, 2017, 14:44

So impressive! 'Bout to build a new rig, and I am looking forward to how she will fly in it! Can't wait!

**gman5250** · January 30th, 2017, 20:48

The Classic Military VC.

I've gotten the military VC up to speed with night gauges and LM lighting for all surfaces. I'm still experimenting with the variables in the model light rendering, combined with light effects and gauge back lighting to find a balance. This is what I am looking at right now. I like how the Shockwave exterior lighting is picked up on the VC panel.

The builds are at the stage where I am adding the small detail gauges, individual knobs, switches and labeling. I'm hand painting all of the gauge faces...hash mark by hash mark. There will be two sets...factory fresh and service worn.

In the aggregate, the environments are beginning to represent the complexity of these last generation radial fighters. Impressive technology for their day.

Feel free to comment or leave constructive critiquing.