The ALPHASIM F8F Bearcat revisited

**Morton** · July 7th, 2016, 10:22

It never ceases to amaze me how good the old Alphasim models look when given some better textures. After all these years there must be some basic qualities in these models. The P51 and P47 f.ex. are still among the best.

So I wanted to do a French Indo China package since these were the only ones used in combat. (But I did a mandatory US version too.) First I increased the stock 512 bitmaps to 1024 to show more details. An improved widescreen panel is a must. I saw some older posts about the non functioning VC so I didn't bother about that.

Like others have discovered there is some strange things with this MDL. It is an FS9 model (supposedly), it features a dynamic shine . But it is not possible to manipulate colors etc materialwise. If you load it into Martin Wright's MDLMat it will fail. I even asked Martin about this and he said looking at the hex that this must be some very (very) old MDL using the old FS Design Studio or AF99. It is in the old format used before MS started releasing the proper SDK tools to the public. Hence it is not a DirectX RIFF module so doesn't use materials. The old format is completely different in the way it works.

Anyway, the F8F looks terrific despite this.

cheers
Morton

**Morton** · July 7th, 2016, 11:05

A new entry has been added to Add-Ons Library, category CFS 2 Aircraft - France

Description: The Alphasim in French Indo China textures. 5 versions, new wide panel etc

To check it out, rate it or add comments, visit ALPHA_F8F-1_Indo-China.zip
The comments you make there will appear in the posts below.

**Morton** · July 7th, 2016, 11:05

A new entry has been added to Add-Ons Library, category CFS 2 Aircraft - American

Description: The Alphasim F8F Bearcat in new texures etc.

To check it out, rate it or add comments, visit ALPHA_F8F-1_VF3_USS_Randolph.zip
The comments you make there will appear in the posts below.

***Rami*** · July 7th, 2016, 11:14

Morton,

You did an outstanding job on these, thank you for all of your efforts!

***UncleTgt*** · July 7th, 2016, 13:33

My word, superb renditions.

**bearcat241** · July 7th, 2016, 13:41

Originally Posted by UncleTgt

My word, superb renditions.

DITTO ...especially that VF3 job!

**Morton** · July 7th, 2016, 13:47

Originally Posted by UncleTgt

My word, superb renditions.

Thanks mate. Some hours tinkering to get it right..

Mort

**gaucho_59** · July 7th, 2016, 13:51

Originally Posted by Morton

Thanks mate. Some hours tinkering to get it right..

Mort

Most assuredly a really fine rendition that makes this old model come to life again... Nice panel rendition too...
Compliments...

G.

**Typhoon Willy** · July 7th, 2016, 14:09

Morton,

Thanks very much for the new skins. I use about 15 - 20 AlphaSim planes in my Southeast Asia install (including a skin you did for my by request for their F-105D), they are nice looking, and functional planes AND get great frame rates on my old laptop!

Very kind regards,

TW

**bub** · July 7th, 2016, 16:34

Morton,
Absolutely stunning! Excellent rendition. The new panel and pilot fix works in nicely. I'm gratified that you took my "crayola" renderings and turned them into a work of art. Thank you, for putting these out there for all to enjoy.
Cheers,
Bob

**msfossey** · July 8th, 2016, 07:40

These look great! Thank you Morton.

msfossey

**Morton** · July 8th, 2016, 08:18

Maybe add a Navy set? Easy now when i have the blanks. I usually make blanks texture first so if anyone want them for the F8F or for any other aircraft just ask.