RCS North American B-25J RAF MkII FSX native

[Postbaer61]

I'm glad to announce,
That i get after a long time of hope, an answer from Roy Chaffin,
who let me know that he has no objection to the publication
of his B-25J MKII ,which I have converted to fsx native format. Check Costco Ad (https://www.ladysavings.com/publix-weekly-ad/?costco/) and Hobby Lobby Ad (https://www.ladysavings.com/publix-weekly-ad/?hobby-lobby/).

Sadly i have to report,
that Roy had a bad fall and broke his neck Nov2017.
After two major operations,
he makes a painful and slow process through,
to learn to re-use his hands and legs.

I wish him all the power he needs,
to get back into better healthy conditions.
I'm very grateful to him and wish him the best for a speedy recovery.

The B-25J MKII is now in a FSX native format and will work nicely in P3D4+.
I have also get the permission from Philippe Wallaert,
to use his XML gauges panel, which brings the 64bit compatibility with P3D4+.
My thanks goes also to him.

https://i.imgur.com/3vtUOCK.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DyZVJq6.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7YauKrk.jpg


The package is uploaded to SOH while i type and will be avaible soon.

Ulrich

[Daube]

Wow !!

First of all, best wishes to Roy for a quick recovery. A broken neck is a very scary injury with extremely scary consequences. I'm glad he was "lucky" (so to speak) enough to be able to use his legs and arms again.

Then, thanks a lot to you for your conversion. :encouragement:
I'm looking at that virtual cockpit screenshot above, I don't remember the original plane was so crisp and clear ! It's very impressive. Did you make any improvements during the conversion, or was this the original quality and I just forgot about it ? I haven't used that bird in years, so I don't remember very well about it...

[WarHorse47]

Question time.

How does this conversion differ from the FSX Version 2.75 available on Roy's website?

[IFlySWA]

This is a very pleasant surprise. :biggrin-new: Thank you very much, Ulrich! And all the best to you Roy.

Brian

[LouP]

Thank you it's been a while since I was able to fly here and here is to Roy's quick recovery. Anyone know if the old paints work in this new version?

LouP

[Postbaer61]

This is all in all the original model.
I have improved the glass textures and some small minor things.
The FSX native format ( native inner and seperate outer model )
allows to use it with Prepar 3D v4.
P3Dv4 don't support FS9 formats anymore, thats why the conversion.
The original panel gauges comes in 32bit .gau format and are also
not longer supported by P3Dv4 - 64bit.

The different to Roy's version is primarily the model format and the panel.

If you use FSX or P3D 1-3 and like to use Roy's panel and gauges,
install the original RCS version, or replace the panel of my version
with the original RCS panel.

I think all avaible repaints will work with the new version, if you copy
and paste the texture.cfg from inside the texture folders to the new
texture file.

[Crusader]

A very pleasant surprise this morning . Thank you for all your work on one of my favorite AC , the B-25 .

Rich

[Daube]

I will try to download and test it tonight after work. :jump:
Is it possible to perform a cold&dark startup from the VC ?

[Postbaer61]

The VC is sadly a little basic just like the default one, it has no working pedestal,
yokes and pedals, but you can make a cold&dark startup with the 2D panel.

[jankees]

Repaints? Apart from mine that came with the model, I don't think he ever allowed any repaints? I know, I asked.
Anyway, all the best for Roy, and I'll try when it becomes available. Is it now fully native, so no more props behind clouds?

[Postbaer61]

I think you are right,Jan.
I've never seen any other repaints than yours.
Sadly i don't find your great extra repaints in my archive
and Ozx is still offline.

[WarHorse47]

There is one additional paint for "Yellow Rose".

It was part of a package for the Commemorative Air Force. That package is no longer available, and Roy never released it to the public.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a185/WarHorse47/RCS%20B-25%2001_zpsgq7yd8dp.jpg

[Daube]

The VC is sadly a little basic just like the default one, it has no working pedestal,
yokes and pedals, but you can make a cold&dark startup with the 2D panel.

Ah, this is bad news... Thanks anyways.

Now that the plane is FSX native, and given the fact that it's one of the most famous models in the FS world, I'm pretty sure some modelling expert will start someday a project to "modernize" that VC with more clickable controls. That plane is worth it.

[jankees]

I think you are right,Jan.
I've never seen any other repaints than yours.
Sadly i don't find your great extra repaints in my archive
and Ozx is still offline.

That's because I never published any, Roy wouldn't allow me.
I sent him two, which he included in the 'FSX' version (the ones with 7B and 9A on the tail).
I have two more, one of the RAAF and one more of the 340th BG, but never published them.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1871/42851549590_cf9fe080b9_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28hDoLw)jk4711 (https://flic.kr/p/28hDoLw)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1883/42851548960_c5f161e435_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28hDozE)jk4715 (https://flic.kr/p/28hDozE)

Looks good in P3Dv4 as well!

[manfredc3]

Sorry to hear about Roy's misfortune. I hope for a speedy recovery.

Great news though that we can finally fly this, maybe dated, but still very nice B25J in P3Dv4. I stil fly it in FSX. I also am fortunate to have that one extra livery, the "Yellow Rose".

Too bad Roy never allowed repainters to use their talents on this beauty.

[Postbaer61]

That's because I never published any, Roy wouldn't allow me.
I sent him two, which he included in the 'FSX' version (the ones with 7B and 9A on the tail).
I have two more, one of the RAAF and one more of the 340th BG, but never published them.

Looks good in P3Dv4 as well!

Ah, this ones. They seem familiar to me, I could swear. . . , http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/icons/icon7.png
anyway, they looking great.

Roy thinks, that his time of flightsimming and painting is overgone, what a pity.
Unfortunately, I do not know how he currently thinks about third-party repaintings.
I'm sure there would be a lot if he would allow.

[WarHorse47]

I have two more, one of the RAAF and one more of the 340th BG, but never published them.Is that because Roy wouldn't let you publish them?? Perhaps we can ask again??

[Roger]

Many thanks Bluebear:ernaehrung004:

https://images2.imgbox.com/ab/e4/qYN1OEug_o.jpg (http://imgbox.com/qYN1OEug)

[manfredc3]

Great screen shot there Roger.

I can not wait to get home from work to download this beauty and see it in P3Dv4.

I remember Roy always declining requests for painters to release their textures.

Maybe this time he sees that his creation is so appreciated that it is continued it's life in the latest sim, and allows us to enjoy it with additional paint jobs.
One cal always hope!!

[simtech]

I just wish to say that Roy is one very talented individual whose aircraft and fabulous panels are renown but unfortunately has had a real rough time the past few years. Our hearts should go out to him and his family. He's had more than his share of misfortunes health-wise. Here's hoping he may read these forums, but, don't really blame him if he doesn't. He has much "bigger fish to fry." God bless him and his family.

Second, thank you for bringing this model to light. I have the original and it works fine in FSX-A, but I can appreciate the need to move it "into the light" in view of the current trend to go to 64-bit and P3D. Updating the VC would be a godsend and a treat that many simmers would salivate over. Finally, thank you first and foremost Roy Chaffin for the original model and secondly to Bluebear and team for moving this model forward.

[p14u2nv]

Thank you Bluebear, I missed this a/c from the old FS9 days. Sad though to hear that Roy is so sick. He's such a good guy and has been for many years now, I wish him well and a most speedy recovery.

[LouP]

Still a joy to fly. I cleared up the vc a bit by changing the pixel size to 4096,4096.

LouP

[simtech]

LouP, that was my question. How did Postbaer61 get the VC so clear? You mentioned increasing pixel size to 4096. Are you referring to max texture size, or did you modify the cockpit textures offline first? I'm afraid my wimpy computer chokes when I put in anything over 2048. I'll live with the 2D. Excellent model though.

[LouP]

Pixel size. VC01 should be 4096,4096 (currently 1024,1024) and VC02 should be 2048,2048 as 4096,4096 in VC02 causes the hud to stop working. Sorry if I wasn't clear but it cleans up pretty well.

LouP

[Flyboy208]

Ulrich , Thank you so much ! Mike :applause:

[Mike71]

Anyone have a problem with RPM max being only around 1800 at FULL INCREASE? Even at max MAP of 44" - I can reduce RPM, but max is only 1350 RPM. Prop levers also show 100% (FSX Steam /Windows 10). The cfg file shows:

max_rated_rpm=2600.000
gear_reduction_ratio=1.778

Any ideas? maybe the tach gauge is wrong?

[simtech]

Mike, I noticed that also. I installed RCS original panel and the rpm does exceed 1800 and go to 2400. But on the panel that ships with this d/l, I also noticed about 1800 max. I even tried moving the prop levers manually in this panel..no change. In the air, prop rpm increases slightly, but not in the 2400-2800 range we're used to seeing on these engines. I remember with Dean's Recorder, the prop rpm on the ground was below 2000. In the air, it seemed to eventually get to normal. Not sure if this was modeled purposely or not..Airplane flies good though. Roy's original panel really looks authentic in this one. Caution, if you install his original panel, don't open the flight in windowed mode or you'll only see a black screen and a spinning cursor. Load in full screen and you will see a click box at the middle bottom of the page that then opens fsx window. I thought at first that FSX had crashed, it hadn't. It was waiting for the CLICK that I hadn't seen in windowed mode.. Great panel..Hope we find out about the props though.

[LouP]

My rpms won't go up either, but still enjoying this a lot. Thanks again.

LouP :-)

[Mike71]

Mike, I noticed that also. I installed RCS original panel and the rpm does exceed 1800 and go to 2400. But on the panel that ships with this d/l, I also noticed about 1800 max. I even tried moving the prop levers manually in this panel..no change. In the air, prop rpm increases slightly, but not in the 2400-2800 range we're used to seeing on these engines. I remember with Dean's Recorder, the prop rpm on the ground was below 2000. In the air, it seemed to eventually get to normal. Not sure if this was modeled purposely or not..Airplane flies good though. Roy's original panel really looks authentic in this one. Caution, if you install his original panel, don't open the flight in windowed mode or you'll only see a black screen and a spinning cursor. Load in full screen and you will see a click box at the middle bottom of the page that then opens fsx window. I thought at first that FSX had crashed, it hadn't. It was waiting for the CLICK that I hadn't seen in windowed mode.. Great panel..Hope we find out about the props though.

Thanks for the feedback - I meant 1400 vice 1800 in my first statement.

I agree about the original panel in the older version. I had tried it to see if it had RPM issues too, and got the "oh-oh moment" you talked about. I think mine was the FSX "do you want to use " trusted gauge thing. I noticed to late that he had a bat file that would eliminate the black screen issue supposedly.

[stansdds]

Very sorry to hear about Roy's fall and broken neck, I hope that he will heal and feel better.

Sure wish this B-25 had a more complete virtual cockpit.

[Postbaer61]

I think i found the culprit for the RPM issue.
In the B25.cab the PROP_RPM_12.xml has a value setting (A:PROP1 RPM, rpm)
and (A:PROP2 RPM, rpm)
and must have (A:General eng rpm:1, RPM) and (A:General eng rpm:2, RPM)
as settings.
I have attached a updated file.

63497

Simply replace the B25.cab with this file

[jankees]

Is that because Roy wouldn't let you publish them?? Perhaps we can ask again??

feel free to ask him, I tried, twice, in the past.

[Mike71]

I think i found the culprit for the RPM issue.
In the B25.cab the PROP_RPM_12.xml has a value setting (A:PROP1 RPM, rpm)
and (A:PROP2 RPM, rpm)
and must have (A:General eng rpm:1, RPM) and (A:General eng rpm:2, RPM)
as settings.
I have attached a updated file.

63497

Simply replace the B25.cab with this filePERFECT! Thanks for looking at this. Works great now --

[simtech]

I think i found the culprit for the RPM issue.
In the B25.cab the PROP_RPM_12.xml has a value setting (A:PROP1 RPM, rpm)
and (A:PROP2 RPM, rpm)
and must have (A:General eng rpm:1, RPM) and (A:General eng rpm:2, RPM)
as settings.
I have attached a updated file.

63497

Simply replace the B25.cab with this file


:jump: Postbaer61, thank you for checking this out. Works very well.

[Wings of Gold]

Does anyone know which squadrons are associated with these textures? I tried Googling "Moon Drop", for example, but didn't learn anything.

Bill

[jamminjames]

Thanks for this! Outstanding work and the fix works great....

[downwind]

It looks like this wonderful add-on may not work in FSX-SE. Roy says in the installation instructions that the auto-installer is the only way to use his B-25. SE, as you may know, has a couple of other steps in the installation sequence due to the SE file structure. I can get everything to install except the gauges.

[jacquesvde]

hello
Thanks for this! Outstanding work and the fix works great.... :applause:
Jacques

[Postbaer61]

Thanks folks, for the nice comments. http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/icons/icon7.png

@downwind
I'm sorry to hear.
I only have FSX ACC and P3Dv4.3 in use, so i don't know the
special installation routine and structure from FSX SE.
If i understand you right, is there a working FSX SE version by Roy Chaffin.
Why don't you use this version ?
This new version isn't much different to the original and the original panel is also
more complex then the new one.
Perhaps you can try to install Roy's FSX version and replace the model and the
texture folders against the new ones, if that makes sence for you.

[dharris]

Roy and I had been friends for quite some time, before he left maamsim, We lost touch for the last couple of years, as I had no time, my wife was criticall ill, and finally passed, he shared with me several of his textures. I will try to find his email address and see if he would be willing to release them. I have 8. The textures extras are the Yellow Rose, 7B,9A,nok, usa1,usa1942,and usaAfrica.


That's because I never published any, Roy wouldn't allow me.
I sent him two, which he included in the 'FSX' version (the ones with 7B and 9A on the tail).
I have two more, one of the RAAF and one more of the 340th BG, but never published them.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1871/42851549590_cf9fe080b9_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28hDoLw)jk4711 (https://flic.kr/p/28hDoLw)

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1883/42851548960_c5f161e435_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28hDozE)jk4715 (https://flic.kr/p/28hDozE)

Looks good in P3Dv4 as well!

[OzWookiee]

At the risk of necroing this thread but see no other discussion, is there any plan to finish the VC?

[jankees]

I know of no VC plans, but I did get permission from Roy to do and publish repaints, so I did:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48559137326_4c60c024db_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2gZ1gKC)jk0689 (https://flic.kr/p/2gZ1gKC) by JanKees Blom (https://www.flickr.com/photos/158986709@N02/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48611137698_742c9b846e_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2h4AMDL)jk0741 (https://flic.kr/p/2h4AMDL) by JanKees Blom (https://www.flickr.com/photos/158986709@N02/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48648381322_acaae6d7ac_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2h7TETd)jk0800 (https://flic.kr/p/2h7TETd) by JanKees Blom (https://www.flickr.com/photos/158986709@N02/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49316452042_c06dae74f2_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2i8VH2U)jk4106 (https://flic.kr/p/2i8VH2U) by JanKees Blom (https://www.flickr.com/photos/158986709@N02/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49332699728_b17e471f18_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iamYUq)jk4308 (https://flic.kr/p/2iamYUq) by JanKees Blom (https://www.flickr.com/photos/158986709@N02/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/7923/31626022977_aa28d236c0_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QbFCNe)jk7524 (https://flic.kr/p/QbFCNe) by JanKees Blom (https://www.flickr.com/photos/158986709@N02/), on Flickr

[OzWookiee]

I know of no VC plans, but I did get permission from Roy to do and publish repaints, so I did:


:D Yes I read that earlier and have had a great time flying with your liveries <3 downloaded them the other night.

Be nice if a community projected started to update this bird! It's the only one that can fly in v4+

[gray eagle]

I'm a little late to the party here but just installed tne B-25. I like it in P3D V4.5 and have a couple questions.

Some of the canopy glass has a bluish tint.

In the sounds department, what is all the clicks and pops all about? Any way to delete that?

Thanks for the rework Ulrich. :encouragement:

Butch
https://i.postimg.cc/kXSs4qwY/Capture.jpg

[downwind]

The lack of a 3D cockpit really blunts enthusiam for an otherwise outstanding model. The MAAM-SIM cockpit would be perfectly adequate, were it not for the contentious relationship among the creators. The sound files for both B-25 versions contains that popping engine noise. That could stand some revision, for sure. For the above reasons I don't currently have that plane cued up.

[gray eagle]

The lack of a 3D cockpit really blunts enthusiam for an otherwise outstanding model. The MAAM-SIM cockpit would be perfectly adequate, were it not for the contentious relationship among the creators. The sound files for both B-25 versions contains that popping engine noise. That could stand some revision, for sure. For the above reasons I don't currently have that plane cued up.

I found the two sounds that make that pop/click and backed them up:

xB25_Right_Idle.bak
xB25_Left_EngIdle.bak

It worked for me. Engines sound better IMHO without the pop/click. Maybe there was a popcorn popper in the radio room :biggrin-new:

I'd like to do away with the blue tint in all the glass (P3D V4.5)

[gray eagle]

The Navy Variant of the B-25 was the PBJ-1 -no not P'butter/Jelly :biggrin-new:

here is some info on that

http://shekel.blogspot.com/2018/10/flight-of-pbj-1.html

I would liked to see a paint of the Devil Dog

Hint Hint Jankees.

https://i.postimg.cc/Zqg0CBT1/Devil-Dog.jpg

[WarHorse47]

Wrong nose. I was hoping for this one.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/a185/WarHorse47/PBJ%20Mitchell/.highres/DSC00653_zpstvlvj2mi.jpg (https://app.photobucket.com/u/WarHorse47/a/2ceaa8d9-2610-4db0-b0d6-5dff4259c3b6/p/6a11d14c-0096-4571-97fd-0a3f3d59a164)

[Bomber_12th]

The one in WH's post, which is operated by the SoCal Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, is the only true surviving PBJ, where as the "Devil Dog" airframe was originally manufactured as a B-25J for the USAAF and has been painted to honor Marine Squadron VMB-612.

[gray eagle]

The one in WH's post, which is operated by the SoCal Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, is the only true surviving PBJ, where as the "Devil Dog" airframe was originally manufactured as a B-25J for the USAAF and has been painted to honor Marine Squadron VMB-612.


Original or not, Devil Dog is still an absolutely stunning aircraft

[WarHorse47]

I know of no VC plans, but I did get permission from Roy to do and publish repaints, so I did:
All looking great as usual. :encouragement: Are they available somewhere for downloading??

[stansdds]

The lack of a 3D cockpit really blunts enthusiam for an otherwise outstanding model. The MAAM-SIM cockpit would be perfectly adequate, were it not for the contentious relationship among the creators. The sound files for both B-25 versions contains that popping engine noise. That could stand some revision, for sure. For the above reasons I don't currently have that plane cued up.

I agree on the virtual cockpit, that is the only drawback to the RCS B-25. As for the popping and clicking sounds from the engines at low RPM, having flown on a B-25J, sitting behind the pilot, I can tell you that they are correct sounds. It is also quite deafening without headphones or ear plugs.

[OzWookiee]

I agree on the virtual cockpit, that is the only drawback to the RCS B-25. As for the popping and clicking sounds from the engines at low RPM, having flown on a B-25J, sitting behind the pilot, I can tell you that they are correct sounds. It is also quite deafening without headphones or ear plugs.

Yup, pretty standard for old Radials :D

[gray eagle]

B-25J Mitchell Bomber Ride - "Executive Sweet" over Donner Summit, Ca.

The real ride $425, this one, free, I did hear some pops/clicks when the plane landed and was taxing in.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0ANcw4WVD8

[Odie]

Is the new version on Roy's website?

[Bomber_12th]

It also doesn't matter if a B-25 has the full set of all 28 short stacks or has the post-war collector ring exhaust with only 14 short stacks remaining, you'll definitely notice the popping exhaust when idling/taxiing from the inside of any of them, echoing off the side of the fuselage besides. (One exception however would be the Canadian-based B-25J "Hot Gen", which has no short stacks at all, since it has dual collector ring exhausts.)

[OzWookiee]

Is the new version on Roy's website?

No, it's available here:http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?action=jump&catid=37&id=24535

[Odie]

No, it's available here:http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?action=jump&catid=37&id=24535

Much appreciated! :encouragement::encouragement::encouragement:

[gray eagle]

I cannot find any view options from the nose gunner position. Is there one or how can that view option be created?
https://i.imgur.com/DyZVJq6.jpg

[hertzie]

Gray Eagle, maybe you can ask Erwin Welker.

hertzie

[OzWookiee]

Unfortunately the VC model only contains the Cockpit area and very little else which is why they did not provide camera positions for anywhere but the Captains Seat internally.

[gray eagle]

Gray Eagle, maybe you can ask Erwin Welker.

hertzie

I did and he responded with a panel file that is mapped to the bombadier view and side gunner view. Using the SHift + numbers keys, additional views from the plane
have been added to the stock views.

My issue is that the any of these views are superimposed over the cockpit view. I can open any of the other views and they will add to the other views already opened.

https://i.postimg.cc/9Q4Zfd34/Untitled.jpg

[OzWookiee]

That's because they are 2d panels and not camera views. In order to use those you need to set your view to Cockpit, not virtual cockpit.

[gray eagle]

That's because they are 2d panels and not camera views. In order to use those you need to set your view to Cockpit, not virtual cockpit.

If you mean to select from the view menu then then all I get are camera views and none of them are of the 2d panels.

Not sure about set view to Cockpit view. I can, but none of the SHIFT+ number keys will trigger just one view.

https://i.postimg.cc/T1QzwyLw/Untitled.jpg

[gray eagle]

I think I have it sorted now.

View from the bombardier window
https://i.postimg.cc/rzXrDpvB/Untitled.jpg

Nice view of side gunners position but in reality, this view would be looking at left side if runway (relative external view) as well and not down the center line
https://i.postimg.cc/VLgKxQnY/Capture.jpg

[OzWookiee]

:applause:
That you have :D