FS9 & FSX - A-7D Corsair II project [Archive]

all-fired-up

12-12-2006, 19:16

Howdy, I wanted to post some WIP shots of a cool project - the A-7D Corsair II. For more info. on the A-7D visit Gecko's site: http://www.a7dpit.com

These are some work-in-progress shots for a somewhat, rare bird - the A-7D Corsair II. We chose this aircraft because, well, for the most part there hasn't been a definitive model (i.e. like Captain Sims) on the A-7D. Why the A-7D you ask? Honestly, it's kind of a neglected aircraft, one that you don't see modeled too often or accurately. We hope to change that with the A-7 and produce some other aircraft that are; #1 challenging, and #2 Rarely modeled, and #3 Have an interesting history. Too many F-16's, F-18's, F-15's, F-22's and the likes have been modeled over and over again. So we want to produce some aircraft that are not too popular but that were crucial assets in their time.

This model is obviously a WIP, and I've got a long way to go on it. The fuselage is 5K poly count. It is being created in Cinema 4D, then when it is done it will be exported to 3DS Max and there another modeler will get it prepped to animate and do final texturing and export to FS2004 and FSX.

Features will include a detailed inlet and authentic fan, detailed moving pilot, standard array of lighting, Virtual cockpit, etc... The lmodel will be available for Strike Fighters and Microsoft Flight Simulator FS9 and FS10.

Enjoy!

:smile:

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/1483/nosejob12706su6.jpg

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/4571/allisontf41fan1tw0.jpg

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/2422/a7dwip8dnn5.jpg

http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/8127/a7dwip712406ea1.jpg

Bosniaguy

12-13-2006, 03:42

Nice WIP's. Keep us posted!

3rdELTy

12-13-2006, 05:35

Nice job Dale! :thumb: One thing though, there aren't many good F-15C :mad:

all-fired-up

12-13-2006, 12:27

Nice job Dale! :thumb: One thing though, there aren't many good F-15C :mad:

For FS9, your probably right, I really like the F-15C. I love Captain Sim's quality. Though it may take a hit on frame rates, I think that will not be a problem in the future with flight simulation. I predict that we'll see models with 80-100k poly's in 5-8 years possibly? I'm creating this A-7D two ways. One at a lower polycount and the other higher for the future. I have the 5k poly fuselage version and a 20k poly fuselage version. The 20K will have an enormous amount of detail like the radome that flips up and reveals the AN/APQ-116 radar, a highly detailed virtual cockpit, and detailed gear bays. Because this is a first release and really my first 3d aircraft model (practice for me) this one is a freebie for Strike Fighters and FS9 and FS10.

Cheers!

~DJ

rjetster

12-13-2006, 23:10

Very very nice Dale...

all-fired-up

12-14-2006, 03:00

I started work on the A-7D's Texas Instruments AN/APQ-116 radar. It's at it's most basic stage for right now. I had to figure out how the radome hinged, which was hard to do from photos. I drew the dish as best I could in Illustrator (that was hard as I didn't have a straight-on shot), and then imported that spline into C4D. Then I extruded that spline and boolean'd it with a Bezier Nurbs that I made concave. Then split it on the surface, and bingo, radar dish. Kinda like making a virtual mold. :tongue:

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/7016/radarij9.jpg

Cheers!

~DJ

WingedWolf

12-14-2006, 17:14

:bigeyes:
Make and a Greek H' and/or E' and then I love you:red: :thumb: Great JOBBBB!!!!!!!
http://img322.imageshack.us/img322/3402/a71vt0.jpg
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/5671/a710fm7.jpg
http://img302.imageshack.us/img302/7425/a7etiger3rv8.jpg

Fly low Hit HARD

all-fired-up

12-14-2006, 19:58

Greek A-7 is definitely on the list of "to-do" :wink2:

:thumb:

Thanks for the comments,

I'm starting work on the front landing gear too, these are just the basic wheels.

These will have to be toned down a lot for a Flightsim model of course. When I build, I make several copies of the object, one for different levels of detail. i.e. Strike Fighters requires a max of 15k, so i have very basic wheels for that. In FSX you can go up to 50k I heard (anyone know the limits?), and So I'm making both low/medium/high poly versions of the same model. I just show the high poly here, it looks best :wink2:

http://img345.imageshack.us/img345/2808/a7dwheelshighpolykr8.jpg

bingo

12-15-2006, 02:00

Great work, keep us posted on this.....Thanks

WingedWolf

12-15-2006, 08:30

Greek A-7 is definitely on the list of "to-do":wink2:

GREATTTTTTT TO LISTEN THAT KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you want photos of the greek I have avery good walkaround:wink2:

all-fired-up

12-15-2006, 10:49

GREATTTTTTT TO LISTEN THAT KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you want photos of the greek I have avery good walkaround:wink2:

WingedWolf then you should check out http://www.a7dpit.com

We could use every reference we can. I posted a lot of walkarounds of an A-7D at March ARB here in California. http://rides.webshots.com/album/556402113SvssSf

:smile:

Bartolomeus

12-27-2006, 06:47

Wow. The model looks smooth, great work!

all-fired-up

01-15-2007, 12:29

Here are some more progress shots. I've had to spend a lot of hours doing polygon cleanup. Because this is my first high detailed 3d model I made mistakes here and there, lessons definitely learned! I just aquired the new Cinema 4D 10 Studio which is a giant leap from 9.1 that I was using, and I've learned some valuable tips and tricks with modeling that I couldn't glean elsewhere. :tongue:

Anyway, I'm just starting out with a base tub for the cockpit and will build up from here once it's all accurate. There's lot's of fixing that I need to do around the instrument panel (where it meets the side panels). Also I need to make more adjustments on the glare shield shape.

http://img453.imageshack.us/img453/6907/outlook1li1.jpg

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/4104/outlook2fi6.jpg

http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/3006/outlookfz6.jpg

~DJ

WingedWolf

01-16-2007, 12:25

ΟΗΗΗ Really nice job Keep UP.:thumb: :thumb:

all-fired-up

01-16-2007, 13:58

I just got the new Cinema 4D10 Studio with Bodypaint so I'll be able to do that tiger scheme on that Greek bird, plus much more :)

:thumb:

3rdELTy

01-16-2007, 14:27

Great work All-fired-up! I hope you'll find some time to build nice Eagle for MSFS :evils:

all-fired-up

01-16-2007, 19:49

You mean like this? I bought this from 3D Cad Browser. I didn't model it, it was uploaded by a guy named Ruff Grant. It's such a good model, it would look sweet in FSX or FS2004. A great freeware. :thumb:

I figure why re-invent the wheel. This is a fantastic model. I just need to find a C too.

I just need to add detail, paint and export it to Gmax for animation and have someone work on the virtual cockpit gauges and then off to MSFS.

This model is 57K poly's.

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/4168/f15e1qh7.jpg

3rdELTy

01-17-2007, 06:32

Wow... That models looks really nice! Please tell me when you find that C model :thumb:

all-fired-up

01-17-2007, 14:32

Found one, but with no landing gear, but I guess I could take the gear from the "E" and put it on the "C", since it's the same gear.

http://www.3dcadbrowser.com/preview.aspx?ModelCode=1957

I also don't see any cockpit detail, just the basic plane, so the "C" may need lot's of work. :blank:

http://64.78.14.108/th/1957.jpg

I don't have enough credits to get the "C" yet. I upload to 3d cad browser often so once somone downloads my models, I'll get some more credits to get this "C" but it will be a long while before I get to it because I plan on modeling a KC-135R after this A-7D.

:smile:

WingedWolf

01-17-2007, 15:08

I just got the new Cinema 4D10 Studio with Bodypaint so I'll be able to do that tiger scheme on that Greek bird, plus much more :)

I LOVE U :red: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :tongue:
One question what about FM I hope isa as proffesional as the model... The A-7 of K. Ito has a terrible FM in low altitude the plane was like flying a tanker:bigsmile:

all-fired-up

01-17-2007, 15:23

I probably won't be doing the flight modeling for these aircraft as that's not my area of expertise :red:

I'm terrible with code and numbers, although I can delve into a little bit of scripting or code with Cinema 4D (i.e. Xpresso and morphs).

But I'll leave the flight dynamics up to others, for instance, Gecko06 will be handling the flight dynamics of this A-7D for Flight Simulator. So I'm sure this A-7D will be quite precise as far as flight handling as Gecko is a pretty thorough kind of a person. :thumb:

I'll be happy to test fly it once that's done and give feedback, but I'm strictly modeling/texturing and animation.

:smile:

all-fired-up

01-17-2007, 15:34

This is off topic from the A-7D, but I just wanted to show you what Bodypaint 3D can do... (Bodypaint can be used with other commercial 3d apps, not just C4D, but it's now built into C4D10).

This was just a side project where I was learning how to model and texture my very first cartoon character - I'm no Pixar artist, mind you. :wink2:

Bodypaint is wonderful because it let's me literally paint on the model as if I were holding it in my hands. That's what I love to do. :) So I hope to do some really dirtied up A-7's that have seen a lot of action.

http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/3291/butterflycharacter6fq3.jpg

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/7664/butterflycharacter2nf1.jpg

Soesterberg_Spotter

01-17-2007, 15:41

Wow that is just awesome :thumb: ! Nice job!

WingedWolf

01-18-2007, 16:15

http://www.lhtm.des.upatras.gr/~mourga/ see the video :A-7 CORSAIR II - The working horse .You can see the FM of Ito's model see the wheel in the taxi realy suck

all-fired-up

01-18-2007, 20:08

http://www.lhtm.des.upatras.gr/~mourga/ see the video :A-7 CORSAIR II - The working horse .You can see the FM of Ito's model see the wheel in the taxi realy suck

Yeah I see what you mean. I don't want to shoot anyone else's model down, that A-7 is, I think, really the ONLY decent A-7 available for MSFS.

However, that being said, I hope to be a lot more accurate in the design. The engine exhaust on Ito's model isn't accurate and the same with the nose. The intake is just blank on the inside. I'm designing an A-7D that will have a full intake area and also have the spinning fan accurately placed way back. It may be hard to see, but if one does see it, it really adds to the realism. The exhaust area is really critical for the A-7D's because of the "can" that you see and the outside fuselage wrapped around it with the ribbing. Ito's model doesn't show that at all. Regarding the A-7 nose, it seems that hardly anyone get's it right. About every model I have seen of the A-7, the nose is completely too long, or something. I admit, I was having a tough time with it because the blueprints I was going off of were, themselves, inaccurate. So I literally had to take a side shot of the A-7's nose and put that into Cinema 4D, and work directly from the photo to get it right.

For the cockpit, the old 2D panel with the really fake looking pilot's hand holding the throttle is old news. We do plan on using a 2D panel just like FSX having them, but it's going to be a very nice virtual 3D environment that will look sweet with the TrackIR system, just like here at FO.

The gear is also very important and I plan on getting as accurate as the poly's will let me. This may be a high poly model like Captain Sims planes, but I figure that computers are getting better every month, and this plane will do nicely in that arena. :smile:

Nice vid. though :wink2:

Gecko6

01-18-2007, 22:50

I LOVE U :red: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :tongue:
One question what about FM I hope isa as proffesional as the model... The A-7 of K. Ito has a terrible FM in low altitude the plane was like flying a tanker:bigsmile:

WingedWolf,

I will be publishing the FM and most of the cockpit efforts. My love of the A-7D and all other flavors goes unmatched. So my goal is to replicateher as closely as possible. I have been in contact with several instructor pilots and ANG pilots that have agreeded to test fly our bird and give feedback till it is done right.

This is a project that is a labor of love and we will not skimp on it. Thus this project will take some time due to real world obligations.

But you can bet your arse that we all want to get our bird airborne ASAP.:evils:

WingedWolf

01-19-2007, 07:07

I LOVE you both guys!!!!!!!!!:thumb: :thumb: :red:

WingedWolf

01-19-2007, 07:20

Here some HAF SLUF::thumb: :thumb:
HAF A-7 Pilot
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/426/101td7.jpg
Sunset....
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/6983/a2ud6.jpg
http://img342.imageshack.us/img342/6637/a76zj5.jpg
Ammo!!!
http://img350.imageshack.us/img350/2626/ammogh3.jpg
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/1567/a74qb7.jpg
Over Mounts
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/1750/a7hfoto11na2.jpg

WingedWolf

01-19-2007, 07:21

And FS9 shot...
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/3074/7fthighph2.jpg

I cant wait do that stuff with your plane guys:thumb:

Gecko6

01-19-2007, 08:37

Yes, The Echo and Hotel will be done because of the HAF our birds are still in operation. I believe that the A-7H will be decommissioned soon.

The fun one will be the Foxtrot with the F100 afterburning engine. But that will take quite a bit of model customization to get right.

We will keep you informed and may call on you to test. Stay in touch.

Darreck

Bartolomeus

01-20-2007, 16:28

all-fired-up

01-21-2007, 11:35

Hi all-fired-up

I have question about the F-15. I have the same model. How did you "flip" the model characteristics? That the model looks completely grey?
With me the model is cross-hatched.

Thanks

Marko

It was easy in C4D. First I would align all normals. Then I just deleted all the base materials that came with the model, which makes the plane a default white. Then I would make a grey or a dark grey and apply it to the plane. For the windows, I applied the same window material I use on the A-7D to the windows on the F-15. I will be making my own uvmap to my liking, and then repaint from my uvmap that I made.

Bartolomeus

01-21-2007, 12:18

Thanks all-fired-up!! The steps works also for 3ds max!

all-fired-up

01-23-2007, 02:50

Work on the instrument panel. I'm just laying the instrument boxes in with some dials. I've adusted the side panels near the instrument panel to the correct angle.

The first image shows me using a flat panel texture. I use this for a guide to lay out the instruments. But it makes a nice 2D panel texture as well.

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/7792/283081123xb.png

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/8789/untitled9wh.png

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/1389/969181651pt.png

:smile:

WingedWolf

01-23-2007, 18:01

OHHH really nice keep up there is someone can't for your project!:wink2: :thumb: :thumb:

WingedWolf

01-24-2007, 16:43

all-fired-up

01-25-2007, 12:24

http://www.irissimulations.com/download.php?list.3
Iris Simulators gives for free its old A-7.Its better than Ito's but the 2d/3d Pit really are not for paywere quality!:nono:
Something to play until yours come out!!!:evils: :thumb:

Yep, found the IRIS A-7D, I'll be looking that over. It's a good model, yes, much more accurate than Ito's (inlet and exhaust). Still, I think, my A-7D is much more accurate in a lot of areas, as I'm going for total realism, right down to the panel lines and rivets to bumpmap for FSX. I want to really capture the A-7D as accurately as I can, while still making it frame rate friendly. For now, however, this A-7D is an uber model, that I will start off with, and then for lower poly models, I'm working those as well.

bingo

01-25-2007, 23:19

speaking of the A-7, just saw a nice complete ejection seat for $1300 at flight helmet.com, to bad it's not an aces II.....

all-fired-up

02-04-2007, 05:02

Just some updates on the A-7D Heads Up Display and the ring or rim around the cockpit tub (painted red temporarily). I modeled the brackets and I have just a few more details here and there above the glare shield. The instrument Panel is actually all black, but I have it as a default grey so you can see some basic instrument layout. I also have the HUD being grey so you can see it better. The cockpit is very basic right now, but the HUD model is almost completed. I'll apply decals later. You'll see some faceting here and there but that's because I need to keep the polygon count budgeted so it can be flyable in a flight simulator (too many polygons and it will kill frame rates).

Enjoy :smile:

~DJ

http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/6951/rimcz9.jpg

http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/4306/a7dhud3qc2.jpg

http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/3169/a7dhud2vs5.jpg

http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/5803/a7dhud1ec0.jpg

Lance

02-04-2007, 06:20

wow man! That is fantastic work! It looks very professional!

Flip

WingedWolf

02-04-2007, 09:10

What can I say for another time I'm speechless:wink2: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

all-fired-up

02-04-2007, 16:55

Thanks guys, your comments very much appreciated! :smile:

bingo

02-05-2007, 01:32

DJ
Great work, I think you've found you nitch

Funky

02-05-2007, 05:02

WOW dude I'm simply speechless! It would be cool if we could one day fly that in FO!
Sooo... have you considered doing the F-8 next? :evils:

Funky

all-fired-up

02-05-2007, 12:20

WOW dude I'm simply speechless! It would be cool if we could one day fly that in FO!
Sooo... have you considered doing the F-8 next? :evils:

Funky

Well, next I'll be doing the two seater version and the afterburner versions of this, and I'll supply a re-paint kit. The goal is to make this freeware and to make it easy to paint. I know some people that want to see a Greek A-7, and we want to do that too. I'd love to see this in FO of course, even if it were just an AI (but not a drone) hehe :)

The next project I want to tackle is my home turf - the KC-135R/T which I crewd on in the AF back in 95-99. This way we get some mock aerial refueling going on with this A-7D.

Lance

02-05-2007, 12:58

Well, next I'll be doing the two seater version and the afterburner versions of this, and I'll supply a re-paint kit. The goal is to make this freeware and to make it easy to paint. I know some people that want to see a Greek A-7, and we want to do that too. I'd love to see this in FO of course, even if it were just an AI (but not a drone) hehe :)

The next project I want to tackle is my home turf - the KC-135R/T which I crewd on in the AF back in 95-99. This way we get some mock aerial refueling going on with this A-7D.

People like you keep this flight sim community in place! Your selfless contributions are just fantastic! Keep up the good work man!

Flip

Gecko6

02-05-2007, 19:22

Dale and I both share a combined vision that includes top notch aircraft that reflect as much reality as possible. We strive to replicate as much detail and system accuracy as possible. There has been very few aircraft modeled to the point that we want to take our projects.

The choice to start off with the Corsair was an easy one.

No one has ever done a high fidelity model
Flight Model
System specific replication

It is an older bird but was so key in ushering in the newest in technology back in the day. Such things as a fully functional Hud, Integrated NAV / Weapons Delivery Computer, and precision bombing made the Corsair a key aircraft in our nations history.

We will focus on planes that have earned a place in History and yet seem to have faded into the shadows.

Our next project is the KC-135 stable of aircraft.

To be honest, the Corsair is just a proof of concept and Dale is just now sinking his teeth into aircraft design. As you can tell, Dale is an awesome modeler and each bird will only get better and better. I for one cannot see the flaws in the Corsair but he keeps telling me that he is not satisfied.

So hang on for future updates.

Lance

02-06-2007, 04:22

so how are you going to proceed on the flightmodel issue?

Flip

Gecko6

02-06-2007, 11:36

The best we can. MSFS has some definite short comings with their flight engine and I have been working hard to find the most appropriate ways to simulate the A-7D as best we can.

Even with the missing attributes and the broken calculations, we are confident that the flight model will be the best representation of the Corsair to date.

The Corsair was a very stable and easy flyer, but it did have it own characteristics that I would like to capture. Things like its unique tail over stall when it departs from flight. (You have to be an idiot to get into this situation), are nice to have but I have not found a way to replicate it in MSFS.

Engine performance is not as cut and dry as I would like. The ability to place extended Mach Drag Tables into the FM is there, but it seems that most of them are not working correctly.

The good news is that we have all of the necessary data to build the FM. We also have past ANG pilots that have offered to do the flight testing.

So to wrap up with a simple answer, “We will utilize the MSFS Flight Dynamics to replicate the real world performance of the A-7D with in the capabilities of the flight engine.".

I am always looking for experts out there because I am by no means a aeronautical engineer.

all-fired-up

02-11-2007, 05:32

Okay, I'm completing work on the HUD model. Also I started on the Mag. compass that's on the left corner of the glare shield. I turned off Global lighting while I'm working on this virtual cockpit. It's much easier to render things and see detail in the renders. I know it's slow progress, but really I'm trying to get as much detail in this virtual pit as possible (but watching the poly's.) It's really a seperate model in it's own right.

Enjoy!

~DJ

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/676/hudmagcompassfu3.jpg

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/7879/hudgd6.jpg

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/564/hud4ay0.jpg

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/9364/hud2fm9.jpg

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/2452/hud3xp3.jpg

Soesterberg_Spotter

02-11-2007, 05:39

:thumb: That is great :thumb: Rep inbound :smile:

WingedWolf

02-11-2007, 12:51

Magic.....

bingo

02-11-2007, 23:12

Excellent work, I look forward to your progress, thanx for sharing

Bartolomeus

02-15-2007, 05:13

Awesome shots! Great work!

all-fired-up

02-18-2007, 03:58

If I get stuck on a part of a model, I usually get bored so I jump around a little. I think I got the HUD down pat, so I thought I would tackle the ejection seat. Now I don't have any textures, except for the black texture on the head rests. I thought I would try a couple of leather patterns that I had in my collection (I have good references of this seat, so I matched the texture fairly well)

Enjoy! :smile:

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/534/a7descapac1hg8.jpg
Showing the initial stages of the top of the ejection seat.

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5699/a7descapac3xa2.jpg
back

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1069/a7descapac2ga8.jpg
side

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5596/a7descapac4qa7.jpg
detail

WingedWolf

02-18-2007, 06:23

Bravo keep up the good work.:thumb:
See the Greek A-7 in action!!!:thumb:
http://www.patricksaviation.com/videos/malakas/1712/
Note that in some scenes the HUD have Orange color why:confused:

all-fired-up

02-18-2007, 12:22

Bravo keep up the good work.:thumb:
See the Greek A-7 in action!!!:thumb:
http://www.patricksaviation.com/videos/malakas/1712/
Note that in some scenes the HUD have Orange color why:confused:

Thanks! I just saw that video, awesome. Probably the most comprehensive A-7 video to date. :thumb:

Gecko6

02-18-2007, 23:32

Note that in some scenes the HUD have Orange color why?

My guess:

The Green Hud is from the A-7H which a reconfigured A-7D. (United States Air Force)

The Orange Hud could be from the A-7E. (United States Navy)

Can anyone confirm this for us?

The two seater is the TA-7C that was also a USN bird. My understanding is that the TA-7C is not a combat ready aircraft. It is not a mission capable aircraft, just for training purposes.

I am surprised that the Greeks didn’t snatch up the A-7K from the Air National Guard Units. They are fully mission ready and a very nice bird.

I am just happy that the Corsair is still serving the HAF to date and from what I understand it will be there for years to come.

My prayers go out to the warriors of the HAF and keep the Corsair at the tip of the spear!

Always remember the older they are the meaner they get!!!!!

Nikolas_A

02-19-2007, 07:05

http://www.patricksaviation.com/videos/malakas/1712/

Nice url :rofl

Nikolas

WingedWolf

02-19-2007, 10:31

My guess:

I am just happy that the Corsair is still serving the HAF to date and from what I understand it will be there for years to come.

My prayers go out to the warriors of the HAF and keep the Corsair at the tip of the spear!

Always remember the older they are the meaner they get!!!!!
Unfurtunally the older A-7s will retire until the end of the year...:sad: The last of the SLUFs will retire by the end of 2009 when the new F-16 will come...

lqcorsa

02-22-2007, 23:33

Amazing work All-Fired-Up, the final product we'll be payware quality no doubt. Rep closing in at your 12. :thumb:

By the way the detail on the fabric of the Ejection Seat looks stunningly real.

razorseal

02-23-2007, 20:14

you got a rep from here and a personal respect from me :)

the dedication you have put into this is amazing! I don't really like the SLUF myself as it is small little and ugly :) but this plane I will DEF have to buy to add to my collection...

that being said I wish I knew how to work autocad and stuff, I would love to design something like this just for fun... I'm always upset about the quality of VCs in FS when it comes to mil jets so I would probably work my ass off in there with collimated huds and stuff :)

one of the planes I really want to design are actually the T6 and the T38 :) they have a t38 out there by FSD, but it is probably the worst plane ever designed lol...

if I were to make myself a T38, would I be able to buy one of those templates that you got the F15 from and work on it? or what? Probably start from scratch

all-fired-up

02-23-2007, 21:30

but this plane I will DEF have to buy to add to my collection...

if I were to make myself a T38, would I be able to buy one of those templates that you got the F15 from and work on it? or what? Probably start from scratch

This A-7D we plan to make available for free :bigsmile:

As far as the F-15, it's a good model but it will need a lot of work to be flyable. In other words you'd have to know how to get it into 3DS max and then into MSFS, which isn't clear cut or easy.

p.s. there is a good FSD T-38 out there for FS2004.

~DJ

razorseal

02-25-2007, 01:14

This A-7D we plan to make available for free :bigsmile:

As far as the F-15, it's a good model but it will need a lot of work to be flyable. In other words you'd have to know how to get it into 3DS max and then into MSFS, which isn't clear cut or easy.

p.s. there is a good FSD T-38 out there for FS2004.

~DJ

I see....

and quoting myself here for reference :)

one of the planes I really want to design are actually the T6 and the T38 :) they have a t38 out there by FSD, but it is probably the worst plane ever designed lol...

it is pretty good, but the inside is UGH! for me inside is the most important thign as I fly on the inside, not the outside :D

all-fired-up

02-25-2007, 12:17

Yeah that's right I do remember the inside, I was primarily thinking of the outside.

razorseal

02-26-2007, 05:08

all-fired-up

02-26-2007, 11:36

so how do you get everything just right? I mean shaping the things... like do you put a picture in the background and get the dots/vertices connected to shape the plane and match it to the picture? I was always confused about this.... like how do you guys get these things dead on (like say the nose) with no specific dimensions of the nose itself?

Well, hehe, that is an art in and of itself. 3D modeling is really no different than sculpting, and each model has the artists style and touch. When modeling aircraft it's obviously best when the artist matches the aircraft precisely.

I learned how to model from Anders Lejczak at http://www.colacola.se/

He is the only guy that produces fantastic aircraft, specifically in Cinema 4D. And since I use C4D, that information was valuable.

I, too, was having so much trouble with all the points that you brought up. What solidified it for me was that I had to "simplify" the aircraft down into polygons. The first thing I did was find some excellent blueprints, specifically accurate 3-view drawings. I got mine from the Vought site itself. But there are a ton over at airwar: http://www.airwar.ru/other/drawe.html

Anders has a good setup for drawings and I'm sure you can set that up in any 3d app. So I use his approach and setup my 3-view drawings in Cinema. Then I start "plotting points." For the A-7D I just started with the inlet, which was the hardest. I veered from Anders a little bit here and there. His planes are very sweet but I don't think he puts as much detail in the cockpits and wheel wells as I'm going to do. His planes are mostly external works of art.

If you go here: http://www.colacola.se/wip_p47.htm

You'll get a very good idea of how to model aircraft using the polygon approach, which is usually the best. It's best to plot points, then connect them into polygons and then when your done, use a smoother, or in my case put your assemblies under a HyperNURBS to smooth the shape.

Anders tutorial explains in more detail. :wink2:

As far as being "dead on", well I like to hope mine is, but even the blueprint wasn't 100% accurate so I had to use some photos of the A-7D to get the correct shape of the nose and inlet.

It's all trial and error that get's better with experience, and this is my first time scratchbuilding, so I'm making a ton of errors and correcting them.

Here are some initial progress pics:

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/2352/a7dwip1ke6.jpg
Setting up 3-views in C4D, using approach like Anders Lejczak.

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/6301/a7dwip2li1.jpg
Getting the inlet, just right. This is polygons only, no mesh smoothing, yet.

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/5568/a7dwip3cw5.jpg
Good start, but the nose is totally wrong. I found out later that it is way too pointed, but I was going right off the blueprints. Using an actual photo really helped. I corrected this later on.

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/315/a7dwip5cjb5.jpg
Profile.

Hope this helps! :smile:

razorseal

02-26-2007, 12:01

wow thats awesome!

I'm going to attempt this, my dad's company has all these programs, I will ask him to see what we can do, see if I can get a copy :)

Funky

02-26-2007, 22:08

Rep inbound All-Fired-Up! Very informative post with lots of good links.

Thanks a lot man. I've always wanted to do 3D modeling, but have been limited to 2D so far. I used to design complected 2D drawings or floor plans using Autocad 2000 - 2004, but never got started with 3D in that program since it was brutally hard; or at least that's what I heard.

I'm looking forward to getting Cinema 4D soon so I can start modeling my favorite planes myself :bigsmile: .

Funky

all-fired-up

02-26-2007, 22:46

razorseal

02-26-2007, 23:51

I might add that its EXTREMELY important to get all your 3 view drawings sized up and lined up precisely because that's what you're constantly referencing off of. If you're 3-views are off, you're model will be off. You can use any 3d app. for this approach, it doesn't have to be C4D. The concept is the same. The box setup method is very nice as you can move around in 3d space and see you're whole aircraft plus the 3-views, and you can turn them off as needed.

Good luck in modeling!, just follow Anders approach. :wink2:

I'm going to attempt doing a L39... I always wanted to fly this plane as it really is the only military 'jet' a civy can buy... I've seen them fly around here all the time... when I'm making enough money, it will be the 1st thign I buy lol

I found the captain sim's one after some real hard research for since its made for like FS7 or 8 (i forget) it really sucks... good flight charesteristics though...

anyways thats what I want to do, hopefully it will be a fun journey... maybe I can send it to you guys when I'm done with it one day and you can touch it up for me :D

Deckerd

02-27-2007, 08:10

@ all fired up: thx a bunch for the link to the blueprints. Very very very good resource for me

all-fired-up

02-27-2007, 12:48

Sometime when this A-7D project is near completion, I'll do a step-by-step .PDF tutorial for everyone. It's my way of saying thanks to all the people/tutorials out there that helped me. I don't have my own website up...yet. But I do have acrobat. I'll do my best in answering any questions when I can. Lately I'm pretty busy at work, I have a huge vfx job due by Friday. :bigeyes: So I'll be pretty tuckered out when I get home, but I'll keep plugging away at the A-7D. :smile:

Gecko6

02-27-2007, 13:56

If there is any Web design gurus out there that want to pitch in and help us with our full site please feel free to msg me. Tutorials and project status will be posted there instead of taking up FO disk space. :bigsmile:

Dale and I will discuss our plans and review some of your work. :smile:

BTW Dale is really a good man and a very rare breed in today’s world.

Life is too short to worry about putting others down and only taking with out giving back. Mentoring and helping others is the way it should be.

We both believe this whole heartedly. :thumb:

razorseal

02-27-2007, 14:34

all fired up, here he puts the red lines and the green arrows... is this done in c4d or do I do those lines on PS or something?

http://www.colacola.se/wip_p47_refsetup.htm

Cougar12dk

02-27-2007, 14:50

Hot damn Razor, those are some sweet as models that guy's got :) And cheap too.

razorseal

02-27-2007, 15:57

razorseal

02-27-2007, 16:14

damn I have no clue what I'm doing, I cant even import the 'plane' to I can plane the picture lol :(

Cougar12dk

02-27-2007, 16:59

Do yo have some good blueprints? Which 3D program are you using? Because, you should be able to make a box with the planes dimensions and map the walls with the blueprint, or use the four views as background in your viewports (from/back, Top/bottom and sides).

If you need any help lemme know. I've been 3d'ing for close to 10 years now, I MIGHT be of some assistance.

razorseal

02-27-2007, 19:04

eyah I got the nicest L39 ones on the site given... thing is I can't figure out how to 'create' the planes

all-fired-up

02-27-2007, 19:51

all fired up, here he puts the red lines and the green arrows... is this done in c4d or do I do those lines on PS or something?

http://www.colacola.se/wip_p47_refsetup.htm

Photoshop, or whatever photo editing software you use. I go an extra length and put some alignment axis in Cinema 4D itself, but you don't have to do that. But, yeah, get all your alignment of the 3-views in Photoshop first and then import those into your 3d app. Does that help?

all-fired-up

02-27-2007, 19:58

yeah, i'm trying to make a L39 right now actually... I can't even get the damn reference templataes lol

is it me or these templates are all out of proportion? like I need to resize everything to line up the wingtips and stuff, and not to mention all the cross sections are not properly scared either?

damn this shit is alot of work lol

Yes, it is pretty tricky. It's not easy, but the more you do it, the easier it gets. Practice makes perfect. After doing your first model, you'll have greater respect for the FO modelers :evils:

But don't worry, just keep working at it, you'll get it. Find out what parts of the airplane on the 3-views need to be aligned (i.e. the nose tip on the side view must be aligned with the nose tip on the top view) Get used to having a critical eye about things. Also sometimes blueprints may not be 100% accurate so if you have a side photo of the plane that is better than the blueprint, use it - that's what I had to do with the A-7D. In fact I found on airliners.net a plethora of A-7D side shots that suited my purposes. 3D modeling isn't something you can necessarily hop and look professional without lots of practice. So just practice on some small parts of the plane, like a wheel perhaps. :wink2:

If you think 3d is hard try you're hand at VFX in After Effects (now that gives me headaches, but it's cool stuff). :bigeyes:

all-fired-up

02-27-2007, 20:01

eyah I got the nicest L39 ones on the site given... thing is I can't figure out how to 'create' the planes

What 3D app you using Razor? C4D?

razorseal

02-27-2007, 22:50

What 3D app you using Razor? C4D?

yes sirrey :)

VFX is visual effects which is animation I suppose?

all-fired-up

02-27-2007, 23:41

yes sirrey :)

VFX is visual effects which is animation I suppose?

Yep vfx is visual effects which is anything 2D/3D or commonly known as mograph (motion graphics)

Which version of Cinema 4D do you have? For instance I'm using Cinema 4D XL 9.1 to build the A-7D. I have Cinema 4D Studio Bundle at work.

razorseal

02-27-2007, 23:47

I got 9.01 studio bundle... I'm using
so how do I put these background reference pictures into planes?

razorseal

02-27-2007, 23:52

My current WIP :D

http://picsorban.com/upload/wip.jpg

I can't even figure out how to put a new plane so I can put the front, side and top pics :(

razorseal

02-28-2007, 00:17

all-fired-up

02-28-2007, 01:41

Here is the reference thingy

http://picsorban.com/upload/references.jpg

I'll just link it because its HUGE. Everythign is proportioned, I used the PS guides for that which dont show when you save it as a jpg

I sent ya a personal message on the L39 ref. file.

Here's the setup picture.

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/8713/l39am4.jpg

:smile:

razorseal

02-28-2007, 02:01

you got a response :)

razorseal

02-28-2007, 04:06

I'll start my own thrad here, really took over the A7 one heh

all-fired-up

03-04-2007, 01:32

Okay, I have more updates on the ejection seat. I worked primarily on the shocks and around the cover are on the top/back of the seat.

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/8564/a7descapac5qp4.jpg

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/7927/a7descapac6aj5.jpg

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/9072/a7descapac7ja0.jpg

razorseal

03-05-2007, 14:18

nice!

so much detail... is it going to be FPS friendly?

and are those headrests that tight?

all-fired-up

03-05-2007, 16:08

nice!

so much detail... is it going to be FPS friendly?

and are those headrests that tight?

If you're refering to the headrests being close together, yes, I'm using photos as templates. They are just pads for the head/helmet. As far as frame rate friendly, this is going to be a 60-80k poly model, so we are looking at Captain Sims quality here. There will be two models really, the A-7D exterior with a basic but realistic cockpit, and then the virtual cockpit, which is what I am currently working on.

all-fired-up

03-05-2007, 16:12

More on the ESCAPAC ejection seat. I had the bottom seat half hidden while I was working on the top, and I just connected the two. I just got done making the aluminum tubing that runs down the length of each side. I use symmetry all the time for this stuff so I don't have to double my work. I really only model one half of the seat and put it in a symmetry, this really helps speed things along. The tubing is green just so that I can place it accurately. Things like rivits, and tiny holes, etc... will be bumpmapped. So for right now I don't have any textures until this seat model is done. For the MSFS model I won't model the back of the seat because it's going to be hidden, but for the high detailed model, I'll have this all modeled.

There is some faceting going on with the seat sides, I'll have to fix that.

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/74/a7descapac8zy1.jpg

Just for reference, this is the A-7D ESCAPAC seat that I'm referencing off from. I have pics all around this seat. This seat in the pic. is on loan from the USAF Museum at Wright Patterson. It is missing the cover on the back, or probably doesn't include the cover, I'm not sure. I know that things like that may have varied. The seat in this pic. looks brand new.

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/4971/escapacseatwu5.jpg

razorseal

03-09-2007, 13:15

very nice! still needs work, but thats why its a WIP :)

for a 1 man team, its coming along real real nice

Butonga

03-14-2007, 02:49

Looking forward to this! Think I was the last navy guy to go through framp schools for the fire control gear on the A-7 in Lemoore before they switched over to F/A-18s. Use to work on HUDs, PMDS, ASCU's, IMUs and the doppler radar for that plane when PMTC Point Mugu had em.

Funky

03-14-2007, 21:16

I dont intend to threadjack, but here's my first creation! A pipe :bigsmile:
At least unlike some others' my first work looks right and not miss-shaped :evils:

Funky

PS. All-Fired-Up, if you need any of these, I can supply you with some :tongue:

all-fired-up

03-27-2007, 18:57

Sorry, I've been out of action for a little while, we just had a baby. But I had a whole week off of work so I got to work on this while everyone was asleep. :smile:

I've completed modeling on the seat base, excluding the parachute and seat belts. Also I will need to create a bumpmap of the rivet and misc. details, so that's going to be done too, but later.

Enjoy!!

:thumb:

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/8916/79331519ds3.jpg

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/777/15177370yw6.jpg

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/8599/15833343et1.jpg

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/96/47996328lh9.jpg

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/6350/51645790pv0.jpg

all-fired-up

03-27-2007, 18:58

Continued...

:wink2:

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/153/73389637ur4.jpg

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/524/33373305kv2.jpg

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/2505/44193756un9.jpg

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/4791/22683073mg9.jpg

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/2595/10aj6.jpg

Cougar12dk

03-27-2007, 18:59

Good stuff Dale :) Keep it up.

Cougar12dk

03-27-2007, 19:19

Oh and congratulations!!!!!!! :)

What was it? A boy, a girl or perhaps a ready-to-fly go-getter?

all-fired-up

03-27-2007, 19:23

Thanks Cougar! A boy, that's 2 boys now. I guess I'll have to start work on some kind of double seater cockpit for them. :evils: :tongue:

~DJ

rjetster

03-27-2007, 19:37

Nice Dale!! Congrats on the baby boy!!!

Cougar12dk

03-27-2007, 19:41

@All-fired-up: That'd get them narrowed in on the right path alright :)

Cougar12dk

03-27-2007, 19:52

Hehe yeah..that'd give the neighbours and passers by on the street something to look at too. :smile:

Nikolas_A

03-28-2007, 13:48

Thanks Cougar! A boy, that's 2 boys now. I guess I'll have to start work on some kind of double seater cockpit for them. :evils: :tongue:

~DJ

Even better a B-52 pit...

Congratulations !

Nikolas

169th_Ross

03-29-2007, 13:25

lambopilot

03-30-2007, 18:17

Outstanding so far, hope I get to fly it as my father flew the A-7/E, he loved it.

all-fired-up

03-30-2007, 20:55

Outstanding so far, hope I get to fly it as my father flew the A-7/E, he loved it.

Thanks! This plane is a labor of love.

PanPan

05-19-2007, 12:05

I read in one of the previous pages sth about the orange hud symbols. I don't know if someone has answered that but an A-7 pilot told me that there is a switch that changes the colour. Orange for night, green for day but pilots use that as they like... Great work so far!!!!

WingedWolf

05-22-2007, 17:02

all-fired-up

05-22-2007, 18:25

Yep, as soon as I get back to the house (I'm at work) I'll get some more stuff uploaded. I'm pretty swamped with kids and work at the moment so please be patient. This project aint going away, that's for sure. I'm actually working more in the cockpit now, I'm working on the pilot figure and working on the helmet at this point. It's slow going because I have a 2 year old and a 2 month old, and me and my wife are just winging it :red:

:thumb:

WingedWolf

05-23-2007, 16:47

Gecko6

05-31-2007, 13:11

Here is a small update on our project status.

Dale has been very busy. His hands are full with a newborn son and between work and family his is a very busy man. I give him kudos for doing so much with only so many hours in the day.

Yet Dale has found time to work on our pilot model. His name is LT Michael "Jäger" McLaren.

Jäger has a keen eye and is very aggressive with his flying.

This is a work in progress and there is allot that needs to be done. So this is not the final product by any means.

Enjoy Dale’s wizardry. :thumb:

http://www.a7dpit.com/images/pilot1.jpg

http://www.a7dpit.com/images/pilot2.jpg

http://www.a7dpit.com/images/pilot3.jpg

http://www.a7dpit.com/images/pilot4.jpg

http://www.a7dpit.com/images/pilot5.jpg

Cougar12dk

05-31-2007, 14:18

Sweet model :) Much better than the one I have from Mesh Factory already (which is some years old).

PanPan

06-01-2007, 08:59

Holly sh....!!!!!!!! AWESOME! I can't wait for it!!! Keep up your great work!:thumb:

Bartolomeus

06-02-2007, 06:55

Awesome model!! Looks very great!

Gecko6

06-04-2007, 17:19

Another quick update.

Dale and I both agreed to a time frame of when the USAF flew the Corsair and during the transition to the ANG. So our equipment needed to reflect this decision.

Dale took the lead and came up with this.

Dale Jackson said

"I changed the helmet to the HGU-33/P and the mask to the MBU 5/P, which,
after doing the research is the type that was used during the Vietnam era.
I still have the HGU-26 and it's mask too, so I'll have a couple different
versions.

All I did here was add the visor (and yes that's an A-7 panel in the
reflection) and added the clips to the side of the mask, and a basic hose.
I still have to add the straps on the mask."

The pilot is coming along great!

http://www.a7dpit.com/images/pilot6.jpg

http://www.a7dpit.com/images/pilot7.jpg

http://www.a7dpit.com/images/pitshot.jpg

http://www.a7dpit.com/images/pitshot2.jpg

http://www.a7dpit.com/images/pitshot3.jpg

bingo

06-05-2007, 08:30

Guys
I've been montering you progress and I have to say what a great job you done......2 thumbs up..keep up the great work

Mobius

06-05-2007, 16:04

Amazing work, keep it up.:smile:

Bartolomeus

06-05-2007, 20:02

Awesome!! Looks very cool! :thumb:

all-fired-up

06-07-2007, 20:33

Thank you guys, I know it's slow progress, but it's getting there :) At least you can enjoy seeing a build of this rare bird. Kind of like building history. :smile:

SteveK

06-11-2007, 13:14

Hey Dale,

I've only recently started following this post, and all I can say is absolutely AWESOME man. That is excellent work, well done and keep it up. I'll be following this thread closely from now on, and can't wait to get her in the virtual sky.

If you would like a beta tester, get in touch.

JanHas

06-11-2007, 18:02

That model is real nice!!! I envy your skill!! :sad:

all-fired-up

06-13-2007, 00:55

all-fired-up

06-13-2007, 00:57

That model is real nice!!! I envy your skill!! :sad:

Well, hehe, as far a skill goes, I don't claim to be any expert. I'm just riding on the coat-tails of other skilled modelers and taking deep breaths as I dive into their tutorials. This whole A-7D project is a big trial and error project for me. I think that's the key to good modeling, just jump in and do it, do something. So I'm doing it! :tongue:

P14u2nv

07-07-2007, 12:44

"We chose this aircraft because, well, for the most part there hasn't been a definitive model (i.e. like Captain Sims) on the A-7D. Why the A-7D you ask? Honestly, it's kind of a neglected aircraft, one that you don't see modeled too often or accurately. We hope to change that with the A-7 and produce some other aircraft that are; #1 challenging, and #2 Rarely modeled, and #3 Have an interesting history."

I agree 100% as I attempted to locate any Republic F105D model for FS9. I located only one. Neglected model indeed. My cousin was attached to the 355th FW assigned to Takhli RTAFB in '67-'68 and I wanted to recreate an accurate base and aircraft. I succeeded I believe however the 105D lacks in some regards...

Let me also say I am in awe of what so many of you have done and continue to do for "our hobby" and just want to say thanks for all you have done to further it, many times AND too often without thanks in return! Thank you!

P14u2nv

Smith

07-16-2007, 11:52

It's so good, can't wait to see it in game. :thumb:

all-fired-up

07-27-2007, 13:10

It's so good, can't wait to see it in game. :thumb:

Thanks so much. I'm still working on it, but at a slower pace. This is too good of a project to give up on. "Gecko" is working on the scenery :thumb:

all-fired-up

07-27-2007, 13:12

That model is real nice!!! I envy your skill!! :sad:

Thanks! It's not easy, that's for sure! I'm learning as I'm going. The best way to learn is just do it. The hard part for me is not to overkill, sometimes I get so detailed in the parts that I forget that I gotta budget the poly's so it won't kill framerates in the Flightsim.

Richard_H

07-27-2007, 17:56

Another quick update.

Dale and I both agreed to a time frame of when the USAF flew the Corsair and during the transition to the ANG. So our equipment needed to reflect this decision.

Dale took the lead and came up with this.

The pilot is coming along great!

http://www.a7dpit.com/images/pilot6.jpg

http://www.a7dpit.com/images/pilot7.jpg

http://www.a7dpit.com/images/pitshot.jpg

http://www.a7dpit.com/images/pitshot2.jpg

http://www.a7dpit.com/images/pitshot3.jpg

Niiice!

But i dont think that the USAF ever used the HGU33 Helmet.
And i dont think it was introduced when the vietnam war was raging at its worst either.. to my knowledge it was introduced in the late seventies, early eighties. and besides, the HGU33 was the navy model anyways.

The HGU2-22-26 would have been more authentic if its a USAF corsair. if its a marine/navy corsair from the vietnam war the helmet would be the APH5 or APH6 helmet with MS22001 oxygen mask (Hardman retention system) iirc.

But splendid work anyways!:thumb:

Gecko6

07-27-2007, 19:02

Great eye Richard.

We are not going for Vietnam era Corsairs. As you can see by the Pave penny under the chin we are focusing on ANG Corsairs during the early 80s.

No if we can get some clarification of the appropriate helmet we will gladly adjust our efforts.

Dale has done a wonderful job on the HGU-33 and it will remain as our Echo Corsair pilot’s helmet. :smile:

crossfade

08-01-2007, 13:12

Top job :thumb:

Gecko6

08-02-2007, 19:09

Dale has been busy being a father, husband, and artist. Yet he has found time to work on the Corsair.

Here are two images that I think you will enjoy.

http://www.a7dpit.com/images/080207.png

http://www.a7dpit.com/images/080307.png

Please let him know that his efforts are top notch!

rjetster

08-02-2007, 19:51

Looking very nice!!!

Cougar12dk

08-03-2007, 02:52

Indeedy!!! He's quite the modeler :)

all-fired-up

08-08-2007, 13:03

Okay a couple more screen-grabs to crunch in-between breaks. This is the high poly model obviously. The struts aren't too high, but those wheels are super high. I just left them in the render because I like them. :wink2:

I'm debating on the detail that I want to put into the strut so there are a few changes between renders.

It's not 100% perfect, but I need to 80/20 this thing and move on. I'm very satisfied how it's looking so far.

Thanks for the nice comments. :smile:

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/236/picture1lt9.png

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/6941/picture3uc8.png

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/8313/nosegear2zz8.jpg

and here's the real deal for comparison.

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/6072/a7dstruthr5.jpg

Jackal

08-09-2007, 06:53

It's not 100% perfect, but I need to 80/20 this thing and move on. I'm very satisfied how it's looking so far.

:thumb: Less bad that you made it not totally perfect... it's great the same, I think instead, so I can guess well why you're satisfied.

And you still have even the chance to improve it at will in the future anyway, am I right? :bigsmile:

Jackal out.

all-fired-up

08-11-2007, 00:49

Okay, now I'm going to see if the nose gear extended fits into the wheel bay.
I need to rig this, but that will most likely be done in 3ds Max by Gecko for the MSFS model, since animation doesn't transfer from c4d to max. But I will do it here in C4D soon too.

here goes:

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/2112/frontgear1cx2.jpg

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/4375/frontgear2cv8.jpg

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/6913/frontgear3vb6.jpg
the seam on the bottom of fuselage is just from the dummy fuselage that I'm using for the wheel test.

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3720/frontgearretractku6.jpg

all-fired-up

08-11-2007, 00:52

:thumb: Less bad that you made it not totally perfect... it's great the same, I think instead, so I can guess well why you're satisfied.

And you still have even the chance to improve it at will in the future anyway, am I right? :bigsmile:

Jackal out.

yes sir, you are right. Yeah I can always improve, and there's probably no end to that if one is a perfectionist. But the key is to get a great likeness, and that's what I'm trying to achieve.

Jackal

08-11-2007, 05:57

Well, all-fired-up, you're trying very well, from what you made me see... my warm congratulations once again and keep on the good work, I'll be always glad to know what's going on! :thumb:

Jackal out.

Gecko6

08-11-2007, 09:37

The animation is going to be strait forward. It is the compression that is going to be my thorn. MSFS as with most other flight Sims make gear compression a very hard thing to achieve.

Weight, amount of extension, and wheel radius all play into figuring out the correct compression. At the end of the day it comes down to adjusting the numbers and loading up the sim to see if our Corsair is dancing on the tarmac or if it is sitting correctly.

The Corsair has a positive 17 degree nose up AOA when on the ground. Again just one more thing to make it a pain to get right. :)

Boy this will be a fun bird to fly. I am very pleased with Dale's progress and the amazing results.

Stay tuned.

razorseal

08-13-2007, 12:48

wohoo! can't wait!

Njc242

08-13-2007, 21:42

I figured it out. FO has decided to trick people and have Gecko make an A-7 model for the Sim =) pretending its for FSX/Fs9!

I win.

all-fired-up

08-13-2007, 22:18

Oh darn, you caught us. Hehe :wink2:

Njc242

11-06-2007, 22:29

Any news?

^^bump^^

Gecko6

11-06-2007, 23:38

Well there has been allot going on and progress is moving forward.

To date:

Fuselage is 80% complete minus the antennas and exhausts for AC and APU.
Gear is looking very nice but heavy on the Poly count. Still looks sweet.
Weapons are modeled and ready for texturing
FM is WIP
Cockpit is taking shape but needs me to get a new rig so I can continue work
Brustem Belgium AFB is almost complete and looking very nice. Just need to get some better hardened shelters and some unique objects
Instruments are defined and the XML code is in progress

Next steps:

Tighten up the model a bit and get it put together in 3ds ready for import
Plug in FM and Cockpit to begin testing
Working on code to release weapons along with effects
Animate all control surfaces and add in vapor, smoke, and other flight effects

Situation:

Dale and I have been chasing out tails for the last few months dealing with real life. Dale's skills are in very high demand and his free time is no longer available. His to do list looks something like Santa's list. :)

I have been traveling every week for the past 5 months and only know do I get to spend a week strait with my family.

This project is a labor of love and comes second to our Father responsibilities.

I am always looking for team members that want to see this girl fly sooner and we welcome any skills that you willing apply to our project.

Just PM Dale or myself if you wish to join the team.

Darreck