Paint Request Please

[gray eagle]

As far as I know, these are the only sets he released but there was no indication that these are the only ones he'll release. He has his finger in loads of projects so will probably come back and revisit the A4 at some point

What I would do (and what I DID do) is this. If you're still using the original setup (eg.. 22 separate aircraft folders).. backup the airfile in the 01 folder and use the new one in the zip. Backup your aircraft.cfg in the 01 folder (in case you have new paints added) then use the new 01 aircraft.cfg. You can then add any repaints to it from your backup cfg. Do the same with the 2-3 model. This is all we have until he returns with updates for the remaining models.. if in fact he does. At least you'll have the very latest FD's for the 0-1 and 2-3 models

ATB
DaveB

Okay, I checked the dates and the header for the 0-1 clean cfg file you attached and it is the same as what I have already installed. So I don't think you sent me anything newer then what I have.
I suspect the 2nd attach is the same. I read this on the header of the aircraft.cfg I already have installed. // A-4E/F Skyhawk Flight Dynamics Ver 1.0 by mal - CLEAN Aircraft
It's the same name and file size and date.
The air file is Virtavia_A-4E-F_Skyhawk_0-1.air Jan 2015. So same-o same-0
which brings me back to that A4 cat hookup in you photo where your nose bridle is a lot closer to the shuttle then mine. Hummmmm....


I just discovered this page http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/showthread.php/89088-Virtavia-A-4-Skyhawk-Update-Read-on

guess I've been under a rock or something and just noticed it today.

 

[DaveB]

Yup.. these threads are hot as rocks for a while then sometimes die and come back to life later!! You have to be in the right place at the right time!!

The FD's talked about in that thread are the ones I posted.. v2.7. It's quite possible that the original uploads at vendors were updated to take the new airfiles and cfgs into account. If the final line on the update list shows v2.7 FDE Update.. you already have the latest files.

Do your tailhook and launch assistance entries read like this:

[TailHook]
tailhook_length= 4.1
cable_force_adjust= 0.95
tailhook_position = -14.7, 0.0, -1.0
[launch_assistance]
launch_bar_pivot = 3.0, 0.0, -1.0
launch_bar_lug = 7.50, 0.0, -1.0

Just look at the 0-1 model

Also.. did you use ANY of Stu's aircraft.cfg.. eg, at least the SWS carrier extensions entry at the bottom?

I'm gonna be off to my sack in short order due to having to be up in 6hrs for work so I may not pick this up until tomorrow.
ATB
DaveB

 

[gray eagle]

Yup.. these threads are hot as rocks for a while then sometimes die and come back to life later!! You have to be in the right place at the right time!!

The FD's talked about in that thread are the ones I posted.. v2.7. It's quite possible that the original uploads at vendors were updated to take the new airfiles and cfgs into account. If the final line on the update list shows v2.7 FDE Update.. you already have the latest files.

Do your tailhook and launch assistance entries read like this:

[TailHook]
tailhook_length= 4.1
cable_force_adjust= 0.95
tailhook_position = -14.7, 0.0, -1.0
[launch_assistance]
launch_bar_pivot = 3.0, 0.0, -1.0
launch_bar_lug = 7.50, 0.0, -1.0
Just look at the 0-1 model

Also.. did you use ANY of Stu's aircraft.cfg.. eg, at least the SWS carrier extensions entry at the bottom?

I'm gonna be off to my sack in short order due to having to be up in 6hrs for work so I may not pick this up until tomorrow.
ATB
DaveB

Here is the original entries // out

//[TailHook]
//tailhook_length= 4.0
//cable_force_adjust= 1.2
//tailhook_position = -14.6, 0.0, -1.1
//[launch_assistance]
//launch_bar_pivot = 3.0, 0.0, -1.0
//launch_bar_lug = 7.0, 0.0, -1.0


I used what you posted ^
[TailHook]
tailhook_length= 4.1
cable_force_adjust= 0.95
tailhook_position = -14.7, 0.0, -1.0
[launch_assistance]
launch_bar_pivot = 3.0, 0.0, -1.0
launch_bar_lug = 7.50, 0.0, -1.0 <<<<<<< Maybe a different variable would bring the lug closer to the shuttle?


Update List? Oh wait a minute, the header info on the aircraft.cfg?

// A-4E/F Skyhawk Flight Dynamics Ver 1.0 by mal - CLEAN Aircraft
// 4-22-2012
// 5-17-2012 ver.1.1
// 5-20-2012 ver.1.2
// 5-29-2012 ver.1.3
// 6-05-2012 ver.1.4
// 6-08-2012 ver.1.5 Near Completed Flight Model
// 6-16-2012 ver.1.6 New Models added to Cfg.
// 6-18-2012 ver.1.7
// 6-21-2012 ver.1.8 G models added
// 6-27-2012 ver.1.9 Cleaned up descriptions & misc. items
// 6-29-2012 ver.1.9 Clean Aircraft CFG.
// 7-31-2012 ver.2.0 FD Completed
// 9-11-2012 ver.2.1 Flight testing completed - remembering 9-11
// 21 Oct 2012 ver.2.2 : new lts sect, fuel dump & exh fx, AP bank, wingfld/tailhk, thumb UI.
// 11-29-2012 ver.2.3 Updated lateral stability, COG, yaw moi. h-tail incidence, launch bar lug
// 12-04-2012 ver.2.4 adjusted h-tail incidence, decreased flap lift & pitch, lowered fuel gain, reduced elevator effectiveness, reduced pitch stability, decreased oswald efficiency, modified (404) stall characteristics, lowered vert. inertia, lowered elevator control factor.
// 12-06-2012 ver.2.5 increased yaw stab2
// 12-07-2012 ver.2.6 decreased aileron & rudder effectiveness, increased yaw stab 1 & 2
// 1-06-2013 ver.2.6 out for testing
// 1-08-2013 ver.2.6 test results positive
// 1-22-2013 ver.2.6 ver.2.6 fine tuned - 2.6 release candidate
// 1-30-2013 ver.2.6 decreased yaw stability, increased aileron response, increased elevator response
// 3-2-2013 ver.2.6 FDE updated


;***** clean A-4E *****

 

[awstub]

I just checked my cfg and it matches the one I included with the repaints......and uses the stock launch assistance settings.

Looking at the JPEG instructional I included, I see that when I circled the air file, I put the line from it to step 3 when it should have gone to step 2 which can lead to some confusion.

I was so tired at the time, I was almost delirious.....but I really wanted to get it kicked out the door and forgot to double-check it..... sorry about that.

 

[gray eagle]

Here ya go Butch.

Drive her up and just over the shuttle:

shift+i and she only moves a little forward.. pretty much where she should be I reckon:

Launches every time with her original launchassistance entry reinstated. Still.. as I said above, if the settings in Stu's aircraft.cfg work ok for you.. I'd not bother changing them. I've not touched the carrier extensions entry btw
ATB
DaveB

Dave,

So what can I do to get that shuttle to look like your does? You can see that in my pics it looks like that knuckle that the wire is wrapped around it far forward of the shuttle, wheras the wire
should be attached to the front edge on the main shuttle. How did you manage to make yours look better?
No reply from Mal on those FDE updates.

As an aside, I can hook up a F4B on the shuttle and it looks a lot better. Gotta be some thing in the aircraft MDL/FDE or something.

 

[DaveB]

Hello mate..

Yup the F4B hooks up just fine as it always has. I'm trying to fathom a way to pass what I have to you in a way that will work with the minimum of fuss. When you added Stu's paints, did you add them to each individual (read corresponding) model? This would have meant new entries in model folders with E clean 1, E USMC 3, E2 USMC2, E2 USMC1, E clean 2, E Navy 1 and E2 Navy 2. Mind boggling

When I know how you have the paints currently installed, I can form a plan of attack

EDIT: I note that the decks are clear in your shots. Did you set the deck as clear or have you not added the carrer extensions entry to the aircraft.cfg?
ATB
DaveB

 

[PhantomTweak]

Dave,

So what can I do to get that shuttle to look like your does? You can see that in my pics it looks like that knuckle that the wire is wrapped around it far forward of the shuttle, wheras the wire
should be attached to the front edge on the main shuttle. How did you manage to make yours look better?
No reply from Mal on those FDE updates.

As an aside, I can hook up a F4B on the shuttle and it looks a lot better. Gotta be some thing in the aircraft MDL/FDE or something.

First off, you can try reducing the longitudinal setting in the [launch_assistance] line launch_bar_lug = 7.50, 0.0, -1.0. The first number after the =sign. Drop it down a few tenths, save the aircraft.cfg file, and reload the plane. That MAY get your positioning right. Or at least change it one way or t'other. If it does, you can then adjust it accordingly.

As to why the Phantom looks better: In planes made for FSX, the launch bar info, tail hook too, is built into the MDL file. If you add the launch assist and tailhook sections to your aircraft.cfg, however they will over-ride the settings in the MDL file. Generally, the launch assist settings are pretty accurate to most set-ups, but the tailhook section generally needs a little fine tuning. Or isn't in the MDL file at all.

Also, the Contact point for the nose gear's longitudinal setting will affect where the launch bar lug shows up, or attaches to the boat anyway, since it's attached to the nose gear.

Finally, and I am not certain about this, but I've always done it, when you pull up to the cat for launch, you're supposed to hit SHFT+U, THEN SHFT+I, however this plane seems to be working for you, you all said, without that step. I don't know if this could be having an effect or not. I'm thinking that perhaps the boat's able to grab the lug without you dropping it somehow, thus making it off longitudinally, since when the launch bar comes down it is farther forward than when it's up.

Just my thoughts on this, however few and limited they are...
Pat☺

 

[gray eagle]

Hello mate..

Yup the F4B hooks up just fine as it always has. I'm trying to fathom a way to pass what I have to you in a way that will work with the minimum of fuss. When you added Stu's paints, did you add them to each individual (read corresponding) model? This would have meant new entries in model folders with E clean 1, E USMC 3, E2 USMC2, E2 USMC1, E clean 2, E Navy 1 and E2 Navy 2. Mind boggling

When I know how you have the paints currently installed, I can form a plan of attack

EDIT: I note that the decks are clear in your shots. Did you set the deck as clear or have you not added the carrer extensions entry to the aircraft.cfg?
ATB
DaveB

Okay let me comment on those questions:

I watch my son install the textures to those models affected. He commented that the installation photo was a bit confusing but later Stu did a correction comment on that.
Here are the folders that Sts paints are in:

Virtavia A-4 Skyhawk 0-1 Clean
Virtavia A-4 Skyhawk 4-7 Wing Tanks
Virtavia A-4 Skyhawk 8 WT,Snakeye,Shrike
Virtavia A-4 Skyhawk 14 BT,MK82,LAU-3A
Virtavia A-4 Skyhawk 15 BT,M117,MK82
Virtavia A-4 Skyhawk 16 WT,MK82,LAU-3A
Virtavia A-4 Skyhawk 17 WT,Walleye,LAU-10 Zuni
Virtavia A-4 Skyhawk 19 BT, MK 117,LAU-10 Zunis
Virtavia A-4 Skyhawk 21 WT,MK 82 Snakeye,LAU-3A
Virtavia A-4 Skyhawk 23 'F' Wing Tanks
Virtavia A-4E_F_Skyhawk

The carrier extension entry was only added to the clean version and no others. I figured that I would just do carrier ops in the clean version (for now).
I was only offered one Corral sea in AI Carriers so that is the one I chose.

 

[gray eagle]

First off, you can try reducing the longitudinal setting in the [launch_assistance] line launch_bar_lug = 7.50, 0.0, -1.0. The first number after the =sign. Drop it down a few tenths, save the aircraft.cfg file, and reload the plane. That MAY get your positioning right. Or at least change it one way or t'other. If it does, you can then adjust it accordingly.

As to why the Phantom looks better: In planes made for FSX, the launch bar info, tail hook too, is built into the MDL file. If you add the launch assist and tailhook sections to your aircraft.cfg, however they will over-ride the settings in the MDL file. Generally, the launch assist settings are pretty accurate to most set-ups, but the tailhook section generally needs a little fine tuning. Or isn't in the MDL file at all.

Also, the Contact point for the nose gear's longitudinal setting will affect where the launch bar lug shows up, or attaches to the boat anyway, since it's attached to the nose gear.

Finally, and I am not certain about this, but I've always done it, when you pull up to the cat for launch, you're supposed to hit SHFT+U, THEN SHFT+I, however this plane seems to be working for you, you all said, without that step. I don't know if this could be having an effect or not. I'm thinking that perhaps the boat's able to grab the lug without you dropping it somehow, thus making it off longitudinally, since when the launch bar comes down it is farther forward than when it's up.

Just my thoughts on this, however few and limited they are...
Pat☺

SHIFT + U (Launchbar) is for those aircraft like the A-7 that have a bar thats attached to the nose gear. The A4 didn't have/use one. They had those tension or hold back bars that would snap
when a certain amout of tension would break or snap the bar and the aircraft would break free of the catapult - that is what the A-4 uses, seen a lot of em tossed over the side after the planes
launched.

I tried your recommend settings and nothing changed.

 

[DaveB]

Rgr that mate

Yup.. aware that shift+u isn't necessary with the Skyhawk.. its force of habit I'm afraid.. something I do without thinking It can be left out but it does no harm. OK.. I'll knock something up for you to try. It's probably something really simple
ATB
DaveB

 

[DaveB]

Ok Butch..

I've checked the files I'm using and have modified them for you to test (eg, taken out all the other paints so that you don't get P3D screaming that there are duplicates!!)

Here's what to do..

In the 0-1 folder.. rename your aircraft.cfg and air file to aircraft1.cfg and add a 1 to the airfile so that it won't be read. Unzip the contents of the folder I'm sending and add the contents (my aircraft.cfg and airfile) to the 0-1 folder. You'll only see the Coral Sea Skyhawk clean in the sim and none of the other paints that live in that folder but don't worry. This is just a test and if it works (which it should) we can set about adding all your other clean 0-1 repaints.

If you've added the carrier extensions to the panel.cfg.. you can call it up by using shift+3. If you haven't and are unsure, just shout and I'll send you my panel.cfg. You will only ever see ONE entry in AICarriers for Coral Sea. You change the deck config yourself using the shift+3 panel. This isn't like the Enterprise or Nimitz.

I've not flown the clean model since Stu posted the 302 paints but I've checked it and it works exactly as the wing-tank version. Drive her up to the shuttle and park the nose wheel just ahead as in my shots. Parking brake, shift+i and it should pull forward just a little and show the bridle attached and ready to go

Oops.. nearly forgot. Here are the files testfiles

That's it fella. Any snags.. just shout.
ATB
DaveB

 

[gray eagle]

Perfecto

Dave

Thanks- those files fix the catapult conundrum. So what's next, what do we do now?

 

[DaveB]

That's great Butch

Where to go next indeed. The original setup doesn't lend itself to 'easy' no matter what you do. Did you say you'd only added this paint to the clean model (0-1)? If so.. I have a plan whereby your original install (pre 302 paint) gets restored and I'll send you my 'all in one' setup for this paint. Stu plans to do a couple more for it so it'll be easier in the long run if we go down the all-in-one route. Your original install will remain intact and the all-in-one will happily sit beside it without interference

ATB
DaveB

 

[awstub]

A search of the web has gotten me pictures of eight different VF-153 A-4C/E Skyhawks and two of the humpback F model (one of which is already included in the set I just made).
Since I have eight of the C/E model I'll do them all, se we can have two flights of four. I'd like to find another two of the F model, so we can have four unique paints of it as well.
DaveB has graciously agreed to help me with this, so I think we'll end up with a nice pack of VA-153 Skyhawks in the very near future.

Stu

That's great Butch

Where to go next indeed. The original setup doesn't lend itself to 'easy' no matter what you do. Did you say you'd only added this paint to the clean model (0-1)? If so.. I have a plan whereby your original install (pre 302 paint) gets restored and I'll send you my 'all in one' setup for this paint. Stu plans to do a couple more for it so it'll be easier in the long run if we go down the all-in-one route. Your original install will remain intact and the all-in-one will happily sit beside it without interference

ATB
DaveB

 

[DaveB]

A search of the web has gotten me pictures of eight different VF-153 A-4C/E Skyhawks and two of the humpback F model (one of which is already included in the set I just made).
Since I have eight of the C/E model I'll do them all, se we can have two flights of four. I'd like to find another two of the F model, so we can have four unique paints of it as well.
DaveB has graciously agreed to help me with this, so I think we'll end up with a nice pack of VA-153 Skyhawks in the very near future.

Stu

Nice one Stu

Butch..
Can you revert your Skyhawk back to pre-302 setup (hoping that you only converted the 0-1 model). This will mean removing the cfg and airfile I sent.. removing the 302 entries from your existing cfg and removing the 302 paints from the 0-1 folder. If you can do that.. I have a file ready for you to download. Can't post it here so will send a link via PM.

ATB
DaveB

 

[gray eagle]

A search of the web has gotten me pictures of eight different VF-153 A-4C/E Skyhawks and two of the humpback F model (one of which is already included in the set I just made).
Since I have eight of the C/E model I'll do them all, se we can have two flights of four. I'd like to find another two of the F model, so we can have four unique paints of it as well.
DaveB has graciously agreed to help me with this, so I think we'll end up with a nice pack of VA-153 Skyhawks in the very near future.

Stu

Wow! That sounds great looking forward to the paints.

Thanks.

 

[gray eagle]

Nice one Stu

Butch..
Can you revert your Skyhawk back to pre-302 setup (hoping that you only converted the 0-1 model). This will mean removing the cfg and airfile I sent.. removing the 302 entries from your existing cfg and removing the 302 paints from the 0-1 folder. If you can do that.. I have a file ready for you to download. Can't post it here so will send a link via PM.

ATB
DaveB

Dave,

The only folder I messed with (converted) was the Skyhawk clean 0-1 folder, changed out the files you sent with the ones that were originally there.
I don't follow on the revert to pre-302 setup but I did only mess with the clean 0-1 folder. The livery called for in the original clean 0-1 cfg file is:
***** clean A-4E *****

[fltsim.0]
title=A-4E/F Skyhawk 0
sim=Virtavia_A-4E-F_Skyhawk
model=E_clean_1
panel=
sound=
texture=E_NAVY_1 <<<<< E-Navy-1
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=
atc_heavy= 0
atc_parking_types= mil_combat
atc_airline = Navy
atc_flight_number=AG303
atc_id=149993
atc_id_color= 0000000000
ui_manufacturer= Douglas
ui_type= A-4 Skyhawk
ui_variation=A-4E USN - Clean
ui_typerole=Military Jet
ui_createdby=Virtavia
ui_thumbnailfile=texture.thumbs/Thumb_Skyhawk_0.jpg


They sure put this package together in a strange fashion. Now a days for multiple arm configuration you can do it like Milviz did it with their F4 just drag the weapon over to the belly of the plane.
Wish it was that easy for me when I was loading F-4's during carrier ops off coast of Nam.

 

[DaveB]

OK fella.. I've sent a PM with the All-in-one setup ready for you to use. Just make sure you remove the files I sent, put yours back and delete any reference to the VA-153 paints from your original config.

ATB
DaveB

 

[gray eagle]

OK fella.. I've sent a PM with the All-in-one setup ready for you to use. Just make sure you remove the files I sent, put yours back and delete any reference to the VA-153 paints from your original config.

ATB
DaveB

When you say put yours back, which one are those? Original files.....

That zip file you sent me I take it that those files are removed?

Who's on first what's on second and I don't know is on third

My head hurts, think I will give this a break for now.

 

[DaveB]

When you say put yours back, which one are those? Original files.....

That zip file you sent me I take it that those files are removed?

Who's on first what's on second and I don't know is on third

My head hurts, think I will give this a break for now.

OK mate. When I say put your files back.. I mean take the files out that I sent you yesterday for the test (aircraft.cfg and airfile) and bin them. That will leave you with the renamed airfile and aircraft.cfg you started with. Rename them so they're active. Remove any reference to the VA-153 paints you had in your aircraft.cfg and delete the VA-153 texture textures from the 0_1 folder.

Open the zip file I sent and drop the entire folder (Virtavia A-4E_F_Skyhawk) into your Simobjects/Airplanes folder.

What you SHOULD end up with is all your Skyhawk folders PLUS the new Virtavia A-4E_F_Skyhawk folder sitting below them.

Think of it this way. Put your Virtavia A-4 Skyhawk 0-1 Clean back to how it was before you ever heard of the VA-153 repaint.. bin the paint and remove any reference to it in the aircraft.cfg.

The alternative is too complicated to even contemplate. This really IS the easy way.
ATB
DaveB