I was able to find the Alphasim/Virtavia A-3 Skywarrior free and even more exciting is I was able to convert the model which because it is a native FSX had the interior model as well to Prepar3D V4.5 and not lose any animation or the virtual cockpit. It has a beautiful, authentic 2D panel as well. It came with four textures and is very frame-rate friendly. In looking for photos I came across all kinds of information including the NATOPS manual. I decided NOT to fly the A-3B bomber version but want instead to fly the KA-3B which is the tanker version. The most exciting discovery for me, was that there were two sister squadrons: VAQ-208 and VAQ-308 stationed to train reservists at NAS Alameda the most elaborate airport scenery that I was ever involved in creating which I have been able to use totally successfully in Prepar3D V4.5 because back in 2016, it was just two fps intensive for the old computers and FSX's 32bit/RAM use technology. I will do the repaint for VAQ-208 next.
This is the repaint I created for VAQ-308 from a bunch of photos using Alphasim's paintkit which is in psd layered files, really nice. All of the photos I have do not show the wings clearly but I was able to find a really nice detailed sheet that came with a set of Japanese decals for the plastic model that showed the wings of VAQ-308. If you ever need help with a repaint and there are decals for it you can find by Google, the IPMS guys are sticklers for accuracy. Answered the question of whether the Airwing and the modex was painted on the wings opposite the national roundels like many Navy squadrons have. The Roman Numeral on the tail denotes the detachment. There were five detachments. I love doing the research which sometimes takes more time than creating the repaint as many of you know. It gives you a sense of history especially when you can read comments and memories of the real pilots.
This era still has quite a few of them around unlike from WWII or Korea. The attrition of us Vietnam vets is starting to became aware to me too. I'll be going to our "reunion" at our local Chili's Bar and grill on Monday for my free lunch which I do every year. You can also get a free 6" sub at participating Subway's according to the VA post if you are active, retired or a veteran. It's nice that they recognize our service.
I also was able to find Lorbey's software which will allow me to actually do air-to-air refueling with it which I am looking forward to learning how to do in multiplayer.
This is the repaint I created for VAQ-308 from a bunch of photos using Alphasim's paintkit which is in psd layered files, really nice. All of the photos I have do not show the wings clearly but I was able to find a really nice detailed sheet that came with a set of Japanese decals for the plastic model that showed the wings of VAQ-308. If you ever need help with a repaint and there are decals for it you can find by Google, the IPMS guys are sticklers for accuracy. Answered the question of whether the Airwing and the modex was painted on the wings opposite the national roundels like many Navy squadrons have. The Roman Numeral on the tail denotes the detachment. There were five detachments. I love doing the research which sometimes takes more time than creating the repaint as many of you know. It gives you a sense of history especially when you can read comments and memories of the real pilots.
This era still has quite a few of them around unlike from WWII or Korea. The attrition of us Vietnam vets is starting to became aware to me too. I'll be going to our "reunion" at our local Chili's Bar and grill on Monday for my free lunch which I do every year. You can also get a free 6" sub at participating Subway's according to the VA post if you are active, retired or a veteran. It's nice that they recognize our service.
I also was able to find Lorbey's software which will allow me to actually do air-to-air refueling with it which I am looking forward to learning how to do in multiplayer.
