354th FG updates and progress

Hi Rami,

Thanks for the help. I watched a P-51 training film and timed the roll rate. It’s right at 4 seconds for a 360 degree roll in level flight at high cruise – about 370 mph indicated. The first flight model I sent you was a 2 ½ seconds rate so it was too high. The turn rate was also too high because the roll rate was too fast.

I just sent you a new mustang.air file and it should be about right. It now rolls at a fraction over 4 seconds. Let me know what you think.

Thanks again.

Pen:
Thanks for the comment. It's the best model of the D that we have IMHO. Both Nik112 and Pepe modified the mdl file to allow it to work well as AI in missions. I'm using Pepe's and it will be part of the final package. MultiLOD would be better, but works acceptably.
 
The panel lines and rivet detail looks awesome, Captain Kurt :applause:

Are you going to release a paint kit?

Regards,
Stratobat
 
Thanks for the compliment.

I hadn't thought about a paint kit before. I guess now would be the time to fix one up before I go any further wouldn't it? Right now the panel lines are merged on the displayed skin but I have another layered version that could be updated to match. I'll think on it.
 
As close to real as I can get

This is as close to the real natural aluminum Mustangs as I can get. I've sent the rebuilt flight models to Rami for testing but I haven't heard back yet. Hopefully he will agree. They compare well to the performance specs I could find, and to some WWII air force training videos demonstrating the flight characteristics.

I'm woprking on the olive drab camouflage skin for the B model now and then it will be on to building several advanced landing ground airfields used by the 354th as they moved across France and Germany 1944 - 45.

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Reply...

Kurt,

My apologies for not getting back to you...I've been preoccupied with working on the 486th Fighter Squadron. We've discussed the "B" and "D" Mustangs, and I do agree, as far as takeoff performance, roll rate, climbing ability, and acceleration are concerned, you're very close if not directly on the mark. I don't think you have to change much at this point, you've done outstanding work.

Thanks,
 
Hello Captain Kurt

There are lots of things that can impact on the colour/appearance from time of day, season, weather, light angle, how clean the aircraft is, polished/buffed etc.
Bottom two photos were taken about 30 seconds apart but the light angle makes an impact.
At the end of the day it is something that you are doing, and you should be happy with your efforts, they are looking great to me !!!!! :wavey:
 
CK: I see in your screen shot that the OD splash in front of the cockpit is shining. The purpose of that paint was to eliminate glare in the pilot's eyes. Can you conveniently fix that? Just curious... The planes look great!!!
 
That can't be fixed SW...its based on the overall specular of the mdl. You have to dull the entire shine of the mdl to dull that one painted part...and that's not worth losing the total finish. Besides, AG panels never eliminated 100% glare anyway. Note the light sunglare on the AG panel in Seagull's first pic.
 
Bearcat hit the nail squarely on the head.

I shined the model a bit more to enhance the silver finish. The shine plays a big role in creating a realistic effect of aluminum with sunlight hitting it. I kept the anti-glare panel in mind and tried to put the shine at a level that gave an acceptable aluminum effect but had as little effect on the olive drab as possible. As with so many things in CFS2, it is a compromise (but as balanced as I could get it)
 
Looking great, Captain Kurt :applause:

I see in your screen shot that the OD splash in front of the cockpit is shining.
Click to expand...
Anti-glare panels are more satin as opposed to matt in colour. They may start their life out being matt but after a couple of flights they start to develop a little bit of a sheen.

Edit: This is usually climate specific... Lots of salt or dust particles in the air, etc.

Regards,
Stratobat
 
Capt. Kurt, I'd say the plane looks pretty good at the shine level you have. Other than the occasional polished plane on the airshow circuit, bare metal planes are seldom so shiny you can shave using the fuselage for a mirror. In combat, dust and surface oxidation would dull an aircraft's skin real quick.
 
Thanks all.

TARPSbird pretty well describes what aluminum looks like unless it's polished. I realize the pictures can't show the subtle effects of the different panel shades very well, especially what the shine adds to the visuals. But I think you will find the look to be realistic when the planes are released.
 
Let me introduce you to Peggy

I got a lot done this weekend on creating the infrastructure I need for the 354th Fight Group campaign I am developing.

I finished the first 354th FG P-51B skin, this one is for Peggy, an early P-51B-5 Mustang from the 355th Squadron based at Boxted. I also finished the prototype Advanced Landing Ground airfield at Lashenden in England and A-2 Cricqueville-en-Bessin, France. Layouts will be added later to give them more life.

I'll do another 6 to 8 skins, a P-51B panel, a new 354th FG campaign UIRES set, and there are 7 more ALG airfields to complete before I can actually start building missions.

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Lookin' Good CK. You've been busy too! Can't wait to take Peggy out, she's ....cute ....in an Mustang kind of way....LOL :ernae:
 
Reply...

Kurt,

As I said to you on Skype, the pictures are extremely impressive. Well done! :ernae:
 
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