A budding attempt which began in the Calclassic forum to create a C-87 Liberator Transport is underway but with mixed results, so far. The first attempt, by modifying an old-ish B-24D FSDS model, didn't pan out, but Round Two is looking good with great support from ALPHASIM.
Remember an ALPHASIM B-24 set that was released as freeware a year or so ago? I contacted ALPHASIM to ask if they would share the source files. Phil from ALPHASIM was most gracious. He granted my request with very few conditions and has sent me the B24D & J source files for FS9 and CFS2.
There is a VC panel polygon but no 2D panel in the ALPHASIM files. No problem; I intended to do new 2D panels and modify the flight dynamics to C-87 status in any case. (That work is underway.)
But... (there's always a "but," isn't there?).....
Unlike the FSDS .fsc files in the first attempt, the ALPHASIM B-24 files are in .gmax and .psd formats. This is a good thing, quality-wise, but it's a small problem in another way. I have no real Gmax experience. If necessary, I'll tool up, practice, and have a go at it, but I'd much rather assist someone who could do a better job from the start.
So... are there any Gmax guys who would like to do a few model modifications needed for a freeware C-87 project?
It's mostly just a matter of removing some external parts like guns and turrets, then filling in some glass panels. An LB-30 variant, if desired, would require only a few extra changes to the cockpit glass framing. I have already roughed out a fairly short "to-do" list. I also have a fairly extensive range of photo files for guidance.
If you can help, please email me: ozbeowulf AT ozemail DOT com DOT au
I am very impressed by ALPHASIM's kindness in this matter. They deserve a great deal of credit for their generosity and support for vintage flight simming. Phil indicated there are other such files that might be available to organized freeware development groups.
I firmly believe we should recognize the significance of ALPHASIM's bridge between the freeware and payware areas by supporting them whenever and wherever we can.
I have posted this in the CalClassic forum, too.
Cheers..
Glenn
PS: So there is no confusion about what was asked and answered, my request email and Phil's reply are copied in full below.
*************************************************************
To: alphasim1@alphasim.co.uk
With the help of other flightsim enthusiasts, primarily from the CalClassic forum site, I am attempting to create an FS9 version of the Consolidated C-87 to upload as freeware.
I have certainly enjoyed the ALPHASIM B-24 Liberator (which you released as freeware some time ago) but it would be nice to have the Air Transport Command version. I noticed the need for this variant while working on the ATC43 scenery package I have since released.
Would you consider sharing the source material for the freeware B-24D model?
We feel capable of tastefully making the minimal modifications (the removal of turrets and glass areas, mostly) that are needed to produce a C-87 or LB-30 transport version. Rest assured the raw code would not be included in any release and the high quality of your model would be retained. Obviously, ALPHASIM and its excellent product line would be widely credited and highly praised in flightsim circles such as CalClassic, Sim Outhouse, etc.
Although I personally claim no great talent at .mdl creation -- I specialise in panels & FDEs -- I am not a newbie. So far, my freeware releases of the C-97, B-247, B-47E, DC-5, B-307/C75 and ATC43 scenery have been downloaded more than 25,000 times. Forgive the shameless self-promotion but I want you to know I am serious about this project and I know how to complete the job.
Please consider this request carefully. I hope that, together, we can offer the flightsim community a unique aircraft in a way that will further advantage ALPHASIM's good name.
Regards,
Glenn Duncan
*******************
Hi Glenn,
all the files you should need are attached.
I have other high quality GMax source files which you can have if you have other projects in mind : C-130, CF-100, CF-105, Whitley, Halifax, Mavis, Wellington, Mustang, Belfast, Beaufort, Swift, Tu-16, F-80, Meteor, S-55. I am willing to release these to modeller groups like yourselves rather than the general public. You can do whatever you like with the models you generate as long as they remain freeware.
Best regards,
Phil
******************************************************
Remember an ALPHASIM B-24 set that was released as freeware a year or so ago? I contacted ALPHASIM to ask if they would share the source files. Phil from ALPHASIM was most gracious. He granted my request with very few conditions and has sent me the B24D & J source files for FS9 and CFS2.
There is a VC panel polygon but no 2D panel in the ALPHASIM files. No problem; I intended to do new 2D panels and modify the flight dynamics to C-87 status in any case. (That work is underway.)
But... (there's always a "but," isn't there?).....
Unlike the FSDS .fsc files in the first attempt, the ALPHASIM B-24 files are in .gmax and .psd formats. This is a good thing, quality-wise, but it's a small problem in another way. I have no real Gmax experience. If necessary, I'll tool up, practice, and have a go at it, but I'd much rather assist someone who could do a better job from the start.
So... are there any Gmax guys who would like to do a few model modifications needed for a freeware C-87 project?
It's mostly just a matter of removing some external parts like guns and turrets, then filling in some glass panels. An LB-30 variant, if desired, would require only a few extra changes to the cockpit glass framing. I have already roughed out a fairly short "to-do" list. I also have a fairly extensive range of photo files for guidance.
If you can help, please email me: ozbeowulf AT ozemail DOT com DOT au
I am very impressed by ALPHASIM's kindness in this matter. They deserve a great deal of credit for their generosity and support for vintage flight simming. Phil indicated there are other such files that might be available to organized freeware development groups.
I firmly believe we should recognize the significance of ALPHASIM's bridge between the freeware and payware areas by supporting them whenever and wherever we can.
I have posted this in the CalClassic forum, too.
Cheers..
Glenn
PS: So there is no confusion about what was asked and answered, my request email and Phil's reply are copied in full below.
*************************************************************
To: alphasim1@alphasim.co.uk
With the help of other flightsim enthusiasts, primarily from the CalClassic forum site, I am attempting to create an FS9 version of the Consolidated C-87 to upload as freeware.
I have certainly enjoyed the ALPHASIM B-24 Liberator (which you released as freeware some time ago) but it would be nice to have the Air Transport Command version. I noticed the need for this variant while working on the ATC43 scenery package I have since released.
Would you consider sharing the source material for the freeware B-24D model?
We feel capable of tastefully making the minimal modifications (the removal of turrets and glass areas, mostly) that are needed to produce a C-87 or LB-30 transport version. Rest assured the raw code would not be included in any release and the high quality of your model would be retained. Obviously, ALPHASIM and its excellent product line would be widely credited and highly praised in flightsim circles such as CalClassic, Sim Outhouse, etc.
Although I personally claim no great talent at .mdl creation -- I specialise in panels & FDEs -- I am not a newbie. So far, my freeware releases of the C-97, B-247, B-47E, DC-5, B-307/C75 and ATC43 scenery have been downloaded more than 25,000 times. Forgive the shameless self-promotion but I want you to know I am serious about this project and I know how to complete the job.
Please consider this request carefully. I hope that, together, we can offer the flightsim community a unique aircraft in a way that will further advantage ALPHASIM's good name.
Regards,
Glenn Duncan
*******************
Hi Glenn,
all the files you should need are attached.
I have other high quality GMax source files which you can have if you have other projects in mind : C-130, CF-100, CF-105, Whitley, Halifax, Mavis, Wellington, Mustang, Belfast, Beaufort, Swift, Tu-16, F-80, Meteor, S-55. I am willing to release these to modeller groups like yourselves rather than the general public. You can do whatever you like with the models you generate as long as they remain freeware.
Best regards,
Phil
******************************************************
