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Alphasim HU-16 Albatross preview (WIP)

Sure looks pretty without that ugly black thing sticking out it's nose.
Click to expand...

Yep!!! Sure get's my vote and hope the poly's aren't set in cement yet over at the AS Skunk Works so that we can have a version without the radome. Will make for great private/civil repaints which are a must.

Great video Brian. Sounds are great and that aircraft looks like a very nice example. Interesting how easily she seems to turn in the drink with just differential power and no water rudders. FS does not model that maneouver particularly well with sea planes!

At Fort Pierce FL airport (KFPL), on my last trip there were THREE G-111's (including the very last one made - it's the one in my sig) lined up on the ramp. Walk around was not surprisingly most impressive. If you Google Mirabella Yachts, you will find the site for this KFPL based operation that hires out Albatrosses and repairs Grumman amphibs.
 
I agree....

....a rounded nose version would be good, along with an SHU-16B (ASW)...and for something REALLY different, a turbo Albatross....

But alas, I don't see it happening-- I'm probably one of the few people here that would be willing to fork out money for the original version AND all three others!

Kent
 
Some additional preview shots are over on the News page at Alphasim. Can see that there will be a model without the underwing tanks for a little variation.
:ernae:
 
Wow! :faint:

They look amazing all together!
Thanks tigisfat!
 
True, they look great, but the bump mapping looks a little overdone. Take a look at the shot that I took of a real one. Can hardly see any panel lines. Same with the other real one posted. The Blue USAF one looks like they just dragged it out of the Boneyard where it's been sitting in the sun for 40 years...

I know some weathering is good but those paints are a bit over the top.... In my humble opinion...

Your mileage may vary, please ignore the man behind the curtain... :friday:


Brian
 
agreed on the wear and tear, looks a bit over done, allthough for me the metal one looks fine, guess its just taste, looking real nice all the same :ernae: :applause:
 
Agreed,.... something about a few [ not all ] of those paint jobs that caused me to raise my eyebrow. I like the ol' girl however!

I haven't made a purchase there since Oct. '08...their Blackhawk.

I keep telling my self, "na, it's just the angle you're looking at it from".. "go ahead and get it"
 
I like the "wear and tear" look on the paint jobs. THAT is what Navy aircraft look like in real life. Helldiver, I know you won't like that comment, but it is true!

NC
 
Well, it should be obvious that I certainly welcome heartily Alphasim's deciding to do the Albatross - they always seem to make the aircraft I like best. :wiggle:

Have some mixed feelings on the wear and tear look. Yes, many of the operational military a/c rarely looked factory fresh - though Helldiver might differ with me in that at least USN WWII era planes were always kept spic and span by the crews.

Today, there are so many civil/private versions of the HU-16 flying (surely the ultimate SUV for someone like me that loves flying, boats and fishing!) that there should also be room for repaints with a more normal, less washed out finish.

Examples:

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Grumman-HU-16A-Albatross/1506849/L/

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Red-Bull/Grumman-HU-16E-Albatross/1480351/L/

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Row-44/Grumman-U-16-Albatross/1473691/L

Here's "one I made earlier"

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/5869/g111.jpg


Also, military planes that one sees today on the airshow circuit often look factory fresh:

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Grumman-HU-16E-Albatross/1475940/L/

In any event, the previews look great and I am sure there will be a variety of artwork and repaints to choose from.
 
Tried not putting panel lines and dirt on before, and people complained that they were 'too clean'. At the end of the day there will be a paint kit, so everyone is welcome to modify. The effects aren't over done compared to some of the photos I've been working from.

Yes your airshow aircraft are going to be spic and spam, but where's the fun in having a package full of boring panel-line less aircraft with a solid colour all over?

It's worth noting also that a lot of the 'dirt' isn't dirt, it's a heavy gloss surface not rendering well in a screenshot. Don't blame me- I'm not the one that over uses the sharpen tool on every shot..

The blue one has the heaviest weathering in the package. The aircraft was a second line HU16 from what I understand, and focus was more on dangerous CSAR than it was on washing it.

If it's really hurting people I will add one or two variations in that have no weathering at all.
 
OK, I give in..

OK, how's this chaps? ARRS 'factory fresh'.

I don't personally like the lack of weathering, but then this repaint isn't for me- it's for you guys. See how easy it is to win me over.. :friday:

I've also created a system whereupon you can easily change out the texture.cfg for an alternative one that'll use a 'factory fresh' set of textures.

If people would like to suggest the schemes they'd like in the package without weathering, I will choose the top 3 and add them. That'll mean 9 weathered, 4 'factory fresh'.

Look now I promise nothing, but if I can get some spare time I will do a smooth nose variant. I really can't do the ASW though for I don't have the resources nor the time, sorry.

ATB
Dan.
 
While I have no issues with the weathered ones, I do like the factory fresh paint VERY MUCH! Thanks for listening Dan, you are the man! :ernae:
 
Looks like I will have to get my FSX install working again.... Just for the 'Tross. Looks like A full reinstall.


Brian

PS: Unless you wouldn't mind making an FS9 version. I'm sure Alphasim would have a very long line of folks waiting to buy that....
 
When we were stationed at Patrick AFB in the very late 50's and early 60's the HU-16s based there would do touch and goes right behind the base in the Banana River. Our favorite fishing dock on base was located right at the end of our street directly in front of the water landing area.

I loved watching those things.
 
Thanks for adding clean ones as well. Would put my vote in for the Whidbey one. It'll be good to have both weathered and clean paints. This is a wonderful project!
 
but if I can get some spare time I will do a smooth nose variant
Click to expand...

Fantastic! Dan, thanks so much for your accomodating these requests. We are very much grateful.

Now, here are my three suggestions (I am sure there will be plenty of military liveries anyway) -
 
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