Lockheed Jetstar Project for FSX, P3D and P3D 64-bit

[gman5250]

Gordon, did the Abrams P-1 survive the data loss?

Hate to ask...

No worries Moses, I'm glad you asked.

Luckily, all of my published beta models just happened to be on a cloud server, and in the hands of a few friends when the database was lost. I was able to retrieve the .mdl and .dds files from those sources. The .mdl files are useless in 3D Studio, but Arno's tool allows them to be exported in an old 3DS file format that preserves the mesh. The .dds files can be converted to bitmaps, although hundreds of comprehensive layered Photoshop master files were a complete loss.

Basically I can import the mesh into Studio in a format that remembers the UVW mapping, so the bitmap files can be used to create new master libraries. The mesh is a jumble of axis points and no animations, so all of that work needs to be re-done for every animated part. I've re-built the B-26K and F7F Tigercat completely, including additions and improvements to both. The Abrams and Buffalo are awaiting restoration as well as my DH Hornet, Sea Hornet and a few others. I started with the Jetstar because I had committed to that project prior to losing the data and most of my software. I honor my commitments and Jim was right there when I asked for help along with the Special Kay restoration team who have provided me with open access to all of their data and experience. These two projects occupy my development time which typically starts around 03:00 and run about six hours, seven days a week. The rest of my time is devoted to my house restoration and rebuilding my research archives.

IMO
(comment removed by Gman)

I continue this work because if I don't have my hands in it I will lose the skill sets and fall behind in the development curve. I have no intention of allowing that to happen...thus the Jetstar and K Invader.

Thanks friends.

 

[delta_lima]

No worries Moses, I'm glad you asked.

Luckily, all of my published beta models just happened to be on a cloud server, and in the hands of a few friends when the database was lost. I was able to retrieve the .mdl and .dds files from those sources. The .mdl files are useless in 3D Studio, but Arno's tool allows them to be exported in an old 3DS file format that preserves the mesh. The .dds files can be converted to bitmaps, although my comprehensive layered Photoshop master files were lost.

Basically I can import the mesh into Studio in a format that remembers the UVW mapping, so the bitmap files can be used to create new master libraries. The mesh is a jumble of axis points and no animations, so all of that work needs to be re-done for every animated part. I've re-built the B-26K and F7F Tigercat completely, including additions and improvements to both. The Abrams and Buffalo are awaiting restoration as well as my DH Hornet, Sea Hornet and a few others. I started with the Jetstar because I had committed to that project prior to losing the data and most of my software. I honor my commitments and Jim was right there when I asked for help along with the Special Kay restoration team who have provided me with open access to all of their data and experience. These two projects occupy my development time which typically starts around 03:00 and run about six hours, seven days a week. The rest of my time is devoted to my house restoration and rebuilding my research archives.

IMO
There was a comment above that appeared to view my data loss as a "trivial" matter. For me, this event altered the course of my life. I had an entire product line representing over 50,000 man hours invested in that body of work, which was intended to provide for my retirement. I would challenge anyone on this forum to invest that much sacrifice and energy into an education or business to refer to it as trivial when the work is destroyed, with no recourse or remedy to recover.

I continue this work because if I don't have my hands in it I will lose the skill sets and fall behind in the development curve. I have no intention of allowing that to happen...thus the Jetstar and K Invader.
Occasionally I will vent my anger and share the more personal side of my recent experience. I don't intend any malice and I truly appreciate everyone's support.

Thanks friends.

GMan,

I believe the comment to which you refer is mine. The triviality in question was my earlier question from my daughter. Not your catastrohpic data loss. It was intended as a shift in conversation, but I understand given that I quoted you, you could assume I meant all of your comment was a triviality.

I'd hope that read in context, it would be clear that I indeed appreciated your work, with all the attendant sacrifice and roadblocks you've had to overcome.

I apologize for any accidental miscommunication on my part - but know that I never have, nor would, see the data loss of that kind as in any way inconsequential.

My hope is that's clear.

dl

 

[gman5250]

GMan,

I believe the comment to which you refer is mine. The triviality in question was my earlier question from my daughter. Not your catastrohpic data loss. It was intended as a shift in conversation, but I understand given that I quoted you, you could assume I meant all of your comment was a triviality.

I'd hope that read in context, it would be clear that I indeed appreciated your work, with all the attendant sacrifice and roadblocks you've had to overcome.

I apologize for any accidental miscommunication on my part - but know that I never have, nor would, see the data loss of that kind as in any way inconsequential.

My hope is that's clear.

dl

Much appreciated Delta_Lima...my miss-understanding sir.

 

[delta_lima]

Much appreciated Delta_Lima...my miss-understanding sir.

No worries. Forums are notorious for enabling miscommunications. I have erred often, both in how I deliver and how I interpret

Now, to exponentially elevate the risk of being taken out of context, let's get back to our discussion about that lovely lady with the four big smokers on her rear end .....

A few random pics, including a scheme I stumbled across that I had never seen before ... C-FDTX ... patriotic sentiment aside, I think it's a pretty smart scheme. Though not as nice as NASA's ....

 

[oldmsgt]

I like this one, worked both these jets at Andrews AFB.

The Old Master Sergeant

 

[oldmsgt]

And here she is in the "Stealth" paint scheme.

The Old Master Sergeant

 

[delta_lima]

I like this one, worked both these jets at Andrews AFB.

The Old Master Sergeant

Yeah, the VC-140 is a gorgeous, all right.

Interesting that a surprising number of airlines used them also. TWA, Eastern, Iraqi, Kuwait are the ones that come to mind, maybe others. I believe they were multi-engine trainers for their respective airlines' 4-engined DC-8/707 platforms, though I could be wrong. Likely saw some crew repositioning and/or executive travel use.

She looks good in those carrier liveries too, not surprisingly.

dl

 

[gman5250]

No worries. Forums are notorious for enabling miscommunications.

Now, to exponentially elevate the risk of being taken out of context, let's get back to our discussion about that lovely lady with the four big smokers on her rear end .....

Errrr.....first thing came to mind was Kim Kardashian....

 

[oldmsgt]

The standard "SAM" (Special Air Missions) paint scheme is shown here.

The Old Master Sergeant

 

[gman5250]

I like this one, worked both these jets at Andrews AFB.

The Old Master Sergeant

The Lockheed VC-140A/B JetStar is well worth modeling the new engines, mod the VC and other bits...just to do all of the gorgeous military liveries!

On the to do list.

 

[MrZippy]

Errrr.....first thing came to mind was Kim Kardashian....

+1 Could probably set your bowling ball on that and it wouldn't roll off!

 

[oldmsgt]

A very early paint scheme in use long before I ever got to Andrews.

The Old Master Sergeant

 

[delta_lima]

An very early paint scheme in use long before I ever got to Andrews.

The Old Master Sergeant

Love that one!

Have seen all the other USAF schemes. That's one I've never seen. Thanks for posting that.

That's up there in rarity with the AFCS C-140A ....

 

[oldmsgt]

How about a commemorative stamp?

The Old Master Sergeant

 

[SSI01]

Is anyone planning on painting Auric Goldfinger's Jetstar? There were two VC-140s in that film, BTW - Goldfinger's, that took Bond from Germany to Baltimore/Kentucky - and another one at the end of the film that was supposed to be a USAF VIP transport.

 

[gman5250]

Is anyone planning on painting Auric Goldfinger's Jetstar? There were two VC-140s in that film, BTW - Goldfinger's, that took Bond from Germany to Baltimore/Kentucky - and another one at the end of the film that was supposed to be a USAF VIP transport.

When I get the model to the Alpha stage, I'll have a comprehensive PK assembled for everyone to use for liveries. The existing UVW mapping was created to accommodate space/memory limitations in FS9. The FSX model I release will be set up to work comfortably within FSX/P3D2 and 3 parameters. The PBR model will be set up for V4 and later which involves an entirely different work flow relating to UVW mapping and PBR materials. Basically two different models for different simulation platforms. The PBR model will be a great opportunity for skinners to learn the ins and outs of PBR painting. The PBR PK will be set up for simplicity of use and include a tutorial.

 

[TuFun]

Famous rock-n-roller Jetstar with red velvet interior to boot!

 

[expat]

Kelly Johnson rules! Such a classic. It looks like it's going somewhere fast just sitting on the ground.

Immense and diverse repaint possibilities - USAF/AF1/USA - quite a range there. Airline trainers for EA, TWA, Saudia among others. Studio model used in Goldfinger.

This thread is getting more exciting by the post. I not so humbly volunteer to be a beta tester!

 

[MrZippy]

This thread is getting more exciting by the post. I not so humbly volunteer to be a beta tester!

Line forms behind me!

 

[jmbiii]

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The PBR model will be a great opportunity for skinners to learn the ins and outs of PBR painting. The PBR PK will be set up for simplicity of use and include a tutorial.

Thank you ahead of time, Gordon. I have been a bit apprehensive about attempting the PBR painting.