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Northrop P-61C Black Widow project

I've got the cockpit interiors now fully aligned with the P-61C fuselage interior section, and also the oleo bay opening - entrance port all lined up and textured. There are still some stray polygons here and there on the canopy framing which I'll hopefully pick out over the coming days as I clean up and add extra details. The conversion is taking longer than I thought and so while the RO position in the rear of the airplane will be modeled I don't think I'll add the functionality that I'd planned for it ( although I will add a VC texture for additional instruments should others wish to add them, and include some radios etc ). Flying the airplane while aiming the guns from the RO position isn't, I don't think, something that folks will be planning on doing that often.

A few more days' work to go on the main cockpit section and then I'll be adding details and texturing before heading for the final furlong ( external schemes and TacPack / radar work ). Still on target for a release around the end of July if all continues as planned :)

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Virtual cockpit interior now coming along nicely, although it's not as refined as Robert's P-61B. Instruments altered to accommodate the radar screen ( silver panel with test gauge ), more cleaning up of canopy framing completed and internal boarding ladder and door added and animated. Full steam ahead! :)

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TacPack radar successfully installed into the P-61C for those night intercepts :)

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"DC1973 TacPack radar successfully installed into the P-61C for those night intercepts"

I am guessing the radar and housing will be in a fixed position...
Will the rest of the gauges on the VC panel be free of hard coded bezels so replacement gauges are an option.?
I'd really like to slip my 2D panel into the VC.
 

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I am guessing the radar and housing will be in a fixed position...
Will the rest of the gauges on the VC panel be free of hard coded bezels so replacement gauges are an option.?
I'd really like to slip my 2D panel into the VC.

Yes, the radar housing is fixed but you will be able to overwrite the panel.cfg's reference bitmap and xml file to place your own radar in there. The 3D bezels remain but the one that caused the most problems, the big artificial horizon, has been removed. The rest of your gauges should slot into the bezels without issue.
 
I've been following Dean's work from the start, and it has been fun to watch his progress. While I enjoy my style of modeling there are times when I envy those that do not get so wrapped up in details, as they actually manage to get a plane done fairly quickly that really looks quite good. Well Done, Dean! :encouragement:
 
The beautiful thing for me is that all three 61 derivatives ( Rob's and Deans ) will be using the same basic flight model with only adjustments made for weight, drag and power to match their specific plane. In other words, you will have consistencies across the entirety of the three planes with variations due only too the design changes.. I'm not sure thatsever been done before..

Truth told, I feel very honoured to have been a catalyst for the development of all three of these aircraft, and am truly proud to have been a part of these teams..
 
I've been following Dean's work from the start, and it has been fun to watch his progress. While I enjoy my style of modeling there are times when I envy those that do not get so wrapped up in details, as they actually manage to get a plane done fairly quickly that really looks quite good. Well Done, Dean! :encouragement:

Thanks Robert :)

It's been a long old learning process - 18 months, since starting 3D modelling from scratch, by the time the P-61C is released. I do like detail but I also like to move on to something new after a few months to keep the hobby fresh and interesting for me. Right now I'm looking forward to starting the Vought RF-8 Crusader in August - a clean sheet, lots of ideas and a year and a halfs' worth of experience behind me this time :biggrin-new:
 
Truth told, I feel very honoured to have been a catalyst for the development of all three of these aircraft, and am truly proud to have been a part of these teams..

Wouldn't have gotten this far without you Pam :)

Another piccy, just because I'm getting excited now as the plane really starts to look the way it should. Prowling about at dusk...

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A sight that I'd love to see in real life but probably never will - P-61C Moonlight Serenade flies again! :applause:

The textures have revealed some minor mapping issues on the rudders and cowl flaps but nothing too difficult to correct. Lots of modeling work being done in the Radar Operator position also, although this seat will have only basic functionality ( radar screen and radios ).

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Latest shot, all crewed up, on the project's home run with details and final alterations with Mark and Pam's help and advice. Not long now... :)

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The only P-61 that I have ever seen in real life was at the USAF museum in Dayton OH. I am not sure if there are any left flying.
 
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