Scorch00 Airtanker Conversion Projects

[blaunarwal]

I can confirm now that I've had some time to look at my release models and got a confirmation too from someone else that the animations are indeed not correct on the -5A models and a -6A model. So I will be issuing a fix for those models once I can correct it, as well as an aircraft.cfg edit fix for the -6A Super Cat. But in terms of the VC not working/clicking, that doesn't seem to be an issue for anyone else at the current time.


I've had the glass issue as well on other FS2004 conversions and a lot of times I actually have had to edit the alpha channel repeatedly for the windows to get them reappear or change the glass color even to add a slight bit of 'tint.' And apparently, there is variability in people's graphics drivers that make it so it's not a one solution fits all sort of situation.

The fix cured the ailerons for me but not the switches. Is this row in the middle between pilot and 1st officer clickable? If i look at it in MCX, it only move forward backwards with the flight steering but the switches are not animated.

 

[Scorch00]

The fix cured the ailerons for me but not the switches. Is this row in the middle between pilot and 1st officer clickable? If i look at it in MCX, it only move forward backwards with the flight steering but the switches are not animated.

At first I was trying to figure out what you were talking about, but the ones on the control yoke in the center between both the pilot and copilot are no-op switches. They aren't functional in the model.

 

[Scorch00]

The PBY fix is available here though for anyone who hasn't seen it yet and wants the fix,

P3DV4+ PBY Catalina Firebomber Pack Fix

This fix addresses reported issues about incorrect animations on several model's ailerons and a sound issue in the aircraft.cfg file on another aircraft. This fixes those issues. Original download is required, these are just the model and updated...

sim-outhouse.org

 

[Scorch00]

I was able to get in contact with Cera Sim several weeks back and have already begun work on modifications for the Bell 212 and Bell 412s. Some will notice a lot of US operators initially. But do have plans to do several other operators in other countries like Australia, Canada, and several others for the packs. But the main importance being that the additional models will be able to be painted with any of the stock Cera Sim paintkits that come with the 212/412 or any liveries you currently have, will also work on the expanded models. The only bits that would need to be painted to match user's existing liveries would be the new equipment textures that will come with the expansion model packs. Still not a final tally on how many expansion models I will do or if there will be overlap, etc for models and paints. Since these are widely used and highly varied versions, I just can't simply do all of them. So most will represent the more popular/requested models. I've also teamed up with a community member who has done a number of the liveries previewed here as well. He has provided me several paints that he's completed that will also help keep down the amount of time for the project hopefully. Below you can see some of the changes and equipment packages that are being worked on.

San Diego Fire Dept Bell 412EP

Los Angeles County Fire Dept Bell 412EP

SDFD Bell 212

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office Bell 212

 

[Scorch00]

It's been a while since I've updated this thread. But some progress has been done in terms of updates to equipment packs and such to both the 212 and the 412. There will be minor equipment variations of these models as I've mentioned before. It's just a matter of me modeling those small parts and adding them to make the sub-variation of that base version. The two bigger ones I'm working on now are the versions with a bubble window. Seen here along with one of the 'slick" models that has an external equipment basket for firefighting equipment like the bambi bucket and various equipment carried by the helicopter's firefighting "hotshot" crew members. The 412 will also get a version similar to this as well. One version of the basket will be empty and another will be full of equipment.

Bell 212 with bubble window:

Bell 412 with bubble window:

Bell 212 with bubble window and equipment basket:

Random extra Bell 412 teaser of another paint for San Diego County Sherrif:

 

[Scorch00]

A lot of smaller projects for updating the cosmetics of the Bell 412 have been successful. Some of those additions will also make their way over to the 212s as well. But largely I'm focused on the 412s at the current time. I have added several new things to the models I felt they needed on top of their equipment additions. Similar to the Skycrane project, I updated and added some things to the rotors of the 412. Those being dynamic rotor flex for collective use and changed the still rotor state to show rotor droop now while the rotors are slow/stopped. Something the stock aircraft was largely missing. Some models also have a bubble window, which has also been added to several versions that have it now. Seen below are some already shown paints, but with the new additions. New paints previewed here now are Ventura County Sheriff, San Bernardino County Sheriff, and Wildcat Helicopters in an Australian contract livery,

SDFD 412EPX with new rotor model:

San Bernardino County Sheriff 212 and 412:

Ventura County Sheriff 412EPX:
]

Wildcat Helicopters 412SP:

 

[Scorch00]

I wanted to give an update to this project and yes, it is still underway and I am nearing the end of it. Both aircraft have considerable changes and updates done to them to hopefully 'update' the aircraft to better help them age and for community members to have more options to fly these great helos. There are a ton of repaints, model configurations, and equipment additions for these helicopters for Fire/Rescue work. Things I have added to them:
-------------------
-Working Rescue Hoist
-Working FLIR Camera
-PBR
-4k Textures
-Extended Landing gear (High Skid models)
-Bubble windows
-Side mounted equipment cage with optional viewable equipment storage
-Rotor Flex/ Droop (412 models)
-Deployable/stowable pond snorkels
-Several different firefighting water tank options
-Pulse Lighting
-BLR FastFin Tail modifications
-Retainment of stock texture mapping and use of stock paints and paintkits

There are also a lot of liveries for these aircraft. Some of which may be released further down the road as stand alone texture packs to represent entire fleets of these aircraft.

Bell 212 Mustang Helicopters (Canada)
]

Bell 412 EP Kestrel Aviation (Australia)

Bell 412 EP & EPX San Diego Fire Dept (USA)

Bell 412 EP NSW RFS (Australia)