Miss Oklahoma - still looking good (in FSX!) . .

[expat]

Another C-97 livery from the archives ..

[ejoiner]

some apparent problems with that one. The rtfwd_l.bmp has a mismatched window on it. (Lighted space not lined up with daytime window shown). Also the leading edges on the wing are not painted dayglo. (this is harder than it seems as the textures are a bit hard to line up with the wing surfaces. The warping isnt the same on both wings, so its a trial and error fit.)

[ejoiner]

Whoa boys. First, is Greg Pepper still around? He was the main modeller back in the day I think unless Tom was and Im mistaken. (or Tom still has the source code!).

The paint I did above was for the C-97. You guys are looking at my C97 skins applied to a KC97L. We need to decide what we are doing here.

I have discovered some mismatches and other naming convention issues on the skins that will require harmonization (easy enough once matched to the model.) but this alone can cause confusion. Also, as I wrote to Tom tonight by email, the C97.mdl isnt available at Avsim any more due to their crash, but further, once I got it from Tom, there are issues with the VC and with the engines and props.

I'd really like to get a modeller with some source engaged here to make this a proper project if thats what happens.

A real cockpit update would be appreciated especially addition of a proper panel with more than rudamentary controllable elements.

Eric

[HvyEng]

As with any mod/upgrade there is a scale that runs from "start fresh" to "Leave as is" and somewhere in the middle is where the balance can be found.

For this instance, the current status is:
A set of very well crafted aircraft models, originally released for FS 2002, with multiple updates that have become incongruous and somewhat difficult to find.

The objective should then be to establish a remedy to the original issue and advance beyond to a degree that revitalizes these models.

To accomplish this, we should layout a basic plan and then take it in steps. As Eric pointed out, the first step MUST be to request permission from the original creator. If permission is granted, a scope of overhaul can be established. Until that time, a simple cleanup of existing resources is the safest course of action.

In any case, it is important to ensure functionality with both FS9 and FSX.
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The current models offered create the following versions, useable in both FS9 and FSX:

B-377, 4 variants
C-97A
KC-97E
KC-97G
KC-97L

Each one has multiple releases and updates. Pending the involvement of the original modelers (and a possible complete re-release), we should establish what the most current file set is. I was able to find all of the files using a combination of Boolean magic and Avsim.com, Simviation.com and Flightsim.com.


I think it would be advantageous to establish 2 similar base packages, one for the B-377 and one for the C-97. The variants for the 377 models can be incorporated into a single aircraft folder, however each of the 367 variants will need an individual folder. Each military model can be added easily after a base package is established. (similarly to the DC6/7 packages available here)

I am very interested in pursuing this project. I have purchased my fare share of commercial products for MSFS over the years, but I prefer freeware. To me freeware is what makes Flight Sim a hobby and a simulator instead of just entertainment.

I can see so far because I stand on the shoulders of giants!

--Dan

[jesse]

Feb 27, 2010 21:43:20 GMT -5 ejoiner said:

some apparent problems with that one. The rtfwd_l.bmp has a mismatched window on it. (Lighted space not lined up with daytime window shown). Also the leading edges on the wing are not painted dayglo. (this is harder than it seems as the textures are a bit hard to line up with the wing surfaces. The warping isnt the same on both wings, so its a trial and error fit.)

Another area that is not "Politically Correct" is the MATS designation. We did not have any KC-97 Tankers in MATS. All of our aircraft were strictly cargo and passenger. All the KC-97 birds belonged in the SAC stable.

And, Eric, sadly, we lost Gregg Pepper a few months ago. He went west and is no longer with us.

Jesse

[expat]

Another area that is not "Politically Correct" is the MATS designation. We did not have any KC-97 Tankers in MATS.

My apologies to Jesse and others on this thread for corrupting the historical accuracy. I am aware that the MATS birds were not tankers - I sometimes in FS can't resist mixing and matching the models and skins I like best and probably should not have shown any screenies of these clearly fictionalised aircraft!

Happy to keep it all straight going forward, i.e. Eric's paints are for the C-97 series and maybe we should start with doing this "lean and clean" version first and take it from there!

Jesse - great to have someone that was really there. Thanks everyone for their input.

expat

[HvyEng]

The first person that should be consulted is Tom. He knew Greg Pepper the best and would know his intentions for theses works of art. If Tom gives his blessing, everything is good. If not his and Greg Pepper’s wishes will be respected and short of new repaints via the paint kit, the models will stand. Either way Greg Pepper’s memory and hard work should be respected and reflected in the outcome.

Jesse is the CalClassic resident expert and ace-in-the hole for the C-97, his experience and knowledge is invaluable.

I am a Flight Engineer by trade, and have access to the BAHF (K) C-97 (G), as such, I am interested in creating an accurate flight deck (or Control Cab as Boeing called it). The 377 had 3 different flight deck configurations, the 367 had 1 configuration, but 3 different FE panel layouts. I like the layout concept for the Connies, Functional but FPS friendly VC, with pop-up panels for the FE, Overhead, etc. to keep systems integrity.

I agree that if the blessings are given, we should start with the C-97, and go from there to the KC-97. After the bugs have been worked out and methods polished, finish up with the 377 crown jewels. If all goes well CalClassic will have the ultimate trifecta of the best FS9/FSX Douglas, Lockheed, and Boeing propliners, all updated within the last year on the Web.
--Dan

[dc6tryer]

Hi,

What great ideas you have for these extraordinary airplanes!

Andy.

[Tom/CalClassic]

Hi,

Greg wanted his work to be shared with others, and did not mind at all if others wanted to improve his work. He would gladly share the GMAX source files with others, and I have continued this practice. I wholeheartedly support any project to improve Greg's aircraft.

Thanks,