Something just hit me... OUCH!

[Tazz]

Okay I was playing around with the LODEditor.. like anyone else here.. And it just hit me..

Can't we make entire new airbases now? With Shelter and dispersal areas? With better taxiways and platforms?

I mean.. airbases ARE LOD objects aren't they?

[ccc]

Tazz, of course we can make a whole new airbase!
first, get yourself a good map of airbase, open one of default AFB LOD, then edit it.

Or wait till newer LE, you can build it from scratch.

[Tazz]

Ah, any idea when the new version comes out?

I have a whole bunch of military aviation charts on the bookshelf.. Hmm not sure if I also have PACAF ones. I do have a pile of books on Soviet Air Forces in Eastern Germany, complete with airbase photographs and drawings.

Okay this is half a planet away but it does gives you some insight on how Communist airbases are build.. from the photographs I saw from the Chinese airbases, they are very much alike.

Just one question.. how does Falcon 4.0 'knowns' where to put your F-16 when you start on the taxiway. Can I move that point elsewhere, like a dispersal area.. or do I need to draw "around that point"?

[ccc]

According to our 3d master, Dragon, he said you got to edit *.PHD? files, which define how a/c moving on taxiway or stop points on ramp.

[Tazz]

Very interesting.. I'll try to look at it once I have some free time.. all I do now is eat, sleep and work.

[Widowmaker]

Hmmm new airfields would be nice
I only need 4-5 of them for Iceland

and trees...how hard would trees be
dont need to much of them as Iceland hasn't got too many trees and objectwise Iceland is not too dense..

hmm just wondering....

Widowmaker

[Tazz]

yes when I finally have some time I want to start with something small. Like new textures for the buildings.. is that possible? They really look like sh*t now.
And then some new aircraft shelters and hangers perhaps?

And then work our way up to some dispersals? Personally I would be more interested in changed the North Korean airbase objects because Communist bases simply look way different than Western ones. I'm not gifted at all though.. but I could scan from my pile of books on Soviet aviation if that helps someone?

[ccc]

ya, your idea is exactly the one i think of.
Warsa Pact AFBs look like some tree-brach structure, much different from Western style.
I've talked this to Dragon, he confirms this is doable.

BTW, if you want to change the skin of building, the best way is using Photo pic. cut, and replace default ones.

[Tazz]

Well if we want to make WP style bases, we can rid ourselves of the hangers (there's usually just one or two on the base) and place some WP style HAS with each round dispersal platform. We just need to put the grass texture on it, except for the doors.

[ccc]

HAS shape is easy case.
I think the problem will be editing the PHD file.

[Dragon]

1. New LE is in process. I just nailed down the new saving process which was the last piece of the puzzel. This has been a major rewrite so it will take some more time. I am not modifying all the supporting functions and will begin to add the new ones. Give us a few weeks before a stable version will be out. With it, you will have complete control over the models.

2. Yes, you can edit any LOD including the airbases. However, you have to understand how an airbase is set up:

Objectives: Airbases are objectives and are basically a group of seperate 3D models called features. Many differerent files are used to create an objective. First, you have the Objective entry itself, then you have the PHD and FED entries. The FED is a list of features that are included (runway, taxiways, signs, bunkers, etc). These FED's link to a CT record and from the CT record you get to the LOD.

You will have to use Julian's Browser to edit all of these linkages. But to create a new airbase, you have to edit the LOD for each feature and then set the location (x, y and heading). Then you need to update the PHD entries. These are the locations for SAM, AAA, Docks, Taxiways, and runway. These are the points that the Falcon AI use during the game.

[ccc]

Thanx Dragon.

See, our 3d master always show us the right way!

[Tex]

Dragon,

There is no problem with G2 about releasing the LE some weeks from now?

I suppose that this is modifying data, right? No hex edits concerned with 3D models and related files?

Just curious,
Tex

[Tazz]

Just curious.. will these new LOD models ALSO work with eRazor 1.09/1.10?

It might seen a stupid or obvious question but take in regard that eFalcon 1.09 also needs the modified Realism Patch 4.2.. and that is also mainly data.

[Dragon]

Well, I have never seen the Source Code and the development is on a Mac which the source code was never leaked. I would say that LE is pretty safe. Now maybe you can claim that some of my work has benefited from others that may have used the source code. That would be a stretch.

Basically, the source code is not being used and there is no need to use it. The program only modifies the data within the LOD files and does not touch the EXE. I see no reason why GT would have any problems.

As to the LODs, well again, they are just data files and will work with any version of Falcon out there. Keep in mind that I am back on v1.06 and have no problems with LODs from your PC 1.08. There have been no EXE hacks associated with the LODs that I am aware of.

[Tazz]

Thx, I appreciate the input.

CCC, some us some pictures of that MiG-25 improvement? Falcon 4.0 sure is going to look.. different!

[Widowmaker]

dont think there be any problems as long as nobody changes there minds...

even the usage of SC related/derived utilities are allowed although they may not
be improvd on after the deadline..

we'll see

Widmak