since i got lots free hours these days, while waiting the release of SP3, i checked my old 3ds models, colored their polys and scaled to correct size, then converted into lods with LE function. ya, buggy lods with look-thrus, no texture-mapped, no DOF/switch features, and no pylon slots.
then what? i realize we cant have all models ready and detailed in short time, so i come up with another idea: raw lods for database. The idea is similar to my old proposal[simple model for first stage modeling], but excute at larger scale and exclusively focus on 3ds modeling part.
The goal is to fill all database blanks ASAP and provide theater/campaign builders maximal freedom to got any 3d stuff they want, so the campaigns can be designed as authentic as possible.
sure, quality of model is variably inferior to that of default f4 models but, my limited test proves it doable, and effectively solve problems like:
1. inaccurate/incomplete campaign OOB due to lack of 3d stuff. campaign designers now can reproduce real world OOB.
2. inaccurate visuals due to using other vehicles' lods.
3. acceptable visuals with correct shilouttes at some distance. elicit pilots' correct visual response.
I'd like to know if this idea is ok for you(especially campaign designers), or we should stick to "one-by-one" modeling for months or years.
To test and evalute visuals yourself, you can grab lod files here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/F43D/file ... review%20/
the item list here:
** List Update: (total 23 a/c)
Sea Harrier FRS1
Sea Harrier FRS2 / FA2
Harrier Gr1
Harrier Gr3
A-1 Skyraider
A-4B skyhawk
A-4M skyhawk
Darkstar UAV
F-101B Voodoo
RF-101 Voodoo recon
Hawk Mk1 trainer
Hawk 100
Hawk 200
K-8 karakoram trainer
Kfir
Mirage III
Mirage 5
IA58 pucara
F-8 Crusader
B-57 bomber
Vulcan bomber
Canberra bobmer
Super Etandard
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you need LodEditor to test these lods.
1. append new lods, write down their lod#
2. select one default a/c CT record, tick [normal], [update] [lod1-3]
3. view new model in TacRef, or set up TEs to evaluate visuals in real fight.
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