Phantom Upgrade Project

[ranger822]

F-4F N81 JG-72 Westfalen





F-4F N72 JG-71 Richtofen

[Parislord]

Dude, sweet!

Always liked that Luftwaffe cammo.

Dumb question: why do all the Phantom models have built-in hardpoint pylons? All the Navy Phantoms I've walked up to (quite a few) only mount pylons where they're mounting stores, otherwise the wings are clean to reduce (presumably) drag.

Mike

[ranger822]

The short answer is because that is the way the modeler built them.

From my standpoint - - it is easy to integrate the model when pylons are already in place - - one pylon on each of the four slot points for the phantom makes it very easy to skin. But, if you made the pylon a separate item - - well now you have a real problem matching up pylons with paint schemes. You would need four separate CT entities for each Phantom variant skin! So, with the variants with more than one skin set . . . you can get an idea of the headaches . . . I am very thankful CCC did what he did.

Also, CCC did change things up on the Navy Phantoms - he fixed the issue with the messed up AIM-9 racks that is evident on the non-Navy variant - - so you get just two sidewinder rails - fixed in placed instead of the three sidewinder rails on the Air Force variants - - need to look at that little glitch.

[Parislord]

And don't take that a critisism, just curious why some models have pylons built-in and other didn't...

[Parislord]

Any plans to make a sep a/c for the ICE variant? All my copies of Jane's say that the F-4F were not Sparrow capable and add AMRAAM capability in the ICE version (grey nose vs black nose).

Anyway, those are some sweet skins...

[ranger822]

Well - it is pretty easy to make custom loadouts - - I haven't really dug into what the Luftwaffe versions can and can't carry - - if someone has a definitive guide I will be happy to adjust the loadout - - as a matter of course I went ahead last week and customized all the loadouts for Phantom variants - so the F-4F has a specific set of hardpoints that can be as unique and accuarate at the info will allow. I also have been kicking around the idea of adjusting the Phantoms in the database a bit more. . . to allow better loadouts, skinning, etc. I have identified a few CTs that could be "hijacked" to accomodate more Phantoms. The scheme goes like this:

CT2434 Su-30MKK2 ---> F-4F N72 (this is the old style camouflage scheme)

CT2758 F-4D --> F-4M Type1979 (this is the Barley Grey camouflage scheme)

CT2167 Su-33 --> F-4F N90 (this is the latest Grey/Grey scheme which may be the ICE variant?)

If you go back to the start of the thread you can put together the total Phantom Project and how a/c are separated. The great variety of camouflage schemes for the Phantom is a skinner's paradise. Also, from a campaign build viewpoint - - things are enhanced a little bit.

I would appreciate any feedback on these suggested hijackings of CTs and possible adverse impacts to current/existing theaters/campaigns.

Anyway the idea is by splitting these a/c out like this it allows for better loadouts that may be more accurate and helps to include a wider variety of Phantoms for many theaters. Perhaps, one phanotm variant conspicuously missing is the F-4EJ. I hijacked its CT for the Egyptian F-4E Phantom for Israeli Theater - but it is entirely possible to make some skins for that one as well for play in Korea but I have no idea how imoprtant a role Japan's Phantoms play in Korea Theater.

[ranger822]

The last of the Phantoms for the Phantom project is in the works. I just finished tweaking the model and am starting the skinning tonight. Will do two skins with the Type 1966 scheme and two skins with the Type 1979 scheme (one of which will be for FGR-2's based on the Falklands.

[ranger822]

Purests may poo poo the accuracy of the RR/Spey Engine nozzles - - quite frankly that is a job for someone like Pumpyhead - - I am sure he could do the nozzle justice. Ah - someday . . .

Here are the pics

892 Sqdn XT864


700P Sqdn XT598


767 Sqdn XT863


Top view


Bottom View

[ccc]

great job. 8)

[ranger822]

Finished final tweaks on F-4M in the DB - - will post some pics tonght.

[Peled]

Hello Mc. Douglas smurf !
Really nice work Tony ! it is allways nice to see your effort out !
congratulation for a such nice project !
Cya ...

Peled (a retired Falconneer ) 8)

[ranger822]

1. Create 2d cockpits models for all Phantoms
2. Update the shadow models for F-4E and F-4C/D/J/K/N/S

[ranger822]

43 Sqdn





92 Sqdn





111 Sqdn

[Blackbird]

Very, very nice models and skins.

[ranger822]

Reflections for various squadrons that were included in the texture sets have been added. All the new 2d Phantom pits have been tested.

Here is an example of the F-4E SK (skin previously shown) with the external skin versus the internal reflections.







total of about 40+ new reflections.

[Deathdealer]

Hmm...!!!
Nice skin Tony!!! 8)

[ranger822]

56 Sqdn "Firebirds"


74 Sqdn "Tiger"


Falklands Detachment "Flight 1435" "C" is an abbreviation for Charity one of the last four named Phantoms stationed in the Falklands

[ranger822]

Enjoy this beautiful "Art-Skin" by "Star" from EMF Theater Group