B24D Project for IL2

[Monguse]

Since a few of us started working on the B24D we figured we'd post our progress thus far.

I would like to stress that the B24D will not be included in 4.11.

One of the default Skins
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/B-24D_PB4Y-1_Render_01.jpg

Bombardier and Navigator Station
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/B24D_99_WIP.jpg

Waist Position
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Waist_07_03_2011_06.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Waist_07_03_2011_05.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Waist_07_03_2011_04.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Waist_07_03_2011_03.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Waist_07_03_2011_02.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Waist_07_03_2011_01.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Waist_07_03_2011_00.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Waist_Wip_79_Sperry_From_Waist.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Waist_Wip_75_New.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Waist_Wip_73_New.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Waist_Wip_57.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Waist_Wip_56.png


Ball Turret WIP
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Ball_07_03_2011_07.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Ball_07_03_2011_06.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Ball_07_03_2011_05.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Ball_07_03_2011_04.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Ball_07_03_2011_02.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Ball_07_03_2011_01.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Ball_07_03_2011_00.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Ball_07_01_2011_05.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Ball_07_01_2011_02.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Ball_07_01_2011_01.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/Ball_07_01_2011_00.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/K4_Iso_06_27_00.png


Top Turret
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/1CMartin1Jul11.jpg

Part 1

[Monguse]

Part II

Consolidated Turret
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/1CA6A1Jul11Top.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/1CA6A1Jul11Top1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/1CA6A1Jul11Right.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/1CA6A1Jul11Left.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/1CA6A1Jul11Back.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v159/Monguse/B24D/1CA6A1Jul11Back1.jpg

Cockpit
As soon as we have something we are happy with we will update this post.

[D-XXI]

Looking good. thx.

[IceFire]

Looks awesome! Keep up the good work!

[ElAurens]

Wow!!!!!

Looking great.

Can't wait to fly her.

[Krt_Bong]

Far Out man!

[JG601_Rommel]

Awesome!

[Sita]

Omg!!!!! Great work!

[Sita]

Looking good. thx.

looking gooood?
Its looking truly amaizing!!! !!! !!!

[vils]

Absolutely fantastic work!

cheers,
vils

[rakinroll]

Wow! Very good details on that plane. Thank you.

[T}{OR]

Love the update. Keep up the great work Guse! :)

[Mysticpuma]

Can we have a B-26 instead? ;)

Seriously 'Guse, I know how long you have been working on this and the attention to detail is incredible. Who'd ever think this would be such an all encompassing hobby?

Back to the post, brilliant work and progress, keep drinking the coffee and remember, there is a life outside of IL2 and work.......same as you though, I think I've lost sight of it now ;)

Cheers, MP

[Buster_Dee]

LoL! You added the ball casting seam hardware.

Stop before you blow a gasket ;)

[Monguse]

Howdy Buster


Glad you stopped by. I like the seams myself ...

[Fireskull]

:shock: That's detail!

Obviously you guys share a vision for a realistic B-24D model.

You are on track!

I am looking forward to flying with you guys in missions with this beauty! :mrgreen:




Fireskull

[henkypenky]

Wow Monguse, looks like pictures from the official handbook, truly amazing. :)

[T}{OR]

Looks like I might be updating my manual after all. :)

[Buster_Dee]

The slowest part of all this is doing research.

Mapping/texturing is a close cousin.

I like the "aging" on the walkways btw.

[Stealth_Eagle]

Does this project include a possible B-24J flyable in game as well?

Thanks for your work and dedication. It looks quite incredible.

[Monguse]

B24J .... in due time. I have to focus on this one project.

Thanks again guys

[Stealth_Eagle]

Thank you so much. If I can help you anyway (creation of missions for example) don't hesitate to ask.

[harryRIEDL]

Amazing work looks amazing will look forward to this plane being added. well done

[Romanator21]

Excellent news, and great work. I see that you are still working on the pit and tail-gunner's station, but what else will you have to do to finish? (FM, external 3d changes, other detials, etc)

This will fill a lot of gaps, and will make a nice playmate for the Pe-8 ;)

[SPITACE]

good work! :-P i hope they let you put it into il2 1946

[Buster_Dee]

good work! :-P i hope they let you put it into il2 1946

Team D not only will "let" it be put in, they support the effort.

[Buster_Dee]

[QUOTE=Romanator21;305893]Excellent news, and great work. I see that you are still working on the pit and tail-gunner's station
QUOTE]

What do you mean? You saw the tail turret.

As to the 'pit: there is one, but it is in pieces at the moment (new seats and panel).

Since I'm not a programmer (just a model/texture guy), I can't speak to the timeline. I also can't guess what the impact will be when the accuracy bug clamps onto Monguse. I'm an accuracy hound, but he's from another universe :)

No way I ever wanted to know this much about an airplane.

[Romanator21]

Ok, yes, I thought I was still looking at the top turret :-P So, one station left, that's not bad at all.

Keep at it then. From personal experience, it's easy to get discouraged or bogged down in details when modeling in 3D. That MiG-15 in Blender still is just a fuselage and wing ;)

[Buster_Dee]

My fault really: I could only pass on one pic of Martin. Several pits are very old projects, and it took jumping in with Monguse to get them going again. The Martin was "complete," but at about 6k polys, it needed liposuction. After cutting so much away, the mapping made no sense, and that's what I'm redoing.

Before I suffocate your hopes with excuses, you should know that Monguse completely built the waist (ain't it sweet), and completely rebuilt my old ball (you're seeing mostly his work now) in the time it took me to make the tail turret. The nose is all his work. I had a very, very rough J nose that I abandoned when I saw his.

I think there's hope :)

Sorry for shanghaiing the thread.

[Bearcat]

Impressive!!

[1.JaVA_Sjonnie]

Fantastic work guys!!!:cool::cool:

[Sita]

any news?)

[Monguse]

Yes we are still working on it and has not been abandoned.

[Xilon_x]

i remember monguse is a good man and developed much much skin italian and american yes now i not stay in hyperlobby because jirifojtasek banned me in permanent mode but i remember all this pilots.b24 and b26 working also in italy.
http://digilander.libero.it/edi68/b26a.jpg
B26 marauder wing dammage continue to fly photo in italy.
http://www.ww2incolor.com/d/449571-2/B+26+Marauder

[chungpe84s]

Looking good. thx.:-P

[SPITACE]

will the new flyable B24D be in a Official Release 4.12 etc ...

[Ace1staller]

will the new flyable B24D be in a Official Release 4.12 etc ...

The way I think is up with TD in patch 4.11, It should be release in 4.12, But first whoever worked in the B-24D, Very awesome and great job, now try to contact TD for the B-24D in the game.

[ElAurens]

The guys working on the 24D know the folks at TD, it's a small community after all.

;)

[Buster_Dee]

It has Team D support. Monguse and I are both in contact with them. If you're wondering, I'm the hold-up :) I'm fighting with the Martin at the moment.

Pit is last on list. I have one, but it's rough compared to the bar Monguse set.

We'll get it sorted. I'm new-ish at this, so can't give any educated ETA.

[Ace1staller]

It has Team D support. Monguse and I are both in contact with them. If you're wondering, I'm the hold-up :) I'm fighting with the Martin at the moment.

Pit is last on list. I have one, but it's rough compared to the bar Monguse set.

We'll get it sorted. I'm new-ish at this, so can't give any educated ETA.

okay, thanks for letting me know. And I hope the B-24D will be in the game of Il-2 Sturmvoik 1946 :cool:

[Monguse]

It's been our intention all along to get the B24D into the game as an official release.

[Sita]

Monguse, please show to us some new pictures!!! PLZ PLZ PLZ!!!)))

[Buster_Dee]

Tail turret is done barring any problems Guse finds. I've finished re-mapping top turret. I'm slugging my way through the texturing now. Will try to make some progress this weekend.

[Mysticpuma]

Seriously at some point they'll release a video of the Lower Ball Turret in action.....gentlemen (and ladies) you will be very impressed at the detail of the work involved...it's incredible!

Cheers, MP

[Buster_Dee]

MP, you should know ;-)

[aquila26]

Wonderfull indeed astounding
many many compliments

[bf-110]

Is that for IL2????It's too god to be real!

[Tempest123]

Holy smokes! Looks great guys.

[SPITACE]

any update on the b24d?

[Monguse]

More will be posted when the time comes.

[Jumpy]

"A thing of beauty is a joy to behold." This is the work of a craftsman. How many hours have you dedicated to this project? When I fly it I will try not to bend it!:grin: (or let anybody put nasty holes in it) :rolleyes:Thanks!

[Monguse]

From my part around 30 months off and on. Off while waiting for official documents to arrive. Countless of hours perusing photos, drawings, manuals, books and film. Close friends visiting existing B24's with tape measure and camera in hand. Countless emails to museums, restoration projects and collectors of old manuals.

For me it's next to impossible to even guess how many hours. For Buster, it's been a longer ride.

Hope everyone enjoys it when its released.

[Sita]

have you any desire to do B17 after end work of the B24?
there you can use some materials from B24, textures, models ...

[EJGr.Ost_Caspar]

I feel, that on the day, when a B-17 is flyable in IL-2, its the day of the end of the game.
I mean... as long as we are all waiting for something, it can't end. :D

[Sita]

there is one person who was involved in B 17 ( and DT has contacted with him ), but now it seems gave up it (((

[Sita]

it would be great if Monguse with his friend continue work on B17

but it's a lot of work

[EJGr.Ost_Caspar]

Too bad... looks like a good start.

[Sita]

Too bad... looks like a good start.

he just said that after a while he again takes up the cockpit B17, but he had enough strength only to the pilot cockpit

[NukeItFromOrbit]

Excellent work on this. We can finally have a complete, flyable, American heavy bomber in IL2. The B-24 may have been the box the B-17 came in, but it was every bit as important.

Weren't there a few attempts at doing a B-17 in the past? Must be cursed.

[Mysticpuma]

As much as the B-17 is a great bomber for the 'wish-list', trust me, when you see the work and the attention to detail that have gone into making this B-24 flyable and with all the detail that 'Guse has put into it, the B-24 will be a great addition to the game.

The detail is incredible and some of the extra bits of work that have gone into parts of this bomber will leave many open mouthed!

Looking forward to D-Day (Delivery Day!), cheers, MP

[IceFire]

Excellent work on this. We can finally have a complete, flyable, American heavy bomber in IL2. The B-24 may have been the box the B-17 came in, but it was every bit as important.

Weren't there a few attempts at doing a B-17 in the past? Must be cursed.
I still think the choice of B-24 is brilliant. The B-24 served in numbers in all theaters that the USAAF was involved with. We can use this plane from Burma to the Solomons to Europe to Italy and the Desert. The B-17 saw wide use too... but it was primarily filling the ranks within the 8th Air Force over Western Europe and the B-24 was used in greater numbers elsewhere.

The B-17 has been started several times to the best of my knowledge. It's about as cursed as the Spitfire XIV.

[Airfoil]

I was reading the post again and am looking forward to flying the B-24. While I was daydreaming I remembered a little piece of information regarding the flight characteristics of the B-24's Davis wing. It was not a rigid structure and the wing tips would rise approximately 9 feet as the lift came on.

Does the game engine allow for this kind of dynamic? I had not thought to check the Liberator in game for this behaviour.

[Mysticpuma]

I think the wing load may be modelled in the software so that a dive in a loaded B-24 but I am pretty sure that I have never seen wing flexing. It would be incredible to see in this version of IL2, but I don't even think it appears in CLoD so I think we should just be happy that we will at-last get a flyable four0engine heavy!

Nice idea though!

Cheers, MP

[Monguse]

I do want to stress that there are two of us on this project. Buster is a great artist and the work on the other areas is extremely well done.

[Buster_Dee]

Thanks Guse. Back at ya. Does anyone remember when A2A Simulations promised to rebuild Rowen's BoB and, later, B17II? Some tiff (over rights?) killed the second project.

That B17II announcment is when I started my part of the B24 (the ball turret Guse reworked). So, I don't really rmember how many years (maybe 6) I was fiddling with the B24 before Team D introduced me to Guse.

Research is the killer. Anyone who fears modeling or texturing would do the community a great service by becoming dedicated researchers--not just someone who throws links at us, but someone who is willing to understand a subject and distill it for the modelers/programmers. I spend about 3/4 of my time researching.

By the way, loved the comment about the B24 being the box the B17 came in. Got quite a laugh out of that. I didn't used to care much for the 24, but it certainly has earned my respect since.

[Luno13]

I'm glad you're taking the time to do this for the community at large, guys. Sounds like a gargantuan task. I'd be happy to provide a tiny donation through paypal if it's appropriate.

Good luck on the rest of the work! Can't wait to see it flying :cool:

[Monguse]

Thanks but we are doing this all for free.

All we ask is patience.

[Airfoil]

I think the wing load may be modelled in the software so that a dive in a loaded B-24 but I am pretty sure that I have never seen wing flexing. It would be incredible to see in this version of IL2, but I don't even think it appears in CLoD so I think we should just be happy that we will at-last get a flyable four0engine heavy!

Nice idea though!

Cheers, MP

I was just curious if wing flexing, etc., was possible within the game engine, not so much to try to produce more headaches for anyone. Another little idiosyncrasy, that appeared in the Spitfire was the ailerons working like trim tabs and warping the wings, causing the aircraft to roll in the opposite direction. I don't recall the exact circumstances but high speed and extreme control movement seem to ring a bell. Again, just a point to ponder.

Thanks, Airfoil

[steeldelete]

This seems almost finished! Next week?

:) ok, ok, I'm getting out a here.

Really good looking though!

[IceFire]

I was just curious if wing flexing, etc., was possible within the game engine, not so much to try to produce more headaches for anyone. Another little idiosyncrasy, that appeared in the Spitfire was the ailerons working like trim tabs and warping the wings, causing the aircraft to roll in the opposite direction. I don't recall the exact circumstances but high speed and extreme control movement seem to ring a bell. Again, just a point to ponder.

Thanks, Airfoil

If I remember right... that was with the early fabric covered control surfaces. Not 100% sure either.

[magot]

Completely flyable B-17 I count minimal 16 months to done.
Too much work, too much time.
Maybe one day as said Caspar, but this day will be end of classic IL2.

Important is have flyable B-24´s.

[T}{OR]

Since it won't make it into 4.11, is there any chance for a 4.11 "hotfix" if it is ready before 4.12...? :)

[Treetop64]

Some damned fine work there!

It'll be nice if there were some maps big enough that are worth flying over for the Lib, though.

[ElAurens]

The Solomons for one will work.

[IceFire]

The Solomons for one will work.

And very historical too! I can't wait!

[Fenrir]

I was just curious if wing flexing, etc., was possible within the game engine, not so much to try to produce more headaches for anyone. Another little idiosyncrasy, that appeared in the Spitfire was the ailerons working like trim tabs and warping the wings, causing the aircraft to roll in the opposite direction. I don't recall the exact circumstances but high speed and extreme control movement seem to ring a bell. Again, just a point to ponder.

Thanks, Airfoil

With regards the Spitfire, Jeffrey Quill in his excellent book on his test flying and the development of the spitfire said that they 'expected' to run into aileron reversal issues as the mach numbers increased, not that any examples of this phenomenom had occurred; this is why the wings of the 20 series of Spitfire were redesigned and strengthened.

As far as I am aware, no case was ever documented of aileron reversal - indeed if it did, well, the Spitfire probably would have been so far above it's Vne that it either would have broken up under stress or never pulled out of the dive.

And for reference, the fastest Spitfire - the PRXI that got to mach .89 - did NOT have the new shape and strengthened wing.

Ice - the fabric aileron issue was one of becoming almost immovable at IAS above 400mph. Turns out that the thickness of the trailing edge has much to do with this. The static air trapped inside the fabric aileron would, thanks to bernoulli's principle, expand and cause the skin of the aileron to balloon; this in turn increased the trailing edge area. Once the metal ailerons came about, the ballooning stopped and the control problems virtually disappeared (it was still an effort to move ailerons above 400mph but that's just due to the force of the airflow - they at least would move with a bit of elbow grease).

[wheelsup_cavu]

Just found this gem. It's looking really nice guys. :)



Wheels

[Sita]

How about This?)
up from author model)

[Monguse]

Sita

Looks good, who is the author?

[IceFire]

How about This?)
up from author model)

That looks really good to my untrained eye. Is that a B-17?

They may want to black out that logo at the center of the control stick...always tricky with company names.

[Sita]

Sita

Looks good, who is the author?

Messer...

http://forum.aviaskins.com/showthread.php?t=2231

[Sita]

That looks really good to my untrained eye. Is that a B-17?

They may want to black out that logo at the center of the control stick...always tricky with company names.

if i remeber all correct, it's B17 G

[EJGr.Ost_Caspar]

Oh well! Il-2 comes to its end! As long as there is no B17 flyable, its not finished... but now...

[Luno13]

I certainly hope not :(

We need D, E, and F versions! ;)

[Sita]

by this moment, pilot cockpit in very good condition... not very close to final, but work slowly goes forward.
i dont know what Messer want to do, have he enough strenght for made other position ( gunners and navigator) or not... but pilot cockpit he want finish and send to DT... if they can take only one position in the plane...

BTW i saw sketches tail gunner position...

may be some way B17 will come in to a Game!)

[Sita]

one more question, ball turret from B24, they are the same as those that were placed on B17? )

[Monguse]

Sita

Yes the Ball turret is the same A-3 Sperry Turret for the B24 and B17. The supports is different as is the gunners aiming hand hold. There are also small differences in the inside which could be edited to reflect a proper A3 used in the B17G.

[76.IAP-Blackbird]

As I was looking trough wiki, the D is a good point to start. Cause isnt the C and E possible out of the D, without large rework?!

All what is different, are the engines and the Ball turret is missing in the other versions?

The D had also two different ball turrets, one from Bendix and the later one from sperry

[Buster_Dee]

I think the bendix was just the remote one that used the periscope. The B17E also had it. It survived as the B17G chin.

Why the interest in the C, E Backbird? There were only 9 Cs built, and I think all stayed stateside as trainers (I have that PoM, which also covers very early D). From what I've read, the E wasn't much different from the D, and I think most of those were used to train crews as well.

I'm not against spinning off for some other versions. I'd love to find time to make a Lib I (with the 20mm gun pack) and Lib II (with the BP turrets), especially the sub chasers. Not much in the way of targets for those though (well, shipping of course). Besides, we have no info on the innards of the short nose of the LB-30 and Lib I. By the way, the panel for the C is more like the LB-30 and, I'm guessing, the Lib I. There isn't much in the panel that could be salvaged from the D. Not impossible, but definitely would need some effort.

I'd also like to do the H Pathfinder.

[Sita]

i ask about ball turret because, maybe if work will go well , may be some how, you can give it ( turret i mean) for this B17G ... or DT by they self include ball turret into B17 ...

or some other kind partnership under work of B17?)

[Monguse]

Sita

My guess is that yes, we will be working together.

[Sita]

with pleasure)

[Monguse]

Here is to working together (beer glasses clink)

[Sita]

not last version...


I think it will be difficult! but it must be done!)

[Buster_Dee]

Sita, I'm banging out the B24D pit at the moment. I like your 17. What is the poly count/texture size of yours at present. I'm curious, as ours is at 9K polys and about 8 Meg textures.

[Sita]

at now (how Messer was told me ) polycount - 9689
textures - something about 7 mb ...
we are working on sealing textures)

[T}{OR]

not last version...


I think it will be difficult! but it must be done!)

Yes please.

[Buster_Dee]

Thanks.

[Sita]

need one? )))

[F19_Klunk]

any news on this very important project? :D

[Monguse]

It's doing very well and absolutely not forgotten.

[FenbeiduO]

Thx for the update! Lookforward this

[JollySam]

Hey B-24D team, I just thought I'd give my encouragement to your project. I'm very glad that the B-24 will be flyable in IL2 1946, it is my favorite plane in the game. Thank you for your efforts, I look forward to flying it online!

[Buster_Dee]

Thanks JollySam.

[JollySam]

Thanks JollySam.

You're welcome.

I also have a question; why did you guys decide on the B-24D in particular, when there is already a (non-flyable) B-24J in the game? Is it because the B-24D was the first mass-produced varient? Sorry, I don't know much about the different varients.

[Buster_Dee]

I had started with a B17 years ago, but before I could get it going, T4T (Targetware) asked me to switch to the B24. I was modeling every compartment for a J, but I was having a heck of a time capturing the dome on the MPC tail turret, and the Emerson was even more complex (nothing is hidden so needs to be modeled). I had only a bare start for the waist and bombardier. I dropped the project several years ago. Early war actually interests me more, so when Guse came along with a nice D nose project, I thew my hat back in. Everything I had done before had to be redone, but it's been worth it.

[SPITACE]

any new updated pics for the B24D?:-P

[JollySam]

I had started with a B17 years ago, but before I could get it going, T4T (Targetware) asked me to switch to the B24. I was modeling every compartment for a J, but I was having a heck of a time capturing the dome on the MPC tail turret, and the Emerson was even more complex (nothing is hidden so needs to be modeled). I had only a bare start for the waist and bombardier. I dropped the project several years ago. Early war actually interests me more, so when Guse came along with a nice D nose project, I thew my hat back in. Everything I had done before had to be redone, but it's been worth it.

I see. OK, thanks. I ask because most mods and patches focus on making the existing AI planes flyable, rather than making a whole new aircraft. You're all quite brave in starting a whole new plane from scratch! And it would be a pity to throw away that nose section.

Keep up the good work!

[Buster_Dee]

LoL. I don't think we'll be talking Guse out of that nose anytime soon. That said, the J is not out of the question--as was stated earlier. It does mean a new pit and nose. If we were to model the early J from Consolidated at San Diego, we could re-use the tail turret I did. I fear that most fans would argue that the J never looked like that, which is not true. The "preferred" MPC (or SAC-7 offshoot) and Emerson turrets were in short supply at first, and Consolidated, San Diego seems to have stayed with their home-brewed Consol turrets even after the other production facilities made the switch. If I recall correctly, the Emerson made it's debut in the H built by Ford. The Js actually lagged that, using MPCs in the nose (and San Diego the Consul as mentioned), not switching to Emersons until later. The in-game bird has the MPC tail (A6B) and Emerson nose (A15). I think they were more common, but they were not exclusive. Our turret is the A6A.

As a side note, the Emerson was electric; the others were hydraulic. When the hydraulic turrets were used in the nose, they had to "steal" hydraulic pressure from the aicraft's main system because there was not enough room in the nose to have a dedicated pump/system as had the tail. I wonder if that arrangment compromised any of the other systems that used hydraulic pressure.

[JollySam]

Hmm, all these different factories making different designs for the same parts must make research a hassle. I'm actually more interested in the 'D' too, but its useful that some of your work can be reused for any further B-24 versions.

Out of interest, did American planes have some kind of back-up system in case the hydraulic system for the turrets failed?

[Buster_Dee]

Well, backup as in manual control, but I don't know how effective it was. Look in most turrets, you'll often see two short, 4-sided shafts, with cranks clipped somewhere to work them. The A6A's cranks are at the top of the frame in front of the gunner (the red ones), and the shafts are on each side wall, sitcking out of some kind of gear box. In this turret, the left one is for elevation, the right one for azimuth. There would have been some kind of feature that let you, then, fire the guns with a foot control (since you're hands are tied up). The Martin had two cranks hanging down below, and to both sides of the hand control. The Sperry Ball has the shafts near the gunners shoulders; I don't remember where the cranks were clipped (above his head?). Usually, the gunner had to take steps to disengage the dead powered drives before trying to crank anything. You can see some of that in the ball: the small, red, L-shaped lever above the gunner's right shoulder was probably how the powered azimuth was declutched. Except for the top turret, manual control was important just to get the gunner out of the thing since the doors/hatch had to be in a certain position before it could be used. There may have been some external features that would let another crewman help extricate a gunner. The "Aircrewman's Gunnery Manual" CD is an excellent source if you are interested. I think I got mine from Liberatorcrew.com. If you get it, you'll be able to see how badly I've misquoted it. Oh, there were also circuit breakers you could reset. Some also allowed switching off one gun to see if the other would work by itself.

[Buster_Dee]

Time to figure out how to post images.

Doh dee doh

[JtD]

You have an "Manage Attachments" button below the reply mask - use it and things will be easy.

[Buster_Dee]

Current state.

http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p530/buster_dee/th_Pit1.jpg (http://s1154.photobucket.com/albums/p530/buster_dee/?action=view&current=Pit1.jpg)
http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p530/buster_dee/th_Pit2.jpg (http://s1154.photobucket.com/albums/p530/buster_dee/?action=view&current=Pit2.jpg)
http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p530/buster_dee/th_Pit3.jpg (http://s1154.photobucket.com/albums/p530/buster_dee/?action=view&current=Pit3.jpg)
http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p530/buster_dee/th_Pit4.jpg (http://s1154.photobucket.com/albums/p530/buster_dee/?action=view&current=Pit4.jpg)
http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p530/buster_dee/th_Pit5.jpg (http://s1154.photobucket.com/albums/p530/buster_dee/?action=view&current=Pit5.jpg)
http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p530/buster_dee/th_Pit6.jpg (http://s1154.photobucket.com/albums/p530/buster_dee/?action=view&current=Pit6.jpg)
http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p530/buster_dee/th_Pit7.jpg (http://s1154.photobucket.com/albums/p530/buster_dee/?action=view&current=Pit7.jpg)

[Pips]

Outstanding!!!!

[ElAurens]

:shock:

Wow!

I couldn't talk you and 'Guse into doing a P-40N could I?

:cool:

[BadAim]

Freaking awesome!

[Buster_Dee]

Thanks. I have a list of personal projects a mile long. I don't think I'll be taking on anything new.

[JollySam]

Well, backup as in manual control, but I don't know how effective it was. Look in most turrets, you'll often see two short, 4-sided shafts, with cranks clipped somewhere to work them. The A6A's cranks are at the top of the frame in front of the gunner (the red ones), and the shafts are on each side wall, sitcking out of some kind of gear box. In this turret, the left one is for elevation, the right one for azimuth. There would have been some kind of feature that let you, then, fire the guns with a foot control (since you're hands are tied up). The Martin had two cranks hanging down below, and to both sides of the hand control. The Sperry Ball has the shafts near the gunners shoulders; I don't remember where the cranks were clipped (above his head?). Usually, the gunner had to take steps to disengage the dead powered drives before trying to crank anything. You can see some of that in the ball: the small, red, L-shaped lever above the gunner's right shoulder was probably how the powered azimuth was declutched. Except for the top turret, manual control was important just to get the gunner out of the thing since the doors/hatch had to be in a certain position before it could be used. There may have been some external features that would let another crewman help extricate a gunner. The "Aircrewman's Gunnery Manual" CD is an excellent source if you are interested. I think I got mine from Liberatorcrew.com. If you get it, you'll be able to see how badly I've misquoted it. Oh, there were also circuit breakers you could reset. Some also allowed switching off one gun to see if the other would work by itself.

Yes, I see. Thanks. I thought there must be some kind of manual control. It mustn't have been much fun being trapped in one of those ball turrets though, especially when you might need to bail out at some point.

Thanks for the screens, they look pretty much ready for action already!

[Sita]

Great Work Guys!!!

[Luno13]

Awesome!!!!

Can't wait! :grin:

[Pfeil]

It mustn't have been much fun being trapped in one of those ball turrets though, especially when you might need to bail out at some point.

If you're interested and have some free time, this episode of modern marvels (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eM3DOs9oxc) could be of interest.

[JollySam]

If you're interested and have some free time, could be of interest.

Thanks, that was very interesting. I wasn't planning on watching it all in one go, but thats what I ended up doing. Any more good documentaries on bombers out there?

[Pfeil]

Any more good documentaries on bombers out there?

It just so happens that after watching the ball turret video, the following video was listed in the suggestions:
Discovery Channel Great Planes Boeing B 29 Superfortress (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UDLnjh9Y0M)


And in the suggestions for that one, I found this video, which appears to be very much on topic: Great Planes: Consolidated B-24 Liberator - Documentary (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nuqqoQJ-M8)

I've watched the B29(though not the B24 yet) documentary and found it quite informative.
I'll let you decide whether they're good or not.

[JollySam]

OK, thanks alot. I'll look at those when I have time.

[JollySam]

By the way, whats this B-24D going to be armed with? .50 caliburs? And what kind of loadouts can we expect? The same as the AI B-24J?

Thanks again.

[ElAurens]

.50 Caliber M2 Brownings would be the guns carried on a B24.

While I have no clue what the bomb loads will be, if I know Monguse, they will be historically correct, and more than likely not what the AI 24J carries.

Be sure.

[Hueyman]

Hey guys, that project seems awesome !! I would like to see upgraded B-17 too !!

If you are nice guys, I would be happy to give you my little contribution !

A great set of Hamilton Standard propellers...

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/8710/proprender43.jpg
By hetfield81 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/hetfield81) at 2012-06-16
http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/8238/proprender44.jpg
By Hetfield81 (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/Hetfield81) at 2012-06-16

[Monguse]

Hueyman

I'd love to take a closer look at your models and if we could work out the triangle count I'm sure they would be welcomed.

Pm me here if you would not mind.

Thanks

[magot]

Hueyman high-poly parts can be good as 3D template if is correct modeled.
For IL2 engine it´s not good mesh.

[JollySam]

.50 Caliber M2 Brownings would be the guns carried on a B24.

While I have no clue what the bomb loads will be, if I know Monguse, they will be historically correct, and more than likely not what the AI 24J carries.

OK, thanks for the info.

How about some kind of anti-submarine bomb/s as part of the loadout? It could open up opportunities for Coastal Command anti-sub missions in IL2. Oh, and a landing light. Just some suggestions.

Sorry to be asking this, but I assume the B-24D won't be ready before the 4.12 patch this year? Keep up the good work.

[Buster_Dee]

I like the Coastal Command concept. As far as I know, though, ships/subs can't evade. Wish they could a bit.

[JollySam]

I like the Coastal Command concept. As far as I know, though, ships/subs can't evade. Wish they could a bit.

Me too. An idea for the next patch, maybe?

[Hueyman]

Hello !

No prob, they can be reduced.

My plan is to make a propeller library for all IL2 ACFT :

http://allaircraftsimulations.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=163&t=33602&sid=1943f9117c2b06087f0d5a6691e3d616

[Monguse]

Excellent

Let's talk more, PM me when you have a chance.

[Hueyman]

Yes.

[Mysticpuma]

Come on 'Guse.....release the video ;) You know it makes sense :cool:

[JollySam]

Any updates on this project?

[Buster_Dee]

Pit and crew stations are with TD for review/adjustments. Guse did a fantastic job getting my parts ready for them. I know zilche about what is needed now, so can't provide any more info.

[ElAurens]

Looking forward to it.

[Will00ard10]

Looks awesome! Keep up the good work!
http://www.qmmv.info/12.jpg
http://www.qmmv.info/13.jpg
http://www.qmmv.info/14.jpg

[Nil]

You guys are awesome!
You guys are doing a FANTASTIC job with the B24!

1000 thanks to you and all the dedicated work you are doing!!!

[Buster_Dee]

Thanks

[Monguse]

Thanks

[Zorin]

Thanks

TD told me you will also release US ordnance, what exactly would that be, so that neither of us ends up spending time on stuff that is already been done.

[Monguse]

Frags and stuff, none of the original bombs you had made way back when. Only fix has been the 1000 lbs bomb itself to reflect the correct size, no texture fix.

So you can continue your work ob the US ordnance except the fragmentation and parafrags, the later are complete.

[Mysticpuma]

Can I show them the video 'Guse ;)

[IceFire]

Can I show them the video 'Guse ;)

There's a video? :D

[ElAurens]

Howdy 'Guse, long time no see.

Looking forward to flying the 24.

See ya around.

S!

[Zorin]

Frags and stuff, none of the original bombs you had made way back when. Only fix has been the 1000 lbs bomb itself to reflect the correct size, no texture fix.

So you can continue your work ob the US ordnance except the fragmentation and parafrags, the later are complete.

Correct size? What exactly was amiss?

[Krt_Bong]

I believe he's referring to it being physically larger than a 500 pounder

[Fighterace]

Thanks

Keep up the awesome work Monguse.

Whatelse do you have planned for us? New P-38 models perhaps lol :P

[Monguse]

First the B24 team (DT modelers, coders, texturers ...) will be making sure its all finished and correct.

As for additional work, I have a slew of work backlogged that needs attention not just the P38's.

Back to work...

[IceFire]

First the B24 team (DT modelers, coders, texturers ...) will be making sure its all finished and correct.

As for additional work, I have a slew of work backlogged that needs attention not just the P38's.

Back to work...

Exciting stuff no matter what Monguse. Keep it up ...all of your hard work is very much appreciated!

[T}{OR]

Exciting stuff no matter what Monguse. Keep it up ...all of your hard work is very much appreciated!

+1

[Fighterace]

First the B24 team (DT modelers, coders, texturers ...) will be making sure its all finished and correct.

As for additional work, I have a slew of work backlogged that needs attention not just the P38's.

Back to work...

Don't work too hard :P

[Buster_Dee]

Guse only works hard when he has the chance.;)

[JollySam]

Helloy everyone,

Does anyone have an update for this project? Or even a rough ETA? I'm really looking forward to flying a 'western' heavy bomber in the game.

Thanks alot,
JollySam

[Buster_Dee]

Sorry I can't add anything, as all my stuff is done, turned in, and has since been tweaked by people smarter than me. In other words, my files are no longer the master (always a good sign). I should let Guse and the rest of Team D speak for themselves. 4-12 has a lot of people busy doing the black box stuff I don't know anything about. I DO know the B24D is not sitting doing nothing. It is being worked hard.

[Monguse]

The B24D external model and all interior pits are complete as of the 6th of January. One reason being I had to make sure everything was 100% before final submittal without any surprises.

As for when it will be out, after 4.12.

[Luno13]

Great news! Thanks guys so much for your hard work!

[Buster_Dee]

You're welcome. I'm as excited as you are, since this is the biggest thing I've been involved in.

I want to fly it but, if it's as good as we hope, I'm also hoping it inspires some good movies ;)

[1984]

personally i never thought what in game will appear flyable b-17, b-24 and similar aircrafts... well, fears did not come true, apparently...:) and it's good...

[JollySam]

Sorry I can't add anything, as all my stuff is done, turned in, and has since been tweaked by people smarter than me. In other words, my files are no longer the master (always a good sign). I should let Guse and the rest of Team D speak for themselves. 4-12 has a lot of people busy doing the black box stuff I don't know anything about. I DO know the B24D is not sitting doing nothing. It is being worked hard.

Thanks alot everyone for the updates. I'm really looking forward to this one. Thanks alot for the continued work. I guess I'd better start thinking about reinstalling IL2.

[IceFire]

Thanks again to Buster and Monguse. A little disappointed we won't see this in the final 4.12 release but I keep saying that I'd rather it done right than rushed.

Having a US heavy bomber is going to be such a great time. We already have so much fun with the Pe-8 so now having a B-24 just seals the deal!

[Buster_Dee]

Thanks IceFire. I hope we can all look back at this soon and say "now, that wasn't so painful."

Right ;)

[IceFire]

Thanks IceFire. I hope we can all look back at this soon and say "now, that wasn't so painful."

Right ;)
Right! You let us know when that happens :D

[[DBS]Scruffy]

Great work Monguse, thank you and everyone else involved.

[Buster_Dee]

You're welcome.

The Other Guy ;)

[hafu1939]

Monguse, Buster_Dee, this is a venerable work. Thanks a lot.

[julien673]

+1 :)

[Blaf]

+10!

[Treetop64]

+100!!

[iLOVEwindmills]

Amazing work, really looking forward to seeing this thing playable.

I wonder though, what exactly is its status for being included? It definately won't be in 4.12? Is it a possibility that it can be added shortly afterwards like was suggested with the P40s?

Would be a shame to have it sit in limbo until whenever 4.13 comes out if it is in fact already finalized.

[Monguse]

As I had noted before, the B24D is in fact finalized, all models are complete, textures done, template for skins and void done, max animations done.

Left to do is exporting the max models and allot of coding and testing.


Weather this can be put out in a "quick" patch is to be seen. Allot depends on how tired everyone on the team is after 4.12.

[ElAurens]

Thanks for the update 'Guse.

Good to "see" you again. Looking forward to flying the D whenever she arrives.

Take care sir.

S!

[Buster_Dee]

Claire22cia, I should not think that's funny, but I got quite a laugh.

Guse, thanks for cleaning up my speculations;)

[Tuco22]

Looking good, would be great to have this in 4.13 or perhaps sooner. :grin:

[T}{OR]

As I had noted before, the B24D is in fact finalized, all models are complete, textures done, template for skins and void done, max animations done.

Left to do is exporting the max models and allot of coding and testing.


Weather this can be put out in a "quick" patch is to be seen. Allot depends on how tired everyone on the team is after 4.12.

Guse, any chance we might see the J version in near future (i.e. 4.13)?

[Monguse]

Only if I give up sleeping and eating.

[IceFire]

Only if I give up sleeping and eating.

LOL :)

That many changes between the D model and the J model eh?

[Buster_Dee]

The "difference gap" is partly my fault. I decided to model the early D cockpit so the D and J would be distinctive. If I had made the later D pit, replacing the boost levers with the Honeywell unified control would have been enough to update the pit to a J. You probably already realise the J would need a new bombardier/navigator pit, new nose turret (MPC or Emerson), new tail turret (MPC; only a few used the same D tail turret), reworked top turret (sight and dome), and probably major waist changes depending on which J. Monguse has done all the research and knows better than I how much new work would be needed.

[IceFire]

The "difference gap" is partly my fault. I decided to model the early D cockpit so the D and J would be distinctive. If I had made the later D pit, replacing the boost levers with the Honeywell unified control would have been enough to update the pit to a J. You probably already realise the J would need a new bombardier/navigator pit, new nose turret (MPC or Emerson), new tail turret (MPC; only a few used the same D tail turret), reworked top turret (sight and dome), and probably major waist changes depending on which J. Monguse has done all the research and knows better than I how much new work would be needed.

Oh is that all? :D

Yeah, I realized there were quite a few differences externally between the D and J and of course having ANY B-24 flyable would be amazing and the D is definitely a very useful model to have for nearly every theatre that this game has. But it is quite a realization when you list some of the key details that change... quite a lot.

[T}{OR]

Well, get cracking then! :D

Seriously, many thanks for bringing this 4 engined beauty to life. I hope that at some time in the future you will have the time to build another one.

[Buster_Dee]

Well, get cracking then! :D

LoL. Why can't I get mad at you? I'll just go kick my cat.

He thinks it's love.

[T}{OR]

As a cat owner I find your comment extra funny lol :D

[Buster_Dee]

Mine was a full-grown (14lb) stray who had been mooching since his birth. A friend said, you need this cat. I took a chance, and he settled in the 1st day. He started racing me up the stairs the next day. Apparently, "stray" didn't mean much to him. So I called him Riley, as in "Life of Riley."

Oh, that's right: this is a B24 thread....

[T}{OR]

Mine was also a stray. Brought home one night when it was -20°C (my GF). Started at some 5lb but we "fixed" that now at 16lb. :)

Back to B-24...

[Buster_Dee]

Lonnnnnngggggg LoL.

[IceFire]

Although the Internet has many (MANY!) cat photos... not nearly enough B-24 photos. But here's one to spice things up a bit.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f1/Maxwell_B-24.jpg

[nic727]

WOW :)

That's look amazing... 4.13?

[IceFire]

WOW :)

That's look amazing... 4.13?

Nope. That screen shot comes from Reality version 1.000 :D

[ECV56_Cherar]

great job!

[fruitbat]

Nope. That screen shot comes from Reality version 1.000 :D

lol:-P

[nic727]

Nope. That screen shot comes from Reality version 1.000 :D

I said WOW for development pictures, not for the last one :)

[Kittle]

Hey IceFire, do you know if that is one of the transport Liberators, the C-87 I think their in service designation was. Or is it an unarmed training aircraft?

[IceFire]

Hey IceFire, do you know if that is one of the transport Liberators, the C-87 I think their in service designation was. Or is it an unarmed training aircraft?
Here's the Wikimedia entry.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maxwell_B-24.jpg

It appears to be at a four engine training school so I guess some sort of unarmed training model.

[Buster_Dee]

Don't know if all transport conversions had solid nose, passenger windows, and loading door, but that has been my impression. I seem to recall that some had tail guns (though not proper turrets).

[JollySam]

Hello,

Are there any progress updates on this project?

[Monguse]

It should be in 4.13. Might see a progress shot on a given Friday once some of the small issues are are ironed out.

[nic727]

It should be in 4.13. Might see a progress shot on a given Friday once some of the small issues are are ironed out.

:D

[JollySam]

It should be in 4.13. Might see a progress shot on a given Friday once some of the small issues are are ironed out.

Thats great news. I can't wait!

So when is 4.13 coming out?

[gaunt1]

Thats great news. I can't wait!

So when is 4.13 coming out?

Obvious. Two weeks! :wink:

[JollySam]

Obvious. Two weeks! :wink:

Why obvious?

I guess I had better start practicing with the B-25 bombsight again. :)

[Buster_Dee]

"Two weeks" is the answer to all timeline questions.

It's a salute to Oleg :)

[Tuco22]

Scientifically referred to as Oleg time.

[ElAurens]

Be sure!

[ThePilot4ever]

Utterly, amazing!

[wheelsup_cavu]

It should be in 4.13. Might see a progress shot on a given Friday once some of the small issues are are ironed out.

Looking forward to it. :)


Wheels

[Tempest123]

Looking amazing, what a tremendous amount of work.

[Monguse]

Might want to have a look here

http://forum.1cpublishing.eu/showthread.php?p=512446#post512446

[rollnloop]

speechless :shock:

[Monguse]

And I'm sleepless.

Remember modeling took a very long time with two modelers and some very talented programmers.

Glad you like it. 4.13 should be allot of fun.

[ElAurens]

Wow!

Well done Monguse and team!!!!!

Can't wait to fly her.

[Fighterace]

What's your next project Monguse??

[Monguse]

At the moment I'd say, enjoy Christmas followed by sleep.

Seriously though, I'm not sure which project I'll pick. There are a few that need immediate attention after 4.13.

[Fighterace]

At the moment I'd say, enjoy Christmas followed by sleep.

Seriously though, I'm not sure which project I'll pick. There are a few that need immediate attention after 4.13.

Enjoy it Monguse, your B-24 is brilliant and thank you. I look forward to your next project :)

[Monguse]

One last note, remember there have been two modelers, couple of talented programmers and countless of people helping out with documentation and photos.

[Extreme_One]

Beautiful! Thank you to everyone involved.

[ElAurens]

Hey 'Guse, how about a nice easy 2 seater for the next go 'round?

Say a Curtiss SB2C?

HEEE!!!!

Enjoy your holiday and get some rest sir.

[_RAAF_Firestorm]

Love your work Monguse, legendary stuff!

[T}{OR]

On behalf of whole DBS: massive thank you, we will make sure to put her through some proper historical missions / nice formations. :)

[Buster_Dee]

Look, I don't want to spoil the fun, but Monguse and I both built this bird. I can't lay claim to any of the external improvements (well, maybe the engine cases, woohoo), but I did a butt-load of the internals.

I've had my rant. I look forward to seeing players fly formations I wouldn't dare attempt. My hope is that good human gunners keep some of you "alive."

[ElAurens]

Thank you sir for all the hard work.

I suspect I'll be sitting on the ramp for a very long time just looking over all of your interior handywork.

All the best for the holidays.

[Buster_Dee]

Well, "butt-load" as in about half. I didn't mean to imply more.

[T}{OR]

Look, I don't want to spoil the fun, but Monguse and I both built this bird. I can't lay claim to any of the external improvements (well, maybe the engine cases, woohoo), but I did a butt-load of the internals.

I've had my rant. I look forward to seeing players fly formations I wouldn't dare attempt. My hope is that good human gunners keep some of you "alive."

Fully aware of the work you put into this mate. The thanks goes to both of you and the guys who did the coding to make it into what we can see from the video.

If not interested in flying formation with DBS, you are more than welcome to hop in as a gunner or bombardier. ;)

[Buster_Dee]

Thanks for the invite. Still partial to my old squad. I'd probably be confined to quarters for AWOL.