Accuracy of new P-40 external models

[streakeagle]

The preview shots exhibited the problem, now the final release looks the same: something isn't quite right with the nose from the spinner to the chin air intake. Compare some srcreenshots from the game with photos of the real thing. It is very obvious with the P-40B, but the P-40E has similar problems:






I would say just looking at the photos/diagrams that the AH nose diameter is too small, making it look longer and thinner than it should.

[mechanic]

Computer screens warp things slightly at all the different resolutions. Perhaps that is what you are seeing?

[streakeagle]

It is not warping due to field of view, or other planes wouldn't look right either. Specifically, look at the length versus width of the spinner and the attachment area between the spinner and the chin radiator intake. It looks long and skinny compared to the real thing. The P-40E has the exact same issue, but the bigger radiator intake makes it less obvious.

[mechanic]

The middle comparison looks very similar to me and the top and bottom ones look like they are from different angles in-game and real life, even though similar angles, not exact. I am curious about what you are saying and I am not telling you that you are wrong, I just don't really see anything profoundly different.

[Volron]

If anything, the wheels look a little bigger in AH vs RL...

[Widewing]

The fuselage spine is too flat. The radiator inlet scoop is too shallow. And, the tires are about 30% too large in diameter.....

The speed and climb model is unchanged... It's still modeled as a P-40C. Likewise, the P-40E retains WEP, which it didn't have in RL.

Handling seems improved, but I haven't had a chance to check turn radius yet.

[Stoney]

Shouldn't we be comparing it to a set of P-40 plans instead of photos and artists' conceptions? 

[streakeagle]

It would be a waste of my time to generate line drawings and overlaying them to show the problem. If you can't already see the problem without even looking at a photo, you probably never will. It was obvious to me the moment I saw the preview pics without looking at any photos. My first impression was that the spinner and the section of nose immediately behind it are too narrow compared to the rest of the aircraft, particularly from a side view, but also from a top view. I provided photos to support my observation. This error surprises me as HTC has always provided remarkably accurate shapes up to the limit of the number of polygons they were willing to use. I have used screenshots of HTC aircraft side by side with photos to point out errors of models for other sims. I was extremely happy when HTC originally released the P-40 for AH1. I have been looking forward to an AH2 update for some time.

Obviously, the shape of the nose isn't visible from the cockpit and doesn't matter much for gameplay purposes. But I am still disappointed.

[Krusty]

I agree with the assessments so far, and will add: On the real B the intake conforms around the curvature of the nose, but on the AH remodel it juts out from it almost as if apart from it. Hard to describe, but on the real B the scoop looks blended in, but on the AH model it seems as if it's slung below the nose which stands on its own, and the shape then looks different to the eye.

I was hoping they'd smooth some of the edges around the intake, too. Seems rather boxy and angular like the old models.

[mechanic]

I'm just a filthy heathen and I can't see the differences.

If it was a mosquito mind you...

[Karnak]

Looks to me like the scoop might be too far back as well.

[Widewing]

Shouldn't we be comparing it to a set of P-40 plans instead of photos and artists' conceptions? 

I have... Neither P-40 is as accurate in shape as what it replaced.... Moreover, I cannot understand why they didn't look at the performance model....

[Widewing]

Judge for yourselves...

IMHO, it isn't even close.

Upper photo is actual AVG Tomahawk, below is new P-40B...

[Karnak]

Not disagreeing about the divergence, but...that top image looks like a painting, not a photo to me, Widewing.

The nose definitely doesn't match though.

[Widewing]

Not disagreeing about the divergence, but...that top image looks like a painting, not a photo to me, Widewing.

The nose definitely doesn't match though.

It's a painting based upon a B&W photo. Very accurate.

Here's some other photos...