I just talked to HiTech Creations and got some guidance on the making of the "Belle". Eventually there will probably be other B-17 Model that will be made. Obviously this is not a high priority right now due to thier current tasking. John felt that it would probably be wise to stick to only historically accurate modeling as far as the game will permit. I understand it to be sort of like this...
Example... Skins should be as historically accurate as possible and should only be made for models that match the ones that exist in the game. If there are anomolies that exist in the game that preclude the skin from being applied use your best judgement and work with HiTech creations to create it as faithfully as can be done. (ie the modeling on a B-17 only allows a diamond. This would means that only planes from the 1st Bomb Wing could be rendered and over half of the planes would be excluded because planes from the 2nd & 3rd BW (circles and squares could not be done) Look at the picture of A Bit O' Lace above in Festers post. I did the K on the tail (it should be a square, not a diamond) The game only allows a diamond there and also automatically puts it on the upper port wing surface. So some things happen that we can't do any thing about for now. Latter as the game progressees possibly they may address them or they they may simply decide it is not an issue. Also, wing surfaces both top and bottom mirror each other so what goes on one goes on the other. The same type of mirroring exsists on the side of the aircraft so care needs to be used when deciding what and what not to put on. Example I have a faithful rendition of the Nose art for "A Bit O'Lace" but (1) it would be in the place where the squadron logo goes (2) it would mirror to the other side and only half would show and the lettering would would be backwards. (So...... I left it off!
) I could go on for hours and give numerous examples... So the rule I think I would follow is try and pick planes that you like that look the best under the current structures for now. Do your best and get guidance from HTC before you do a lot of extensive work if you want to see it in the game. But if your like me, I have as much fun making planes as flying them sometimes, so I just have fun! Fun is what its all about and why I guess I have still chosen to hang in after 14yrs. Mapping, Skins, Strat, yadda, yadda is what gives me diversions when I need a break from flying
I think I will but the "Memphis Belle" on hold for a while.
Salute
Thunder
