Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Custom Skins => Topic started by: cody1947 on February 18, 2014, 04:45:51 PM
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I am no computer whiz nor do I know about these items. I was directed here by someone who claims to have an idea. What I am needing is some type of prints for a township in England that has set aside a small portion of their civic center to honor a B-17 and it's crew. This Aircraft was apart of a mid-air collision just a few days after the end of WWII. Once I got an E-mail from someone a few years ago that had used some of my photos as a guide to make what he called skins. It was for some type of game he played. They were very well done & had a Hi-res look that I turned into posters. This is what this group is wanting for the walls around their displays of photos of the Crew and pieces of the B-17. Is there someone out there that would like to assist me in doing the same for them.
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I am currently working on a High Res B-17 for AH. I may be able to help, I say maybe as I would like more information about what you are looking for first to know what I am getting my self into? Do you have pictures etc?
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We have no photos of this aircraft but we do know all of the markings and where they went based off of photos of her sister ships. She was a NMF- Natural Metal Finish Silver Queen. A B-17G model assigned to the 379th BG. She saw less than 50 combat missions and had very few repairs due to Combat Damage. This accident took place just after the V-E Day Celebrations had started. They were on a sight seeing tour ferrying the Ground Personnel to various sites in England when the incident occurred. The Mid-air collision damage one of her sister ships (which returned to base) and sent her plummeting into a small village on the English coast Killing all 11 Airmen on board.
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Don't know if there is enough information to make a skin for Aces High really!
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May I inquire as to what is needed? We have photos of sister ships but the Markings would be different on this one but in the same place.
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a Providence to prove that the aircraft existed and what it looked like, pictures of nose art etc... You can't just make it up.
You never said when you will be needing this by?
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Well I may not have been totally clear on this. The aircraft did exist and we have a photo of the nose with the crew but we don't have a full shot showing the tail section and fuselage area where there are markings Identifying the Bomb Squadron and Bomb Group but we know what the markings are for these details and where they go based off of her sister ships from that era.
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ok so what are the marking on the train and side meant to be like?
when does this have to be finished by??????????????????????????
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I'll send more photos with more details of the paint scheme but this ship shown here had the markings correct except 44-8198 was not OD painted ecept around the engine cowling. She also would not have the aircraft letter H on the Fuselage; only under the Triangle "K" on the tail.
This aircraft was Serial Number 44-8198 with the call sign (fuselage code) was LF-H
The Nose you already can see from the other photo then going back along the fuselage would have been the star - then the waist gunner's window - then the letters LF - the H would be under the Triangle "K" the Serial number of course would be 44-8198 in the bottom yellow trim of the triangle.
The exhibit for the Aircraft & crew is open all year. There will be a ceremony marking the anniversary of the collision on 11 May of this year but the folks who are organizing the event says there's no time limit.
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This is how the tail section would look except that the letters and serial number would be those of Aircraft number 44-8198 discussed in the earlier post
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I almost forgot to point out the number in the top of the triangle. On the sample there is a 1 at the top of the triangle but 44-8198 would have a 3 there. She used to be in the same Squadron as "Swamp Fire and at one time had a 1 there and a Call sign of WA-Z but she was transferred just before the war's end to the 526th BS which all had a 3 in the top of the triangle and their call signs were LF-H.
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Good there is no time limit as I already have a number of requests for b-17s so it could be a few months before I get round to it!
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I seem to be getting there soon than I thought I would. Now do want he bashed up or nice and sharp and new looking. The choice is your?
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here is mock up of her so far
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I believe they will love this. I'll send them a copy of this (if you have no problem with that) and get back to you as soon as they reply.
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Just remember to tell them that it is still a work in progress.
Also the position of the tail triangle has to be there as there is a problem with the rudder distorting the artwork if I move it anywhere else.
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The supervisor of the project just got back to me and they are floored with your work. I of course told them that this is a work in progress and they were shocked it wasn't finished. They love it thus far but their worries are in the cost(s) that you may need for your efforts. So they wanted me to ask before you proceed any further; as usual in events such as this their budget is limited.
I told them that the gentleman who did all of the Artwork for me on Swamp Fire did at least three different angles but I have lost contact with him and that you have stepped up to assist and I had no idea what your plans were for their project and how much you were willing to do for them or the costs that may be involved.
I like what you have done so far as well.
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Please tell them there is no charge and it is my pleasure, I will get it finished as soon as I can. Maybe some can send me a copy of what they use it for as in a jpg of it. Some photos etc... Just so I can see the finished work.
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When i finish the skin, what are you goingto do withit next?
How big a print are you going to make when you are finished do you have anyone to do that? You do realise the fact that aces high it's self is not that hi res a sim as far as they go so try and keep it as small as posible. Let me know and I may be able to help with producing the finished work, I do by best bit no promises.
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I didn't know the 3 skins that this guy sent me were so small. I've never tried to blow them up into a photo. This young lady and Gentleman are from Braintree, England and they needed data and info for a room size memorial at their civic center dedicated to these airmen and this aircraft that collided over their village. The group was on a sight seeing tour because the war had just ended. The other aircraft was able to land but this one crashed nearly in the middle of town. Eyewitnesses said it was surely going to hit some buildings and then it was as if the pilot got just enough control back to fly her to the edge before she finally broke apart spreading debris. Over the years people have found parts from the wreckage and they are all donating the pieces for this memorial. I have assisted them with tracking down relatives of some of the Airmen and supplied reports and data on the event. Unfortunately as we have discussed there was no photo of the aircraft and they were hoping to get some artwork showing what the aircraft would have looked like. At the time of the accident. I never thought of the resolution problems in doing this.
Richard Lewis
253 Leasor Lane
Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42701
Phone: 270-769-3792
Websites: http://sites.google.com/site/swampfiresite/home
and
https://sites.google.com/site/379thbgnoseart/
E-mail: swampfire1944@gmail.com
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well how big is the image going to need to be?
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I explained the problem as you described and not knowing much about that sort of stuff they want to know if you can give them some examples as to just how high a resolution you can do.
They would like to put some photo(s) in the display area and want to also include the photo(s) in a pamphlet or in some advertising of the exhibit as well. I would imagine that they would be happy with 8x10 style photos, if possible.
I guess the question is what is possible?
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I will see what I can do
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I have talked to Skuzzy and he is happy for us to use snapshots from Aces High but he ask if it was at all possible for Aces High to get a mention which I totaly think is fair and to that end I have with skuzzy's blessing put a Aces High Logo on two of the images. it would just be nice if one of both of them could get used and a mention for Aces High. I have also a request that my name is put in somewhere for making the skin. (Benjamin Davies of Heacham, Norfolk in England of course)
Let me know if these are OK?
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3 more images
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Nice job Hornet! You're a real class act. I wish there were more like you out there.
~S~ Buck
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:salute ty
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Hornet
I have heard back from a representative of the group and they are floored with you work. They also said that you were just a few hours from them. I know they want to express their appreciation on all of your efforts & I told them that my job is done and I would like to get you in touch with them. I do not know the protocol here are for that matter I'm not real sure of what goes on with this site. I am not an internet wizard by any means and too old to retrain. How do I send you their contact info?
As for me it was a pleasure assisting this group in Braintree with their project and thus far a wonderful experience watching the magic and artistry of you here on Aces High. Your generous efforts have been above and beyond the call of duty. I could never afford this rich work that you do and if you add in the time and effort I know of very few who could.
I showed your work to my Dad's Ground Crew Chief & explained what was going on or at least as best I could. I told him I guess they're like high tech re-enactors. He remembers the incident as if it were just yesterday. At one time he assisted his fellow Ground Crewmen on that Aircraft in fall of 1944 when it was assigned to the 524th BS. He was totally speechless for awhile. "Amazing"! "Just amazing"! "You mean there are guys out there reliving the war and doing things like this?" "It's, almost real! I thought it was for a minute!" "I kept saying to myself where did you get a picture of this old girl?"(The one I showed him was where 198 was just off the wing).
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What a thoroughly pleasant thread.
Superb work Hornet :aok
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What a thoroughly pleasant thread.
Superb work Hornet :aok
Indeed! Bravo all!!!
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Hornet - My e-mail is listed above can you send me an E-mail there?
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The game may be a fantasy, but the people that play, are quite real. Excellent job sir. We may even get a few new players our of this.
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I assume you do re-enactments of missions. How does this re-enactment work? Is there some way I can watch or see what is going on?
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I assume you do re-enactments of missions. How does this re-enactment work? Is there some way I can watch or see what is going on?
This community does recreate and participate in historical battles. On Friday nights you will find several hundred people flying under orders to make these battles as real as possible. Not all of these missions turn out as they did in history however. They are set up as they mostly were historically but the outcome is not always the same. This is a fantastic game. I invite you and your friends to join us. You can even open an account and get the first 2 weeks for free. The learning curve is rather steep. It will take time to become proficient. FYI, you can also join a bomber as a gunner during these battles which will certainly put you in the middle of the fray with a limited skill set. I am a member of a Lutwaffe squad, JG11. We immerse ourselves in the role we play and I must tell you, there is nothing quite like flying along with 25 of my squad mates, hunting for the enemy. Many times we will engage many dozens of bombers, protected by their escorts at high altitude. It gets very busy, you get completely lost in the moment and can feel the history come alive around you.
Imagine, you and your friends, taking that beautiful bird that was created for you here into battle.
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I am not skilled in the use of computer games. May have to hand that job over to the Grandson. However I was wondering if you get a mission can it be placed on a video if seen from one aircraft? I would love to show that at our next re-union of the "Swamp Fire" Crews and families gathering. The best mission they were on was a historical first & would seem perfect for your skilled players.
The Grapefruit Mission was the first time a flying bomb was used by U.S. forces in combat against Cologne, Germany. It was a gyro controlled 2000lb flying bomb. The mission took place on 28 May 1944.
60 aircraft from three Bomb Groups 303rd, 483rd and the 379th followed a 1000 plane raid into the Ruhr Valley. One of the 379th BG aircraft aborted due to bad oil. The other 59 set up their attack positions. There were more fighter escorts at this one spot than any other time of the war. The sky was crowded with them guarding this pay load from being captured. The three groups of the 41st CBW dropped 109 of the 2,000-lb. Glide Bombs. The Bombing started at 13:08 hours from 19,500 to 20,000 feet at an indicated airspeed of 140 mph. The aircraft were put in a 1,000 to 1,500-foot-per-minute dive for 90 to 120 seconds, losing 1,900 feet and building up an airspeed of at least 191 mph. It was a challenge to get the proper speed (191 to 200 mph), an altitude no less than 18,000 ft before the Glide Bombs were released from their under wing carriages. After bomb release, a left turn was made and the Combat Wing reassembled at 19,000 feet. They were Approximately 20 to 25 miles from target.
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I am not skilled in the use of computer games. May have to hand that job over to the Grandson. However I was wondering if you get a mission can it be placed on a video if seen from one aircraft? I would love to show that at our next re-union of the "Swamp Fire" Crews and families gathering. The best mission they were on was a historical first & would seem perfect for your skilled players.
The Grapefruit Mission was the first time a flying bomb was used by U.S. forces in combat against Cologne, Germany. It was a gyro controlled 2000lb flying bomb. The mission took place on 28 May 1944.
60 aircraft from three Bomb Groups 303rd, 483rd and the 379th followed a 1000 plane raid into the Ruhr Valley. One of the 379th BG aircraft aborted due to bad oil. The other 59 set up their attack positions. There were more fighter escorts at this one spot than any other time of the war. The sky was crowded with them guarding this pay load from being captured. The three groups of the 41st CBW dropped 109 of the 2,000-lb. Glide Bombs. The Bombing started at 13:08 hours from 19,500 to 20,000 feet at an indicated airspeed of 140 mph. The aircraft were put in a 1,000 to 1,500-foot-per-minute dive for 90 to 120 seconds, losing 1,900 feet and building up an airspeed of at least 191 mph. It was a challenge to get the proper speed (191 to 200 mph), an altitude no less than 18,000 ft before the Glide Bombs were released from their under wing carriages. After bomb release, a left turn was made and the Combat Wing reassembled at 19,000 feet. They were Approximately 20 to 25 miles from target.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMpZSSjtv6Y
A first person video of one staffel of JG11 taking on over 100 enemy Mustangs, Thunderbolts and B-17's.
Enjoy. Soundtrack begins a few moments in.
<S>
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That was very interesting. So all of those other aircraft were being flown by someone else somewhere else. looks very interesting. I know all the kids, nephews and Grandkids would be interested. Can you make videos of a planned mission or are all of your missions competition game only style?
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That was very interesting. So all of those other aircraft were being flown by someone else somewhere else. looks very interesting. I know all the kids, nephews and Grandkids would be interested. Can you make videos of a planned mission or are all of your missions competition game only style?
Yes...every plane, tank, LV, PT boats...all other players from around the world. Connected through radio and text. That video was from Main Arena action...where anything goes.
Other events...Historical Missions are flown regularly in separate Arena's and presented and created by player volunteers. Look around You tube there...there is thousands of movies from the game.
You can make videos of any kind of action or mission you like.
Salute.
EDIT: And don't sell yourself short, Cody. One gentleman in my squadron will be celebrating his 84th birthday next month.
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Sent you an email so you have my email address now, so the b-17 is finished now? I did not know if I put to much brown on the engines, what do you think and where the rest of the marking OK?
I am happy for you to pass on my email address
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Hornet
I suppose this is like any artwork - It's never completed by the artist because we always see something else to do on it. The folks it was meant for liked them. However, I have already relayed your contact info to them and if you guys want to talk further on it, then you can. This way it skips another person's perception(s). The markings are reflective of 379th BG for that time period when 44-8198 was active and repainted with the new squadron codes. She was originally with the 524th BS and then transferred to the 526th BS early 1945.
Like I said my Dad's Ground Crew Chief once worked on this aircraft and at first thought it was a real photo of her at first. We had him and his son on a video chat the other night and showed it to him. He was real pleased to hear about you guys and what you're doing.
Thanks Hornet job well done in my book!
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This come from your site. I need the actual bomb squad that our skin is meant to represent so which one is ours?
44-8198
525th BS
Fuselage Code LF/H
Pictured here with the Moates Crew
This aircraft survived the war and
returned to the United States on
07/13/1945
She was sold at auction on
01/11 1946 no other record
is known of her whereabouts.
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What a thoroughly pleasant thread.
Superb work Hornet :aok
Agreed. Pure class Hornet. :aok
May just be a game to some but to most it's a way to keep the memory of these hero's alive.
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Sorry hornet my bad eyes had me transferring another aircraft's data when I typed that on the site. Thanks for catching that. I have made the changes.
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Agreed. Pure class Hornet. :aok
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ditto :aok
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My friends. We could do as these fine folks want. We could do a custom arena, fly the historical mission that they want to see and film it. It would not have to be a battle but rather a pre-determined outcome just to get it on film so they could watch it.
Or
We could do a snapshot, setting the pieces in play and letting the players determine the outcome with their gameplay as we do in other snapshot's, scenario's and FSO's, and film that for him.
We have exellent fim makers here. Either situation could have multiple films from multiple players to be edited down to portray the battle well.
I have limited skills or organizational abilities. I would be willing to spend some time flying it for them.
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Count me in
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My friends. We could do as these fine folks want. We could do a custom arena, fly the historical mission that they want to see and film it. It would not have to be a battle but rather a pre-determined outcome just to get it on film so they could watch it.
Or
We could do a snapshot, setting the pieces in play and letting the players determine the outcome with their gameplay as we do in other snapshot's, scenario's and FSO's, and film that for him.
We have exellent fim makers here. Either situation could have multiple films from multiple players to be edited down to portray the battle well.
I have limited skills or organizational abilities. I would be willing to spend some time flying it for them.
I'm down.
I'd recommend contacting Jaeger1 from Jg 54. I'm sure he'd set up the AvA for something like this.
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In!!!
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If anyone is interested in the history of this mission details of the the Grapefruit Mission can be found on the 303rd BG website. I also have some data on it from the 379th BG Anthology and some general info on my tribute site to Swamp Fire - 42-32024 - Swamp Fire was the first Heavy Bomber to reach 100 missions without an abort. I haven't checked the 483rd website but there may be something there about it.