fletcher fu24

[Charl]

That's looking very promising, I can see Hijinx's trigger finger already twitching on the repaint button.
The smoke effect is what is going to elevate this model, ultimately.
Its whole existence centres on dropping stuff, doesn't it?

[deaneb]

The sound will be interesting - the closest I've heard is the FSX Beaver !!!

For certain the smoke effect is important, I played around a lot for my Huey model to get a fert trail from the underslung bucket. The bit I really want is a very concentrated flow falling immediately from the hopper outlet, which breaks up and then waffts out like the smoke effects.

As for painting - I'm making it as easy as possible for people to paint. I've looked at most of the Fletcher paint schemes and I think the way I've applied textures will allow people to achieve them OK. The only reason I went for the SupeerAir scheme was because I had a good pic of the tail which was easy to use as a texture first up. The fun bit will be making this model dirty - lets face it your average Fletcher has more mud and cow poo on the underside than it does paint !!

I'll release a paint kit with plain white paint texures and will include the dirt on a separate layer.

Deane

[Jenks]

My trigger finger is definitely itching... looking fantastic already Deane

[Charl]

I might even have a go at painting it if you're making it that easy
I was wondering if a pilot figure might be able to make it into the AI plane, if the poly's work out favourably?
Henry T doesn't do clear glass on the Cessna's which is OK
But this is such a big glasshouse, it would add a lot to the "feel" of the model.
One with wide eyes, perhaps? That's the way they fly 'em.

[deaneb]

Yeah - when I down spec the model for AI, I can have a simple pilot (head and shoulders).

Deane

[Charl]

Just out of idle curiosity for us non-modellers:
What's the time split in producing a model like this, between research/3d modelling/texturing/painting?

[deaneb]

Just out of idle curiosity for us non-modellers:
What's the time split in producing a model like this, between research/3d modelling/texturing/painting?

At a guess probably 20 % research and 40% model, 40% texture.
It all depends on the model and the references available. I like to texture as I model each piece to ensure that all is working, that the textures align and render to the parts in the way I want.

To get the Fletcher to the point it is at in the screenshots would be at least 60 hrs of work. I've never really kept count of the hours for fear of scaring myself !!!

Deane

[K5054NZ]

Nice Deane  , hey peoples should start a Wanganui Areo Trio- the airshow Demo team !

Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes YESSSSSSSSSS!


If we ever do a virtual Warbirds Over Wanaka I'd love to volunteer as one of the Aero Work pilots!


Deane, you magnificent b*st*rd! Fantastic!



I don't care if my joystick's broke, I want one! So where were these pics done? How long til she's released? Are you doing sound too? Am I asking too many questions? Will there be any other paint schemes available at release?






Oooooh, I can;t wait. Great stuff. You've made my day!

[deaneb]

How long til she's released? - When it is finished and tested !!


Are you doing sound too? - Borrowing FSX Beaver sound for now, as its the closest thing without messing around with something I know little about.

Am I asking too many questions? - Nope just excited.

Will there be any other paint schemes available at release? - Probably - I want to do Wanagnui aero work as I grew up in Hawera and they were a common(ish) site. I was also lucky enough to fly 2 topdressing sorties in a Fletcher which was eventually part of their fleet. 2 flights I will never ever forget, nor repeat as it has always been illegal to carry pax on agricultural operations and I remain grateful to the pilot who gave me the flights 21 years ago.

Deane

[Ian Warren]

Wanagnui aero work, Im pleased , the team should thro you into one of there display routines, most impressive! sure you'rd like TOO

[Snowman]

Maybe a James Aviation (Hamilton) repaint in there somewhere for the Fletcher Deane ??

Lawrie.

[deaneb]

Maybe a James Aviation (Hamilton) repaint in there somewhere for the Fletcher Deane ??

Lawrie.

I'm only doing current schemes so can leave that to the re-painters. From a detail point of view - I don't think James flew any 950M models. The 950M had a streamlined nose cowl and aileron end plates, which took it up to the same state as the later 954's which were factory built with those features. The 954s had a large cargo door and a window on each side of the fuse as well, but not all 950M's were modified with these.

And you thought a Fletcher was a Fletcher !!! Thats not counting the earlier 225, 240, 260, 285 and 300 hp models. And that is just the piston poered ones.

Deane