Charl wrote:Good choice... I guess we FS9ers won't see many more "New-builds" like this, unless it can easily be parallel made with Lionheart's extended poly techniques for FS9.
One can dream... amazing aircraft, and deserving a fresh look in flightsim, for sure.
I never did figure out where the propshaft (apt term, eh?) runs - between the pilot's knees??
Charl,
I have actually been contimplating (seriously) if buidling an FSX and FS9 version of the -39 would be feasible, both at the same time (I also have to start thinking about "Flight" as well). I'll probably try to do both, with that aim from day 1, but if it becomes too much of a problem, I may have to just focus on the P-39 for FSX alone (at least first).
The problem is of course time involved - in order to make the most of an FSX aircraft, the textures should be made at a resolution of at least 2048x2048 or larger, which FS9 doesn't support, so two different texture formats would have to be created, which also requires re-mapping the model in the process (two quite lengthy processes on their own). The texture materials, as assigned within the modeling software, are also different, between the FS9 and FSX models, so all of the materials would have to be made new and assigned to all of the parts over again. I have had experience with the work-around for the more detailed/higher quality FS9 models, as I used that method when I built the FS9 P-51B/C's - though it gets to be a headache after a while, since it is a multi-step thing. In general, building for FSX produces better results, and more easily, so that is really why those that get into development for FSX, can't really see the benefit in going back to FS9. Making an aircraft for both FS9 and FSX, is almost just as time-consuming as making two completely different aircraft, despite them being the exact same type. With the numbers of individuals who still use FS9, many of them FS9 alone, it could possibly be a worth-while venture.
About the propshaft on the P-39 and P-63 The propshaft runs along the middle of the cockpit floor, just above it, between the pilot's legs (though at a height no higher than his feet). There is a tunnel-cover over the top of it, though it is simply a curved-piece of aluminum sheet. The base of the control stick actually has to straddle the propshaft. The propshaft leads up to a gear box in the very front of the nose, as the cannon runs directly through the center hub of the propeller/spinner, requiring the prop to be geared around the cannon to the propshaft.
Having talked everyone's ears off over the last year about all kinds of different P-51D/K's, I look forward to being able to start fresh on a new topic, lol. ; )
As I mentioned above, a first look at this new project should come before Christmas.
, Wrong Airshow Venue tho , Wanaka is the place you want to display 
.... think the word 'Stopgap' has been replaced by 'Squadron' and a new one at that 
, think we all have this history and to learn , the build with a P-51 is amazing , it to follow the one that sorta get left behind , the 39 , Chuck Yeager,s and recent mention of Bud Andersons trainer , would have grin's to no this one is to be made . 
