So... it's been a little while. I've done less than I expected, mainly due to school and other irl commitments, but I've done a fair bit of work on the SWL-120.
This is still not an "official" progress update, more like a sub-update or small teaser. I have started writing the official one, but I haven't completed the nose landing gear remake and as such it's not ready to post yet.
Anyway, some pictures.
Aside from the landing gear remake, one of the other things I've done is do some upgrades to the wings. I'll talk more about this in the ninth progress update, but one of the things I did is 3D modelled some wing rib ends and no step lines. I did this externally and not in SP because it's way easier to perfectly align complex geometry to the wing.
I've also completed the main landing gear and made the modded version of it.
And finally, part count.
900 parts for what should be a 20000-30000 part airliner lol.
I still maintain a no mods version too, with 3500 parts.
And this doesn't even have an interior or full engines; it's just a cargo version with the front fan of the engines.
@PlaneFlightX Its a very crude and difficult way of designing, but will get a somewhat more accurate shape.
@windshifter1 The panels are very obvious, that's all. It's still an interesting method though.
@PlaneFlightX How so? I did my best. Normal fuselages don't really work well for ships, so I decided on panelling it instead.
@windshifter1 Looks pretty good! The bow geometry is a little interesting.
@PlaneFlightX I wish I did. Some progress here and there, but nothing big. I paused production for a little while, to work on a new ship design.
Here is a little sneak peak:
https://i.ibb.co/zxStkyd/Screenshot-643.png
https://i.ibb.co/GvzHpCv/Screenshot-642.png
@windshifter1 Hello again, any updates on the Cessna 172 project? I'm excited to see what you come up with.
@PlaneFlightX Ok, I assume the test sounds were for the SWL-120 engines?
Interesting about the possibility of a sound mod - I know you are quite busy so I shall ask around other modders if they can finish/create that idea.
For discord, sure. But I am currently travelling right now so I'll inquire about it later when I get back, or whenever need be.
@windshifter1 Alright
Tone gen - You are limited to basic tones. However, with the right combination, you can create your own realistic engine sounds. I haven't got this right, but me and klm747 (some parts of the SWL-120 came from the source files of this mod we made) were experimenting with tone generator for engine sfx a year ago. We did develop some interesting test sounds, but we never finished it. I'm planning to look at it again after I finish some other subprojects of the SWL-120.
A sound mod is 100% possible. SnoWFLakE0s made an unreleased sound mod that you can view the Unity project for here. I personally have downloaded it and exported the mod inside, but I have no idea how the code actually works.
If you're wondering how to build as detailed as me, I honestly have no idea. I guess I've simply improved over time. I'd say try to include every little detail you see, especially for a replica. Screws? Add them. Small texts here and there? Add them. Engine? Try to build it as best you can, making sure to get the measurements right. If you do go ahead with this project I would be very interested in helping you if you need it.
Btw, do you have Discord? I'm sure that would be easier for both of us than an increasingly long comment chain on this update forum.
@PlaneFlightX Apologies for peppering you with questions, I hope I dont bother you. I am simply interested in getting deeper into the more technical side of SP. I hope to do modding to make new parts mainly, as well as some FT work. I would like to follow your style of incredible detail, actually! But with smaller, general aviation aircraft - not as large scale and impressive as yours. For my current (But delayed to to computer issues) project, a C172, it helps that I am part of a small aviation recreational club, so I can see and inspect the C172 simulator there for extreme detail. Without that sort of access, I can't imagine the digging and research you would have to do to produce this.
@PlaneFlightX If not, do you think a sound mod would be supported in SP? Is it pontentially possible?
@PlaneFlightX Understood about the fuel. Good idea.
About the tone generator, I have seen it around but was never sure what it did. Can you import sound files for it to play in sp, like maybe replace the engine sounds? Or is it just a single, adjustable tone or something?
@PlaneFlightX Yeah I understand. So many projects, what to focus on? In the end I do a little bit of all and none of them get finished xD
@PlaneFlightX Thanks for the tug! Will test soon.
@windshifter1 Here is the pushback tug. I haven't done any of the attachment and towing systems unfortunately, just the tug with half an interior.
@windshifter1
I forgot to upload, sorry (will do soon). The AI vehicles subproject has been kinda put on hold, but it will be completed... eventually.
Yes, most static bodies are 1 part. For example, inboard flap, outboard flap, outboard wing segment (wingflex reasons), wing base, fuselage, seats, interior without seats, engine parts, etc. You are correct.
Oh, the infinite fuel is just so I don't have to worry about running out of fuel in the game. The plane itself will feature a fully simulated and coded three-tank system, with realistic engine fuel draw, crossfeed, fuel dumping, and more.
Thanks!
I'd say tone generator is a useful part for extra sound effects, but I honestly don't use too many parts mods (tbh I don't even browse through the site too much, I check it all the time but just for notifications). It's all my own mod for the SWL-120 aside from tone gen.
@PlaneFlightX Ohhh, ok
So the entire seating is 1 part, engine 1 part and so on, is that correct?
For the infinite fuel, if possible please dont because I do like the time limitation for realism.
Also, ok so it is mainly 787. I quite like it!
This just sparked my memory, I was meaning to ask you if you could tell me of the best, useful parts mods? It seems just looking on the SP website does not show all of them for some reason.
@PlaneFlightX Ok, thanks about the AI vehicles. Releasing soon?
@windshifter1 Thanks!
1. In the modded version, every single static body is a mod part. Image 1 | Image 2. There's over 90 modded parts the last time I counted. You can view more information here and here, as well as some other random bits scattered across the progress updates.
2. This plane has infinite fuel, which I guess screws up the empty weight calculations. The plane weighs EXACTLY 30,000 pounds, on the dot, both the modded and non-modded versions.
3. As explained and shown in 1, yes. The seats are the exact same models from this mod I made with klm747, except 1 part for the entire interior, as I have access to the source files.
4. The SWL-120's main fuselage in its current state (I've slightly redesigned it over the years) is the 787, with a 787 interior (the galleys are also literally modelled after 787 galleys). It has 787 landing gear, and 767 redo/787 cockpit screens. The FMC is inspired by the A320. The wings are 777, with 737 wingtips. The engines are meant to be the GE90, but with the 787 chevrons (I plan to redesign them to be more like the GE90 later, still with chevrons). The overhead panel and most of the center panel is also inspired by the 787, although some elements are redesigned for convenience of building and coding. Some other parts around the plane are also probably modified from real life to better suit SP.
@windshifter1 In response to the AI vehicles, I do have a somewhat developed pushback tug. It can't pushback anything yet, but I'll upload something for you soon. Just typing out a detailed response to your first comment.
Also, I remember you having AI airport vehicles for aircraft pushback. Would you be able to supply even just a barebones/work-in-progress version? Many times I have wanted such a thing for me to spawn at SP airport to help me reverse, but I cannot and just have to spawn my aircraft elsewhere. Kinda ruins the immersion, especially when using your amazing SWL-10 (That is the aircraft I want it for)
Amazing, unbelievable how you did it so detailed! A few questions.
1. The engine, is it a modded part? I dont see how you could achieve that in SP itself without 20Billion parts
2. What is empty weight negative 110,198,900lbs? Is it a glitch? Will it affect the actual aircraft performance?
3. Did you mod the seats? Or did you use the Interior Goodies mod, because it looks very similar.
4. What is its size based on? A330? A340? Or others? What is its intended range and performance (Speed, max altitude, etc)?
This is gonna make my phone explode so hard that one side of the world will refuse to exist
I Wanna for no mod cuz im mobile
I’m looking at the cargo model and thinking: there is NO way that is a Mobile friendly aircraft
this is going to headshot my computer