[WIP] Pearl Submarine Base

[Nauticalwolf]

Hi all,

With calculator and graph paper in hand work continues on the Pearl Harbour Submarine Base. "Ever wondered why in a game/simulator about WW2 submarine warfare you start your missions from Pearl Harbour - from the Naval Yard" :yep: :hmm: :nope:

May I present The Pearl Harbour Submarine Base WIP

Based on 1940s photos:

http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/sngebmuduj.jpg

http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/usgjfmtctm.jpg

Work Continues:

http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/vyzhzkzqwr.jpg

Mapping work Completed - Mod will include Supply Depot to Southeast of Battleship Row.

.dat files renamed and re-id'ed
Some harbour traffic re-routed to allow for the Sub Base and Sup Depot

Southern section of base pretty much complete

http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/bgerjlvfvr.jpg

Construction continues on the Eastern side of the Submarine Base and the Supply Depot:

http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/vclphupnej.jpg

I don't know how to use 3d modeling programs so this work is all being done by number crunching through the dat files.

Mod should be out shortly......might change a few more textures first :hmm:

[CDR Resser]

Very nice work. I had been looking at maps of Pearl and trying to figure out where the sim had us starting and where the sub base was in relation. You are closing a major gap in the sim, thanks.

Respectfully Submitted;
CDR Resser

[gimpy117]

can you try to imporve fps while your at it??

i get around 25fps from 50 when im in there...

[JetSnake]

Can you correct the Mare Island Naval base in the Trigger Maru addon after this?

[LukeFF]

"Can you do this, can you do that, can you..."

Sheesh, people, let him focus on this project instead of bombarding him with all your little personal requests! :roll:



Very nice job, BTW, Nauticalwolf!

[kriller2]

SH4 has got a new modder and it with your latest projects and now this, it looks like it's a good one :yep: nice work.

@Gimpy I have been using alot of time trying to optimize the FPS in harbours, try download PE3 to see it for yourself ;)

[Nauticalwolf]

Thank you all for your comment. :up:

Thanks Mikhayl, I am getting quicker at it as I go along, doing the maths for angles, positions etc has really got the old "grey matter" going. :know: :up: :up:

Gimpy, once I get through with the Sub Base I already have had my eye on a few adjustments for Forde Island and hopefully these should help with frame rate. :yep:

Thanks LukeFF :up: :up: :up: :up:

[Nauticalwolf]

Thanks kriller2 :up: :up:

[LukeFF]

Thanks LukeFF :up: :up: :up: :up:

NP!

I'm really glad the bases are finally getting getting some polish, and Pearl Harbor is as good of a choice to start with as any of them. It really is a bit of a downer to load up a career starting from Hawaii and not even have the submarine base modeled at all. :nope:

Keep it up, and I look forward to seeing your work progress!

[Nauticalwolf]

LukeFF, again thank you :up: :up: :up: :up:

JetSnake, just quietly I have already been collecting ww2 aerial photos of Manilla, Freemantle, Brisbane and Dutch Harbour. But I thought I'd see how Pearl turned out before getting too ambitious. :D

[Ducimus]

Nice work!

[kylesplanet]

Really looking forward to this! I wish I could offer help but I'm a dummy on modding. :88) I appreciate everything all of you do very much.

[gimpy117]

Thank you all for your comment. :up:

Thanks Mikhayl, I am getting quicker at it as I go along, doing the maths for angles, positions etc has really got the old "grey matter" going. :know: :up: :up:

Gimpy, once I get through with the Sub Base I already have had my eye on a few adjustments for Forde Island and hopefully these should help with frame rate. :yep:

Thanks LukeFF :up: :up: :up: :up:

yeah i was just suggusting if it will take like 5 extra hours or somthing never mind...

[Nuc]

Really great work! :up: Are you using all existing objects or have you created new static objects?

[thasaint]

looks good, i'll actually start a career out of pearl and start in the base now :up:

[Nauticalwolf]

I'm a complete noob at 3d modding so am using all existing objects. I have thought about trying to make something that looks like the submarine escape training tower though.

[Nauticalwolf]

Hey everyone look what I found :rock: (whilst trolling the .dat files)

Extra Extra special thanks to the Devs for leaving this one :up:

CINCPAC HQ - on its way into position
http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/xwtbesadlw.jpg

[Nuc]

I'm a complete noob at 3d modding so am using all existing objects. I have thought about trying to make something that looks like the submarine escape training tower though.

You read my mind. I was wondering if a lighthouse could be turned into the escape tower. However when I look at lighthouse.dat using Silent 3ditor there is no model to export (as is true with many of the .dat files in the location folder). Where are these models?

[CDR Resser]

Hey everyone look what I found :rock: (whilst trolling the .dat files)

Extra Extra special thanks to the Devs for leaving this one :up:

CINCPAC HQ - on its way into position
http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/xwtbesadlw.jpg
Holy Cow! What a great find. I cannot wait to see this mod. From the photo in the first post, it appears that CINCPAC HQ overlooks the sub base, if I am not mistaken.
If the Moderators are listening, this thread deserves to be more obvious. It was rather hard to find, i.e. 2 or 3 trips thru the search function. This is our main operating base for pete's sake. Thanks.

Respectfully Submitted;
CDR Resser

[Torpex752]

Hate to burst a bubble, but that was/is the enlisted barracks. Not really critical, as long as its there!

One final touch would be the escape tower if possible.

Frank

[haegemon]

Something new about this mod?

[CDR Resser]

Hate to burst a bubble, but that was/is the enlisted barracks. Not really critical, as long as its there!

One final touch would be the escape tower if possible.

Frank
Thanks for the info Frank. I didn't know you were here. Haven't seen anything from you since my last tour with the Pacific Thunder gang. Glad you are well.

Respectfully Submitted;
CDR Resser

[Nauticalwolf]

Hi all,

Work has kept me away from the mod for a few weeks. Thanks for the correction Frank, some of the research photos I've been using are a little vague.

For all those curious as to the how to mod a harbour, I hope to release a tutorial with this Mod, but in the mean time I will be getting back to all those who PMed me.

Now back to the mod.

I final had pieced together all the bits of dock section needed to put together the Sub Base. Then I looked it over and thought "this looks like *&%&$%^#^&. Many of the dock sections have huge gaps in thier models and the road textures just weren't even close.

I persisted and started adding more buildings and the selection "in game" isn't that hot.

Sooooo, I down loaded Wings3d, Blender, Gmax and Milkshape and UVmapper and have started to learn 3d modeling.

Results below:

Start with satellite ref of Pearl Harbour
http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/hdtryxloav.jpg
Use the only ww2 sub in area to confirm scale - as both Forde Island and Naval Yard are slightly "off scale".

convert to background image in w3d:
http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/iphunqbylp.jpg

Then with much reading - trial and error -more reading, - more reading - more reading - then start to build a slightly more accurate Pearl Sub Base.
http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/lbechggmvn.jpg

http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/ofqvulcoqc.jpg

I've nearly got all the terrain down and will soon be building the variuos buildings - including the escape tower, CINCPAC and officers' mess.

My journey into the world of 3d modding has so far been slow but over the past couple of days it has all sort of been coming together - and I'm actually starting to speed up. :up: :up: :up:

Atleast when it comes to texturing I'll have no problems.

Hope to post again shortly with much better news. -

[panthercules]

Great idea and some really nice work shaping up here - looking forward to seeing the fruits of this work as I'm leaving Pearl in my next career - keep plugging away :up:

[LukeFF]

Excellent news, and it's great to see the bases finally get some much-needed attention.

[TheBlobThing]

Nice to see you put so much effort into it! :up:

[JoeCorrado]

Very good research and it will give me a reason to actually start from inside base, or make a manual docking upon return to base. I can hardly wait! :up:

[etheberge]

You sir, are a braver man than I. I'm looking forward to your mod, keep it up.

Also great idea for the tutorial you want to include, I'm sure that would help others who might be inclined to start modding other harbors.

[gAiNiAc]

Fantastic work!

[Nuc]

Looking forward to the tutorial. I'd like to try and do something with New London / Groton which isn't even a location on the map now

[Suicide Charlie]

This is awesome.

I remember maybe a year ago I asked if the bases could be specifically modified to resemble what they actually looked like at the time. I specifically wanted to give my hometown (San Diego, CA) and huge overhaul. I work in the bay and could pretty much layout the 1940's layout of the bay by heart. In any event, somebody said that the bases were came most from stock build and then were just placed at cordinates preventing us to really re-design them. I'm glad to see that wasn't really true and some beautiful work going into it.

[Torpex752]

Oh and one more little detail.......

If you watched the John Wayne Movie Operation pacific...remember that church the Duke was in with his whole crew? Well that little church was there in WWII. ( I stand corrected...1944, but that still may qualify for including it since WWII didnt end until Aug 45?)


On side note...When I was in Pearl I made sure I sat where the Duke sat..just so I could tell the kids that..lol

Frank

[Nauticalwolf]

Hi Guys,

Unfortunately work has kept me pretty busy over the past couple of weeks, progress has been slow but still going in the right direction. Many initial failures getting the model right and getting it to work in game has led to more than a little frustration.

I think I have solved the majority of the issues and now have a very stable mod for the docks. (All 3d construction done with wings3d)

There is still a little work to do on re-texturing it but I have put that on hold till I get the various buildings sorted out.

Rebuilding any harbour wont be difficult. :know: :up:

The thing that has slowed progress on this mod has been my lack of 3d modeling knowledge. This has been steadily improving.

Here are a couple of "happy snaps" of the sub base docks.

http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/npllmojuyd.jpg
Looking South East

http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/131892/hwocvwrpny.jpg
Looking North East

http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/nakhaujpyp.jpg
Looking North West

http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/pqbvqfekcm.jpg
Again Looking North East

The texturing is still a little rough but this will be sorted out. (texturing is my thing:lol: 3d modelling isn't :nope: ).

At the moment I am in the process of finishing off the 3d models for the various buildings.

I can't quite identify a couple of the structures, if anyone could give me a hand with an idea of what the buildings, circled in the below photos are, it would be a great help.

1. Building on magazine Island?
http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/orgfwzyvvy.jpg

2. Building? / structure? Southern sub base ?
http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/awpgjzefii.jpg

Same: seen from different angle
http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/mytxwqpyvn.jpg

If anyone knows what these buildings are or has some better reference material - it would be an enormous help.

One last thing:

Here is a downloadable - preview of the Perl Sub Base.

rar: http://files.filefront.com/Install+Pearl+Sub+Base+Prwrar/;10747699;/fileinfo.html

7Zip: http://files.filefront.com/Install+Pearl+Sub+Base+Prew7z/;10747679;/fileinfo.html

Its only made for a vanilla game set up, but should give an idea of where the mod is going.
Normal stuff - download, extract to mod folder and instal with JSGME.

Well thats about it for now, I hope to post again shortly will the first release. :yep:

[CDR Resser]

Thanks for the update NW. I am really looking forward to this mod.

Respectfully Submitted;
CDR Resser

[JREX53]

Nauticalwolf,

On the buildings you want help with. From experience in the 70's when I was stationed in the area. I would say they are probably either warehouses or machine shops.


I can't say so for sure, just my 2 cents worth.

Jim

[Nauticalwolf]

Hi Guys,

I've had a few requests to explain what files go into working on the ports/harbours.

So:

First off: almost all the objects found in on or around the ports/harbours are found in: Data\Library\harbor_kit.dat, this files contains all the dock pieces, cranes, trees, buildings, vehicles etc. - You need to get the ID numbers from here in order to mod the port or harbour.

Secondly: the port/harbour is actually located in Data\Terrain\Locations, each port/harbour has its own file, so if you wish to mod say Midway; you need to grab the Midway_water.dat file. These files contain the locations and orientation of all the pieces that make up the port or harbour.

The file structure normally starts (after file identifiers) with all the animated figures then it goes through all the "placements" for the various objects.

I use s3d to work the dat files; finding the object that I'm interested in then changing or relocating etc.

The first time I went to build the sub base it was going to be made up of all "in-game" smashed together pieces in order to make a whole new base.

After not being happy with the "look" of the sub base I decided to make all new models and then build the base again. - (great plan only I didn't have a clue how to build 3d models)

Now I know.

Just download the preview if you need to work out how the new files are structured and arranged.

Must go now, too much time posting equals not enough time modding. :up:

[kriller2]

This keeps getting better and better, nice work NauticalWolf :up:

[Nauticalwolf]

Thanks JREX, Thankyou Kriller2,

You would'nt have any better photos of the buildings?

What I can't make out is, are they a sort of saw tooth type roof and do they have long lengths of windows?

Thanks for the help. :up:

[JREX53]

Sorry Nauticalwolf, no pictures. During the 70's, Cameras and Naval, Army, Air Force bases were not
a good mix. If the SP, MP, etc caught you taking pictures, you were looking at some serious charges.

From what I recall, the machine shops and warehouses had windows from about 1 or 2' from the top of the walls down to about halfway down the wall. They both had large sliding doors on each side for access. I think the roofs were sawtooth shaped with windows in the vertical side.

Hope this helps,

Edit: Also remember, I was in my 20's, so had other things on my mind at the time, and architecture wasn't one of them.

[Nauticalwolf]

Thanks JREX,

The info is a big help, and kinda confirms what I had thought.

Ahh the seventies :lol:

[Nauticalwolf]

G'day all,

Now northern and southern buildings complete.

Does anyone have a photo of the church? (please)

I've spent a lot of time trying to find research photos and although I have managed to collect a lot from the 1940's -1950's there are still a couple of buildings I cant construct without a clearer picture. :damn:

A little help would be appreciated.

http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/smrojqcglp.jpg

positioned with satellite reference where possible
http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/wcehjjmfhg.jpg

Hopefully not long to go now. :up:

[Nauticalwolf]

Thankyou Mikhayl,

Its taken a while; hopefully the mod will be out very soon.

[gimpy117]

awesome!!!:up:

[Nuc]

Thanks JREX,

You would'nt have any better photos of the buildings?

What I can't make out is, are they a sort of saw tooth type roof and do they have long lengths of windows?

Thanks for the help. :up:

There is an American Images book for the Sub base at New London here:

http://www.amazon.com/Naval-Submarine-London-Images-America/dp/0738538086/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1214402507&sr=1-1

While it is not specific to Pearl Harbor It might be better than nothing at all.

[LukeFF]

Does anyone have a photo of the church? (please)

Is there a particular name for the church you are trying to model? I ran a Google search, but I ended up with a bunch of different results for churches in the PH area.

[Nauticalwolf]

Hi Luke,

The truth is I'm not quite sure, The church/chapel is the one Frank mentioned earlier. I believe its been in the sub base since before WW2.

From the best reference shots I've got, I believe that the the building may have some sort of "floating" type roof, and I can't make heads or tails of what the spire is like.

These are from the best photos I've managed to find of the base.
http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/hbgoogncwl.jpg

On a different note though: I have a question for any of the old salts that served at pearl or anyone who may have visited the base.

Is the area in front of the enlisted barracks? sloping.

From different angles it looks like there is quite a slope going up to the barracks?

I thought I might adjust the dock model to add this slope
http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/fbnqrcfckb.jpg

[Nuc]

Hi Luke,

The truth is I'm not quite sure, The church/chapel is the one Frank mentioned earlier. I believe its been in the sub base since before WW2.



I believe he was talking about the base chapel used in the movie Operation Pacific seen here:

http://www.submarinebaseph.com/Chapel1.jpg

edit: It was not built until 1944. Some info here: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/n87/usw/issue_10/bells.html
http://y23stockpic.free.fr/2001_honululu_11/lg_x20011226-01h00m42s-O.jpg
https://www.cnic.navy.mil/navycni/groups/public/@pub/@hawaii/documents/image/cnrh_sub_mem_chapel_full.jpg

[Nauticalwolf]

Thanks Nuc,

Great references,

Not built till 1944 :hmm: :damn:

Out of curiosity you wouldn't know what the building I thought was a church was? it seems to have a spire or something in front. photo ref above.

Thanks again

[Nuc]

Thanks Nuc,

Great references,

Not built till 1944 :hmm: :damn:

Out of curiosity you wouldn't know what the building I thought was a church was? it seems to have a spire or something in front. photo ref above.

Thanks again

Unfortunately no, I was assigned SUBLANT during my time and visited Pearl only one day as a tourist. The engineer in me wants to suspect a furnance or oven exaust stack but I have no evidence. My afternoon of web searching has one more link to share:

http://www.csp.navy.mil/centennial/speech.htm

[peabody]

Thanks Nuc,

Great references,

Not built till 1944 :hmm: :damn:

Out of curiosity you wouldn't know what the building I thought was a church was? it seems to have a spire or something in front. photo ref above.

Thanks again
Unfortunately no, I was assigned SUBLANT during my time and visited Pearl only one day as a tourist. The engineer in me wants to suspect a furnance or oven exaust stack but I have no evidence. My afternoon of web searching has one more link to share:

http://www.csp.navy.mil/centennial/speech.htm

From zooming in, of course it pixelizes quickly, I would tend to agree with the stack rather than a spire. Just my 1 cent.

Peabody

[Nauticalwolf]

Thanks Nuc, Peabody,

I've gone with a stack and I'll put a bunch of trees around it like in my references.

All the buildings models are now pretty much finished ..... and I've set aside this week end for texturing. :yep:

http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/aitqtzduwc.jpg

http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/yltlrpfhfi.jpg

I've a few colour refences like these
http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/iqoyaxlnxn.jpg
http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/wgpfjsaewt.jpg

http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/josukfpmwb.jpg

I know the time frame is not perfect but mostly the buildings seem grey/white/ "off white" colours. Shouldn't be too hard to sort out.

Now a point about frame rate in Pearl.

With the release of this mod I shall include some quick changes to the Naval Yard and Forde Island. (These are going to be my next two projects).

To help with frame rates I intend to reduce the number of animated cranes from the 246 "Thousand" cranes down to about the six or seven that were actually there in the forty's.

The other thing will be to remove the Grain silos, factorys, cranes, and partridge in a pear tree from what I thought was a Naval Air Station.

These small changes really help with fps.

[LukeFF]

Awesome!

[SteveW1]

This is a fantastic undertaking, I hope this will be compatable with TMO so when its finished I can play with a more complete Pearl Base.:rock:

[Rockin Robbins]

Woooooo hoooooo! Great work Nauticalwolf!

I'm not suggesting that you ignore suggestions, but follow YOUR vision for what it will be. Make YOUR decisions and go with 'em. If a suggestion fits with your vision, go with it. If not, make a note and put it aside for much later.

Once something has been produced to examine, people can nit pick and if you see the wisdom of their ideas, you can make changes. There will be plenty of time to make adjustments later. Just don't let a rain of suggestions result in paralysis. This is too great and important to let that happen.

Onward, into the fog!:up:

[Nauticalwolf]

Luke, again thankyou.

Steve, should be, the base can be added to the campaign loc file of the various mega mods, I plan to download the latest of the megas when I'm finished and have compatable versions.

Rockin, thankyou, and thankyou for the sound advice. I have been a little concerned about taking a flaming when I get this finished. This is my very first venture into 3d modelling.

I shall bring a fog horn. :up:

Mikhayl, could you please let me know if you are experienced in 3d modelling. I wouldn't want to insult your intellegence by posting a bunch of noob to modelling links, if you don't require them.

If you intend to alter the terrain - here is a link to a tutorial that REF from the GWX dev team made http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=135442

Tutorials on modding the ports harbours - I haven't found any... (I do intend to have a go at writing one though). However: the process is pretty straight forward (apart from the 3d model making) The key point is to work out the structure of the .dat files that deal with each individual port. Each "port" file sets out the location and orientation of all the items that make up the port. The majority of "in-game" port items are found in the Habor_kit.dat file.

If you want to make your own items you can either add them to the harbor_kit.dat (note already eight meg) or you could do what I have done and create your own "kit" file so that you can add whatever you want. (this also helps keep the mod size way down as you are only "adding to" not repeating)

You have to remember that each item and all of its other references have to have unique identifiers "Ids".... Otherwise the game will crash to desktop as soon as you try and load the area that has your new or altered port.

Skwas's Silent edtor "s3d" http://sh4.skwas.net/downloads.aspx is THE tool for all your .dat file modifications. It also lets you import and export the various 3d items in .obj format.

I made a few "standard" dock sections and road sections that I found handy as I built up the base, I have them in Wings3d and .obj format. If you like I can upload them and their relevant textures. ( please note they're nothing flash - just a straight dock, a dock face, a dock end and a few of the different sized roads)

[Nuc]

I wouldn't want to insult your intellegence by posting a bunch of noob to modelling links, if you don't require them.



It certainly wouldn't insult my intelligence and I'd be very interested. Just finding the kit file thanks to your earlier post was a breakthrough for me. I have started to gather information for New London.

Again, great work :up:

[Nauticalwolf]

Mikhayl,

Sorry if I went on a bit there. What worked for me was to scale and "size the reference photo in photoshop, then convert to a .png (wings3d will accept either .png or .tga) which 3d program your using will determine the best method of creating a suitable "background" (milkshape can load a .tga straight in as a background)

I'm not sure if there are easier ways to do it, but I built the terrain from "scratch" I started by making a couple of road sections, "welded" them together where I needed to and then started extruding in the various directions. I still found it easier to "weld" standard road or dock pieces together than try and "scale" the verts to the right size. I know in Milkshape you can just create verts or faces on top of your background. but I have mainly been working with wings3d. I also found the "learning curve" for Blender to be a little too steep.

Once I have finished "building" the box for the area I wanted, I then cut the edges and moved the verts "+" or "-" in Y to get the "scuplted" look.

You can combine various buildings into "sets" and locate them in a group fashion. I am trying to group mine based on textures more than anything else.

One thing worth noting is the orientation of the model gets passed on through the .obj file. Thats why I positon the buildings first, then I centre them "x" and "z". this gives them the correct orientation and puts the centre at 0,0. (this way positioning is just a matter of moving in the "x" and "z" axis. If you have downloaded my preview have a look in the nwf_PSB_kit.dat and you will find an item called "ruler" - thats what it is. its marked out in 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 and, 0.0625 of a game "unit", its also a "set square" oriented along "x" and "z" axis)

You can also convert buildings/items with position and orientation straight to .obj but I find it makes any movement or adjustment really hard to work out. (you also have to know the "scale" of your 3d program)

[Nauticalwolf]

Nuc,

I've found Wings3d to be the easiest 3d program to learn, and you can start getting "results" pretty quick.

Its also free.

Here are some links:

http://www.geocities.com/paulthepuzzles/aardvarks.html lots of tutorials

http://www.geocities.com/paulthepuzzles/aabasics.html very informative about the various functions

http://www.wings3d.com/doghouse.php video house building (runs through very fast though)

http://mbx.streetofeyes.com/index.php?topic=17.msg24207 covers "how to" add an item to "mount and blade" but the info is universal

http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=83&t=38824&page=3&pp=15 covers heaps of different things about w3d.

Blender is huge - very very steep learning curve, but is as close to a commercial program and I believe you can get. Also free

http://www.blender.org/education-help/video-tutorials/getting-started/

http://blendernewbies.blogspot.com/

http://www.tutorialized.com/tutorials/Blender-3d/1

and just "google" blender for more info than you might want.

I will say that I am still learning Blender but in the mean time I'm working with wings3d.

[Nuc]

Thanks for the links:)

[Captain America]

Bravo!
This is really shaping up into a professional piece of work. Your attention to detail is outstanding. :up:

[Nauticalwolf]

Captain America, Thankyou.

Mikhayl, Nuc and, anyone else keen on giving the ports/harbours a play with.

Apart from the kit, and loc .dat files I've been talking about (the files that you use to make a port/harbour)

Sorry, I forgot to mention a couple of other files you will need to get a new port into the game.

Firstly in Data\Terrain\LocationMaps each port/harbour has a .dds file that the game uses to show the port/harbour on the ingame maps. In the preview mine is called nwf_PSB_map. Its quick and dirty at the moment but its a graphic/texture type file and not so import as you build. It is import to get it done though or your new/modded port won't be seen on the ingame maps. I made mine by just zooming out along the Y axis in the 3d program and then... taking a screen grab - then edit it photoshop/(gimp), pasting it over a small port (verysmall_pacific_harbor). Make sure you do make an alpha channel with your new/modded port or it will be "cut out" along the old port's outlines. rename to match you new port and away you go, you will now "see" your changes on ingame maps. Here a quick tutorial by Captain Cox on alpha channels http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=112868

The next file of some inportance is found Data\Campaigns\Campaign\Campaign_LOC.mis this file you adjust with the in built mission editor (this file governs where everything in the world "is" and once altered the changes are even carried over to single missions etc.)

http://hometown.aol.co.uk/dominicobaggio/Missioncreation1.html (quick tutorial on mission editor, others available here at subsim - mainly in sh3 forums) [I don't have sh3 so it took me awhile to go and look there]

ONE VERY IMPORTANT THING: - create your mod file structure FIRST put in a copy of the campaign_LOC.mis file and then JSGME "your" campaign_LOC into the game files BEFORE you start the editor. (this way you wont mess up your original game files) to add a port you need to use Map Location Edit Mod. Then simply right click on the world map and "Add Map Location".

This is where you "call" your new loc.dat and map.dds into the game. (Open up a couple of the already ingame locations and you can get a good idea of what to put in the various input boxes) Position your new port on the map, orient it if needed (Heading) and make sure you tick the Scale on zoom box or you end up with some really interesting effects on the ingame maps (like pearl sub base taking up whole Pacific)

Once you've finished "putting" the new port into the world save the mision as normal mission. (if the editor dosen't allow you to save re-validation you have to open up mission tab scroll down and open up parrameters - then where it says Validation - check the Ignore player submarines box)

Now ALSO IMPORTANT - Once you have finished editing the world and saved your new port go into your game Data\Campaigns\Campaign directory and copy both the Campaign_lOC.mis and Campaign_LOC.tsr back into your mod file structure. or when you uninstall your mod you will lose everything that you've done. (JSGME only puts files into the game, when you uninstall it deletes the mod file and replaces the game originals.)

Sorry about the long post - getting all this info across is why I think, I'll have a go at writing a tutorial. :yep:

[bigboywooly]

I have to say thats a great looking port
Was one thing no one really bothered with the whole time in SH3 was those ports
There are a couple working on them now
A little late

Your write ups are more than usefull too
I have always wanted to remodel some ports as they are way off

Kudos
Nice job

@ Mikhayl
I have a port project for you if you want one

[Sailor Steve]

I have to say thats a great looking port
Was one thing no one really bothered with the whole time in SH3 was those ports
There are a couple working on them now
A little late
Not for SH4, though. I too want to redo a few. I'm very busy with my 'pet' project, but I'm hoping to learn some of it.

[bigboywooly]

Will PM you Mikhayl save hijacking the thread :oops:

Look forward to a good tutorial too NW
Thanx

[Nauticalwolf]

Hi all,

Quick update.

After this weekend,

http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/tbydvohkta.jpg

While the "chief" makes sure the boat is all "bombed up"

http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/lvzcjvkibx.jpg

I'll grab a quick gin and tonic before we head out again. :up:

(still need to re-texture the docks)

:hmm: and cars - need to do a few cars and change some civies into sailors in white rig. :rotfl:

[Sailor Steve]

:o

Ohmygoodnessgraciosme!

Spectacular results so far.

[CDR Resser]

Holy Cow!!!!
That looks great.
I can't take many more updates like that.
Did I mention I was really looking forward to this mod.
Great Work

Respectfully Submitted;
CDR Resser

[LukeFF]

Wow!

Not to get too far ahead of myself, but do you have plans for any other ports right now? Midway looks mighty ugly, for one... :hmm:

[Nauticalwolf]

Hi everyone,

Sailor Steve, CDR Resser, Luke, thankyou :up:

Luke, now that I have the methodology sorted - you name the place, "we can rebuild him, - we have the technology" :up:

Reference materials may be a bit of a handicap, I would like to think that there should be something on Midway in the Forty's :hmm:

Cheers,

[CDR Resser]

The six million dollar port.:lol:

[sqk7744]

Awesome work here sir! :up:

[keltos01]

what can I say ? it looks awesome :up::up::up:

[LukeFF]

Reference materials may be a bit of a handicap, I would like to think that there should be something on Midway in the Forty's :hmm:

Oh, there is plenty. Let me see if I can start you off in the right direction.

[LukeFF]

http://members.tripod.com/airfields_freeman/HI/Airfields_W_Pacific.htm

http://www.galenfrysinger.com/midway_atoll.htm

http://www.freewebs.com/tendecisivebattles/MidwayIslandPic.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Battle_of_Midway_(Japanese_air_raid).jpg

http://www.navsource.org/archives/08/0829814.jpg

http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/0584513.jpg

[Digital_Trucker]

:o:o:o:o:oSimply mahvelous:yep::up::rock::sunny:

[Sailor Steve]

Good stuff, LukeFF! Are your last two direct links to NavSource? They don't show up for me.

[LukeFF]

Good stuff, LukeFF! Are your last two direct links to NavSource? They don't show up for me.

Yeah, they are. Navsoure can be picky that way.

[Sailor Steve]

For me they always seem to do that. The last pictures I posted from them I had to put on my computer, copy to Photobucket and put them up myself.:dead:

[Nauticalwolf]

Thanks Luke,

I've started to collect the info on Midway.

Still slow progress at the moment, work has been eating into my "modding time". (darn this maintaining world peace and security *^&%%$%* )

Downloadable preview 2:

rar: http://files.filefront.com/Install+Pearl+Sub+Base+Pr2rar/;10946733;/fileinfo.html

7zip: http://files.filefront.com/Install+Pearl+Sub+Base+Pr+27z/;10946752;/fileinfo.html

Getting closer
http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/vfvwntdbak.jpg

I'm trying to ensure the buildings/texturing in front of the sub docks will do the mod justice (AKA I'm slow)

also thought I'd add a couple of these to the garden beds in front of the sub docks.
http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/n/Nauticalwolf/135145/jaqdlrtvgi.jpg

Cheers :up:

[bigboywooly]

Wonder if my uboat will make it to Pearl :hmm:
Be worth it to see that masterpiece ingame

Very nicely done
Nicely done indeed
:up:

[cgjimeneza]

No problem you are welcome to Pearl, just leave the keys with the nice marine lance corporal in charge of valet parking guard and come visit...

we sure have room for a coleague in the royal hawaiian:D

just kidding!

the job progress and detail is amazing..... and the palm detail!!! its rock and roll man

[CDR Resser]

Any update on this mod?

[Nauticalwolf]

Hi all,

My apologies, work has been quite intense the past few weeks, and I've been out and about a fair way from my system. :shifty:

I will be able to get back to this mod as of next weekend. :yep: :D

[Digital_Trucker]

Thanks for the update, NW:up:We'll be patiently pulling our hair out until you get it done:damn:

Just kidding:rotfl:Keep up the excellent work as you have time for it:sunny:

[Sea Otter]

Thanks for your efforts Nauticalwolf!

This is going to add so much to the game! My butt's gone numb from sitting at a computer doing my first mod (an office redecoration). I can't imagine doing something on this scale. Keep it up!

[Hunter]

Any news?

[haegemon]

Seems there's nothing new....may he'll end it? Of course, the Japanese campaign will need it someday something like this. :hmm:

[peabody]

Seems there's nothing new....may he'll end it? Of course, the Japanese campaign will need it someday something like this. :hmm:

Why would the Japanese Campaign need a Pearl Harbor sub base? The game starts after Pearl Harbor (which can be modded to change) but it was not attacked. And I wasn't really planning to park my Japanese sub in Pearl. And the sub base is a looooong way in, through shallow water, so if you tried to get in, it would be a suicide mission.

He was doing a great job, and nearing the end, but had to learn 3D to complete it. So maybe he had some real life that slowed it down.

Peabody

[haegemon]

I thought, in the jap campaign wanted to do the attack on Pearl with the Jap minisubs.

[peabody]

I thought, in the jap campaign wanted to do the attack on Pearl with the Jap minisubs.

It's an idea, but at the moment there is not a playable minisub, there is a lot of debate whether a minisub got into the harbor or not and to my knowledge if one did, it didn't go to the subbase, it went to battleship row. If it actually got in at all.

Not to shoot down the idea, but with the amount of work needed to finish the campaign and make the minisub playable, it really isn't at the top of the to-do list at the moment. Since making it playable would mean doing interiors also for very little use in the game. After all you were saying the books are backwards, you going to settle for a minisub with a German uboat interior??

Peabody

[Nauticalwolf]

Hi all,

Just got back from eight week course, will be back into this project real soon.
Need a couple of days to data dump, and clear my "noggin". :up:

Thanks for all the comments and support.

[Sailor Steve]

:rock: :()1: :/\\k: :lurk:

[JoeCorrado]

Bump....

Any progress? Anticipation is killing me!

:06:

[silent killer]

Nautical Wolf the mods taking great shape, waiting with anticapation for the release keep up the good work:yeah:

[Capt. Shark Bait]

Nice work!

QFT:rock:

[JoeCorrado]

It was a nice idea while it lasted!

[rcdem]

Nauticalwofl,

Thanks for taking on this project. I found this image at one of Pearl Harbor (for December 7, 1941) at Military.Com. Hope that it helps:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/rcdem/158055366_YF6dN-L.jpg


The URL for the site is:

http://photos.military.com/gallery/2453740_kUhg3

[Admiral Von Gerlach]

any work underway on this?

[G2B]

any work underway on this?


Beat me to the question :DL

[Sailor Steve]

Well, NauticalWolf himself hasn't posted in this thread for more than a year, so that's a very good question.

[Ducimus]

Arise! Arise!
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g109/lecokev/ThreadNecro.gif

Blatant necro.

[cgjimeneza]

ye be told.... the powers that be command you to rise .. be nice and finish PH base will you.........

the palm trees and hula girls........ is that to much to ask......... and what were the coordinates for Hula Girls in those tiny islands.... anyone remembers?