Regia Nave Aquila (Italian Aircraft Carrier) V2.0

[VonDos]

Hi everyone!
Days ago i've found on the web a copy of one of my oldest (and worst) mod: RM Aquila!
I've tryed her for fun; i know there were a lot of bugs (a static propeller, guns shots into the ship..) and i've found others also.

Just for use freetime, i've reworked the carrier a little, with more proportioned hull and redesigned bridge, larger white\red stripes on bow, 4 working propellers, and others 3d detail. I'm working on guns data now.


And 05/29/2016 status:

http://s33.postimg.org/e4g97nk7z/RMAquila2.jpg

This is an image of the ship after initial works :
https://s9.postimg.org/p5xgoocy7/aquila.jpg

this was the original one, just for see the differences:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Tko4vLebaA/VQArRwCgoDI/AAAAAAAAsc0/v_hF0uGZlZI/s1600/yesplanesyesgunswd7.jpg


Is someone interested in an eventually release? I'll be honest, i'm not trying to solve ALL the bugs (some shining textures, for example, i don't know today how to solve this!), Btw, for sure i think she'll be improved a lot ^__^

[ivanov.ruslan]

Uhu,more strong http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/images/icons/icon14.png

[VonDos]

Yep, i've placed her in Genoa in my historical campaign!

[HW3]

:yeah: Love your ships!

[VonDos]

Thanks a lot :yeah:

[Von Due]

Astonishing!

[VonDos]

Thanks a lot!!
Here's a pic from new tests, by night:

https://s22.postimg.org/5fatm5ayp/aquila.jpg

[ivanov.ruslan]

Yeah,:cool:

[HanSolo78]

I would love to update your model in my mod compilation! :rock:

[Anvar1061]

I would love to update your model in my mod compilation! :rock:

+1 & I am too

[Fahnenbohn]

Beautiful ! I hope you will be able to fix all the bugs ! :)

[VonDos]

Hi!

In order to solve major model bugs, i've scrapped the old hull, cutting the bridge and other reutilizable parts.
Stern of Aquila was really strange, just because this unit was a conversion from a big ocean liner (SS Roma).
So, i choose to base this new hull on a ocean liner hull (the Gradisca one, modified, adapted in dimensions and with deleted superstructures, as in the history;

This is a wip pic:

https://s23.postimg.org/4poqd3zsr/aquila.jpg

The original stern:

http://www.agenziabozzo.it/navi_da_guerra/C-Navi_da_Guerra_2/3572C_RN_Aquila_portaerei_ex_nave_Roma_in_porto_a_ Genova_1946.jpg

This will be occasion for others minor improvements in hull design.. but will require tons of time..


Regards,
Vd

[VonDos]

Update:

http://s31.postimg.org/5os5t84vv/aquila.jpg

What do you think about this? :hmm2::06:

[ivanov.ruslan]

The second option is even better

[VonDos]

Voilà, the new hull ingame (island still wip)

http://s32.postimg.org/koa67bgxx/aquila.jpg

[ivanov.ruslan]

Amazing !

[HanSolo78]

Voilà, the new hull ingame (island still wip)



A big improvement over the default hull !!:up:

[VonDos]

Thanks! Island first tests:

http://s32.postimg.org/w56baoac5/aquila.jpg

[gap]

Amazing work VonDos!

[Fahnenbohn]

Would it be possible to don't have a black deck ?

[VonDos]

Thanks everyone!

@Fahnenbohn YES, it's possibile. If you want you can make also a pink bridge :D
I choose a black one after i've see some unit's models like this:

http://www.icsm.it/regiamarina/images/Aquila_80.jpg

(Aquila wasn't completed at war end, so, i think different colours could be a (an interesting, yes!) speculation..)

[Fahnenbohn]

:up:

[VonDos]

WIP pic of the day: Adding lifeboats, guns, tons of details...

http://s32.postimg.org/jaixktzvp/aquila_OK.jpg

[Fahnenbohn]

Could you also add more planes on the bridge ? And with a green military texture ? And round the bow which looks like too much sharp. Thx !

http://www.icsm.it/regiamarina/images/Aquila_80.jpg

[VonDos]

I'll try point by point =) this will require time

[VonDos]

update

http://s32.postimg.org/iuw2digg5/aquila_OK.jpg

http://s32.postimg.org/dvc8hc4cl/aquila_OK.jpg

[gap]

She looks awesome VonDos yeah:

Compared to the scale model you posted a few days ago, the flying deck on the front section looks still a bit too short relative to the bow, but hey man, considered that you ptobably had to model her without the aid of any technical drawings/blueprints, I think we couldnt ask for a better representation of the Italian carrier :up:

[VonDos]

:hmm2:Right, gap.
I've modified a little the deck between catapults according with model \ drawings i've found (very poor and little material for a never finished unit!)
Results:

http://s32.postimg.org/bqh5ojxxh/aquila_OK.jpg


I'll work here again, but this is general idea..

I'm adding some AA nodes just now!

[VonDos]

New AA: now she's more aggressive :yeah:

http://s32.postimg.org/fm83ui9xh/aquila_OK.jpg

[VonDos]

news:

- reworked stern design
- most of guns nodes are now oriented in right direction. Only 2 need to be reworked..

http://s32.postimg.org/a1xbgwmzp/aquila_OK.jpg

[HW3]

Very good VonDos!!!

[Fahnenbohn]

:agree:

[gap]

New AA: now she's more aggressive :yeah:

Excellent! BdU will be happier with the Italian allies now :O:

P.S: the new bow and flying deck look much closer to the original design :up:

[VonDos]

Thanks everyone!
According to blueprints, i've modified a little again the flying deck: here's the new:

http://s32.postimg.org/omzlr9nd1/aquila_OK.jpg
http://s32.postimg.org/ycwfbjlmt/aquila_OK.jpg

I've also add some wires to masts and fixed minor UV map's problems.
Work in progress...

[gap]

With all the goodies you have recently added, the detail level of your model is so far comparable to the one of SH5 ships. :yeah:
The one thing it is missing now, is the addition of a good ambient occlusion map. Dunno if it is possible in SHIII though...

[VonDos]

Thanks a lot, Gap!
Ho, this is just a "improved" version of a very old model. No more.
I don't know how ambient occlusion system works (i know what is, just this, a theory) and i don't know if is this implemented in SHIII..

At moment all my attention is on two turret nodes (M01 and S12, for specify); i've checked ID's, numbers, orientation, ecc ecc but they shot into ship's hull. And if i try to delete them for replace, voilà a CTD.. :/\\!!:/\\!!

Is there a node\guns expert who is reading this post? If yes, please, help!! :doh:

[Fahnenbohn]

Is there a node\guns expert who is reading this post? If yes, please, help!!

Yes, send me the files, i will try to find the problem. I sent you my mail in a PM.

[VonDos]

Files sent; thanks!

[Fahnenbohn]

About the 2 gun nodes, i don't see any errors. I'll try in-game after changing id number.

F.

[gap]

Thanks a lot, Gap!
Ho, this is just a "improved" version of a very old model. No more.

Well, from your screenies it doesn't look that old. Did you use a stock SHIII ship as base for your original model?

I don't know how ambient occlusion system works (i know what is, just this, a theory) and i don't know if is this implemented in SHIII..


There are several programs able to generate a self occlusion map based on the geometry of a given 3D model. The one I use more often is Softimage Mod Tool (a free version of Autodesk Softimage). AO maps are baked on an UV unwrapping of the model, just like any other texture. In theory the same UV map as the diffuse channel could be used, but commonly a second UV map is used, because diffuse UV maps are usually "overlapping", which gives poor results with AO maps. This is why SHIV and SH5 support multi UV maps for each 3D mesh. S3ditor and GR2 Editor automatically recognize and import them.

At moment all my attention is on two turret nodes (M01 and S12, for specify); i've checked ID's, numbers, orientation, ecc ecc but they shot into ship's hull. And if i try to delete them for replace, voilà a CTD.. :/\\!!:/\\!!

Is there a node\guns expert who is reading this post? If yes, please, help!! :doh:

Sure enough, that's a weird bug. I see Fahnenbohn is already looking into it. I hope that with his help you will finally track down the cause. :salute:

[Fahnenbohn]

In my game, M01 and S07 don't follow the rules of the .sim file. Why ? I don't know ... :hmph:

Ah, by the way, you were not obliged to set any values under "fire" (fire restrictions) in the .sim file. ;)

[VonDos]

@gap
Well, from your screenies it doesn't look that old. Did you use a stock SHIII ship as base for your original model?

Yes, but model it's a chimaera from different units (sh3 graf zeppelin's planes, deck, masts and funnel, sh4 conte verde for main hull, sh5 ark royal ecc ecc)


@Fahnenbohn
S07? That's :o; in my game, they're S12 and M01.. btw, that's the point: why are them "rebels?" :/\\!!
I set fire restrictions just for try an idea for solve this, only a few are really used for something (A\A near the island, if i well remember); also show_restr is, i think, useless ingame.. right?

[Fahnenbohn]

also show_restr is, i think, useless ingame.. right?

Not at all ! Fire restrictions parameter allows to forbid fire in a specific space into the space covered by the general elevation and traverse parameters.

For example, if traverse = 300 to 60 and elevation = -5 to 40, if you set a fire restriction in traverse = 350 to 10 and elevation 10 to 40, then fire will be forbidden in traverse = 350 to 10 and elevation = -5 to 10.

:know:

[gap]

Not at all ! Fire restrictions parameter allows to forbid fire in a specific space into the space covered by the general elevation and traverse parameters.

For example, if traverse = 300 to 60 and elevation = -5 to 40, if you set a fire restriction in traverse = 350 to 10 and elevation 10 to 40, then fire will be forbidden in traverse = 350 to 10 and elevation = -5 to 10.

:know:

Indeed fire restriction angles do matter in game. Fahnenbohn is talking about something else though. The show_restr parameter can be set to either true or false. It is probably there for develipping purposes, and in stock files it is always set to "false". As far as I can understand, setting it to "true" should provide a visual reference, something like a cone, showing the effect of elevation/traverse restrictions, but to be honest I have never tested it in game. :hmm2:

[VonDos]

That's right gap!
I've tested them ingame... no effects at all; don't know if debug command has been implemented for a different applicaton..

I'm trying again to solve node's bug, but at moment without succes.
I'm thinking to rebuilt .both *dat and *.sim files..

EDIT: M01 is POWNED! Got it!

[VonDos]

Italy. Milan. Vaprio d'Adda.
05/14/2016
2:30 pm local time

after 9 years (first Aquila was released in 2007!) i think both guns bugs are solved!


Wow, this make my day :woot:

[HW3]

:up::yeah:

[Fahnenbohn]

i think both guns bugs are solved!

I've solved the problem too about M01 and S07 by adding new nodes for them, but when i tested, then it was A05 and A06 which were misplaced ... :hmmm:

[VonDos]

@Fahnenbohn, i'm sending you a mail now with the fixed version, please can you test her for me?
I've deleted wrong nodes and replaced them with totally new chunks in a long step-by-step work.

Here all nodes seems to be ok :up:

ps if you want feel free to post here some pics =) they're always welcome!

http://s32.postimg.org/dt65yx2et/aquila_OK.jpg

[gap]

For the record, tha drawing below shows the other Regia Marina carrier, RM Sparviero, as originally planned in 1942:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/it/f/f5/Pianta_e_profilo_sparviero.jpg

The carrier was a conversion of the transatlantic MS Augustus, sister ship of SS Roma that RM Aquila on turn was based on and, by her time, the biggest diesel-propelled ocean liner worldwide. When on the eve of the Italian capitulation the project was scrapped, the conversion was still far from completion; basically, only the original superstructure had been removed.
Please note the different bow design compared to RM Aquila (the latter had her bow modified from plump to raked for increasing maximum speed), the shorter and narrower flight deck, the presence of a single catapult in central position instead of two, and the absence of islands on the deck (similar to Japanese carriers).

[Fahnenbohn]

Hi Vondos !

I've tested your new files. Well, good job ! All is working fine now ! How did you manage to solve this odd issue ??

Else, i have corrected all your turret nodes in .sim file, and also a gun node is .dat which was not well oriented (S12).

And last but not least, i have added some sophisticated searchlights by adding some fire restrictions in the .sim file. Now, only the right searchlights will light for a ship on the right side, and same for the left side. For planes, all can light on a single side. Have a look :

http://nsm08.casimages.com/img/2016/05/15//16051503264418069014228132.png (http://www.casimages.com/img.php?i=16051503264418069014228132.png)

http://nsm08.casimages.com/img/2016/05/15//16051503264418069014228131.png (http://www.casimages.com/img.php?i=16051503264418069014228131.png)

[VonDos]

@Fahnenbohn very good! I'll test all as soon as possible. For solution, i've deleted nodes at all before replace them =)

@gap Yes, Sparviero was an "emergency program" for a rapid conversion, but at war end it was just a stripped hull :P Aquila war really more complex, but works were almost finished.

New textures for command cabina (with historical square windows) and island (more dark gray, before it was too different from hull colors).

http://www.agenziabozzo.it/navi_da_guerra/C-Navi_da_Guerra_2/3570C_RN_Aquila_1945_origine_CAP-Genova_Coll-Giorgio-Parodi.jpg
http://s32.postimg.org/72krwswph/aquila.jpg

Here's my Genoa dock, Libia and Eritrea piers =)

http://s32.postimg.org/qvwvpia39/Aquila_80.jpg

[VonDos]

http://s32.postimg.org/p6ycjipp1/aquila.jpg

Developing a total new sil =)

Best regards,
Vd

[VonDos]

http://s33.postimg.org/e4g97nk7z/RMAquila2.jpg

Ready for release :hmmm:

[Fahnenbohn]

Well done, VonDos ! :yeah:

[VonDos]

Thanks a lot! :up:

[gap]

Awesome, thank you VonDos :yeah:

PS: quick question... do carriers spawn aircraft in SHIII/IV? I ask so because this was an unfinished feature in SH5 and it got a patch by TDW to fix it :)

[VonDos]

Thanks, Gap =)
Yes, they do.
AirGroup are implemented in (unitname).cfg, inside the \sea\(unitname) folder, you can open it with notepad :up:

[gap]

Thanks, Gap =)
Yes, they do.
AirGroup are implemented in (unitname).cfg, inside the \sea\(unitname) folder, you can open it with notepad :up:

Yep, it is the same for SH5, but in vanilla game AirGroups simply didnt work. Good to know that they do in previous games. Thank you for the information VonDos. :salute:

[VonDos]

You're wellcome.

Lastest updates before release: a little different command tower design and darker white\red stripes on the bow!

http://s32.postimg.org/o4m9w2sjp/OOOK.jpg

[VonDos]

Some damage tests while waiting for some different guns permissions from author:
1) Night battle between Aquila vs 3 Swordfish and 3 B24 (Swordfish destroyed, B24 damaged but flying away, Aquila survived)

2) Day battle between Aquila and HMS Dorsetshire. Aquila is destroyed from heavy cruiser's main battery, Dorsetshire survived, but with medium damage and fire aboard..

http://s33.postimg.org/dwtsbfrtb/test.jpg

[VonDos]

Latest news before release:

- I have permission to use Vaa guns :sunny: Thanks!

- Planes on the deck have now improved zones\damage settings :up:

- Some 3d details have been reworked: cranes and stern anchor: :yeah:

http://s33.postimg.org/58c3kiodr/test.jpg

[VonDos]

Looking at new blueprints i've found (more detailed, this time)

Added some parts, specified in red:

http://s33.postimg.org/rj6aytz2n/test.jpg

[HW3]

:up:

[VonDos]

http://s33.postimg.org/ik1kdtfof/test.jpg

Final touch: "AQVILA" name (Aquila in latin letters) on both sides, every side's bow and stern.
3d Model is totally finished for me.

Waiting for last weapons compatibily tests, and after.. release! :arrgh!: