[jasonb885]

Wonders never cease. The situation has been evolving quickly since a July 19th post on Subsim's Silent Hunter III forum regarding X1 Software's payware mod, SeaWolves.

RealSimulation.com received a press release on the 19th for X1 Software's upcoming payware mod, Seawolves.

After some discussion with Ubisoft, RealSimulation.com learns Ubisoft is both aware of X1 Software's Seawolves unofficial, payware mod for Silent Hunter III, and has found no legal troubles with its sale.

On the 19th and 20th much discussion ensued about SeaWolves on Subsim's SH3 forum. The initial reaction is one of wonder and boredom. There is speculation as to whether any new models or improves were included in SeaWolves that might signal Ubisoft had provided X1 Software with access to a SDK for SH3. However, the situation rapidly devolved with cries of a scam. But as of the 20th there was not yet any proof. Surely X1 Software's intentions of providing the community with a quality payware mod were true?

On the 20th of July, a poster by the name of OSSI claimed proudly:

Originally Posted by OSSI

I WILL BUY IT!!!!

Why highlight that particular comment, out of a thread of hundreds of posts? Bear with me as the timeline continues.

From the screenshots, various modders comment on seeing familiar things. Some of X1's screenshots appear to be very similar to Ubisoft material, though no direct evidence is linked. Other modders find strange similiarities, including what looks like WorldMod and the MilkCow resupply mod.

To assure the community all is well with SeaWolves, X1 Software's owner Steffen Trombke explained in an email to Realsimulation.com on July 20th in a preemptive strike to avert any claims of impropriety:

Originally Posted by Trombke

Rest assured we didn't steal any mod - we have permission from everyone. The biggest part [of Seawolves] is proprietary development. One could say the included mods are an extra. It would be a shame if the buyers wouldn't be able to get a hold of these mods just because they can't download them. Also Ubi is aware of our add-on and gave us permission to publish it under certain conditions. Let me add that the [online] community is only about 20 percent of all buyers of SH3. We are sorry about this fact

Later, at 14:06 Eastern Time, it's discovered that OSSI, quoted above, is acting as an official representative of X1 Software on the Ubisoft German forums.

Meanwhile Trombke explained in a private email to terrapin:

Originally Posted by Trombke

I'm sorry but we're not giving out any information about the included mods at this point of time...don't be angry

Beery was contacted by private email on the 20th and Trombke explained:

Originally Posted by Trombke

we have not use any mods of you Berry!

Further, Trombke claimed on the 21st in a press release to realsimulation.com:

Originally Posted by Trombke

The SeaWolves Expansion uses a few of the available mods, by permission of their authors wherever it was possible to identify them. The balance of the expansion was created new... including the complete revision of the campaign files and a complete set of Pacific missions

On the 23rd, screenshots of SeaWolves were posted on realsimulation.com from X1 Software. A thread spawned on Subsim and they were scrutinized intensely. Immediately several modders made claims that the recognized certain elements, like the Skymod and WorldMod.

OSSI, an X1 representative in some capacity, replies to the Subsim thread stating, simply:

Originally Posted by OSSI

WoW nice Pics, cant wait to have it!

He then claims, in response to allegations that SeaWolves is using an existing community harbor mod:

Originally Posted by OSSI

too complicated to install, no new habors in any mod and I have no DSL

So who is OSSI, anyway?

Through personal emails which I do not presently have permission to reproduce and Google searches, it's clear OSSI is actually the owner of X1 Software, the two faced Steffen Trombke.

From sturmovik.de:

Vielen Dank an Steffen "III/JG26 OSSI" Trombke (Trombke@t-online.de) für eine Liste der deutschen Abkürzungen und Schlüsselwörter und csThor für einzelne Begriffe.
Ausserdem habe ich auf den Artikel Luftwaffe Ground Attack Radio Terminology[ Link ] und einen Artikel im Landser unbekannten Jahrgangs zurückgegriffen.

So, then, we have an email address and not so coincidental alias OSSI. Now, the pieces fall neatly into place.

In one thread, Trombke even posted porngraphic material in response to one individual. (Warning, the thread linked below still contains a reference to Trombke pornographic URL post.) A choice selection of quotes from X1 Software's owner, Steffen Trombke, has been plucked from the thread below. You'll notice he's cleaned up his posts, but fortunately others have quoted him directly, making it impossible for him to hide his lack of diplomacy. Obviously the alligations of mod theft on his part are making Trombke uncomfortable. (He has since edited his posts, so what is represented below is only the portions of his words that were quoted by other forum members.)

Originally Posted by Trombke as OSSI

I WILL BUY IT!!!!

Originally Posted by Trombke as OSSI

The problem is only that the mods are a small part of that add-on is and modscreater give a "YES" before X1 can use it. So be cool dump

Originally Posted by Trombke as OSSI

WoW nice Pics, cant wait to have it!

Originally Posted by Trombke as OSSI

too complicated to install, no new habors in any mod and I have no DSL

On the 25th, on Ubisoft's official forums, Steffen Trombke, posting under a new alias, deathping, demands the community apologize to the noble Trombke, who has been unfairly persecuted. While I have no immediate evidence that deathping is, in fact, Trombke, it seems logical that he is attempting to restore X1 Software's reputation, or at least his own.

Originally Posted by Trombke as deathping

Subsim and the 5 or so losers that inhabit that forum, and when they get bored, float over to this forum should be ashamed of themselves for besmirching a reputable company like X1 software and its developer Steffen Trombke.

I've purchased products overseas for il2 from Mr. Trombke and have had only the best service, the man is so fair, he even returned a few cents in change to me. 'Smile'

For some reason, you losers at subsim seem to think that because you modded some smoke and made it blacker or painted a skin, or stole some images from Das Boot, that you have some sort of ownership over those altered UBI and DAS BOOT files. Well you don't. 'Angry Blue Guy'

Furthermore, I don't even believe that you have seen a copy, this so called stolen copy that some of you rant of. I think you are out and out liars.

And Avon lady, what is with the israeli flag? I thought your people didn't like Germans, you know, because of that holocaust thing and all. Why are you here flaunting that flag? To stir the pot?

Additionally, on the 25th, deathping comments on the legal scenario:

Originally Posted by Trombke as deathping

Exactly right... You modders own nothing! What? you make a new explosion and you think you did something? Or clouds. YOU OWN NOTHING! I repeat... YOU OWN NOTHING and stop acting like you do own it. Oh and all you Das Boot Modders, who gave you permission to distribute their media likenesses free or not??

On the 26th he continues, but not to plead his case, but merely initiate personal attacks against members of Ubisoft's SH3 community.

Originally Posted by Trombke as deathping

What personal attack?

I find it curious that someone comes into a German simulator for Uboots waving an israeli flag!

As for the Christian being a reservist in the israeli military. Well Wulfmann, that's really kind've true isn't it? Very interesting that you would actually admit that.

Further, Christians are not any more above reproach than nonchristians or jews but that's a minor point in this matter.

Why don't you inhale some helium balloons or something and go hang out at subsim whilst making a blacker smoke or something.

But before you all go, why don't you all apologize to Steffen Trombke for YOUR insults.

Talentless losers of subsim, shame on you....

Later on the 26th, Trombke again insults people, followed by a plea to restore his honor under his assumed handle deathping.

Originally Posted by Trombke as deathping

Yes Guidon,
But the US military is constantly used on behalf of israel so really, you are the mercenary military for them. Iraq is just another form of that, even the british knew this in ww2.

As for the czech poster and english poster with regards to nationalities playing this game. israel and jews have played up their victimisation at the hands of Germans in spades compared to other peoples. So it begs the question I asked twice already, why play a German sub simulator? And attacking a German developer to boot is rather suspect to me.

To respond to the poster with regards to my willingness to pay for "free mods". I see no that these belong to anyone or that they are particulary unique in composition.

Therefore, I believe and apology is in order for a reputable businessman like Steffen Trombke.

And he writes on:

Originally Posted by Trombke as deathping

I have excellent manners unlike some who have spammed a forum with their banners of disrespect.

israel has always been in the works. And a people need not have a country to have a nation.

And yes, your navy and has operated as a mercenary military at the behest of, YOU GUESSED IT, for many years.

And where is this readme with all this great info an unreleased product? Oh yeah, you downloaded on the magic server.

You will notice, above, Trombke referers to a 'magic server'. We will discuss that, soon, but essentially Trombke failed to secure his server and left a copy of SeaWolf in an unprotected directory, which was subsequently downloaded. Later, fact based allegations against X1 Software are based partly on the findings within the unsecured download.

Much later on the 26th, someone with the handle pbashaw, who appears to be speaking unofficially for X1 Software, weighs in:

Originally Posted by pbashaw

Who is this Deathping? He does not represent CombatPlanes or X1. I've done some work for CP on the expansion, primarily in testing. I talked to Leonard this morning and he says the optional mods have been removed, and they now have permission for all others included. They had to remove Serg's Type7 DD (he had ok'ed use in World Mod but took exception to commercial release). Here are the permissions they now have..

Soundmod by Incognito Soundworks with additional work by NDigital
Hi-res subs by Sean Gilleran
U-boat Interior by Ship Hunter
DD Fix by Jungman
Radiolog by Irishred
Resupply by SANSAL
Contact Mod by Fletcher

They added their own version of a skymod as well as new blackout views for periscope and UZO.

Oh.. and Nico's cities were removed, and his escorts deleted and replaced with new ones..

The individual by the name of Leonard, is actually Leonard Hjalmarson of Combatplanes.ca. We'll discuss Hjalmarson's own history shortly, but let us continue.

Now, speaking more officially, it seems, pbashaw explains on the 27th about the integration of the MilkCow mod into SeaWolves.

Originally Posted by pbashaw

SANSAL's mod is really awesome. That mod alone has doubled my enjoyment of the game. It's a great gift to the community, and I'm really glad it will be available to a much wider audience. We integrated it into the expansion and it works great with what is essentially World Mod 5. Patrolling the Atlantic in 1942 is a whole new game.

Meanwhile, on Subsim on the 27th, someone with the handle Reggie McNeal, supposedly speaking on authority as an agent of X1 Software, claims:

Originally Posted by Reggie McNeal

There are no mods in the release version that are used without permission.

Watch for an official notice in the next day or two...

The name Reggie McNeal will receive some careful scrutiny later, but for now just remember it's appearance here.

Later, Reggie McNeal explains:

Originally Posted by Reggie McNeal

Huh? We have permission to use every mod included.. which there are a grand total of seven. The rest of the content is proprietary.

In two of those cases.. Contact Map Mod and Radiolog, we are using only limited versions. If users want the full deal, they can find it here.

It would have been a better product with more mods, which would have given better visibility to the great simulation that SH3 is.. but its our fault for not observing protocol.

The last thing anyone would want to see is mods become political copyright footballs, limiting the growth of the community and the hobby we all enjoy. Ok, flame away.

Searching the Subsim forums, the person with the handle Reggie McNeal appears to have little clue how to actually play SH3. Interesting.

Originally Posted by Reggie McNeal

Subject: Reloading externals

I tried this today and I must have forgotten what is necessary.. Do I have to have an officer on deck? And should they be on the bridge or on the deck?

And.. if I have AUTO loading set and the weather is ok, will they transfer externals without my worrying about it when I am running onthe surface?

And now, we come to Leonard Hjalmarson (lenhjal@telus.net), the founder of CombatPlanes.ca. While there is a long community history of unscrupulous behavior, his involvement with SH3 seems to begin with X1 Software's SeaWolves payware modification.

Hjalmarson appears to go by a variety of aliases, including Maverick75, Leonard, Reggie McNeal, and Reg McNeal (Maverick77@telus.net).

He uses his alias, apparently the name of his favorite writer, Reggie McNeal, when astroturfing his own wares for Combatplanes.ca, as demonstrated in several simhq.com threads.

Further information about the Combatplanes.ca domain confirms it is indeed owned by Leonard Hjalmarson:

jasonb@faith:~$ whois combatplanes.ca
Status:         EXIST
Registrar:      DomainPeople, Inc.
Registrar-no:   192
Registrant-no:  507044
Domaine-no:     507044
Subdomain:      combatplanes.ca
Renewal-Date:   2005/10/14
Date-Approved:  2002/10/14
Date-Modified:  2004/09/11
Organization:   Combat Planes
Description:
Admin-Name:     Leonard Hjalmarson
Admin-Title:    President
Admin-Postal:   849 McKenzie Rd,
                Kelowna BC V1X2B4 Canada
Admin-Phone:    250 765 3596
Admin-Fax:
Admin-Mailbox:  lenhjal@telus.net
Tech-Name:      Leonard Hjalmarson
Tech-Title:
Tech-Postal:    Combat Planes
                320 Stetson St.
                Kelowna BC V1X 5K4 Canada
Tech-Phone:     2507653596
Tech-Fax:
Tech-Mailbox:   lenhjal@telus.net

How do we know Reg McNeal is actually an alias? Hjalmarson was careless in personal email sent to several modders in which he incorrectly signed his emails as "Lens" or sent mail from the wrong email address, exposing himself. Additionally, I find it pretty suspect that the real Reggie McNeal, who writes books and lives in South Carolina, has time to astroturf online on behalf of Hjalmarson and Combatplanes.ca.

So who's pbashaw? Perhaps Hjalmarson himself. Here's an interesting thread on Ubisoft's Silent Hunter III - Community Creatives forum, where he inquires on how to properly work with SH3's event system.

Originally Posted by pbashaw

Can anyone relate the procedure? I want to

1. create a zone (simple)
2. when the sub passes through the zone an EVENT is generated
3. the event causes a destroyer to spawn

For some reason it's not working..

What's the link between X1 Software and Combatplanes?

Apparently SeaWolves' Pacific campaign.

The most obvious link is within the aforementioned leaked release of SeaWolves. Although not necessarily the final build, the downloaded distribution of SeaWolves appears to be a nearly completed product ready to ship. Inside the base directory, you'll notice a Gato directory, obviously for the GATO class submarine mentioned at the Combatplanes.ca link above. Inside are some associated TGA graphics for the GATO class submarine reskin.

jasonb@faith:~/tmp/seewolves$ ls -1 seewolves/
Gato
Options
SeaWolves Uninstal.exe
data

That's the chronology of the X1 scam to date.

So, what have we learned thus far?

Leonard Hjalmarson is a professional scammer, albeit a rather pathetic, small time one. Steffen Trombke is a professional wannabe, baithing in his ineptitude.

We've discovered that some people will do just about anything to make a buck, from blatant astrotufing, to lying, scamming, and stealing other's work and customer's money.

Were I X1 Software's publisher, Matrixgames, I'd be having second thoughts about now.

In any event, I consider this case closed. Leonard Hjalmarson has been exposed as the principal scammer by his own ineptitude. Steffen Trombke has been exposed as a tool.

Congratulations to both of you.

Now get off my boat.