Hard Light Productions Forums

Modding, Mission Design, and Coding => The Modding Workshop => Topic started by: starwolf1991 on May 30, 2010, 03:10:12 am

Title: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on May 30, 2010, 03:10:12 am
Say hello to the TCF Thor:

http://www.sectorgame.com/forums/userpix/385_fs2_open_3_6_12r_inf_20100529_22060374_1.jpg

http://www.sectorgame.com/forums/userpix/385_fs2_open_3_6_12r_inf_20100529_22061057_1.jpg

http://www.sectorgame.com/forums/userpix/385_fs2_open_3_6_12r_inf_20100529_22063816_1.jpg

A joint-project by myself and FSF. He created the entire model, as well as added POF Data and glowpoints. I created the concept from which the model was born. The concept I refer to is the C-2, found on my concepts thread. A lot of credit goes to FSF for all the work hes done to make it possible.

The Thor was inspired after the Wasp Fighter for the United Earth Front from Supreme Commander 2. Originally designed to be an interceptor, it has since become an assault fighter, meant to succeed the Hercules family line. It largely does that, and can replace the Erinyes or Ares in some circumstances. It has half the Erinyes firepower, and isn't as heavily armored or shielded as the Ares, but boasts better speed and maneuverability in order to compensate.

True, it has no textures to speak of. But even without them, I believe it looks amazing. I would eventually like to get a texture for it completed. In the meantime, enjoy!
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Spoon on May 30, 2010, 04:03:49 am
Certainly the mesh looks good. I'd love to see it get a good texture  :nod:
On one note though, I would suggest a different name than Thor. Since When people are talking about the Thor it usually refers to the http://www.hard-light.net/wiki/index.php/FTFx_Thor
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Snail on May 30, 2010, 05:25:47 am
Looks awesome.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on May 30, 2010, 05:53:07 am
True, that federal fighter uses that name. But rarely do people reference to it as such. I do have other names reserved, but Thor sticks in my mind the most and just seems right.

Most of the texture artists I know are always occupied with stuff, so finding someone to texture it might be a problem. And I'm not great at UV Map texturing.

Haven't thought of placing the Thor in a mod or story of sorts, but hey, I'm open to suggestions.   
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Dragon on May 30, 2010, 10:05:25 am
Looks good, I can't wait for textures.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Rodo on May 30, 2010, 11:01:37 am
Looks good so far, now waiting for textures :nod:
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Black Wolf on May 30, 2010, 11:25:38 am
You'll have better luck getting someone to texture it if it's pre-UVed - is it?
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: FreeSpaceFreak on May 30, 2010, 03:04:20 pm
You'll have better luck getting someone to texture it if it's pre-UVed - is it?
It is, UVed and AO-baked.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Dragon on May 30, 2010, 03:13:32 pm
Then release the model and somebody will texture it.
A couple of people here know how to do this, so one of them may get this done quite quickly.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on May 30, 2010, 10:27:01 pm
If you insist, I shall do so.

There we go, upload link is here:

http://www.mediafire.com/?jn2tmnztauz

I'm releasing this on the condition that it is not to be used in any campaign or modification. And of course, nobody can be a jerk and try to "Claim" it as their own model design. Hopefully it doesn't come to that.

While there, if somebody can accurately place contrails, Im having problems with that. The table is included.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: SypheDMar on May 30, 2010, 10:40:35 pm
I'm releasing this on the condition that it is not to be used in any campaign or modification.
Like a patent, right? As in, it can be used eventually?
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on May 30, 2010, 11:01:52 pm
Eventually, I would like to make it freely available. But for the time being, no use in campaigns or modifications whatsoever.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: SpardaSon21 on May 30, 2010, 11:19:36 pm
So, what will the texturer get out of it then?  You really shouldn't ask someone to help you with something if they won't get anything out of it.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on May 30, 2010, 11:25:33 pm
Well, I guess I was a bit harsh there. If you'd like to use it for campaign or mod, you'd have to ask for permission to use it of course. Both mine ANd FSF's . He has as much say as I do for the TCF Thor. And to be honest, I would love to see this used, especially as I haven't got any definite plans to use it in a mod of my own. But it would be better to have a complete texture there before adding it to any campaign or mod.

If a texture is eventually completed, then of course it will be available without any question or hassle.

In the meantime, should anyone feel like texturing it, post here and we'll see what can be done.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: SpardaSon21 on May 31, 2010, 01:06:40 am
Okay, needing permission from you is fine then.  If I were making a model I might have similar requirements on its usage.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on June 01, 2010, 10:11:19 pm
Copy of post from Sectorgame.com:

"A textured version of the Thor is currently in the works. I recently discussed with FSK (FreeSpaceKing) the possibility of him texturing it, and he agreed to do it. I can't really cover what was discussed, but what I can tell you is that the Thor will look fantastic in the end.

So, fingers crossed, you'll get to see it soon."  :D
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: General Battuta on June 01, 2010, 11:49:27 pm
The model looks like a lot of fun, but could we get a new name? We've already got a very well-known Thor.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on June 02, 2010, 12:06:14 am
Like I said, Thor is the only name that works for me atm. And in the end, it wont really matter. There are already two cases of two different craft using the same name. That being Phoenix and Succubus. But of course, alternative names are always welcome for suggestion and debate.

If anyone wants to suggest a name, feel free to do so. I've personally reserved Viking already.  :)

In fact, if enough suggestions are made, might have to make a poll  :p
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: General Battuta on June 02, 2010, 12:10:05 am
Call it the Durandal or something.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on June 02, 2010, 04:07:28 am
You are referring to "Durendal"? The Mystical Sword of Roland, Charlemagne's revered Paladin?

If that is what you mean, that is a VERY good suggestion. That is definately going on the reserved names list.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Snail on June 02, 2010, 06:56:04 am
BTW what does the TC in TCF stand for?
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on June 02, 2010, 07:06:52 am
TC stands for Terra Coalition.

It is my belief that after humanity has either reunited with the forces of Earth, or concluded battling with them (However people decide to determine or write history), humanity eventually forms a Coalition which would unify the former parties under one banner.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Snail on June 02, 2010, 07:07:48 am
What about the Vasudans?
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on June 02, 2010, 07:20:47 am
You got a point there. I did forget about the Vasudans there. I could always fix the designation, but meh, its a cosmetic thing atm.

BTW, that designation does not suggest that the Thor is part of any campaign or mod that I am currently or planning to develop. I have nothing like that in mind, and I couldn't use it for Cerberus, as it is way too advanced a fighter design for the Cerberus timeline. You can garuntee though that if I ever do start something new on a much "SMALLER" scale, as I should have done before, the Thor will most definitely be in it.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Snail on June 02, 2010, 10:26:24 am
One question, the guns are on the opposite sides of the ship. Doesn't that make it hard to hit small targets?
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: General Battuta on June 02, 2010, 10:55:10 am
You are referring to "Durendal"? The Mystical Sword of Roland, Charlemagne's revered Paladin?

If that is what you mean, that is a VERY good suggestion. That is definately going on the reserved names list.

Durandal is an accepted alternate spelling that I've always felt was a bit more aesthetically appealing.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Spoon on June 02, 2010, 03:38:44 pm
One question, the guns are on the opposite sides of the ship. Doesn't that make it hard to hit small targets?
Yeah, that looks Horus kinda bad
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: FreeSpaceFreak on June 02, 2010, 04:17:16 pm
One question, the guns are on the opposite sides of the ship. Doesn't that make it hard to hit small targets?
Well, it's an assault fighter; not quite suited to dogfight Dragons anyway.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on June 05, 2010, 07:10:48 am
FSF is correct; It wasn't built for dogfighting targets like Shivan Dragons. Same story with its predecessors, minus the Erinyes maybe. When it comes to fighting most other things though, it could effectively stand toe to toe. I've tested it enough times to have an idea of how it will go.

If you want to down a Dragon in this case, pick something else. Maybe something like....Aldo's GTF Vesuvius. Well, that's what I would pick. That was my favorite fighter from the INFR1 days, and I believed one of the most balanced of the time. I will admit though, it'd take a lot of prettying up to convince me to fly it again. Ooooo, that reminds me.

(Starts drawing something on paper)

We have only one suggested name. Anyone else going to suggest something?
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Commander Zane on June 05, 2010, 08:06:55 am
One question, the guns are on the opposite sides of the ship. Doesn't that make it hard to hit small targets?
Yeah, that looks Horus kinda bad
More like Claymore Mk. II bad. :P
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Snail on June 05, 2010, 08:51:31 am
We have only one suggested name. Anyone else going to suggest something?
Durandal still gets my vote.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on June 05, 2010, 10:27:04 am
Oi, Zane. The Claymore MK. II was awesome back in its day. Right now, it is a bit unorthodox, but its not THAT bad. It could be just as awesome if someone remade that.

But meh, why do that. There's a prettier MK. III already. But even then, that wants prettying up too.......

At the rate we're going, looks like Durandal might just be the final name for the Thor. I'm surprised it is still the only name suggested.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Snail on June 05, 2010, 11:31:26 am
Oi, Zane. The Claymore MK. II was awesome back in its day. Right now, it is a bit unorthodox, but its not THAT bad. It could be just as awesome if someone remade that.
Uh, the problem with the Claymore Mk.2 was the fact that its guns were placed so far apart on each of the wingtips you couldn't hit anything with them. It was a problem then and remains a problem now.

At the rate we're going, looks like Durandal might just be the final name for the Thor. I'm surprised it is still the only name suggested.
Durandal is an awesome name is why.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Droid803 on June 05, 2010, 12:26:54 pm
Oi, Zane. The Claymore MK. II was awesome back in its day. Right now, it is a bit unorthodox, but its not THAT bad. It could be just as awesome if someone remade that.
Uh, the problem with the Claymore Mk.2 was the fact that its guns were placed so far apart on each of the wingtips you couldn't hit anything with them. It was a problem then and remains a problem now.

Two words: Gun convergence. :D
Fixes any and all issues with gunpoints being too far apart.
Of course, then you have "optimal engagement range" now.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Dragon on June 05, 2010, 12:32:52 pm
Or you could use autoconvergence, like X-Wings in FoTG.
It's already working and fixes most of the problems with guns being too far apart.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Snail on June 05, 2010, 04:10:54 pm
Yeah, that could all be fixed with gun convergence. Could the Thor make use of this feature?
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on June 05, 2010, 10:19:37 pm
That is a feature very foreign to me. But you don't have to tell me twice how useful that feature will be. I'll have to see about getting that implemented into the table. Problem is actually getting it working. Anyone have a table file for fighter that already uses the values for convergence so I can use that as a reference?

BTW, the table for the Thor has now recieved contrails. May not be the best I've done, but at least they are there. One less thing to tidy up.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Droid803 on June 05, 2010, 10:27:38 pm
Contrails. IN SPACE.  :D
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on June 05, 2010, 10:51:22 pm
Uhhhh......more like for Nebula or atmospheric environments.  :ick:

BTW, I just concluded a test session against several Shivan craft, and the end result, you can actually hit stuff when flying the Thor. It can even hit Dragons, even if they are as slippery as hell to hit when on the move. That is at least without the use of improved AI or features such as Gliding. I should really test this in a mod that actively uses those things.

But anyway, my point is that the Thor may not be in desperate need of gun convergence. But it would be handy to have regardless.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on June 07, 2010, 08:37:53 am
I have decided.

Due to a lack of suggested names and my increasing failed attempts at not referring to the Thor as Durandal (At least to myself), Durandal will be the new and final name for the Thor.

Congratulations, General Battuta, for picking the "winning" name. Your prize is......ummmm, dang, where'd I put it? Uhhhhh.......   :ick:

(Dashes out the door)

 :p
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Dragon on June 07, 2010, 08:43:30 am
If Chief agrees, you can get a 5 lines that control it from X-W table from FoTG.
They seem to work quite well (it also has a small autoaim).
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on June 13, 2010, 01:18:21 pm
Two things regarding the Durandal lately.

The first thing, I sent a message to FSK asking him about his progress on the textures. I haven't received any response from him. That said, I have no idea about what progress he has made, so anyone's guess is as good as my own.

The second thing, there appears to be an unsolvable problem with the Durandal itself. In-game, the shields do not appear to function whatsoever. I've constantly checked settings in Fred, the coding of the Durandal's table, and tried performing modifications to the shield mesh. Nothing seems to fix it.

Would anyone have an idea as to what might possibly be the problem?
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: The E on June 13, 2010, 01:24:47 pm
Does debug say anything when loading the model in-game (NOT the F3 lab!)?
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on June 14, 2010, 12:37:05 am
I ran the debug build to see if the game could detect any possible errors, and for every sub-model (Detail, Debris or otherwise) comes up with a "Inverted Bounding Boxes" error message. I don't understand what Inverted Bounding Boxes are, but anyway, would that have anything to do with it?

FSF suggested to me about doing a reconversion of the model to see if that does something. He also noted that the shield mesh was slightly off-centre in the POF, which might be a problem.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Wanderer on June 14, 2010, 12:45:20 am
Older version of PCS2 used to create inverted bounding boxes. It could be fixed by loading the model to PCS2, selecting purge BSP info and then saving it.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on June 14, 2010, 06:36:40 am
FSF ran the reconversion of the Durandal as he suggested. He also did some adjustment to the placement of the shield mesh.

After testing the reconverted model, the game no longer issues inverted bounding boxes errors. However, the shield problem has not been solved. The game continues to completely ignore the shield like it doesn't exist.

If the inverted bounding boxes wasn't the problem, then what else could be a possible reason why it won't work?
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: Colonol Dekker on June 14, 2010, 08:37:16 am
Fred error?
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on June 14, 2010, 11:04:40 pm
Already checked Fred as previously stated, and its not an error there. Not as far as I can find at least.

Gave FSF a copy of the Durandal's current table. Hopefully, he might spot something that's not quite right and that I missed. In which case, it'll be a table issue. But I have doubts about that. Just have to wait and see what he says.
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: FreeSpaceFreak on June 15, 2010, 05:16:08 am
Well, I wouldn't know either... FS does play the shield hit buzzing sound on hitting, but applies the damage directly to the hull. The only cause I can think of is that this (http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=69378.msg1371102#msg1371102) is maybe not properly supported by the engine (this fighter is using it).

For those who'd like to test it themselves: you can find a minimod here (http://www.mediafire.com/?nhmmj4mjndm).
Title: Re: TCF Thor Unveiled
Post by: starwolf1991 on June 19, 2010, 07:20:16 am
Some of you may or may not have seen the collision mesh thread lately. Regardless, here's some news that will please all:

The Durandal's shield problem has been solved. It was the model's collision mesh. For some unknown reason, it was interfering with the shield mesh. As a result, the shield would not function in-game. Removing the collision mesh restores full functionality. I currently believe the reason why is being investigated on the collision mesh thread.

That's in long form. To put it shortly, the shield system is working. Because it works, the Durandal is now closer to completion. With some tuning and balancing accompanying it, it'll be even more closer.  :P

Now all that remains is the textures and.......hmmm, I dunno, a project of my own that features it?  ;7

Nah, why do that?