Current progress of our Cross-Channel Maps

[Sgt. Booze]

LOL, don't know about a beta release this week but check back later today dup.   

[dup]

don't know about a beta release this week

So next week ?   

[352ndPersecutor]

don't know about a beta release this week

So next week ?   

Two more weeks!!   Be sure!!

[352ndDeacon]

I'll put an end to the suspension - they'll be no beta release for non-members.   Members of the 352ndFG get each version as its made for testing purposes, if you wish to call these betas, so be it.  When the map is released it will be in its final version, thoroughly test by us and not as a beta.

[Th!rdeye]

poop. 

[352ndPersecutor]

What's taking so darned long??

Well, several things.  First, several really talented folks are busily creating RAF airfields in Southeastern England, Luftwaffe airfields in Normandy and the low countries, and 8th AF fields in eastern England.  That takes a LOT of time.  You've seen screen grabs of the result ... don't they make you drool in anticipation?   They sure make me drool.

Then, in addition, we are busy tweaking textures and getting the roads and railways finished.  Why does that take so long?  Well, take a look at this:



Every foot of every road and railway must be done pixel by pixel, and then edited to make sure it works correctly with the airfields, rivers, and hills.  There's a few square miles involved, I think you would agree.  My gosh but it is tedious!!  However, wouldn't you be unhappy if it weren't as good as it can be?? We are sure trying to make it so.

As you can tell, we're making good progress but still have quite a bit to go.  If you think this is "not that big a deal", compare the area involved to that with the area in the Normandy map and see how much more work is required.  We are trying to make the roads and railways as close to what was actually there in the war years as we can.  It won't be perfect, but when it's all done I'd be willing to bet you'd agree that it is a heck of a good try!!

Will it be worth the wait??   Only you can be the judge of that, but we're comfortable anticipating your answer.

[killerwatt]

This is indeed an immense undertaking and is probably even bigger than the slot in respect to detail included and I am sure it will be worth the wait, but can I just clarify what will be included in the initial release of the Battle of Britain map? Surely this will not be including the 8th AF fields in that version? That is if you are still intending to release a Batlle of Britain version of the map?

[Sgt. Booze]

Hi Killerwatt, nice to see you.  Yes we are planning 2 releases the first being the Battle of Britain then the second being the 8th AF version.  Right now we are finishing up on the RAF, Bomber Command and the Luftwaffe bases, plus harbors and other assorted targets, not to mention a few brand new objects.  After that we will concentrate on the 8th AF version which we will put out on this map and also be able to use many of the same bases for our Deacon and Persecutor maps we are planning to continue with after this project.   So we are building all of our bases individually and will combine them into the appropriate maps when we have them all completed.  I'll have to check but I believe our initial release will have 80 some airbases on it.  Don't hold me to that exactly but there is be plenty of detailed places to fly from and detailed targets to hit.   

Best regards,
Booze

[killerwatt]

Sounds great! No pressure guys but 15th September is Battle of Britain Day here in the UK

[352ndOscar]

For you tour directors out there, the map is 236,500 square kilometers - not that I would keep track of such trival information.

[AMVI_Sissovich]

Salute to the 352nd!
AMVI is still looking forward to this impressive map and following up you projects.
Generally speaking, I noted a growing interest in your efforts within the entire Italian community.
AMVI would be pleased to help you and support you, if possible.
And in a future perspective, we are available to consider and propose some kind of collaboration.
Thinking about, for example, a SEOW campaign.
Or creating a showcase of your work into the Italian community and so on.
I know you don't need any kind of beta testers, so I'm not going to propose this possibility.

In summary, I've read about a "guest package". Is it a public release and if so, could you be so kind to give us a link to test it?
We'd like to fly with you sometimes and know you. Where could we find you in HL and when, usually?

Thank you very much.

AMVI_Sissovich

[352ndPersecutor]

Salute, Sissovich!!

Thank you for your kind words.  We welcome any input in helping us make the map(s) better.  We're at a point where we've put most of the major components of the map as "set in stone", so to speak, although obvious errors will always be corrected.

When the map nears completion and release, we've discussed the possibility of a large dogfight session with as many community pilots that would enjoy joining in.  We'd be thrilled if your group would participate.  Let's get together and see how we can help one another in that goal.  Please pass along our <Salute> to the entire AMVI.

[352ndChaco]

Welcome Sissovich!

Pers, what's the status on the guest UI (uniified installer)?  Is that public or did you send a PM to AMVI?

[Avala]

It's been long since I had internet working and since I was looking for map’s development. I am glad that it is going along nicely.

Here is some spitfire cockpit repaint that could be handy for your map guys

http://files.filefront.com/Avalas+Spitfirerar/;11839639;/fileinfo.html

[352ndPersecutor]

Welcome Sissovich!

Pers, what's the status on the guest UI (uniified installer)?  Is that public or did you send a PM to AMVI?

Thank you, Chaco.  I knew  I had seen a request for the UI but couldn't find it to respond to it.  Duh.  I need to open my eyes, no??

PM is on the way.