German infantry equipment WIP screenshot

[frinik]

The helmets also look too big.They remind me of the 1916 model used by the Kaiser's army ( Reichwehr)in WWI rather than the 1942 model. They should be flatter on top  a bit , not so bulgy...

[Kyth]

Agree with Frinik on the helmets, they need more work,

[Aces]

Hi chaps,

Regarding the binoculars I used actual measurements from 6x30 Dienstglas binoculars, there were of course several different models used by the army and the larger magnification ones were of course physically larger. Here's some 6x30s in use:




I'm afraid that I'm not going to re-model the helmets and then spend ages trying to re-position them, it's taken about three weeks of work just to get the equipment positioning as good as possible. Edit the relevant text file, load up the mission editor, check, repeat the above cycle literally hundreds of times ad nauseum. I could go on doing this for the rest of my life! . The other thing with the helmets is that they've got to fit the head model and be positioned as such else you get a bit of head poking out somewhere, get it right one way and it is out another way. I actually looked at this site http://www.german-helmets.com/HELMET%20SHELL%20SIZE%20CHART.htm regarding helmet sizing and the head size of the model is on the larger than average size regarding helemet size. If you do the maths you'll find the circumference of the head is larger that that of the most frequently issued helmet shell size ergo the head's too big .

Having said all that, I'm not saying I won't revisit the helmet situation after finishing and releasing the mod but this has taken me , in all honesty, hundreds of hours of work to get this far and I want to finish and release, take a rest and then see what can be done.

The maths

Average height 1940s 1.6764m (they were shorter in those days).
Height model 1.68m - (pretty much spot on!)

Head circumference (of an elipse) model 58.24cm (larger than average)
Average head circumference 1940's from WW2 British army statistics) (hat size 7 UK) = 57cm.
Most issued german helmet liner size = 56/57cms (which fits with the average hat size for the 40s  as above) and thus a helmet shell size of 64cm.
Model (liner which is modelled along with the shell) circumference = 58.53cm (to fit model) ergo a helmet shell size of 66cms (larger than average issued).

That's why the helmets look to big, short of having head poking out somewhere (as it is jagged and not smooth) or re-modelling the human figures' head size there's not too much that I can do..

And this bit from that website sums it up nicely "Soldiers who were issued helmets had to accept the helmet that came closest to their true head size.  While every effort was made to do this at the time of issue, wartime photos occasionally show men that appear to be wearing a helmet that is either one shell size too small or too big."

The difference between the reality of the situation (as mentioned above)  and the game is that "all" the human models have heads larger than average circumference and thus "all" the in-game models' helmets look big.

Best regards

Aces

[Kyth]

Okay,

I'll volunteer to try my hand at resizing and positioning the helmet.
If you could send me the helmet 3D file in .obj or .3ds format, I'll see what I can do,

[Aces]

okay mate,

Thanks, I'll send as .obj this evening.

Regards

Aces

Edit: I should just add a few notes which might help.

The helmet (unlike the other "add-ods") doesn't have x,y,z rotation and postioning parameters in a config file so all rotation and positioning (translation) has to be done with the 3d model itself. If you look at the helmet .go file then you'll see what I mean. left isn't left etc.. This took ages to get right as you have to keep "tweeking" the 3d model up/down/left/right front/back etc.. then switching to the mission editor and testing. Repeat these stages as many times as neccessary.  Resizing in the 3d program is a easy as you know but I'd advise aginst changing the model's orientation else you're in for a "world of hurt" as they say.

Actually I'm beginning to think there's only about 5 people (one of them me) in the world that actually care if the mod gets released or not .

[Kyth]

Okay, thanks for the advice, I'll watch out for that,

[frinik]

Actually Aces there are probably more people interested in your mod than you think.The Silent Majority ".Anyway don't think your hard work and dedication are not appreciated.It's just that the majority of players/fqns tends to be " HUm ' contemplative ....Still it's great to have the best and most dynamic tank sim improved by new talent, new blood!

[Aces]

Hi mate,

Thanks, yes, I know all about the "silent majority" . It is a pity that such a great game goes largely un-noticed. I'm well used to furum posting with many views and few comments . We are fishing in a what feels like a very small pond.

I had PC overheating problems last night, 30 degrees ambient temperature in our living room and CPU getting up to 70 degress and staying there so decided to call it quits last night until things get a bit cooler. Do me good to have a bit of a break as I've been working all available hours every evening and all weekends on modding.

Cheers

Aces

[Aces]

Okay chaps,

I changed the shape of the helmet somewhat using M1940 helmet template pictures and I also reduced the overall scaling to 98% of the previous size, any more size reduction or positioning tweeking and you are going to get bits of head poking throught. I also did some texture alterations and new UV-mapping.





You'll notice particularly that it is flatter on the top compared to my previous version.

That's it.

Cheers

Aces

[whukid]

Beautiful!

[frinik]

Right on Aces!

[Aces]

Phew, I thought you were going to say 2.7mm to the left LOL.

Glad it's okay, back to other aspects of the mod.

Cheers

Aces

[Txema]

Excellent !!

I really like it.


Txema

[Kyth]

This volunteer is still standing by, waiting to help with the helmet, 

[Aces]

Thanks for the offer mate, I sorted it fairly quickly in the end.

Cheers

Aces

[Aces]

Hi chaps,

Something new for you today:





Cheers

Aces

[Aces]

Hi chaps,

A bit of an update for you all. Finished machine gunner with new equipment including mg-34 ammo box and ammo belt.



I still have a few loose ends to tidy up but the mod should hopefuly be finished and ready this weekend.

Cheers

Aces

[Donken]

And this just looks better and better. Its great Aces!

[frinik]

Hem!! Where's the field canteen with the cabbage soup???Can't survive on ammo and helmets alone you know

[Kyth]

And don't forget to bring along the spare socks, underwear and toothbrush as well  Essentials when going into battle,