Why improve it?
Firstly, I found it lacking of DME receiver, so I added a DME receiver for it. And by searching the model and its author, I found VSKYLAB's DC-3, it based on this model and modified a lot, improve plenty much, but NO CONTRIBUTE BACK!There was two way, one is asking them contribute back, another is work on myself. By reading their note:
Emmanuel's model was licensed to the VSKYLABS Douglas DC-3/C-47 project for further development, and The VSKYLABS copyright and disclaimer notes are fully applied to this package.
I am very angry! I contacted Emmanuel and ask him contribute back but no reply, I also tried to contact RAF team, but their forum all French, I cannot understand any infomation. So I planed to improve by myself.Also this Douglas DC-3/C-47 project has at least three version, FGAddon version, RAF team version and 3rd party hanger version. So I also plan to merge those all version to one. And there is no update from May of 2016 (other version stopped at November of 2016).
What have I done yet?
Before, I only use Blender for 3D printing, no any experience for Game modeling, and UV, what I have done is just learn-and-try.
1. First of all, I found it is no DME, so I added a DME from DHC-6 project. Good news is DHC-6 project is GPLv2, so I could using any code from it. And add more radio equipment (COM2, NAVs, ADF and a transponder). As the result, it could now adopt modern navigation!
2. Then I improve the fuseledge reflection for ALS, it works fine and pretty.[*]After finishing my plastic model, I found the connection between wing root and fuseledge are too abrupt, and wing tail is wrong compare with real DC-3. So I improve it by adding a 'patch' to make the connection more smooth and re-create the wing tail and wing mount. Now it is more smooth, and less drug will produced. I could say the exterior is FIVE stars!
3. Re-modeling wipers, and merge a wiper tube from other version (wipers need hydraulics to work so the tube is vital). but I do know nothing about UV, NEED HELP to improve it!
4. Add a flaps indicator from DHC-6 project, just modified the texture.
5. Add interior shadow for ALS, using code from DHC-6 project, but re-generate shadow files.
6. Other minor updated, antennas, lights...etc.
TO DO and help is needed!
Following are what I plan to do recently, all needs help!
1. Fuseledge is too 'fat', real DC-3 is thinner. But the thing is not so easy, a lot of works to do not just 'shape' it.
2. Liveries need updated. Due to add a wing-root 'patch', UV map updated, so some livery may have bug, I do believe most livery works perfect but only a few need to be modified.
3. Fly-by view and Model view work incorrect. Need to fix.
4. Movable side window.[*]Emergency Exit at afterward of overpanel.
5. Seats for military interior.
6. Autopilot (Sperry III) not work, 3D models are ready, need coding and make it alive.
7. Aileron and rudder trim, the 3D models are ready, just make them alive.
8. Windshield effects, such us rain/snow, interior reflection.
9. FDM to Jsbsim. Another version implied it, but needs more things todo.
10. Much more...
My development repo: https://github.com/tonghuix/Douglas-Dc3, a blender file, with three-view of DC-3, included to help improve it.