Having a bit of trouble with Sonia

[arfyhun]

Greetings all,

I've a couple of errors with Sean Anderson and Pilot Azul's Sonias and any help would definitely help me keep my sanity as I'm obviously missing the obvious (no repetitive puns intended).

Sean's (ki-51_sonia.zip) when trying freeflight, fails to load, with the usual error message. I have reloaded a fresh file; the panel is it's own and the sound is aliased to a known good sound file. No change.

I have taken out ACmult.bin; assembly.bin; DrawHead.bin and Ki-51_Sonia.mdl.mpi and tried it as I have never seen these files in a 'model' folder before. No change in or out.

Sean's with Uncle Tgt's texture file (83sentai_Ki-51_CHI41_UT) also fails with same 'fail to load' error message, (which rules out Sean's textures as the culprit).

Pilot Azul's A/C file (sonia.zip) is a worker but the fuselage is missing when flying. Just the pilots, wings, wheels and bomb shows, (WW2 stealth bomber?). Looking in the texture file there are two fuselage '.bmps', fuselage1.bmp and fuselage2.bmp. but I do not know how to check which one is in use (or both perhaps).

I have managed to sort out a number of these errors in my time but now these two have beaten me. My conclusion is it's something to do with the file name or old age! Q.E.D.

I know I'm tripping over myself and cannot wait for someone to spot the 'bleedin' obvious' , 'cos I can't!

Many thanks in advance. Please don't give me the answer in the first three posts! I am hanging onto my tattered credibility for dear life.

Graham Sullivan.

Ex. London last week, now Dereham, Norfolk.

[Oglivie]

Arfyhun,

I have no problem loading Anderson's Sonia (running WinXP). Could it be Win7 issue, graphic card setting, or over the CFS2's 100 plane limit in the aircraft folder? Are the Azul's textures for CFS2 (some FS2004 textures need to be converted for CFS2 use)?

[arfyhun]

Greetings Ogilvie, many thnx for your reply.

I'm running XP and have 43 A/Cs in the Aircraft folder. I have multiple installs for theatres/years to beat the overload bogie.

Sean's 'ki_51_sonia.zip' and Pilot Azul's 'sonia.zip' both have the same aircraft.cfg file. I only noticed it whilst double checking everything after your post. Sean states the file is for CFS2 in his readme but there isn't one in Pilot Azul's.

Is Sean's aircraft.cfg file O.K. for CFS2?

[fltsim.0]
title=Mitsubishi Ki-51 SONIA, Sentai Hombu (HQ), 44 Sentai, Wuchang, Jan.-Aug. 1942, Chuheien, Sept. 1942-
sim=Ki-51_Sonia
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=
checklists=

[WEIGHT_AND_BALANCE]
empty_weight=4129 // (pounds)

reference_datum_position=0.0, 0, 0 // (feet) distance from FlightSim Reference position: (1/4 chord, centerline, waterline)
empty_weight_CG_position=0.0, 0, 0 // (feet) longitudinal, lateral, vertical distance from specified datum

max_number_of_stations=50

station_load.0=150, -0.5, 0.0, 1.0 //Pilot Weight (lbs), longitudinal, lateral, vertical positions from datum (feet)
station_load.0=150, -2.0, 0.0, 1.0 //tailGun Weight (lbs), longitudinal, lateral, vertical positions from datum (feet)

;Moments of Inertia
empty_weight_pitch_MOI=15000.00
empty_weight_roll_MOI=10000.00
empty_weight_yaw_MOI=40000.00

[flight_tuning]
cruise_lift_scalar=1.0
parasite_drag_scalar=1.0
induced_drag_scalar=1.0
elevator_effectiveness=1.0
aileron_effectiveness=1.0
rudder_effectiveness=1.0
pitch_stability=1.0
roll_stability=1.0
yaw_stability=1.0
elevator_trim_effectiveness=1.0
aileron_trim_effectiveness=1.0
rudder_trim_effectiveness=1.0

[piston_engine]
power_scalar=1.0

[propeller]
thrust_scalar=1.0

[exits]
number_of_exits=1
exit_rate.0=0.4 ;Percent per second

[electrical]
max_battery_voltage=24.0
generator_alternator_voltage=28.0
max_generator_alternator_amps=60.0

[contact_points]
//0 Class
//1 Longitudinal Position (feet)
//2 Lateral Position (feet)
//3 Vertical Position (feet)
//4 Impact Damage Threshold (Feet Per Minute)
//5 Brake Map (0=None, 1=Left, 2=Right)
//6 Wheel Radius (feet)
//7 Steer Angle (degrees)
//8 Static Compression (feet) (0 if rigid)
//9 Max/Static Compression Ratio
//10 Damping Ratio (0=Undamped, 1=Critically Damped)
//11 Extension Time (seconds)
//12 Retraction Time (seconds)
//13 Sound Type
//14 Airspeed limit for retraction (KIAS)
//15 Airspeed that gear gets damage at (KIAS)

point.0=1.000000,-18.333333,0.000000,-1.833333,1574.803200,0.000000,0.536785,75.000000,0 .182144,2.500000,1.082260,0.000000,0.000000,0.0000 00,0.000000,0.000000
point.1=1.000000,1.500000,-4.500000,-5.333333,2165.354400,1.000000,0.536785,0.000000,0. 359258,2.500000,0.943385,0.000000,0.000000,2.00000 0,0.000000,0.000000
point.2=1.000000,1.500000,4.500000,-5.333333,2165.354400,2.000000,0.536785,0.000000,0. 359258,2.500000,0.943385,0.000000,0.000000,3.00000 0,0.000000,0.000000
point.3=2.000000,0.000000,-20.000000,0.000000,1181.102400,0.000000,0.000000,0 .000000,0.000000,0.000000,0.000000,0.000000,0.0000 00,5.000000,0.000000,0.000000
point.4=2.000000,0.000000,20.000000,0.000000,1181. 102400,0.000000,0.000000,0.000000,0.000000,0.00000 0,0.000000,0.000000,0.000000,6.000000,0.000000,0.0 00000
point.5=2.000000,-20.000000,0.000000,1.000000,1181.102400,0.000000,0 .000000,0.000000,0.000000,0.000000,0.000000,0.0000 00,0.000000,9.000000,0.000000,0.000000
point.6=2.000000,8.000000,0.000000,-0.500000,1181.102400,0.000000,0.000000,0.000000,0. 000000,0.000000,0.000000,0.000000,0.000000,4.00000 0,0.000000,0.000000

static_pitch=10.624023
static_cg_height=5.047077

[Views]
eyepoint=-0.375,0.00,3.145


Here's Pilot Azul's:

[fltsim.0]
title=Mitsubishi Ki-51 SONIA, '07', 49th. Dokuritsu Chutai, China, 1942
sim=Ki51_Sonia
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=
checklists=

[WEIGHT_AND_BALANCE]
empty_weight=4129 // (pounds)

reference_datum_position=0.0, 0, 0 // (feet) distance from FlightSim Reference position: (1/4 chord, centerline, waterline)
empty_weight_CG_position=0.0, 0, 0 // (feet) longitudinal, lateral, vertical distance from specified datum

max_number_of_stations=50

station_load.0=150, -0.5, 0.0, 1.0 //Pilot Weight (lbs), longitudinal, lateral, vertical positions from datum (feet)
station_load.0=150, -2.0, 0.0, 1.0 //tailGun Weight (lbs), longitudinal, lateral, vertical positions from datum (feet)

;Moments of Inertia
empty_weight_pitch_MOI=15000.00
empty_weight_roll_MOI=10000.00
empty_weight_yaw_MOI=40000.00

[flight_tuning]
cruise_lift_scalar=1.0
parasite_drag_scalar=1.0
induced_drag_scalar=1.0
elevator_effectiveness=1.0
aileron_effectiveness=1.0
rudder_effectiveness=1.0
pitch_stability=1.0
roll_stability=1.0
yaw_stability=1.0
elevator_trim_effectiveness=1.0
aileron_trim_effectiveness=1.0
rudder_trim_effectiveness=1.0

[piston_engine]
power_scalar=1.0

[propeller]
thrust_scalar=1.0

[exits]
number_of_exits=1
exit_rate.0=0.4 ;Percent per second

[electrical]
max_battery_voltage=24.0
generator_alternator_voltage=28.0
max_generator_alternator_amps=60.0

[contact_points]
//0 Class
//1 Longitudinal Position (feet)
//2 Lateral Position (feet)
//3 Vertical Position (feet)
//4 Impact Damage Threshold (Feet Per Minute)
//5 Brake Map (0=None, 1=Left, 2=Right)
//6 Wheel Radius (feet)
//7 Steer Angle (degrees)
//8 Static Compression (feet) (0 if rigid)
//9 Max/Static Compression Ratio
//10 Damping Ratio (0=Undamped, 1=Critically Damped)
//11 Extension Time (seconds)
//12 Retraction Time (seconds)
//13 Sound Type
//14 Airspeed limit for retraction (KIAS)
//15 Airspeed that gear gets damage at (KIAS)

point.0=1, -22.80, 0.00, -2.85, 1600, 0, 0.25, 90.0, 0.30, 15.5, 1.00, 0.0, 0.0, 0
point.1=1, 1.55, -5.72, -7.80, 2200, 1, 1.25, 0.0, 0.50, 4.5, 0.79, 0.0, 0.0, 2
point.2=1, 1.55, 5.72, -7.80, 2200, 2, 1.25, 0.0, 0.50, 18.5, 1.00, 0.0, 0.0, 3
point.3=2, 0.00, -20.00, -1.25, 1200, 0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.0, 5
point.4=2, 0.00, 20.00, -1.25, 1200, 0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.0, 6
point.5=2, -20.25, 0.00, -1.66, 1200, 0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.0, 9
point.6=2, 2.41, 0.00, -2.08, 1200, 0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.00, 0.0, 0.0, 4

static_pitch=10.624023
static_cg_height=5.047077

[Views]
eyepoint=-2.275,-0.50,4.145

Without a Pilot Azul readme I cannot ascertain if it is for CFS2 or not. If it was FS2004, would the aircraft.cfg file be different to Sean's? I don't have 2004 to gauge. But if it was 2004, wouldn't all the textures play up, instead of the fuselage alone?


If any members are reading this and are interested, here is Sean's shortened readme and added A/C historical notes:

Mitsubishi Ki-51 "Sonia"
For Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 2

Ground Attack aeroplane. It entered service in 1940. A total of 2372 were built. Despite it's slower speed it proved successful due to it being well protected, manoeuvrable, easy to fly and maintain and it could take off from short airfields near the front lines.

Sean Anderson indra@sopris.net

GRAHAM note, 9th. October 2011;

Mitsubishi Ki-51s in China;

44th Sentai (one reconnaissance and two direct cooperation units), Hankou airfield, Battle of Zaoyang-Yichang, 1 May - 18 June 1940. (No proof yet Ki-51s were used at this engagement).

Sentai Airfield
44th Sentai Wuchang (08/41 – )

44th Sentai Hangchou (08/42 – )
Chuheien (08/42 – )

65th Sentai Shanghai (08/42 – 09/42)
Hangchou (08/42 – 09/42)
Manchuria (09/42 – )

6th Sentai Anyang (04/44 – )
Canton (det. 05/44 – 06/44)
Puchi (det. 05/44 – 06/44)
Changsha (det. 06/44 – )

44th Sentai Nanchang (02/43 – )
Puchi (02/43 – )
Tachengchen (02/44 – )
Xinxiang (04/44 – )
Canton (det. 05/44 – 06/44)
Puchi (det. 05/44 – 06/44)
Changsha (det. 06/44 – )

44th Sentai Chenghsien (det.)
Hsuchang (det.)
Wuchin (det.)

And Pilot Azul's:

Mitsubishi Ki-51 SONIA, '07', 49th. Dokuritsu Chutai, China, 1942, although another source states 1944-1945 but I cannot place where. Not listed as in China though.


Can't think of anything else Ogilvie, will reload Sean's A/C for a second time and see if I still get the dreaded 'Failed to startup the flight model' message still.

Will reply soonest.

Many thanks again for the assistance mate,

Graham.

[stuart277]

Hi Graham
I have Sean's Ki-51 and it flies in CFS2 using XP.
The airfile seems the same.
I do not have Pilot Azuls version.
If you are still having trouble I can send you my copy.
Cheers
Stuart

[Oglivie]

Arfyhun,

I would get a copy of the plane that is known to work okay as suggested by Stuart and see how that works. The only thing that I can see in your post that may cause a problem is that the title in the fltsim section is somehwhat long. This usually doesn't cause a problem for Free Flight, but may cause a failure to load in Mission Builder. I do not know the exact limitation to the title length however.

Also (but not related to the current load problem though) if you were to use a checklist in the arcraft.cfg I do not think it will work as is. For the checklist (if used) it should be kb_checklists= rather than checklists=.

[arfyhun]

Greetings all, sorry I have been away for a couple of days. Thank you both very much for your prompt offers of help.
stuart277 - many thanx for the offer of a known good D/L A/C.

I have somehow sorted the problem out using my second D/L of Sean's file, although it didn't play ball the first time I tried it. I have also sorted out Sean's A/C with UncleTgt's textures. Both were fixed, as far as I can believe, by deleting their respective CDP files before using them. I will not bet my shirt on that being the answer as I was deeply in 'can't see the wood for the trees' mode!

I only have Pilot Azul's 'stealth bomber' to fix now.

Ogilvie - I agree with you on the length of the A/C name. I try to cram in as much historical info as possible. I know from CTDs and general wierd behaviour that CFS1 has a 63 space name length and I think CFS2 flipped at 136~ish if I remember rightly. A couple or so of those and CFS2 drops half way through loading. I try to keep it at 100 spaces maximum. Haven't tried to make any missions so I may yet find I am back 'in it' if I try one day.. Well spotted on the 'checklist', I missed that one completely.

So once again, thak you both for the help, it's great being amongst friends.

One last thing, is it right and proper for me to P.M. Pilot Azul's A/C to you stuart277 or am I breaking any rules of the board? If it is O.K. I'm more than happy to do so if you would like it. Please let me know how it stands.

Many thanks again,

Graham Sullivan.