Guille's PzCorps Support Base - Multipurpose Icons and more.

[guille1434]

Stan23: Thanks for your feedback also!

By the way, your request about the SS Sdkfz_10-4 in direct fire mode made me realize that I had only made the AT variant of the regular grey icon... I think this was one of the first icon conversions I made.
So, here is the complete pack, with five camo schemes (including SS ambush pattern) and also base icons and mask for both variants.

Enjoy!

[guille1434]

Now comes a barrage of special icons, made by Asuser:
Here are a special "battlefield object": a windmill. This one could be used as a special "objective" unit (just like Hangars) or may be used as part of the battlefield map background...
Anyway, I consider them to be very original and well made icons...
Cheers!

[guille1434]

Another good set of "battlefield objects"... Those may be use like a "minefield", representing boobytrapped destroyed vehicles, that had to be cleared if some other units wants to pass through the hex where those icons are.
You can see the remains of a Sherman, a Panther and a Tiger II... The different perspective given to those graphic is intentional to differentiate them from other "not destroyed" unit icons.
May be you have seen thos icons in another thread... But I wanted them to be posted here, because they deserve to be in this thread also!

[stan23]

Guille 1434
Have you ever thought about doing a PzIII flame or a Hetzer flame icon? I think it would be cool to update the PzII flame as the campaign unfolds. Cheers from Virginia.

[guille1434]

Stan23: Of couse it is a good idea, specially as ther is no upgrade for the PzII Flamingo in late war. I have an icon that I downloaded of a PzIII and I will try to make a conversion for a Flamm Hetzer...So, stay tuned!

[guille1434]

Here is another good internet image found by Asuser and turned into a very good looking (and rare) PzCorps Icon... This time we are speaking about the Fiat Ansaldo wheeled tank... It was an AFV based on an artillery tractor chassis. We could find that it was armed with a 45 mm gun... but any other data is lacking... Maybe someone can add some more info tho fill the blanks on this unit? Thanks!

All credit, for the basic unit an for the good looking camo (an excellent option for an "European" Italian camo, as the basic set of units in PzCorps are desert colored), is due to Asuser. Thanks!

[ThvN]

This time we are speaking about the Fiat Ansaldo wheeled tank... It was an AFV based on an artillery tractor chassis. We could find that it was armed with a 45 mm gun... but any other data is lacking... Maybe someone can add some more info tho fill the blanks on this unit? Thanks! :mrgreen

Well, I can try... I couldn't find much, but I'll quote some websites to be sure, the first link seems quite good:

http://www.aviarmor.net/tww2/armored_ca ... o_1929.htm (this one has some stats, in Russian, but google translate gives good results)
http://mailer.fsu.edu/~akirk/tanks/Ital ... Tanks.html
http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php?topic=18501.0
http://armor.kiev.ua/Tanks/WWI/rusRover/2/
http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pavesi_35_PS

3D model: http://gunpoint-3d.com/model-fiat_an.html

And for fun, these little movies show similar (Pavesi) articulated artillery tractors like these tank prototypes were based on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krzR0YJ7AAE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfIkylX2Y_8

Note that there were several prototypes, so some of the info could have been mixed up, it seems there were several closely related models, all built between 1925 and 1930, with each source giving a different model number. Main armament was a 37mm, with provision for mounting the 45mm you mention. There seems to be an 6.5mm machinegun in the back of the turret as auxiliary armament, the armor stats quoted on one of the links are uncertain, and engine power is given as 75 or 110 hp, weight 8250 kg.

In the meantime, the possibilities offered by wheeled tanks had been widely investigated in Italy. Since 1924-26, the articulated high wheel tractors designed by Ing. Ugo Pavesi had enjoyed considerable success not only in Italy but elsewhere and had set the pattern for much of their subsequent development as wheeled tanks. Unfortunately, these latter machines left a good deal to be desired on trials both from the point of view of technical and tactical capabilities. As a result, the wheeled tank concept propounded by the Pavesi and Ansaldo companies come to a halt in 1932.

[asuser]

Hi Guille,

the choice of the most popular image might not be as hard since it apparently shows the biggest difference to an already existing image. This is actually the new Tiger tank family (I, P and Sturmtiger). But I find ideas also remarkable where existing units get some modification such as the paratroopers get some artillery (page 1). Interesting are also relatively unknown units such as a new armored train (page 12), the fighter plane Fokker DXXI (page 13), the transporter MB L4500 (page 20) or the supplements to the M7 Priest (page 22).

Our jointly developed images I find, of course, succeeded, especially since I know how much research and development (measurement, surface details, painting schemes, masking) is necessary for creating an image. The evaluation of these images I keep for me because otherwise that is’nt objectively. Apparently moving ground units and the original PC- look (not so 3D-hyperrealistic-view) are preferred. But that should not deter us to continue working on our other projects (aircrafts, missiles, ships, ground troops, artillery).

It would be important to know if the game developers use the published images and the many good suggestions for further improvement of the game and implement the stuff in an update or a new version of PC!

Greetings from Germany!

[stan23]

Hello Guille1434 and Hello to all.

I'm trying my hand at modding the eqp file to make some of the German FlaKpanzers and Flaktracks switchable between AA and AT mode and have sort of settled on the following values and would greatly appreciate any and all members constructive opinion/recommendations for improvement.

SdKfz 10/4 AT Ammo_7 Fuel_76 Move_8 Spot_1 Rng_0 In_5 SA_5 HA_4 AA_-5 NA_0 GD_3 AD_6 CD_0 Traits_
SdKfz 7/1 AT Ammo_3 Fuel_76 Move_6 Spot_1 Rng_0 In_5 SA_8 HA_4 AA_-8 NA_0 GD_4 AD_8 CD_0 Traits_
SdKfz 7/2 AT Ammo_5 Fuel_76 Move_6 Spot_1 Rng_0 In_7 SA_6 HA_8 AA_-6 NA_-1 GD_4 AD_8 CD_0 Traits_
Gepard AT Ammo_7 Fuel_58 Move_6 Spot-1 Rng_0 In_5 SA_5 HA_4 AA_-5 NA_0 GD_6 AD_10 CD_1 Traits_Hard
Mobelwagen AT Ammo_5 Fuel_50 Move_5 Spot_1 Rng_0 In_7 SA_6 HA_8 AA_-6 NA_-1 GD_10 AD_11 CD_1 Traits_Hard
Ostwind AT Ammo_ 5 Fuel_50 Move_5 Spot_1 Rng_0 In_7 SA_6 HA_8 AA_-6 NA_-1 GD_14 AD_12 CD_2 Traits_Hard
Wirbelwind AT Ammo_3 Fuel_50 Move_5 Spot_1 Rng_0 In_5 SA_8 HA_4 AA_-8 NA_0 GD_14 AD_12 CD_2 Traits_Hard

Inspiration comes from Guille 1343, deducter, razz, nikivdd and airbornemongo101 and is a mish mash of their eqp files and my own guesswork. Anyway, I know its a little long, but if anybody could give my little list a critique I would greatly appreciate. Thanx and Cheers from Virginia.

[guille1434]

Stan23: The values seem to be OK, thay are coherent, meaning that units sharing the same armament have equal values. After that, you can test them in battle and in case you feel thay are a bit over or under-powered, you can tweak the values...

ThvN: As always, a very complete research about the Pavesi/Ansaldo wheeled tank... Thanks!

Asuser: Some icons seemed to be more well received than others, that is a fact. I remember, for example, that the Obice da 210 mm was liked by various forum members, and I saw it included in several units packs and mods, which made me feel very good, for a well done job.
I also find some of my units better than others, but I cannot give an objective opinion, as they were made or modified by me. Sometimes when I revisit a unit that I don't see as a very good one, I take a mental note about it and if inspiration comes, I try to improve it.
Anyway, the trend is that newer icons are better than the older ones, this is specially true after we partnered, because it is a very good thing to have someone else to point out important details that one, as being immersed in the project could overlook.

[stan23]

guille1434
Thanx for the reply, the values seem to be working OK for me. By the way, I have some values for the eqp file for a Pz III Flamm if you want them.

[guille1434]

I have some values for that Flamm PzIII unit, which came with the icon I downloaded a long time ago. But, it wont hurt to check your values, may be there are useful info, so... be my guest!

By the way, I will attempt top make a better Flamm PzIII icon and a Flamm Hetzer one, in case you may want to have them...

[stan23]

Guille
Can't wait for the new icons, but there is no hurry, my Flammpanzer II is not ready for upgrade yet. By the way, do you know anywhere I could go to learn about the efx file and animations? As always, any help is appreciated. Cheers from Virginia.

[guille1434]

Stan23:
About the efx file (quick, very general explanation): In it you can determine waht sound is heard when a unit moves or attack, also what firing animation is showed over the unit icon when it fires its weapons.
In the left column you put the name of the icon you want to work with (which is linked tho the unit in the eqp file, because in that file there is a column that determines what icon is showed for each unit).
Going to right:
Offset columns: You find the pixel coordinates where the firing animation is shown (in the 148 x 148 pixel icon image).
Ground attack animations: determines which animation is shown (you have to put the name of one of the animation graphic file available, in the Graphic/Animations folder in the game directory structure
Air attack animations: the same as above for air attack. Both animation file names also point to the sound file played while the attack animation is shown
Movement sounds: Point to the name of the sound file played when the unit is moved on the map.

This is a very quick explanation, you will find much more detailed info in some other forum threads. Modding this game at first looks very complicated, but once you get how it is done, is a very flexible system!

[guille1434]

This is an attempt to make the Bridge Engineers (Brückenpioniere in this case, because it is a german unit) switchable and also, more interesting and flexible in its use. Asuser and me spent much time thinking out what could be the new characteristics of this unit, an I think the results were very good in the graphical aspect of things, and remains to be tested in the eqp values, traits, etc...

This is the explanation about this units and its three states:

1) The "normal" icon, with infantry with the barge trailer: Can be used as regular infantry (but it is a much more expensive unit than infantry, with stats similar to HW inf). In this state, its movement would be = 2, and would not allow other units to cross a water obstacle. (Icon = Brückenpioniere-1)

2) The assembled bridge icon: By a touch to the "Switch Unit" user interface button, the engineers will assemble the pontoon bridge (or ferry) and move it to the river hex intended to be crossed. In this state, the unit can move 1 hex (to position itself on the river hex) and will allow other units to perform a river crossing, its attack values will be lower (or maybe a negative number, meaning that the will fire back if attacked, but cannot initiate an attack to other unit by itself) than in the "infantry" state (the troops are mostly busy assembling the bridge). Its defense values will also be low, meaning that the bridgehead is not totally consolidated and its defenses are not at full strength. One has to be careful as the defense penalty for being on a river hex is in full effect! If possible, back the unit up with artillery and/or AA units. (Icon = Brückenpioniere-2)

3) The assembled brige icon with troops dug in (represented by the sandbag revetment): The egineers had time to prepare the crossing point and made adequate defenses: The defense values are high (possibly the attack values go up a bit also, or at least are equal to the ones in the infantry state), but movement is = 0 (if the unit must move, it will lose its dug-in position, and the higher defense values). The higher defense values also will compensate the river hex defense penalty. The bridgehead will be more difficult to eliminate by the enemy. (Icon = Brückenpioniere-3)
A problem will appear if the Brückenpioniere unit is forced to retreat, this way, it will lose the position, but will maintain its dug-in state (a glitch in the scheme).

Possible solutions:
3a) At present: Should the unit be classed as a fortification? In this way, it will not retreat, nor move. Anyone can think about any cons about this?

For the future, if new traits are added, giving more game possibilities:
3b) A "fearless" unit trait would be useful here... This one was present in the Pacific General game, which made the unit unable to retreat, but had an extra point of losses in exchange.

3c) Another possible option would be a "No retreat" trait, making this unit unable to retreat

Credits to the icons: The bridge was heavily inspired by the one present in the Panzer General original icon, and the sandbag revetment was taken from one of Bebro's icons.

Here are samples for each one of the three unit switches. I hope you like them, and the whole concept behind those new graphics...

[guille1434]

Here are the complete icon pack for the switchable Brückenpioniere unit, including base icons and masks. One bonus: there are masks provided for two versions of the icon, one will apply camo to y}the bridge only, and the other one will put camo on the troop uniforms also.

Enjoy!

[guille1434]

For the very special Brückenpioniere unit, we had to provide them with a very special transport unit to haul all its stuff... So here it is the Schwerer Pioniertransporter L4500... In its wheeled truck version and in its maultier (half-track) form.
This icon was born from a very intensive and positive feedback between Asuser and me... In the end, we finished using most of the parts made by him...
For example, the stacked boat hulls are his creation, and also most of the driver's cabin and the visible parts of the cargo bed. A very, very detailed and researched work.
Here are the complete units packs for the L4500 truck based version (the maultiers will be uploaded in the next post) , including masks for two variants, one with the sheet metal cargo bed sides camouflaged, and the other with wooden cargo bed sides in wood color!

Enjoy!

[guille1434]

Here are the Schwerer Pioniertransporter L4500 Maultier in an assortment of camo schemes, and including the base icons and masks for the DCS software.
This is the version with wooden cargo bed sides...

[guille1434]

And last, but not least, here is the sheet metal cargo bed (which can be camouflaged with the DCS software) version of the sPionietransporter L4500 maultier...
I hope you like all of this work, because we dedicated so much time and ideas exchange in doing it, in order to provide everyone with a land transport for a special unit which can be easily identified on the game map! I think the result was very good indeed!

Enjoy!

[guille1434]

Also, here is another version of the sPioniertransporter L4500, which is not so a PzCorps standard looking icon, but it is a very good unit in its own way. This version was an entire creation by Asuser, and as I said in the previous post, many parts of it ended in the "PzCorps looking" variant of the icon. May be some of the users want to give use to it. So, here it is, and we hope you like it and find some good use for it!!
(I like Mr. Green smilies)