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Please see the most recent updates in the "Where did the .com name go?" thread. Posts number 16 and 17.
An old project brought up to date: Canso PBY-5 of SAGQ
- Thread starter lagaffe
- Start date
lagaffe
SOH-CM-2026
The exterior model is just finish: I am compiling in order to export to Community folder and make the first tests 
After that I think to modelize some instruments that were in the navigation hull of this aircraft: "a living area for 10 people, (dormitory, equipped kitchen) with reserves for 3 weeks, a tray of aerial shots, a diving room; under each blister, a platform for divers to launch themselves for underwater explorations, a weather station, and all the necessary equipment for complete autonomy"
PS: On the left side you can notice the cockpit.
After that I think to modelize some instruments that were in the navigation hull of this aircraft: "a living area for 10 people, (dormitory, equipped kitchen) with reserves for 3 weeks, a tray of aerial shots, a diving room; under each blister, a platform for divers to launch themselves for underwater explorations, a weather station, and all the necessary equipment for complete autonomy"
PS: On the left side you can notice the cockpit.
lagaffe
SOH-CM-2026
If you like the Calypso (the ship), I had make one for MSFS ( http://frenchvfr.free.fr/download.php?lng=en&pg=776&tconfig=0 ).
To be exact, she is the one in Henrik’s AI GAIST traffic
To be exact, she is the one in Henrik’s AI GAIST traffic
heywooood
Mayor Emeritus of Taco City
yes - this is a boat I have long had my eye on..
We used to watch Jaques and Philip on Sunday evenings way back in the olden days, Sent a few dollars to the Cousteau Society over many years as well. +
Here is the one I'm eventually going to do for a project - maybe
It's a Billings Boat kit..for RC
We used to watch Jaques and Philip on Sunday evenings way back in the olden days, Sent a few dollars to the Cousteau Society over many years as well. +
Here is the one I'm eventually going to do for a project - maybe
The Calypso Model Kit - Jacques-Yves Cousteau's ship - Billing Boats USA
The Calypso was purchased in 1950 by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, and after extensive changes and modifications has become a fully equipped ocean research vessel
www.billingboatsusa.com
It's a Billings Boat kit..for RC
lagaffe
SOH-CM-2026
Hello,
After a few days of working from some elements of the Canso 6A that I isolated in an annex file, I created and positioned some design elements to improve the browser’s desktop so that it is as close as possible to the photograph that can be found a few posts above.
The element that caused me the most concern was ... the towel drying because I did find some models on Sketchfab but too detailed (more than 115MB the towel is expensive in polygons).
So I started with two plans that I gathered together then I increased the number of polygons via a Blender modifier to finally "scult" with the Blender tool to give it some relief and movement.
I could indeed add even more details but in the current state my compiled annex file takes 7.8 MB which is correct and I think sufficient to give the illusion of what I wanted to do.
I still have to texture the 3 instruments in front of the windows because for now they are with standard colors.
All this was done in an annex file which is then compiled into a separate 3D file of the plane, then via a modelattachment it is merged to the interior 3D model. This allows me to work on a smaller Blender file, compile quickly and then update the references to be able to see the result. In terms of workflow, it’s much faster.
After a few days of working from some elements of the Canso 6A that I isolated in an annex file, I created and positioned some design elements to improve the browser’s desktop so that it is as close as possible to the photograph that can be found a few posts above.
The element that caused me the most concern was ... the towel drying because I did find some models on Sketchfab but too detailed (more than 115MB the towel is expensive in polygons).
So I started with two plans that I gathered together then I increased the number of polygons via a Blender modifier to finally "scult" with the Blender tool to give it some relief and movement.
I could indeed add even more details but in the current state my compiled annex file takes 7.8 MB which is correct and I think sufficient to give the illusion of what I wanted to do.
I still have to texture the 3 instruments in front of the windows because for now they are with standard colors.
All this was done in an annex file which is then compiled into a separate 3D file of the plane, then via a modelattachment it is merged to the interior 3D model. This allows me to work on a smaller Blender file, compile quickly and then update the references to be able to see the result. In terms of workflow, it’s much faster.
lagaffe
SOH-CM-2026
Hello,
Given that some insisted a lot on having a model equipped with a front turret, I picked up Olivier’s old sources and looked for some OBJs that would have helped me.
Indeed, when I decided on the Cousteau Fondation’s model 6A, I used another way of doing it to model the front of the plane while losing as little time as possible. With this model, I applied the same method and managed to have in one day a "BlackCat" that is almost usable under FS20: the exterior and interior combining the elements of the other models are very representative, but to finalize the model I would need to redo the main VC with the famous Sperry in the center.
Here is what Blender allowed me after this day of work:
The 5 red cubes on the rudder and the wings are just "mouse zones" (to manipulate theses surfaces during the pre-flight visit) that I forgot to hide before the screenshot. The red strip on the rear part of the fuselage is indeed part of the repaint.
I searched for a long time for images on the NET to see if there was an access door on the front left side to enter the browser area and I found nothing. apparently, the pilots and navigator were either entering through the two sliding windows on the top of the cockpit or through the access hatch on the top of the fuselage and near the wing support.
If someone has details or images that demonstrate the opposite, I am interested by all informations
PS: Currently, this addon need 1.51 Go in Community
Given that some insisted a lot on having a model equipped with a front turret, I picked up Olivier’s old sources and looked for some OBJs that would have helped me.
Indeed, when I decided on the Cousteau Fondation’s model 6A, I used another way of doing it to model the front of the plane while losing as little time as possible. With this model, I applied the same method and managed to have in one day a "BlackCat" that is almost usable under FS20: the exterior and interior combining the elements of the other models are very representative, but to finalize the model I would need to redo the main VC with the famous Sperry in the center.
Here is what Blender allowed me after this day of work:
The 5 red cubes on the rudder and the wings are just "mouse zones" (to manipulate theses surfaces during the pre-flight visit) that I forgot to hide before the screenshot. The red strip on the rear part of the fuselage is indeed part of the repaint.
I searched for a long time for images on the NET to see if there was an access door on the front left side to enter the browser area and I found nothing. apparently, the pilots and navigator were either entering through the two sliding windows on the top of the cockpit or through the access hatch on the top of the fuselage and near the wing support.
If someone has details or images that demonstrate the opposite, I am interested by all informations
PS: Currently, this addon need 1.51 Go in Community
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lagaffe
SOH-CM-2026
Hi,
Indeed, most of the current PBY-5A have a right side door but not all variants are equipped in the same way, not to mention the restorations that are different. Let’s take the example of the fuselage windows: according to the variations of PBY-5A/6A you will see that their number and arrangement is different.
I got the WalkAround on the PBY (editions squadrons/signal publications - number 5) which addressed the subject of the Black Cat, I hope to find images that will give me more details.
As you can see on this picture, we have a windows but
As you can see, we indeed have a window on this side of the plane but the metal sheet does not present a joint between what would be the door/hatch and the rest of the fuselage. Moreover, by looking at the interior photos of these military models, we have the distribution of tables and navigation/radio equipment between the two operators who were operating in this compartment and the space occupied by the navigator’s table (left side) does not seem to leave enough room for an entrance (considering that the door/hatch opens outwards as it should be.
Indeed, most of the current PBY-5A have a right side door but not all variants are equipped in the same way, not to mention the restorations that are different. Let’s take the example of the fuselage windows: according to the variations of PBY-5A/6A you will see that their number and arrangement is different.
I got the WalkAround on the PBY (editions squadrons/signal publications - number 5) which addressed the subject of the Black Cat, I hope to find images that will give me more details.
As you can see on this picture, we have a windows but
As you can see, we indeed have a window on this side of the plane but the metal sheet does not present a joint between what would be the door/hatch and the rest of the fuselage. Moreover, by looking at the interior photos of these military models, we have the distribution of tables and navigation/radio equipment between the two operators who were operating in this compartment and the space occupied by the navigator’s table (left side) does not seem to leave enough room for an entrance (considering that the door/hatch opens outwards as it should be.
lagaffe
SOH-CM-2026
Thanks you for yours screen but there are civilian version (military version modified to be compliant with current rules of flight).
Here is a screen of the navigator desk in a military version (PBY-Catalina in action - squadrons/signal publication ) :
- the door in the middle is to access to the cockpit
- at right you fnd the radio desk
- at left you have the navigator desk (and the instrument used to plot the routes to follow on maps) and the windows above it.
It seems impossible to have a door (with this windows in the center) because the table riveted to the ground does not allow going out unless he climbs on it and still he would go out crouching.
I am saying that this only concerns military models, not those reconditioned after the war.
Others pics to illustrate how the interior was very closed to allow the crew to live during the missions.:
and an other than I just find in my documentation: on military version no dorr on the left side of the radio/navigator compartment.
On the 3D model, this bulk is like this:
In the futur, i will provided more details but now for the current WIP version, i will stop 3D works.
PS the hole above the radio box is two elements which have moved during modelization, i will close it.
Here is a screen of the navigator desk in a military version (PBY-Catalina in action - squadrons/signal publication ) :
- the door in the middle is to access to the cockpit
- at right you fnd the radio desk
- at left you have the navigator desk (and the instrument used to plot the routes to follow on maps) and the windows above it.
It seems impossible to have a door (with this windows in the center) because the table riveted to the ground does not allow going out unless he climbs on it and still he would go out crouching.
I am saying that this only concerns military models, not those reconditioned after the war.
Others pics to illustrate how the interior was very closed to allow the crew to live during the missions.:
and an other than I just find in my documentation: on military version no dorr on the left side of the radio/navigator compartment.
On the 3D model, this bulk is like this:
In the futur, i will provided more details but now for the current WIP version, i will stop 3D works.
PS the hole above the radio box is two elements which have moved during modelization, i will close it.
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jankees
SOH-CM-2026
Oh yes, a version with a nose turret as well, outstanding!
I could not resist posting this:
IMG-20190501-WA0021 by JanKees Blom, on Flickr
yours truly, with my daughter Catalina, and her namesake in the background, which we entered through the blister
I could not resist posting this:
IMG-20190501-WA0021 by JanKees Blom, on Flickryours truly, with my daughter Catalina, and her namesake in the background, which we entered through the blister
lagaffe
SOH-CM-2026
Hi,
To bring some news about "this left door", I have found a wonderful video about a Catalina for sale (WWII all original).
It is a gold mine in terms of information, location of the different components, nature of the various compartments, etc.
Here is:
Gradually, I realized that the military model should rather be the subject of another add-on because there are too many differences compared to the restored models and that to manage all these differences, it may be very complicated in a single add-on.
If only for the VC where putting a GPS would be silly and a "Sperry" (gyro pilot) set would be much more appropriate, but in this case, it is necessary that the entire VC conform to what was done during the years 30-40. What do you think ?
All the modifications I made to the basic model to build the Blackcat will not be lost, of course
To bring some news about "this left door", I have found a wonderful video about a Catalina for sale (WWII all original).
It is a gold mine in terms of information, location of the different components, nature of the various compartments, etc.
Here is:
Gradually, I realized that the military model should rather be the subject of another add-on because there are too many differences compared to the restored models and that to manage all these differences, it may be very complicated in a single add-on.
If only for the VC where putting a GPS would be silly and a "Sperry" (gyro pilot) set would be much more appropriate, but in this case, it is necessary that the entire VC conform to what was done during the years 30-40. What do you think ?
All the modifications I made to the basic model to build the Blackcat will not be lost, of course
Last edited:
heywooood
Mayor Emeritus of Taco City
I'm biased toward the float planes and flying boats in particular. Didier, if you are inspired or motivated to make two versions of this venerable old workhorse then by all means please do so.
I agree with you that the differences would seem to warrant a separate 'war bird' variant from the war surplus refitted civilian models. I don't know how you feel about including the pure flying boats with no LG but regardless, I would love to see
what you do going forward on the Catalina project. There are no wrong answers
I agree with you that the differences would seem to warrant a separate 'war bird' variant from the war surplus refitted civilian models. I don't know how you feel about including the pure flying boats with no LG but regardless, I would love to see
what you do going forward on the Catalina project. There are no wrong answers
lagaffe
SOH-CM-2026
For the flying boat, I don’t know ... it would still be a lot of work to add to this project.
At the modeling and code level, almost everything is ready for a version 0.9.0 but I would need to rework the textures because many are simple textures: not real PBRs.
Let’s try to make the v0.9.0 by the end of September with the 5A and the 6A, then I would come back for the end of the year with a Black Cat that might be well advanced.
In fact, I work on 3D a bit like a model maker, by adding small details and over time ... I tend to do too much, I have to slow down my ideas.
With the Catalina 6A, there will be a Easter egg ... you can search a little to find it ;-)
Here is my work of this afternoon on the military VC:
Needles aren't animated and I have used only basic color to see the rendering of this VC.
Some of them can be replaced by the civilian gauges that I have in the others PBY-5A so I am happy with this result.
For the .30 machine guns ... I found a royalty-free model on Sketchfab.
I will delete the tripod and use the "body" to change the simpliest 3D model that I have currently on the blisters and this 3D model will be for the LOD00 (detailled model).
For the tourret, this will require more work and with the photos of the magazines I have I think I can "make" a double model.
At the modeling and code level, almost everything is ready for a version 0.9.0 but I would need to rework the textures because many are simple textures: not real PBRs.
Let’s try to make the v0.9.0 by the end of September with the 5A and the 6A, then I would come back for the end of the year with a Black Cat that might be well advanced.
In fact, I work on 3D a bit like a model maker, by adding small details and over time ... I tend to do too much, I have to slow down my ideas.
With the Catalina 6A, there will be a Easter egg ... you can search a little to find it ;-)
Here is my work of this afternoon on the military VC:
Needles aren't animated and I have used only basic color to see the rendering of this VC.
Some of them can be replaced by the civilian gauges that I have in the others PBY-5A so I am happy with this result.
For the .30 machine guns ... I found a royalty-free model on Sketchfab.
I will delete the tripod and use the "body" to change the simpliest 3D model that I have currently on the blisters and this 3D model will be for the LOD00 (detailled model).
For the tourret, this will require more work and with the photos of the magazines I have I think I can "make" a double model.
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DennyA
SOH-CM-2023
Honestly, I'm okay with a modern restoration. In the sim, even with add-ons, realistically most of what you're flying around is present-day scenery. So a GPS in the panel, etc. is fine. Turn it off if you don't want to use it.
But I would definitely love versions with the front turret and other WW2 equipment from a visual standpoint. An authentic Black Cat externally, with modern cockpit conveniences, is fine from a simulation standpoint. Anyone who yells "that's not real!" isn't approaching this from actual reality, as simulation is packed with compromises to try to recreate real flying from an office chair on a monitor. There's no chance of death from a sim (unless you have a particularly aggressive cat tired of being ignored), no g forces, no smell, no real sound no matter how good your speakers... Having been lucky enough to have time in a B-17G, T-34, F-15D, and other aircraft, I'm 100% aware that sims are about recreating the fun part of the experience and the focus should be on getting a taste of the feel of being in one of these planes, because it will never be truly a recreation of actual flight.
But I would definitely love versions with the front turret and other WW2 equipment from a visual standpoint. An authentic Black Cat externally, with modern cockpit conveniences, is fine from a simulation standpoint. Anyone who yells "that's not real!" isn't approaching this from actual reality, as simulation is packed with compromises to try to recreate real flying from an office chair on a monitor. There's no chance of death from a sim (unless you have a particularly aggressive cat tired of being ignored), no g forces, no smell, no real sound no matter how good your speakers... Having been lucky enough to have time in a B-17G, T-34, F-15D, and other aircraft, I'm 100% aware that sims are about recreating the fun part of the experience and the focus should be on getting a taste of the feel of being in one of these planes, because it will never be truly a recreation of actual flight.
Hollister56
Members +
Very well said Denny and I couldn't agree more. A WW2 model would be very cool indeed and I like the option to have a Garmin GPS available. The work of Didier is very impressive and his efforts are very much appreciated. Good luck with your conitnued progress Didier.