Replace existing unit with Mod, appearance only?

[SeaQuark]

I'm in the process of creating missions for a Korean War multiplayer online server.

 

There is an old B-29 mod that would be perfect for this:

 

http://virtualcockpits.web.fc2.com/mod/dcsw_b-29/dcsw_b-29.html

 

However-- because this will be an open server, I want to include *optional* mods only.

 

Is it possible to convert this mod so that an existing unit in game-- say, the B-52 or the C-130-- would be replaced by the B-29 in appearance only, and otherwise be unaffected?

 

This way, clients who have the mod installed can still play the same mission with clients who don't have the mod. No "invisible plane" problem.

 

At least in theory. But my attempts to do this so far have been unsuccessful. I have tried simply re-naming and replacing all the Texture and Shapes files to their matching B-52 counterparts, but no dice-- the mission loads, but trying to view the unit in question simply results in a black screen.

 

Any thoughts on where I am going wrong? Is this even possible? I know very little about modding, all I have done before is mess with skins. Any advice would be appreciated.

Edited March 3, 2017 by SeaQuark

[Hawkeye60]

Stonehouse is working on all the ai bombers the WW II ADC team has.

 

Including the B-29.

 

We are trying to fix the ai bombing.

 

Most have been fixed.

 

Have a little patience, we will release them when ready.

 

We want to have them ready for Normandy.

 

These mods will be freely available and should not break online play.

 

The size of the mod will depend on how many liveries you include.

 

All players would need to have them installed though.

 

Hope this helps

 

Hawkeye

[SeaQuark]

All players would need to have them installed though.

Hawkeye

 

Well, this is precisely my problem.

 

In a private squad, it's fine to tell everybody "you have to download the mod." But in open multiplayer, realistically, a good number of people who join the server-- if not most-- will simply not download the mod before joining.

 

As far as multiplayer is concerned, it would be far preferable to have a mod not as a standalone AI unit, but simply as a replacement "3D skin" for another unit. This way, those who installed the mod can enjoy it, and everybody who doesn't have the mod will still get an effective "placeholder."

 

I have seen some previous mods do this, and it worked fine. Unfortunately I can't figure out how this was done.

 

I can program C-130s or B-52s to behave like a group of B-29s just fine in the mission editor, and carry out the bombing through triggers if need be. If I can just mod them to *look* like B-29s, everybody can have their cake and eat it too.

Edited March 3, 2017 by SeaQuark

[Stonehouse]

In order for everyone to see the B29 or whatever they need to load the appropriate EDM (3D shapes) files and if they do that then they might as well load the mod rather than not. If they don't load the EDM files then they would possibly experience an error due to you essentially making a mod of the B52 or they would see the B52 not the B29. It's a bit like aircraft skins, if a client doesn't have the skin specified in the mission then they see a default stock skin. I would point out that the B29 is authored by a forum user with the profile DOL and that really to do anything with it you need to seek his permission.

[SeaQuark]

If they don't load the EDM files then they would possibly experience an error due to you essentially making a mod of the B52 or they would see the B52 not the B29. It's a bit like aircraft skins, if a client doesn't have the skin specified in the mission then they see a default stock skin.

 

Right, the latter would be the ideal scenario. If a new player joins the server without the mod, the mission still functions for them and they can escort / intercept bombers along with everybody else. I know this is possible, I've used some mods in the past that replace existing units, and it didn't cause errors.

 

Basically, when mods become mandatory instead of optional, it cuts down the potential player-base for a server; I was hoping to find a way to use immersion-enhancing mods without losing potential players.

 

I would point out that the B29 is authored by a forum user with the profile DOL and that really to do anything with it you need to seek his permission.

 

Alright, I didn't realize this. Somehow I was under the impression that it was an "orphaned mod."

 

I will just C-130s for now in the mission.