Target Pylon

[Low-n-Slow]

A new mod devoted to developing a pylon racing simulation has opened for the Targetware game engine (currently in open beta release). It's dedicated to developing as realistic a model as possible in terms of aerodynamics (airframe, wing and prop) and thermodynamics (engine properties). We even hope to have a reasonably correct atmospheric model soon (cross winds, tip vortecies, ...).
Things are just getting started, no fancy paint jobs yet, but we can run quite a few WWII and Korean birds (P/F-51, F4U 4&5, Bearcat, Tigercat, P-38, P39, P40, Yak 9); even got some jets (Mig 15, F86, F84) and a model of the Pond racer up and running. Current models are lightened (guns and armour removed) with hot engines (3500 to 4000 HP) but no airframe mods as yet. The race site is "somewhere in Utah" .
Remember kids, this is a BETA, NOT a finished product, so it's a little rough around the edges in the eye candy department. And the current cost - zilch, nada, zero - load it and go; it's a WIP.
The BIG thing about Targetware mods is that the mods are built and designed by the players - you want it, you make it. If you've always had aspirations of making your own unlimited racer but lack the (ahem) financial base required, here's your chance; take the plunge and give computer modeling a go (it ain't rocket surgery and there's plenty of online help and advice). As stated, the object is to make it as realistic as possible so any input from persons with race experience , resident geeks and race community entusiasts is welcome.
If you just want to have a look, we're setting up the first test races shortly. The forum is up at:
Target Pylon

cheers
Low

[LeadDog]

Hopefully we will to a test run of Target Pylon on the weekend of the 29th and 30th. I'm still trying to figure out a good time to hold the race. The server with the racing scenario on it should be up the whole weekend so people can fly it at other times. Anyone here that is interested is welcome to participate.

[Low-n-Slow]

What do you need to do to get connected and what are the requirements in terms of aircraft models...i.e., what kind of image file is required?
Thx

Sorry people, I probably shouuld included a bit more info in that initail post.

The install is a three part process:

1) download the main game engine from here:
Targetware Installer
select the version for your computer op system (Windows, Mac or Linux). <edit> oops, I forgot - you will need to open a user account too. You can do it from the same download page (up at the top) - it's relatively simple and striaghtforward</edit>

2) Start the installed program and go to the "Download Mods" menu selection. Get the "Target Rabaul", Target Tobruk", and "Target Korea" mods as the basic aircraft models used are from these sets.

This will get you far enough to fly either offline (alone) or online.

3)To get the actual Target Pylon scene and modified racing aircraft, you will have to log on sometime when LeadDog has the Target Pylon server up and running - you will see a list of what servers are currently available any time you select "Play Online" from the Targetware menu. When you connect to Target Pylon the first time, it will download the racing aircraft and terrain needed for Target Pylon - these will then be available either online of offline for practice.

There's lots of info links on the page link under point (1) - also feel free to ask for help online - there's usually a developer or two around, or at least somebody who's been around a while and knows the basics.

cheers
Low

[LeadDog]

Hi Missileer, Low got most of everything needed to play Target Pylon. There is the terrain of the General Aviation Mod the we are currently using to fly the race planes in, it is southern Utah. There is a person who has the terrain for Reno about half way done so when that gets finished the races will take place there. We plan to make it so that all the planes that are to be raced will be in a Mod called Target Pylon. Right now to race we are borrowing the files the planes use from other mods so you have to have that mod installed to fly Target Pylon. The trial race for the weekend of the 29th/30th will need to have the General Aviation and Target Korea mod.

Now more directly about your question. You will need an internet connection and we do have people who fly online with dial up connections. The files needed for the planes come with the Targetware game and the mods so you just need to download them. A basic joystick will be needed too.

There is a good possiblity that I will leave the server up 24/7 so people can fly this online when they want.

[LeadDog]

@Missileer yes that is possible. I have made three planes for use with Targetware so I can help you do that if you like. Targetware will only read certain file types but it seems that most people can make their 3D program work for Targetware. The texture skins that the planes use can just be .tga files. The flight model and animation files are just text files. Really very standard stuff.

[Low-n-Slow]

Ok.. I was actually thinking about doing my own 3D render of an unlimited contender (something of a cross between Strega and Stiletto) as well as something that would fit into a Sport Class (Raytheon T6A), but could be tweaked to fit faster divisions. Any chance this might be doable?

In Targetware, almost anything is possible. If you build your own model, you or a team of yous need a 3D model (done in the requisit format and under whatever the current poly limit is), animations for all the moving bits (instruments, control surfaces, landing gear,...), a 2D skin (i.e. fancy paint job) and the flight parameters (drag coeficients, airfoil parameters for wing and prop, engine parameters ...). Looks a bit daunting from scratch but lots of people/teams have done it, and often an existing model can be modified (getting the original models permission for use of their work first)- no point reinventing the wheel every time. Once the plane is done you can fly it off line on your computer, online on a server that you host to make the model available to others or, if you can convince LeadDog that the model is suitable for inclusion in the Target Pylon fleet, on the Target Pylon server.

How to do all this stuff is reasonably well documented on the Targetware website and is the topic of almost endles discussion on the forum - being a beta, most people there likely spend way more time developing stuff for the sim than they do flying (lotta guys never have time to even get near a plane ).

C'mon in - we're always looking for new models and planes.

cheers
Low

[AirDOGGe]

Has anyone determined what are the minimum hardware requirements to play? I don't exactly have the latest and fastest PC or videocard.

.

[LeadDog]

Here is what is post in the Targetware forum. The terrain that is being used for this mod is not very graphic intense so that helps computers that are not the latest and greatest too.

The minimum recommended systems are NOT finalized, by any means. They are likely to rise in time because finding what those are is part of the beta process.

Below are our current suggested system minimums. Please, keep in mind that minimum means you might not be able to afford the highest quality graphic settings.

PC Minimum System Suggestions:

1 GHz CPU or better (1.5 Ghz+ recommended)
Windows 9X (Windows 2K+ recommended)
512 MB RAM or better
350 MB disk space (more required depending on number of mods installed)
ATI 7000 or NVidia GeForce2 3D Video card
(ATI 9000 or NVidia GeForce 4 class 3D video card or better strongly recommended)
Internet connection (broadband recommended)
USB joystick

MAC Minimum System Suggestions:

G4 500 MHz or better (1 GHz recommended)
OS X 10.2.8 or later (10.3 recommended)
512 MB RAM or better
350 MB disk space (more required depending on number of mods installed)
ATI 7000 or NVidia GeForce2 3D Video card
(ATI 9000 or NVidia GeForce 4 class 3D video card or better strongly recommended)
Internet connection (broadband recommended)
USB joystick