To Hitler, with Love.

[SFC_Scott]

I did a quick search and didn't find anything on the topic. If this is covered elsewhere, I apologize. Here's my Mod Squad question:

 

Has anyone developed, or considered developing a mod or application that would allow a player to inscribe personal messages or graphics onto an aircraft's ordnance much as military personnel have been doing since...well...forever?

 

It occured to me that skipping a bomb into the side of an enemy vessel with something like "Eat This!" inscribed on it, would be nearly as gratifying as seeing a Nazi Zombie head explode in a shower of gore.   If such a thing exists, please, point me in the right direction

[AEthelraedUnraed]

9 hours ago, SFC_Scott said:

If such a thing exists, please, point me in the right direction

Paint

 

Quite literally. The textures are in data\graphics\ammo\textures (you need to unpack them first). Open up the texture for the bomb you want in a good image editor (e.g. GIMP) and you can inscribe it with whatever you want.

[Zooropa_Fly]

Always viewed such behaviour as being particularly tasteless, considering they killed as many civilians as anything.

But if it gets you off..

[SFC_Scott]

 

 

And you're on the IL-2 forum because...killing other human beings in a combat simulator is tasteful???  I can't speak for you, but I can speak for myself.  As a combat veteran in the Infantry, I can attest that such behavior, as tasteless as your "superior" sensibilities may find it, is a reality and actually has purpose. Being able to incorporate it into the game adds yet another level of historical accuracy and immersion for which IL-2 is reverred.

 

War is the most tasteless human endeavor. Writing a message to your enemy on a bomb can't possibly make it more tasteless.

 

But thanks for your input! 

7 hours ago, Zooropa_Fly said:

7 hours ago, Zooropa_Fly said:

Always viewed such behaviour as being particularly tasteless, considering they killed as many civilians as anything.

But if it gets you off..

 

 

Edited September 1, 2022 by SFC_Scott

[SFC_Scott]

14 hours ago, AEthelraedUnraed said:

Paint

 

Quite literally. The textures are in data\graphics\ammo\textures (you need to unpack them first). Open up the texture for the bomb you want in a good image editor (e.g. GIMP) and you can inscribe it with whatever you want.

 Thank you!  I'll be downloading GIMP and giving this a go very soon!  

 

 

 

~I am living proof that a person can build a stable life on a solid foundation of poor judgement and bad decisions.

[Vishnu]

On 9/1/2022 at 2:13 PM, SFC_Scott said:

 

 

And you're on the IL-2 forum because...killing other human beings in a combat simulator is tasteful???  I can't speak for you, but I can speak for myself.  As a combat veteran in the Infantry, I can attest that such behavior, as tasteless as your "superior" sensibilities may find it, is a reality and actually has purpose. Being able to incorporate it into the game adds yet another level of historical accuracy and immersion for which IL-2 is reverred.

 

War is the most tasteless human endeavor. Writing a message to your enemy on a bomb can't possibly make it more tasteless.

 

But thanks for your input! 

 

 

[ACG_Blondi]

On 9/1/2022 at 11:55 AM, AEthelraedUnraed said:

Paint

 

Quite literally. The textures are in data\graphics\ammo\textures (you need to unpack them first). Open up the texture for the bomb you want in a good image editor (e.g. GIMP) and you can inscribe it with whatever you want.

I can't actually find this folder in my Graphics file.

Are they stored somewhere else now?

[AEthelraedUnraed]

43 minutes ago, ACG_Blondi said:

I can't actually find this folder in my Graphics file.

Are they stored somewhere else now?

As said, you need to unpack them first. See here:

[Cynic_Al]

On 9/1/2022 at 2:38 AM, SFC_Scott said:

 

It occurred to me that skipping a bomb into the side of an enemy vessel with something like "Eat This!" inscribed on it, would be nearly as gratifying as

 

Who do you expect is going to read it?  Realistically, only bomb-disposal operatives could have seen those, many of whom (following the end of hostilities) could have been from the same country that dropped the ordnance.  If you suspect the game incorporates some sentient AI that could be unnerved by such messages, I must disappoint you.

 

[ACG_Blondi]

1 hour ago, AEthelraedUnraed said:

As said, you need to unpack them first. See here:

Ah got them now.

So I assume that just editing these textures and saving them in the same way you would a skin doesn't apply them?

I'm by no means a modder, so forgive the questions.

[Skycat1969]

Maybe experimenting with this will help:

 

[SFC_Scott]

3 hours ago, Cynic_Al said:

 

Who do you expect is going to read it?  Realistically, only bomb-disposal operatives could have seen those, many of whom (following the end of hostilities) could have been from the same country that dropped the ordnance.  If you suspect the game incorporates some sentient AI that could be unnerved by such messages, I must disappoint you.

 

 

 Do I really need to break it down for those of you who don't get it?  I am puzzled at how so many intelligent people can be so clueless. 

[Cynic_Al]

12 hours ago, SFC_Scott said:

Do I really need to break it down for those of you who don't get it?

 

Yes - we're all dying to hear it.

[ACG_Blondi]

14 hours ago, Skycat1969 said:

Maybe experimenting with this will help:

 

Tried that method too. They don't apply to the in game models.

[Mtnbiker1998]

12 hours ago, SFC_Scott said:

 

I am puzzled at how so many intelligent people can be so clueless. 

Your first mistake was assuming that people anywhere on the internet are intelligent.

 

Personally, I love the idea of some custom bomb textures and hope you publish the results if you get it working!

[=gRiJ=Roman-]

It would be kind of fun to be able to write messages on bombs ... at least great for video makers, I guess.

[AEthelraedUnraed]

On 9/19/2022 at 3:32 AM, ACG_Blondi said:

So I assume that just editing these textures and saving them in the same way you would a skin doesn't apply them?

You need to save them in the original folder, not the unpacked folder (i.e. without (null) ). I'm not sure if you also need to have Mods On.

[ACG_Blondi]

21 hours ago, AEthelraedUnraed said:

You need to save them in the original folder, not the unpacked folder (i.e. without (null) ). I'm not sure if you also need to have Mods On.

Tried that too. (data/graphics/ammo/textures)

I think it may have to be a mod now, unfortunately.

Edited September 21, 2022 by ACG_Blondi

[SFC_Scott]

On 9/19/2022 at 9:32 AM, Cynic_Al said:

 

Yes - we're all dying to hear it.

Fine.

 

From a historical standpoint, military personnel have been writing messages on their weapons, ammunition and vehicles since...well...the beginning of warfare. American Indians decorated their weapons and took scalps as war trophies.   They were putting "War Paint" on their faces and horses long before Europeans ever arrived, all in the name of motivation, morale and intimidation.

 

Messaging on ordnance has a positive impact on motivation and morale for people who are preparing for, and participating in combat operations...laying their lives on the line... as well as those supporting combat operations. In the case of messaging on ordnance during WW II, the fact is that the actual air crews rarely wrote the messages on the ordnance.  They rarely saw it before it was loaded.  Much of the messaging was done by the ordnance and supply personnel who supplied it and loaded it.  Clearly, even the most ignorant of people would understand that the recipients of this ordnance would never see the message.  However, the messaging gave ordnance and other support personnel a sense of participation beyond loading the bombs for the people that actually delivered them, while playing into the unique sense of humor of the air crews.  In some instances, the pilots and air crews would see the message on the ordnance and find humor...and motivation...in it. It gave air crews and ground crews alike a sense of camaraderie.  It was motivational and built cohesion between the air crews and ground personnel. It was a morale booster. The messaging wasn't for the ordnance recipients. It was for the ordnance personnel and deliverers.  It was for the Air Crews, Infantry, Tankers, Artillery and other combat personnel laying it on the line, as well as those supplying the ordnance.

 

But I guess I can really only expect a person who had ever been in those types of positions to really understand.  

 

In essence: 

Ordnance guy: "Here! Deliver this message to Herr Hitler for me, would ya pal?"

 

Bombardier: "My pleasure!  Right down his throat!"

 

 

 

Edited September 26, 2022 by SFC_Scott

[ST_Catchov]

That may be true and I have nothing agin it personally but we are civilised, respectful gamers here.

[SFC_Scott]

49 minutes ago, ST_Catchov said:

That may be true and I have nothing agin it personally but we are civilised, respectful gamers here.

 

Civilized, respectful gamers who are presumably looking for a fun, historically accurate, immersive gaming experience.  That's what IL-2 is all about!!  Isn't it?  Simulating...pretending...to kill your fellow human being in a video game by dropping bombs on them isn't tasteless or uncivilized at all.  But writing a message on the bomb that kills them is.  Wow.

[LukeFF]

5 hours ago, SFC_Scott said:

Civilized, respectful gamers who are presumably looking for a fun, historically accurate, immersive gaming experience.  That's what IL-2 is all about!!  Isn't it?  Simulating...pretending...to kill your fellow human being in a video game by dropping bombs on them isn't tasteless or uncivilized at all.  But writing a message on the bomb that kills them is.  Wow.

 

I wouldn't be bothered by their opinions. It's a good idea for a mod, so if you like it, go for it. I've done the world tour as well, courtesy of the U.S. Army and am well aware that writing messages on military equipment and ordnance is a perfectly normal and acceptable practice. Those who don't understand it may never well understand it.

Edited September 26, 2022 by LukeFF

[BraveSirRobin]

On 9/1/2022 at 11:44 AM, Zooropa_Fly said:

Always viewed such behaviour as being particularly tasteless, considering they killed as many civilians as anything.

But if it gets you off..

So you don’t like writing messages on pretend bombs because the real bombs killed civilians, but you don’t have a problem flying pretend versions of the actual aircraft that dropped those bombs on civilians?  

Edited September 26, 2022 by BraveSirRobin

[Monksilver]

In a Laurel and Hardy film set in WW1 Laurel said I'm not worried about a bullet with my name on it so much as the shell with to 'whom it may concern'.

[SFC_Scott]

2 hours ago, LukeFF said:

 

I wouldn't be bothered by their opinions. It's a good idea for a mod, so if you like it, go for it. I've done the world tour as well, courtesy of the U.S. Army and am well aware that writing messages on military equipment and ordnance is a perfectly normal and acceptable practice. Those who don't understand it may never well understand it.

Not so much bothered by the opinions as I am confused by the rationale!  

[ST_Catchov]

Well I guess it's okay provided Rule 7 is followed. Any comments written on bombs or any other form of mass destruction that are on public view via any video platforms, pictorial diagrams or photographs that may be embedded or linked to this forum are forbidden. and will be strictly enforced. 

 

7. Comments containing profanity, personal insults, accusations of cheating, excessive rudeness, vulgarity, drug propaganda, political and religious discussion and propaganda, all manifestations of Nazism and racist statements, calls to overthrow governments by force, inciting ethnic hatred, humiliation of persons of a particular gender, sexual orientation or religion are not allowed and will result in a ban.
Violations of this rule will result in the following:
 
First offense - 3 days ban on entry
Second offense - 7 days of the ban on entry
Third offense - 30 day ban on entry

[Hopper64]

Japanese friendship medals were sent back to Japan in April of 1942. They were strapped to 500 lb bombs:

 

https://pearlharbor.org/wwii-bombs-hit-japan-with-japanese-medals-of-peace-strapped-on/

 

Great idea for a mod. Looking forward to it. Thanks.

[SFC_Scott]

On 9/1/2022 at 3:55 AM, AEthelraedUnraed said:

Paint

 

Quite literally. The textures are in data\graphics\ammo\textures (you need to unpack them first). Open up the texture for the bomb you want in a good image editor (e.g. GIMP) and you can inscribe it with whatever you want.

 

I've been tinkering with custom photos in the aircraft and tanks, and finally got around to checking this out. But there is no AMMO folder that I can locate in the path you provided.  A search of the entire IL-2 BoS directory didn't yield any results either. Perhaps I'm missing something??

[Leftenant_Soap]

@SFC_Scott

You may be missing the ammo textures folder in your directory if you have not yet unpacked the .gtp that contains it. I believe the files you're looking for are in one of the 3 Graphics#.gtp

The tool you'll need to unpack them: unGTP-IL2

 

 

[SFC_Scott]

10 minutes ago, DD_Soapy said:

@SFC_Scott

You may be missing the ammo textures folder in your directory if you have not yet unpacked the .gtp that contains it. I believe the files you're looking for are in one of the 3 Graphics#.gtp

The tool you'll need to unpack them: unGTP-IL2

 

 

Thank you! I'll give it a shot!

[SFC_Scott]

42 minutes ago, DD_Soapy said:

@SFC_Scott

You may be missing the ammo textures folder in your directory if you have not yet unpacked the .gtp that contains it. I believe the files you're looking for are in one of the 3 Graphics#.gtp

The tool you'll need to unpack them: unGTP-IL2

 

 

Sadly....I have no idea what I am doing.  Is there some tutorial on how to use unGTP-IL2?  I don't mean to be a pain, but this is all new to me. 

[AEthelraedUnraed]

4 hours ago, SFC_Scott said:

Sadly....I have no idea what I am doing.  Is there some tutorial on how to use unGTP-IL2?  I don't mean to be a pain, but this is all new to me. 

Just drag 'n drop the file you want to unpack onto unGTP-IL2.exe. The unpacked files will end up in the (null) directory inside IL2's data folder. Inside this (null) folder will be the files and folders the way they were packed, e.g. a packed file called data\graphics\example.png will be unpacked into (null)\data\graphics\example.png. To make any edits to this file show up in game, move it back to its "real" directory without the (null), i.e. data\graphics\example.png and enable Mods On in the game settings.

[Skycat1969]

If you don't already have unGTP, you can get it here:

https://www.sas1946.com/main/index.php?topic=58547.09

[SFC_Scott]

8 hours ago, AEthelraedUnraed said:

Just drag 'n drop the file you want to unpack onto unGTP-IL2.exe. The unpacked files will end up in the (null) directory inside IL2's data folder. Inside this (null) folder will be the files and folders the way they were packed, e.g. a packed file called data\graphics\example.png will be unpacked into (null)\data\graphics\example.png. To make any edits to this file show up in game, move it back to its "real" directory without the (null), i.e. data\graphics\example.png and enable Mods On in the game settings.

Great! However, DD_Soapy said the files I want to modify (bombs) are in the data/graphics/ammo folder, which isn't present. What I'm getting is that I need do drag the files from the ammo folder onto unGTP-IL2, but there is no ammo folder. I'm sure DD_Soapy explained it well enough, but I'm just not getting it. I'm not making a connection.  Again, I'm not trying to be difficult. I'm just trying to learn. So...let's make this G.I Proof. Treat me like I don't know anything about modding IL-2. The extent of my modding knowledge is using Nexus Mod Manager with Fallout 4, and adding custom pictures to my cockpit in IL-2, and I just figured out how to do that last night. Also, I do appreciate the assistance! Thanks!

Edited January 24, 2023 by SFC_Scott

[AEthelraedUnraed]

1 hour ago, SFC_Scott said:

Great! However, DD_Soapy said the files I want to modify (bombs) are in the data/graphics/ammo folder, which isn't present. What I'm getting is that I need do drag the files from the ammo folder onto unGTP-IL2, but there is no ammo folder. I'm sure DD_Soapy explained it well enough, but I'm just not getting it. I'm not making a connection.  Again, I'm not trying to be difficult. I'm just trying to learn. So...let's make this G.I Proof. Treat me like I don't know anything about modding IL-2. The extent of my modding knowledge is using Nexus Mod Manager with Fallout 4, and adding custom pictures to my cockpit in IL-2, and I just figured out how to do that last night. Also, I do appreciate the assistance! Thanks!

(Almost) all files in IL2 are stored inside the various .gtp files. You obviously cannot edit them while they're packed inside those. To unpack them, drag and drop the .gtp file containing the file you're looking for onto unGTP-IL2.exe. The (null) directory will be created, containing the files and folder structure you're looking for. From here on, just follow my previous post.

 

Anything in particular that's still unclear?

[SFC_Scott]

41 minutes ago, AEthelraedUnraed said:

(Almost) all files in IL2 are stored inside the various .gtp files. You obviously cannot edit them while they're packed inside those. To unpack them, drag and drop the .gtp file containing the file you're looking for onto unGTP-IL2.exe. The (null) directory will be created, containing the files and folder structure you're looking for. From here on, just follow my previous post.

 

Anything in particular that's still unclear?

I'm putting 2 and 2 together and I'm about there! It's still a long way off from my original instructions, as I perceived them anyway.  I did a search for *.gtp files in the DATA folder, and now I am seeing GTP files!  I'm guessing the bombs are in the graphics.gtp files that DD_Soapy mentioned. I took the path he posted as being folders, which led me to the graphics folder which was empty of GTP files. Thanks for your patience and your help! I really appreciate it! You can teach an old dog new tricks! It will be next weekend before I have another chance to work on this, but I'll most assuredly be asking for more help, or posting my results! Thanks again!

Edited January 24, 2023 by SFC_Scott

[Leftenant_Soap]

Yup I think you're on the right track ?

Glad that AEthelraedUnraed explained it better for you.

It's really a great, simple tool once you get the hang of it.

 

[SFC_Scott]

1 hour ago, DD_Soapy said:

Yup I think you're on the right track ?

Glad that AEthelraedUnraed explained it better for you.

It's really a great, simple tool once you get the hang of it.

 

And thank you too!  It all started with you!  The custom cockpit picture has been a lot of fun, and I've got it down! I've been taking American, German and Russian WW2 pin-ups and modern/retro pin-ups and converting them into cockpit pictures, as well as pictures of my wife.  It adds a personal touch to the simulator, and I think reworking the bombs will do so as well. 

[ST_Catchov]

9 minutes ago, SFC_Scott said:

pictures of my wife

 

That's your wife! What the hell are you doin' playing stupid video games?

[SFC_Scott]

On 1/24/2023 at 3:36 PM, ST_Catchov said:

 

That's your wife! What the hell are you doin' playing stupid video games?

Lol. No. That is not my wife. I'm in my mid 50's.  I'm smooth. But I ain't that smooth! That is art by Robert Alvarado!!!  This is my wife.  She sent this pic to me during my final deployment...among others that I won't share...

Edited January 30, 2023 by SFC_Scott
Typos and context