@Lahoski107 unfortunately no, the theme to the whole challenge is engineering, not necessarily can you make a cool looking fighter jets or prop plane. You essentially have to balance out different factors like weight, fuel consumption, how heavy of a load can your plane carry, and can your plane out fly another craft with all these factors. Now this time around I'm giving everyone a little more flexibility. You can add power to your engines via XML. Prop planes can have an HP/Weight Ratio not to exceed .5, and Jets will have a Power/Ratio not to exceed 1. So you'll have more freedom with XML for the sake of building and cosmetics, and not so much overpowering, and in the end it's fair.
@ArcturusAerospace yes Guardian missiles on this one. If we used interceptors it'd deplete the chaff immediately with a volley. That way we can give the AI a chance to fight.
@Lahoski107 don't worry, that's why we have a prop plan challenge too. Also the
"6 of each type, so 12 total" I think was for the initial post. I think here I just limited it to guardian missles.
@BdidiCorps next tournament will be both, jets and props. We're running two at the same time. Don't worry @AtlasSP jets will end of May, and Props will be mid June so they won't be at the same time. Everyone wants both so we'll stagger them out for the community. And that way the Prop veterans can get more time to build.
Alright everyone, so here's the final proposal. We'll be running two Challenges first will be the 300 Part Fighter Jet Throw Down which will end on the last day of May, and the 300 Part Prop Shoot Out which will end on the second week of June.
@TheFantasticTyphoon yes it can, if you have an awesome design already, you can use it. You can only submit one entry, so if anything else test it and just make sure its within competition rules.
@Mickk you did a good job, as I said, I made this competition based on performance, and engineering, not necessarily how many parts you can stick on a 3D model. You showed your skill as an engineer and and innovator of design. Keep it up, awesome job, and we can't wait to see you in the next one.
@TheFantasticTyphoon I'm thinking end of May for this one, more time will be needed, you guys will need to test a little more. Your dealing with much faster planes and your balancing out different factors for your strategy.
Finally, and it was very close, you all made excellent designs, but @Mickk and the Warrior is the last best of show. It was a winner in dogfights and it's radical wing design, consistent body design, and that it flies so well with such a different take on engineering, made it stand out.
@AWESOMENESS360 if fought to the very last engine. It was a close fight, and with the guns being so close to each other made it very effective once it got a clear shot on an opponent. Probably one of the best dogfights I've seen in a while.
@CptJacobson a little present for the CVAF, not yet ready for mobile devices, but think of it as an upgrade to the Drake. Your free to use it and customize it to your needs. The Bully is still in production, but something in the meantime.
@0n33 now I remember this one, this one was the one that was a little crazy with the AI. Well I checked it out, @AtlasSP, this one is good for the competition.
I'll go through the videos and the comments. I know some of us couldn't make a successor to the challenge which is okay, just makes it a little trickier to track.
@Syabil well round two hasn't started yet, and we have two planes who still need to fly, so I'm pretty sure we can put up another match. So @Syabil, and @plane918273645. Give us the link to your planes, that way we don't miss them, also if anyone who's fighter did not fly, let us know. We are juggling quite a bit of entries, but we definitely don't want to miss you guys.
@0n33 we'll definitely have more in the future. I put up a post that'll work like a guide so anyone can start one. If anything else we can maybe start one on the last week of May. We'll probably do fighter jets this time around though I'll put up a post first to see what everyone is down for. I know there's an OP challenge being ran right now which is similar oncase you want to do something in the meantime.
@CptJacobson it's definitely a nice ship, I just mean the game play looks like it's a different game. I'm used to seeing everything from 5000ft up, not used to seeing things from sea level, which is cool.
@0n33 just one, sorry, we got a lot off planes flying, don't worry though there will be more competition like this one in the future so if not now, definitely in the next run. Posting closes in a few hours but you got time.
@AtlasSP if anything else we can match the latest entries. Let me know if you need any help. At this point we should be taking in the last entries. Honestly this thing got pretty big fast.
@mikoyanster, I was wondering if you'd also want to do the honor of being one of the judges for best of show. You literally have like more points than everyone combined. So I'm pretty sure you know what goes into making something look good.
@JohnnyBoythePilot I wasn't sure if you were competing, but if you weren't I was wondering if you could be one of the judges for best of show. I need someone who really knows design.
Hey everyone, just wanted to say it has been a good competition, we'll be starting the matchups later on today, and we'll start picking best of show. Last chance to make any last minute changes. Overall, I have to say thanks to everyone for making the Thunderdome possible. Later on I'll make a post so there will be official rules for whoever wants to take on the next one.
@Strikefighter04 yup they decided they shouldn't add things like built in multiplayer, game assets like tank tracks and light effects, or a mission editor, but it definitely should be part of some sort of bundle.
@Mickk Hammer out the kinks a little more, sounds like your almost there. Flat spins is a problem you'll face with a heavier fighter (F-14s are a good example).
Three ways you can overcome it is a larger vertical stabilizer (big ol' tail, which may add weight) , more trust (More engines and forward pull, which may reduce fuel efficiency), and also switching your wing settings to "flat bottom", to increase lift and reduce the stall speed (but may slightly affected inverted turns).
Each one has a drawback, so mess around with each setting and see what fits you plane best. Let me know if you have any questions.
@Mickk So I saw your posts. We really can't have XML mods on wings, it's part of the challenge.
I did test fly your creation, got to say, impressive firepower and a very stable platform. That wide surface are really helps with stability. Now as for the wings, the rear did flex a bit. Didn't snap off during my test flight, but you can add support struts. A lot of WWII planes had this for a reason, yours is a heavier bird. You want to have a piece of fuselage attaches to the wing, then a second fuselage connected to it that runs from the body. Use the reconnect function, it's under the position tool, and when you click it you want it to say it found more than one connections. I added struts to your design just to see. It works, so if you want that extra bit of reinforcement you can but I don't think it's necessary.
As for militiple entries I'll have to say for the sake of fairness and not giving AtlasSP as headache, one entry is allowed. Hope you had a good sleep. Let me know if you have any questions.
Okay so right now, we're at 17 entries, so it means the first round will consist of 8-9 matches. From those matches, 8-9 planes will move on, then 4, and finally a 1on 1 duel for the winner. We still have plenty of time, so if there still entries in the works, May 1 is the cut off date before we start matches.
@Lahoski107 unfortunately no, the theme to the whole challenge is engineering, not necessarily can you make a cool looking fighter jets or prop plane. You essentially have to balance out different factors like weight, fuel consumption, how heavy of a load can your plane carry, and can your plane out fly another craft with all these factors. Now this time around I'm giving everyone a little more flexibility. You can add power to your engines via XML. Prop planes can have an HP/Weight Ratio not to exceed .5, and Jets will have a Power/Ratio not to exceed 1. So you'll have more freedom with XML for the sake of building and cosmetics, and not so much overpowering, and in the end it's fair.
@ArcturusAerospace yes Guardian missiles on this one. If we used interceptors it'd deplete the chaff immediately with a volley. That way we can give the AI a chance to fight.
@Lahoski107 don't worry, that's why we have a prop plan challenge too. Also the
"6 of each type, so 12 total" I think was for the initial post. I think here I just limited it to guardian missles.
Okay guys, back by demand. Everyone was pretty responsible with the XML last time so I can safely say we can keep things fair and fun.
Prop TD is up, here's the link. This one is for Prop Fighters, more XML this time around, so you guys have way more flexibility
Thunder Dome III: 300 Prop Shoot Out
https://www.simpleplanes.com/a/5ow3nk/Thunderdome-III-300-Part-Prop-Shot-Out
@LegnaK, @BdidiCorps, @AWESOMENESS360, @Mickk
Alright, The next TD is up, here's the link. This one is for fighter jets, don't worry props will their own too.
Thunder Dome II: 300 Jet Throw Down
https://www.simpleplanes.com/a/h51HMJ/Thunderdome-II-300-Part-Jet-Throw-Down
It'll be released later on today. Once I have a challenge open I'll send you the link.
I'm releasing the next tournaments later on today, want to give everyone a chance to bring up recommendations before I lay down the set guidelines.
@BdidiCorps next tournament will be both, jets and props. We're running two at the same time. Don't worry @AtlasSP jets will end of May, and Props will be mid June so they won't be at the same time. Everyone wants both so we'll stagger them out for the community. And that way the Prop veterans can get more time to build.
Alright everyone, so here's the final proposal. We'll be running two Challenges first will be the 300 Part Fighter Jet Throw Down which will end on the last day of May, and the 300 Part Prop Shoot Out which will end on the second week of June.
@ChiyomiAnzai it's a cool a cool idea, and if you really want and the community agrees, I'll open the competition up to props.
@TheFantasticTyphoon yes it can, if you have an awesome design already, you can use it. You can only submit one entry, so if anything else test it and just make sure its within competition rules.
@Mickk you did a good job, as I said, I made this competition based on performance, and engineering, not necessarily how many parts you can stick on a 3D model. You showed your skill as an engineer and and innovator of design. Keep it up, awesome job, and we can't wait to see you in the next one.
@ChiyomiAnzai we'll jump back to propellers in June, I know it's a bit out, but some members want to show off their jets in combat.
@TheFantasticTyphoon I'm thinking end of May for this one, more time will be needed, you guys will need to test a little more. Your dealing with much faster planes and your balancing out different factors for your strategy.
Finally, and it was very close, you all made excellent designs, but @Mickk and the Warrior is the last best of show. It was a winner in dogfights and it's radical wing design, consistent body design, and that it flies so well with such a different take on engineering, made it stand out.
Best of Show Award Thunderdome
@AWESOMENESS360 if fought to the very last engine. It was a close fight, and with the guns being so close to each other made it very effective once it got a clear shot on an opponent. Probably one of the best dogfights I've seen in a while.
The winner of the first ever Thunderdome is @Mickk and the Warrior
@CptJacobson yeah I did, I'm redesigning the fuselage. It's a cool design but the original didn't have much room for an interior.
@CptJacobson a little present for the CVAF, not yet ready for mobile devices, but think of it as an upgrade to the Drake. Your free to use it and customize it to your needs. The Bully is still in production, but something in the meantime.
@0n33 now I remember this one, this one was the one that was a little crazy with the AI. Well I checked it out, @AtlasSP, this one is good for the competition.
@plane918273645, @Syabil. I'll get with Atlas on this one. We'll run it before round two so you both have a chance to advance.
I'll go through the videos and the comments. I know some of us couldn't make a successor to the challenge which is okay, just makes it a little trickier to track.
@Syabil well round two hasn't started yet, and we have two planes who still need to fly, so I'm pretty sure we can put up another match. So @Syabil, and @plane918273645. Give us the link to your planes, that way we don't miss them, also if anyone who's fighter did not fly, let us know. We are juggling quite a bit of entries, but we definitely don't want to miss you guys.
@0n33 we'll definitely have more in the future. I put up a post that'll work like a guide so anyone can start one. If anything else we can maybe start one on the last week of May. We'll probably do fighter jets this time around though I'll put up a post first to see what everyone is down for. I know there's an OP challenge being ran right now which is similar oncase you want to do something in the meantime.
@plane918273645 Hey @AtlasSP we may need to run another around. I think we missed a plane.
Score Sheet: 1-5
Categories:
Fuselage: 3
Wings: 3
Design: 4
Decals: 1
Total 11
Overall I like the design, good build. I actually like the landing gear on this one, and I think it makes it unique.
Score Sheet: 1-5
Categories:
Fuselage: how sleek is it, does it flow together as one design? Is it unique?
Wings: do wings match the design? are they unique?
Design: Score: how well does it all fit together?
Decals: Does the design use unique markings and decals? How well is it implemented?
Scores:
1. Participation award
2. Could use some improvement
3. Good but not the best
4. It better than most
5. Its the best
Score Sheet: 1-5
Categories:
Fuselage: how sleek is it, does it flow together as one design? Is it unique?
Wings: do wings match the design? are they unique?
Design: Score: how well does it all fit together?
Decals: Does the design use unique markings and decals? How well is it implemented?
Scores:
1. Participation award
2. Could use some improvement
3. Good but not the best
4. It better than most
5. It the best
Alright guys, give us some time. We're working on making videos, and also I'm checking out each design for a best of show. Stay tuned for updates.
* Posting Closed *
@CptJacobson it's definitely a nice ship, I just mean the game play looks like it's a different game. I'm used to seeing everything from 5000ft up, not used to seeing things from sea level, which is cool.
@0n33 just one, sorry, we got a lot off planes flying, don't worry though there will be more competition like this one in the future so if not now, definitely in the next run. Posting closes in a few hours but you got time.
@CptJacobson I think Simple Planes just turned into World of Warships.
@AtlasSP if anything else we can match the latest entries. Let me know if you need any help. At this point we should be taking in the last entries. Honestly this thing got pretty big fast.
@0n33 Not at all, there's still plenty of time left.
@mikoyanster, I was wondering if you'd also want to do the honor of being one of the judges for best of show. You literally have like more points than everyone combined. So I'm pretty sure you know what goes into making something look good.
@JohnnyBoythePilot I wasn't sure if you were competing, but if you weren't I was wondering if you could be one of the judges for best of show. I need someone who really knows design.
@pura it's cool, I know some of us are in different time zones so I'm giving a little extra time for everyone.
Hey everyone, just wanted to say it has been a good competition, we'll be starting the matchups later on today, and we'll start picking best of show. Last chance to make any last minute changes. Overall, I have to say thanks to everyone for making the Thunderdome possible. Later on I'll make a post so there will be official rules for whoever wants to take on the next one.
Not sure about it's ability to land (which is not a requirement), but it's looks really cool. Good job.
@Strikefighter04 yup they decided they shouldn't add things like built in multiplayer, game assets like tank tracks and light effects, or a mission editor, but it definitely should be part of some sort of bundle.
Pretty sure now I maybe making things worse.
Definitely, I would be interested to see just how far you can stretch XML.
@Mickk Hammer out the kinks a little more, sounds like your almost there. Flat spins is a problem you'll face with a heavier fighter (F-14s are a good example).
Three ways you can overcome it is a larger vertical stabilizer (big ol' tail, which may add weight) , more trust (More engines and forward pull, which may reduce fuel efficiency), and also switching your wing settings to "flat bottom", to increase lift and reduce the stall speed (but may slightly affected inverted turns).
Each one has a drawback, so mess around with each setting and see what fits you plane best. Let me know if you have any questions.
Hey @Adanene, only one can be entered. My best advise, run your own little show down, and see which one is the best.
@Mickk So I saw your posts. We really can't have XML mods on wings, it's part of the challenge.
I did test fly your creation, got to say, impressive firepower and a very stable platform. That wide surface are really helps with stability. Now as for the wings, the rear did flex a bit. Didn't snap off during my test flight, but you can add support struts. A lot of WWII planes had this for a reason, yours is a heavier bird. You want to have a piece of fuselage attaches to the wing, then a second fuselage connected to it that runs from the body. Use the reconnect function, it's under the position tool, and when you click it you want it to say it found more than one connections. I added struts to your design just to see. It works, so if you want that extra bit of reinforcement you can but I don't think it's necessary.
As for militiple entries I'll have to say for the sake of fairness and not giving AtlasSP as headache, one entry is allowed. Hope you had a good sleep. Let me know if you have any questions.
Okay so right now, we're at 17 entries, so it means the first round will consist of 8-9 matches. From those matches, 8-9 planes will move on, then 4, and finally a 1on 1 duel for the winner. We still have plenty of time, so if there still entries in the works, May 1 is the cut off date before we start matches.