Guidelines for Modellers. Updates since 2023?

[jmurtari]

Folks,

I'd like to start working on creating a model of the Schweizer 2-33. I saw the guideline doc at the top of the forum, very helpful. Before starting to create the model, just want to confirm things are still the same and will work with Condor 3?

I'm an instructor at Harris Hill, Elmira, NY. We have several of them. Elmira is the home of the 2-33 and I have contact with the company folks that still support it. We have a lot of glider clubs using the 2-33 for primary training. Currently there are over 200 flying and registered by FAA. This doesn't include Canada. Yes, it's not a cross country glider; however, with VR capability and photo-real local landscapes, Condor has become VERY helpful in early training.

I'm confidant there would be ready market for this aircraft. The Soaring Society of America (SSA) has recently put financial support for clubs buying Condor and simulators (covering 50% of the costs). There is a lot of interest.

[6266]

Good luck, I would buy it too ...

[wickid]

Yes the guidelines are still valid. Be aware, it takes months of work to finish a model. We don't take half finished models. We have enough work as it is completing our own models. If you are not familiar with Blender, do some tutorials on simpler objects first. It can be quite daunting to learn.

Once you get going, feel free to contact Chris or me. Show us your work often. We can give tips and tricks where needed and it saves us a ton of rework if the model is done correctly from the start. Also make frequent backups so you can revert when you mess up. Of the JS5 I'm currently working on I have over 200 backups and I frequently have to revert to a part from the older backups when I accidentally mess something up.

Once the model is done, I'll take it for animating and finishing. After that it will join the release queue. Currently there are several planes in the queue. The place in the queue is not fixed. If we feel that a plane is important, it will be put more to the front. But it is important to realise that it will take months for the model to be finished. And then most likely several more months for us to finish and release it. This is ofcourse not to discourage you. I just want to set realistic expectations.

[jmurtari]

Thanks for the tips, understand the need for a complete work, glad to hear it!

One thing that might help - an example is worth a thousand words. Is it possible for you to share a ZIP containing all the files you would expect when someone submits a model for a simple glider from one of the current aircraft Condor supports: spoilers, but no flaps or retractable gear?

[wickid]

We do not share our models for copyright reasons.

[OXO]

Thanks for the tips, understand the need for a complete work, glad to hear it!

One thing that might help - an example is worth a thousand words. Is it possible for you to share a ZIP containing all the files you would expect when someone submits a model for a simple glider from one of the current aircraft Condor supports: spoilers, but no flaps or retractable gear?

John,

We are available most of the time by Google chat to share information and help with your model. We will certainly tell you whats required and how to do that.

But first we need to know you are capable to make models in Blender, or it's a waste of our time.

On the 2-33, I have another guy who is planning to do a scan, and I can put you two together if you wish.

[jmurtari]

Thanks for the info. I've got a lot of software experience, only a little experience with Blender, now retired and able to put the time to learn it. I'm in a group that creates free Condor Landscape for clubs (https://SoaringTools.org/). Blender has been something on my list because it will also help with structures. Will also be polling folks in our Club, we have quite a few tech folks, and our Club has several 2-33s.

Yes, please put me in contact with the other person interested in the 2-33.

Really want to see this happen.
Best regards!
John