Simviation Forums

How do I make smoke trails last longer in FS? I want to try skywriting.

You need to edit the appropriate .fx file (in the 'effects' folder), which you can do in Notepad.

There are three sections for each element of the effect, [Emitter.X], [Particle.X] and [ParticleAttributes.X]. Under [Particle.X] (where X is the number of the element starting at 0), the first entry is Lifetime, which is the lifetime of the generated particle in seconds. There are two figures which represent the starting length and the finishing length of the effect - they are normally the same. You can make the second value higher than the first to add a little variability in the smoke generation, but DON'T make the first value higher than the second of the sim will crash on loading. Amend these figures until you get a length that you're happy with, and don't forget to change it for all of the elements in the effect.

As always, make a backup of the file before you start, especially if you haven't edited this kind of file before.

Good luck! Post a picture of your skywriting.

...and don't forget to have your Spell Checker by your side to make shure sure you get it write wright rite right!

Paul.... ...!

..all those folks down below looking up at the sky...pointing...and laughing.... ....!

... ...!

..long lasting smoke?....Government Health Warning; "Smoking is bad for you!".... ...!