Want to learn to add rockets to a P51 in CFS2

[Wilder]

Thanks to all of you that help out us newbies.
I appreciate you taking your valuable time.

Is there a recommended App to do this and or a tutorial
I have imported a couple of P-51 planes both CFS2 and the default CFS1 P-51 and in the missions in CFS2 it will not let you select rockets as armament. But in CFS1 you can select rockets as well as drop tanks.
Thanks

[Hagar]

Hi Wilder. To add the rockets you will need to edit the DP file.  You can do this manually in Notepad or with a special DP Editor. DPED V 1.10 is ideal for this purpose. http://www.simviation.com/cfs2utilities1.htm

Unfortunately Yusaku Homma speaks little English & his excellent utility comes with no help or instructions. I suggest you check out an existing DP file for an aircraft with rockets in DPED to see how it's done. You can also modify an existing DP for use on any aircraft. It won't take long to get the general idea.

Always delete the corresponding CDP file every time you edit a DP. A new CDP will be created when you next select the aircraft in CFS2. Unlike in CFS1, external weapons will display on the aircraft & can be repositioned. You can also use 3rd party weapons libraries.

If external weapons don't display or function on a 3rd party aircraft you might need to patch the MDL file with the MDL Converter tool. http://www.microsoft.com/games/combatfs2/articles_SDK_mdlconverter.asp
Leave it set on default & don't use the Optimize Graphics option.

Good luck.

[Wilder]

Thank you Hagar for your help with the info on the DP file editor. I guess I am a little slow, It seems as though there are a lot more variables than are explained in
Yusaku Homma's help file. I really need to read up on how these all tie together, are there any other tutorials you might recomend to give me a better understanding of this dp file and how to add armaments.
Thanks again Hagar for your time and suggestions
Wilder

[Hagar]

Hi Wilder. It must be 2 years since I last messed with DP files. Unless someone else can suggest one I don't know of any good DP editing tutorials. The best way to learn is by experimenting. Try modifying any existing DP. They look complicated to start with but you will soon learn as you go. Be sure to make a backup copy of the file first & don't forget to delete that CDP file every time you change the DP.

Adding external payloads to an existing DP is relatively easy. The best advice I can give you is to download MW's Extra Weapons package - wep.zip here. http://www.mnwright.btinternet.co.uk/cfs2/weapons.htm
The included text files are like mini DP tutorials. You can edit the DP file in Notepad if you find it easier.

DPED can read the MDL file of older CFS2 aircraft which helps with positioning the weapons & gunstations. Unfortunately it can't cope with the later Gmax & FSDS2 models or the defaults. This has to be done with the old-fashioned Mark I Eyeball.

Good luck.

[Merlin66]

There was a thread a while ago on building the additional weapons pack and hanging them on the aircraft, I used it to make drop tanks for the YAS Spitfires, I'll have a look at home.
In the meantime a great starting point on all that stuff is Caleb Flerk's page:
www.cfgse.calebflerk.com for tutorial on DP etc.

[flitezimz]

I had no trouble editting the DP file. Never have gotten them to fire once on the plane.  ?????