More twin Engine flyables in IL-2 1946

[Furio]

Originally Posted by gaunt1

Well, we have a B-25, the J version. But indeed, it would be nice to have other variants, especially the C, and also the "other" J with solid nose. That would need only some external model changes only.

A field modified B25J would require just addition of fixed guns in the nose (4, 5 or 8 can be seen in pictures), removal of bombsight and bombardier position, and painting over part or all of the transparent nose panels. Some changes in damage model would be probably required, considering also the possible addition of internal armour plates to protect pilots from ground fire.

Possibly it would be easier to model a completely new, solid nose, but then also external armour plates around cockpit would be needed.
Finally, variations in windshield can be seen on all strafer variants.

[gaunt1]

Originally Posted by Furio

A field modified B25J would require just addition of fixed guns in the nose (4, 5 or 8 can be seen in pictures), removal of bombsight and bombardier position, and painting over part or all of the transparent nose panels.

So these solid nosed B-25J variants were all field mods? I didnt know that.

[Furio]

Originally Posted by gaunt1

So these solid nosed B-25J variants were all field mods? I didnt know that.

This is a modern restoration, of unknown origin and accuracy. If correctly restored, this looks like a factory built “solid nose”, with external armour plate on cockpit sides, but lacking the four side-mounted guns and armoured windshield. You can see the armour plate just below side window.
If you browse online, you can easily find pictures of field modified B25. If the guns are 4 or 5, it’s a field mod. If the guns are 8, look for the overpainted transparent nose panels and a different nose contour, of a little less rounded shape. At least, this is AFAIK, but there’s probably more.
The interesting thing is that field mod could be simpler to model, being equally good for NG campaign or missions.

[Pursuivant]

Originally Posted by Furio

If you browse online, you can easily find pictures of field modified B25. If the guns are 4 or 5, it’s a field mod. If the guns are 8, look for the overpainted transparent nose panels and a different nose contour, of a little less rounded shape.

I wonder if it is possible to handle the various B-25 field mods as loadout options, rather than new models. That would simplify things.

Is it possible to add things like supplemental armor plates as loadout options?

[gaunt1]

I think it wouldnt be too hard to make a factory built "solid nosed" B-25J. Definitely better option than a reskinned "field mod". Armor plates around the cockpit, and additional guns will need to be modeled either way, so modifying the nose is really not too much.

I still think that besides more He-111 variants (YT2's mod, which is complete), the B-25 would be the easiest plane to add more variants.
B-25J with solid nose: Described above
B-25C: pilot's cockpit may need slight modifications. Upper turret->straight from B-25J. Bombardier's cockpit->straight from B-25J. Ventral turret->simple periscope view, like in Pe-2
B-25G: cockpit and gun positions from C
B-25H: cockpit and gun positions from J.

[Pursuivant]

Originally Posted by gaunt1

I still think that besides more He-111 variants (YT2's mod, which is complete), the B-25 would be the easiest plane to add more variants.

There are some A-20 variants which would be easy to add to the game as well.

A-20C Soviet Lend-Lease - A-20C with Soviet guns and the UTK-1 turret from the IL-4.

Boston IIIa - A-20C with British instruments, equipment, guns & ordinance loadouts.

A-20G-1 - Use the A-20C as a base, but with the A-20G's nose, and with 2 20mm cannons and 2 .30 caliber MG replacing the standard A-20G forward armament. Use the engines of the A-20G. This variant was mostly used by the USSR.

A-20H - Identical to the late model A-20G but with uprated engines.

P-70A-1 - A-20C with solid nose and 4 20mm cannons. Remove the bombardier/nose gunner position, add radar, paint over the glazing on the nose and add cannon muzzles. Add flame dampers to the engine exhausts.

There were many other A-20 variants, many which served in the RAF - as bombers, attack aircraft, night intruders and night fighters.

[Sita]

Originally Posted by Pursuivant

A-20C Soviet Lend-Lease - A-20C with Soviet guns and the UTK-1 turret from the IL-4.

most likely ...