Codename PANZERS Phase 3 / PANZERS Comunity - Other units

Lieutenant general

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Registered: 2011-08-13

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Hi everyone! biggrin

I'm wondering how it is possible to create new units. Not create them with new 4.d files and so on... but make the same unit with a different skin.
For example:
In the very good Phase 3 mod we have ge SS rifle squad but we also have one called ge SS rifle2 squad. It is the same unit but with a different skin.
How do I make that myself and how do I rename it? smile

Because I have alot of skins created but I do not want them to overlap the original ones. In that way I can have many different realistic skins in 1 map. And I would really like that cool

Thursday, 2012-01-26, 10:54 PM

Message # 2

Colonel

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Registered: 2010-02-15

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First you need to download some software, a program that can read the 4.d file, I use a Hex program, you can download this on the site.

This program will read the 4.d file in code, you have to find the units text string and change it. Lets say i want to use more then 1 Sherman skin, I just alter 1 letter in the hex code from Sherman to Shurman, now you have to save the file under a new name, lets say Shurman and just place the file in the Mechanical folder.

Then you copy the unit file and alter it with notepad, change the model name to Shurman in the file and you have to 2 tanks with different skin.

this is in my best English, so I hope it helps. tongue

Friday, 2012-01-27, 0:15 AM

Message # 3

Lieutenant general

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Thank you soooooo much Kristof! biggrin

That really helped me alot. I will try making alot of new units. And who know, mabye I will post them once finished. Again, thanks alot! smile

Added (2012-01-27, 0:15 AM)
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Oh my the way Kristof... How to do this with infantry, because the model name in the unit file (for rifle men) is squad.4d

Saturday, 2012-01-28, 0:17 AM

Message # 4

Colonel

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Ah yes, I see what you mean. You have 2 files for infantry units, a "Member" file and a "Squad" file. The name you need is in the "Member" file.

Looking forward to see you skins. tongue

Saturday, 2012-01-28, 2:06 AM

Message # 5

Lieutenant general

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I think that you need to tell me how to do this again, but in a more "step by step" tutorial. Because I keep getting errors... cry

It is actually much more complex that it just sounds like smile

Saturday, 2012-01-28, 1:30 PM

Message # 6

Colonel

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Okay, I will try to do my best.

Lets say we are going to alter the skin of the "Panther A".

First thing you do is go to the "Unit" folder, there you find the Unit file for the Panther A, open the file with notepad.

Then you will look for this text string "Unit.Common.ModelName = units\mechanical\pzkpfw_V_A.4D"
The last piece is what you need to remember. (pzkpfw_V_A)

Then you go into the "Mechanical" folder and search for the 4.d file called "pzkpfw_V_A".

Okay, this was the easy part. smile

Now you copy this file and past it under a new name, lets say... pzkpfw_V_B.
Open this new file with the HEX program and click on search. You will get a search box, in the first you type the name of the original file "pzkpfw_V_A" in the other box you set the new name pzkpfw_V_B. The click on replace all.
Very important that you replace all text strings.

After you did this, just save the file.

That is the first step.

Then you need to alter a DXT ore DDS file for graphic details on your 4.d model. Just take the "pzkpfwv_a.dx"t file and rename it to "pzkpfwv_b". Now the 4.d file of the pzkpfwv_V_B will be linked to this graphic file. Now you can start to alter the skin of the Panther B, so that the Panther A skinn remains the same.

Added (2012-01-28, 1:30 PM)
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That is the best i can explain it. tongue

Monday, 2012-01-30, 5:16 PM

Message # 7

Lieutenant general

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Many thanks for you explanation Kristof biggrin

'
Now I fully understand how to do it.

I think I will concentrate on making skins for infantry units. That would be cool. I have already created alot of skins:
Übersoldat skin (and damage and health changes eg.) for the germans
Volksturm skin for the germans
soviet general skin for the russians
Kriegsmarine sailor skin for the germans
Realistic british early-war skins for the allies
Leibstandarte SS sentry for the germans

and I have only begun! tongue

Muhahahahahahah biggrin

Monday, 2012-01-30, 5:33 PM

Message # 8

Colonel

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Looking forward to it. smile

Monday, 2012-01-30, 11:27 PM

Message # 9

Generalissimo

Senior Moderator
Registered: 2009-02-13

Messages: 707

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Any of you can convert the unit "fr-civilcar citroen U23 green" into a truck of ammunition and repair for the French army?(For both functions)
It would have to put a new skin more appropriate, more military. It would also change the driver by a French soldier.
And then another design for the Polish Army, with a Polish soldier as a driver.

With the unit "fr-civilcar citroen U23 yellow" would do the same to convert it into a French troops transport vehicle. For the Polish Army would be not necessary because they already have the "Polski fiat 621l".

They would be three new vehicles for the next update of CP3
My tablet desing has been damaged and I cannot do it.

Message edited by Lucas_de_Escola - Monday, 2012-01-30, 11:35 PM

Tuesday, 2012-01-31, 7:58 PM

Message # 10

Lieutenant general

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Well I think it is possible.... We have to change the .unit file and make a new skin. I will start working on it straith away Lucas de Escola. smile

I will tell you if I manage to do it! happy

Added (2012-01-31, 7:58 PM)
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Can anyone of you say where the fr-civilcar citroen U23 yellow and/or green.dds files are located? sad I can't seen to find it....

Tuesday, 2012-01-31, 10:37 PM

Message # 11

Generalissimo

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Registered: 2009-02-13

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Ok, Tiger-Ace. Thank you for your interest.

DDS files are in the folder CP3-RfB>Unit>Mechanical
You can start making skins. You can add shields or insignia authentic French and Polish.

For my part, I am working on new Multi-factory buildings. We will then add their new units to these buildings.

Wednesday, 2012-02-01, 0:11 AM

Message # 12

Lieutenant general

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I'm almost finished. I have made a french soldier as driver and made the unit a repair-truck. All I neec now is the skin. biggrin

But I still have problems finding the DDS files. When I check in my CP3-RfB/units/Mecanical folder it only have the wreck model... If you fnd them, can you prehaps send hem to me. (My mail adress)
Sounds nice about our new multi factory building. If you need anymore help, just ask! smile

Wednesday, 2012-02-01, 3:22 AM

Message # 13

Generalissimo

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Quote

But I still have problems finding the DDS files. When I check in my CP3-RfB/units/Mecanical folder it only have the wreck model...

In a strange case. In any case, here are the files.

http://www.gamefront.com/files/21272203/Citroen+U23.rar

I hope that this resolve the problem.
A greeting

Wednesday, 2012-02-01, 10:49 PM

Message # 14

Lieutenant general

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Hey Lucas de Escola biggrin

I'm very sorry, but your help diden't resolve my problem...
The fr citroen U23 DDS file consist of 2 different DDS files.
fr_civilcar_citroen_u23_yellow_da.dds
fr_civilcar_citroen_u23_yellow_db.dds
and the same about the green one.

Both of them isen't the DDS files which I can use to make new skins. Am I supossed to open them as one file prehapes, and if yes, then how do I do that?
I hope you know what I mean smile

Thursday, 2012-02-02, 0:01 AM

Message # 15

Generalissimo

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Can you not open these files? What programs you use to change the skins?

Thursday, 2012-02-02, 1:48 PM

Message # 16

alessandro

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Registered: 2011-12-30

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excuse me a question. battleships like the Bismarck. shoot in battle? or they are just objects

Thursday, 2012-02-02, 5:57 PM

Message # 17

Generalissimo

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Registered: 2009-02-13

Messages: 707

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@Tiger-Ace

I can send you the files converted to JPG, DXT or any other.

@Alessandro

The Bismark is just an object.

Added (2012-02-02, 5:57 PM)
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French units can be purchased, and are available in new buildings.

But do us need the truck for supplies and troop transport.
And now I will do the same with the troops and Polish vehicles.
The possibilities for fun in the "Battle" mode multiply with four nationalities in a same map.

Friday, 2012-02-03, 0:20 AM

Message # 18

Lieutenant general

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Registered: 2011-08-13

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Hi Lucas de Escola! biggrin

I would like if you could send me the files in dxt and dds via email. Your own work so far looks great! smile

I'm soon finished with the french and polish truck(s). tongue

The only thing I need now is to create the skins!

Tuesday, 2012-02-07, 3:44 AM

Message # 19