Dogfights on the History channel

15 September 2005, 05:41 AM

I just saw a advertisement for what I think is a new show on the History channel about WW1 dogfights. It's suppose to be tomorrow around 8:00.

Tim West · 15 September 2005, 10:57 PM

By coincidence, I was lucky enough to be able to work on some of the CG for this show

Specifically the SPAD 13 along with surface and texture work for the MIG and F-4 Phantom.

The shows premise is great, 4 historic dogfights in 4 different eras with analysis and graphic examples......kind of a play by play.

I hope everyone gets a chance to check it out.

Tell a friend...tivo it......

Barrett · 16 September 2005, 07:53 PM

It's comin' up in a few minutes. Did lunch with Willy Driscoll at Tailhook to discuss his book project, and he was pleased with the Vietnam segment. He also got to meet Bud Anderson, a terrific gentleman and Mustang triple ace who represents WW II on the program. WW I is (regrettably) EVR and the Korean segment is, predictably, GENERAL Blesse. I hear good things about the CGI.

16 September 2005, 09:35 PM

Very cool show those D-7's looked nice................great work on the SPAD............................now if they could have done Luke!!!

Barrett · 16 September 2005, 10:06 PM

Well...I'll give it a B+. "Anton" Fokker & MvR with his shotgun in the back seat; some Sukhois instead of MiGs. Certainly better than most.

Bud's vertical fight with the 109 made a nice comparison with Duke/Willy against "Col. Tomb."

Tim West · 16 September 2005, 10:34 PM

yeh, the shotgun reference and "Anton" made me cringe for a sec. I had not seen it yet either. But again what show has ever "not" goofed when it comes to WWI.

Despite the above and being partial to some of the planes in the show.....I fully enjoyed the show and the concept of demonstrating the fights with dialogue from the actual pilots. Too bad Capt. Eddie wasn't available for comment

Again, not being partial, the CG as a whole was outstanding when compared to shows with similar content. The F-4 was really convincing ....imho

Jason McKinley, animator, did a great job and I hope to see more from him.(Thanks Jason...

)

Oh...I suggested Lukes last flight but thats about as far as it went.....I think that would make great TV.

16 September 2005, 10:45 PM

F-4 was great markings, weathering............way cool..................

Luke's story is one no one would believe if it was on cable .......................leaving his crashed plane gunning it out ..............Wehner's loss............going out for revenge............sounds like a damn movie

Tim West · 16 September 2005, 10:57 PM

Quote:

........sounds like a damn movie

Indeed.....I would love to see a flick covering Luke and the 27th Aero.

buzz1941 · 17 September 2005, 07:33 PM

It was all American-centric. I would have picked Voss's last fight.

The CG was on the whole very good, particularly for TV and showing the planes in their elements. The WWI planes seemed to be awfully fast though.
Occasionally the SPAD was rendered with the landing gear on backwards. Odd.

Barrett · 17 September 2005, 07:55 PM

One attaboy I'll give the program was EVR's voice recording; never heard him speak before.

Break-break

Contrary to some reports that the Duke-Tomb thing lasted 5 minutes, ain't no way nohow. I've heard the mission recording, and depending on tape speed, from "Duke splash 2" until "Duke splash 3" is no more than 45 seconds. That's probably two--no more than three--vertical rolling scissors.