Hello Gang!Are the Project AI repaints compatible with the AI Aardvark models?Thanks for any help!Sincerely,Dennis D. Mullert

I would not think so. The models have to match up with the repaint.

Dennis, For future use I just downloaded a new file in the library called fps-20.zip by Daniel Schellhammer which replaces many but not all PAI planes with newer frame rate friendly ones. I haven't had time to install any PAI planes yet, let alone try this new set, but it might help you if you hadn't seen it yet.

Hi Charlie!Thanks for your help - as always!I downloaded the package as well, which is the reason I'm asking. I have Ultimate Traffic installed, which uses the PAI models and repaints. I want to know if the AI Aardvark models are compatible with the PAI repaints so I can just replace the models and .air files and continue using the "gazillion" repaints I already have; otherwise, changing everything around might be a hughe task and create other problems. Besides, even though the PAI models eat more frames, they also look quite decent, and I wonder how good these Aardvark models look, compared to PAI's.Thanks for any addtl. help!Sincerely,Dennis D. Mullert

You may have seen my note on a different thread, but in case you didn't I recently replaced several aircraft in UT with AI Aardvark versions. Since I couldn't replace all the models (AIA doesn't have MD-80s for instance), at KATL I can watch Delta MD-80s from UT line up with Delta 767s from AIA, and the AIA planes are noticeably better-looking.I don't mean that as any slam on PAI at all. What they're doing is a wonderful benefit for us all.With regard to using UT paints on AIA models, I believe the UT models exist in only one LOD (please correct me if I'm wrong). If that's the case, you could at best only repaint the LOD 1 AIA model (and I think even that's unlikely), which would, I suppose, give you unpainted aircraft at anything but the closest distance.

Dennis, I don't think I'll be able to help further as yet, until I get chance to install the PAI files I have and start checking it out then. I've had them a while and not sure how long it will take me to do.

I know how to download and install planes - in truth I probably have more than I can handle! I'm certainly always in search of frame rates, like everyone else.However, I don't understand what this set is supposed to do - not disrespect to the author intended at all, but there is scant instruction as to what to do with the files.Are they designed to replace the Project AI model (.mdl) files, whilst still working with the PAI repaints? Or are they FSPainter aircraft? Or what?

I'd be very very surprised indeed (not to say entirely gobsmacked) if the files are compatible in that way.I'm no expert, but received wisdom seems to be that both Aardvark and ARNZ aircraft are (at least)as good looking as Project AI and less demanding to run.That said, I'd like to support the congratulatory comments about Project AI generally for the work they do and the extremely organised website they run. If they have it, you can always find it first time.The link for the Aardvark website is www.ai-aardvark.com and for ARNZ www.www.arnz.cjb.net.ARNZ do a Airbus A320 series and, if you want them, Concordes - there are no Airbuses on Aardvark.I use both and can thoroughly recommend them.

The short answer is 'Yes". They can be made to be compatible but it requires dedicated fiddling with the names/AI aircraft files etc. so that the FS AI engine recognises them. It took me an age but it was well worth it. There are other mails on this forum which tell you how to do it.Definitely recommended (if you have the time).Shez

ShezAre you saying that Project AI textures are compatible with Aardvark .air and .mdl files?Because that's how I understood Denis' original question.What you are talking about is something else isn't it? i.e. making the FS AI engine substitute Aardvark models and textures for Project AI models and textures.As Denis points out, that's a big task if you have a lot of aircraft, particularly in finding, downloading and installing many Aardvark textures and then matching the .cfg files with the traffic.bgl data.But I don't think there is a short cut. At least I hope not, as I have done the latter myself!

I am almost 100% positive that AIA paints and PAI paints are not interchangeable at all. It would take a texture savvy person to redo the textures, I have all of these aircraft, UT, PAI, and AIA. The UT stuff IS PAI models so these can be swapped with PAI textures. The AIA models are different models and I believe the texture mapping is different also. My experience is the AIA models are much better looking overall and the textures seem to be much better done overall as its a better model with a better textre map for painting. The PAI models are good too, but repaint quality is not the same with these. I have replaced most if not all my UT models with AIA where its possiblel. For MD-80's and Airbus, I suggest FSPainters, its also better slightly than the PAI one. I replaced most of the traffic in the US (where I fly most) with AIA and FsPainter models. I think the frame rate is better now also. AIA has gone to great lengths to make a frame rate friendly model. As for the fps-20.zip by Daniel Schellhammer, I would not recommend it. It does help quite well with the PAI models and frame rate, but visually it was unacceptable for me. A definite step back in visual quality for sure. Can you say FS98? They look that bad or worse. All that was done here is a destroying of the PAI models to low poly messes.Hornit

Thanks for the steer on the Schellhammer files

My models don't look like AI Aardvark's. But the PAI Models are not better looking. And what's worse they eat plenty of frame rates.Decide yourself whether PAI Models are better than FPS-Models!Daniel