WWHappy,
I'll tell you how I installed the F-4E in DBW 1.71. I created a jsgmemod for it. Its not very difficult if you know how to create subdirectories. This does require a knowledge of how to use a mouse to select directories, access menus and menu action selection. Below, I will initially give some details on the use of the mouse keys, assuming that may be useful to you or other readers. In later steps, I will assume you have a sufficient understanding of using the mouse and abbreviate the remaining steps.
Using Windows Explorer, all you have to do is select the directory in which you want to create a subdirectory by putting the mouse cursor on that directory and clicking the right button on your mouse. Then, put the cursor on "New folder" shown on the tool bar above the directory window and right click your mouse. You will see a "New folder" subdirectory in the directory you are working in. Select the "New folder" by left clicking your mouse and you will see a pop-up menu. With your mouse cursor, select "Rename", near the bottom of the menu, and right click your mouse. Then type in the name that you chose for the new subdirectory, e.g. "#DBW_Jet_Age".
Below are the steps you can follow to install the F-4E as a jsmemod:
1) In your game's root directory, i.e. \IL-2 Sturmovik 1946, you will find a this subdirectory: \IL-2 Sturmovik 1946\jsgmemods. I created a directory for jet mods: \IL-2 Sturmovik 1946\jsgmemods\#DBW_Jet_Age. Note that the name of the directory could be \#DBW_"anything you want". I called it #DBW_Jet_Age because I plan to put all my "jet age" mods in that directory.
2) I created the following blank subdirectory: \IL-2 Sturmovik 1946\jsgmemods\#DBW_Jet_Age\#DBW
3) Copy the F-4E mod subdirectory, i.e. _00_F-4E, into the \IL-2 Sturmovik 1946\jsgmemods\#DBW_Jet_Age\#DBW subdirectory.
3) I copied a "documentation" subdirectory from one of the other jsgmemods directories into \IL-2 Sturmovik 1946\jsgmemods\#DBW_Jet_Age just in case this is required. I don't know how to revise the documentation file, but that's not important to me yet. It may not be needed at all, but I put it in as a pre-caution and a reminder to learn how to revise it.
4) Create a blank subdirectory: \IL-2 Sturmovik 1946\jsgmemods\#DBW_Jet_Age\Paintschemes
5) Copy the Skins subdirectory for the F-4E mod into
\IL-2 Sturmovik 1946\jsgmemods\#DBW_Jet_Age\Paintschemes
6) From the \IL-2 Sturmovik 1946\#DBW directory, copy the STD subdirectory by (a) right clicking the cursor on that subdirectory, (b) left clicking to get the menu window and (c) selecting "copy" from the menu.
7) Select the \IL-2 Sturmovik 1946\jsgmemods\#DBW_Jet_Age\#DBW directory and plaste the STD subdirectory that copied.
Locate and open the following file: \IL-2 Sturmovik 1946\jsgmemods\#DBW_Jet_Age\#DBW\STD\com\maddox\il2\objects\Air.ini.
9) Open Air.ini and locate the section under the "***JETWAR" banner. There, insert the following line: F-4E air.F_4E 2 g01 SUMMER
Save the Air.ini file and close it.
10) Select the game's root directory: \IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 and locate JSGME.exe. Right click your mouse on this program. You will see a window entitled "Generic Mod Enabler - v2.6.0.157" and below you will see all the available JSGME mods listed.
11) Find the JSGME mod you created, e.g. #DBW_Jet_Age, and right click your mouse cursor on it. Then right click your mouse cursor on the buttom with the ">" symbol and wait. There will be a green colored status bar that the bottom of the window indicating the level of completion the JSGME mod installation. When your JSGME mod is transferred to the "Activated Mods" list on the right, you will be able to use it.
12) Start up the game and create a mission with the F-4E as your ride. As zack furora (see his earlier post), and I, found out the hard way, the F-4E initally has its airbrake extended. That's because the airbrake is hydrualically operate and the hydrualic pump only operates when at least one engine is operating. So, prior to beginning your takeoff roll, be sure you have retracted your airbrakes. The F-4E does not take off with the brakes extended.
Things you should know about JSGME mods:
a) When you activate then, they actually overwrite files in your DBW install. So, the Air.ini your revised to get the F-4E working overwrites the original one that comes with DBW 1.71.
b) When you deactivate a JSGME mod, the overwritten DBW files are replaced with the original files. This is the benefit of using JSGME mods. When it comes time to update DBW to 1.8, all you have to do is deactivate all your JSGME mods and follow the installation instructions. Otherwise, installing mods not included in the newer version of DBW, particularly mods like aircraft, ships, tanks, would require that you modify the Air.ini, Chief.ini, Ships.ini and others manually.
c) I deactivate my JSGME mods when I have to make changes to them.
In any case, I hope this helps. You'll find the F-4E is a handful on landing, particular on a carrier. Just be persistent.
I learned something interesting about the F-4E today. A total of 382 of them were lost to hostile action during the Vietnam War. That's the highest loss rate of any plane used during that war, even more than the F-105. This fact does not kill the appeal I find in the F-4E. Instead, I wonder about the details behind its high causality rate.
If you have questions, send me a PM.
Cheers,
Riptide