SimRacing.org.uk

Hi all,
 Just floating an idea...

I came across a Can Am Mod for GTR2. I searched around (Unsuccessfully) to see if there was anything available for GTL. I found a few links but none seem to work or if they are available seem to rely heavily on other mods and addons for various bits and pieces so aren't really Plug and Play.

I decided to mess around with a fresh GTL install and see if I could make something work. End result is (After becoming very familiar with the GTL trace file) I have successfully converted (Just 1) car [BRM P154] from the GTR2 mod and have it running successfully in GTL.

Obviously permissions etc would need to be granted eventually but currently it's just a feasibility exercise purely for my own gratification and torment.

Do you think there would be any interest in doing this properly so that it would be a complete stand alone pack with no dependences on anything other than the base GTL install?

As I'm working away quite a lot during the next few months I thought it might give me something to do during the evening other than running up my usual exorbitant bar bill.

Even if no one shows any interest I'll probably still have a go and create one of the seasons just for my own enjoyment but I think it could make a nice addition to the UKGTL calendar if done correctly with all permissions etc obtained. (Sorry Tony, I know you already have enough to do)...

TTFN
John.

If it's a legal conversion and not ripped from another game without permission, and if there's enough interest, I'd be happy to host a series here. Would you be interested in sorting out the tracks too?

Oh, and we would need to ask the GTR modder for permission to convert and run here.

Hi Tony,
 Thanks for the interest.

Yes, All permissions would obviously have to be obtained before anyone other than myself could actually use it. I know who the person is who did the GTR2 version and he has said previously on another forum he would welcome an official GTL conversion so hopefully any contact with him will point me at other people involved in his project. The biggest issue is while I am sure he would grant permission as long as I have something good enough to show him, the GTR2 version itself appears to rely on a lot of 3rd party files (For sounds etc). These might be more difficult to gain permission for (Unless the GTR2 Can-Am author has already obtained these - Perhaps suitable base sounds can be found in a fresh install to get around this). I have a full list of all Can Am entrants for each season from 66 - 73 along with the tracks they raced on so I would need to see how many of the tracks etc are already available for public download and take it from there.

It's just a dream (Or recurring nightmare) I can't shake off at the moment and may end up parked beside a GPL track I work on from time to time but I do have a real interest in these beasts so hopefully I can plug away over the next few months and then make any necessary approaches to the original authors and see if it's worth continuing.

TTFN
John.

Can you name the originals author. We have a lot of previous request's on file so we may in fact already have permission to use his(their) mods in GTL.

John:
I don't think finding the tracks that they raced on would be a major problem.  Google is your friend and this was a major racing series here in the US and Canada.  Just like the Trans Am series some of the tracks may be gone to developments and plowed under, but if you are willing to settle for a number of years it shouldn't be a problem finding enough for a season of our racing.  If you need some help tracking down them give me a yell.  Would gladly help with the research....

Bob M.

A lot of the cars from CanAm used big Chevy V8s so I would have thought the sounds for the big block GTC76 Corvette in game would have been suitable for those.

Sounds like an excellent idea for a new series Jeep.  :thumbup1:

Hi Tony,
 Yes sure, The original Topic where I downloaded the GTR2 version is here....

http://www.evolution-modding.com/t1748-absolute-can-am-has-finally-arrived

The original topic author hmmguy is where I plan to start with finding out who I would need to further contact for any permissions.. The thread does actually show a GTL conversion but it's not really suitable to release due to many files not being available in GTL by default and no fully working car selection screens etc due to Enabled/Disabled icons and car preview videos not available.

Can Am itself is a strange one for any sim. It always seems to generate a lot of interest but when it comes to the crunch only GPL has ever really done it seriously as a plug and play package.

I have to say driving the BRM P154 around for a bit it is incredibly fast. It obliterated the BMW Procar at Riverside

Thanks for the offer Bob, (You may live to regret this) ;)

Still a long way off needing anything yet, I'm still basking in the glory that I actually managed to convert a single car so I am under no illusion that I have only scratched the surface and even this car simply "works" but still has no meaningful file structure wrapped around it. I still have to learn about car classes etc and how to add those.

Yes Geoffers, I already started scouring the GTR & GTL packages for existing engine files I can re use. Presumably there would be no problems with copying original game files to other locations and renaming as appropriate as long as mention was made of this in any credit lists? (Obviously I could just leave them were they are and access them via paths if not).

So don't hold your breath waiting for this one. I will either do it right or not at all but at the moment I've not been this excited since I built the terrain packages for a now defunct WW1 flight sim a good few years ago.

TTFN
John.

We don't hold a note of permission from hmmguy so this will be required.

I am no expert on this sort of thing, but it might be worth getting in touch with the GPLPS gang who have recently released a Can Am 71 mod and we are promised an imminent release of a 66 Can Am car set. Both come complete with historically correct circuits.

Hats off to you Jeep for taking this on. I would think that GPLPS would be forthcoming with much data/info etc and might save you a lot of footwork?

I have reviewed the tracks used in this formula and the only one we wouldn't be able to use is Edmonton (not the airport based track).

Can Am 71 Yes please! :jumpjoy: Remember seeing them at Silverstone the whole track shook at the start when all those clutches were released at full rpm. Black lines in any gear. :rockon:

I have to confess that driving the 71 Can Ams in GPL is something that is genuinely scary even in sim racing!!

If you think that a 1955 5.7 litre Maserati is insane...try an 8 litre V8 Mclaren Can Am that weighs less than a supermarket trolley!!  Navigating your way around a series of bends at racing speed gives one an insight into just how "special" those guys were back then.

Interestingly I have another series well underway, also from 1971. Perhaps this is a theme that could be developed for the full season? Maybe Bob.M could look into a 1971 Trans-Am series  ;)

Well, my thoughts of diving into this during the evenings while I was away did little to suppress the bar bill.  :thumbdown: It was an exercise in frustration. I really need to get more organised for the next trip.

I have sort of decided on the 67 season. I don't want to do 71 mainly because GPL already have this covered and with the bad feeling around the GPL modding community regarding the 66 season release I also decided to leave that well alone. I think all the tracks are available in GTL for the 67 season as well.

One thing which is very apparent is the cars have way too much grip. I did think they were too fast originally but I now think it's the grip level which is excessive which means I will need to learn about the tyre model eventually I guess. (Although they are probably a bit too quick). I'm not going to look into that at the moment though as learning all the other stuff is already making my head hurt.

Progress is being made though and I now have all cars available for the 66 season working in game although only 1 actually has working preview video, active/inactive icons and sounds which I feel are in the ball park. My own research seems to show the spread of the cars across the seasons as supplied in the mod has a few anomalies. The M6B Mcleagle is listed as a 67 car whereas I'm sure it was actually entered in the 68 season or possibly only the final one or two races  in 67. It's definitely faster than the other 67 cars. A number of the cars are also missing cockpits, not sure if that is a show stopper for use in a league series. (I do know that these are under development for the GTR2 version so I would hope to add these as and when they become available).

My biggest issue currently is all attempts to make contact with the original distributors has met with a deafening silence. I can't get access to the Evo Modding forums (I receive notification of my request but no activation mail). I have also tried contacting the administrators directly but again no reply. I also recognise some names on the No Grip forums as well but again no reply to PM's. So this may just end up sitting on my hard drive forever after all. :(

If I continue to be ignored I may have to rattle a few cages to elicit a response.

EDIT* Forget the replay question. (Removed) I was just being thick as usual.. I needed to set the flag to date/timestamp the replays. *ENDEDIT

TTFN
John.

I was contacted by the GTR2 guy today (Thanks Tony if you had anything to do with that).

He is more than happy for me to continue this little project and release it once I'm happy with it as long as I include any readme's and credits from the original package and state it's origins.

Although the thread related to the GTL version on the Evo forums has been dormant for some time apparently there is a lot of progress behind the scenes and they are working on a new release for both sims to be released in the future (When I have no idea).

So I'll continue with this with the aim of producing something which is stable and slots seamlessly into the original GTL install but with the knowledge it will be replaced by something bigger and better at sometime in the future.

If I can do this in time for a possible series in 2017 I will.

I'll hopefully post some videos of where I am on youtube in the not too distant future.

TTFN
John.

Only just saw this (don't visit the non-race forums nearly as often as I should).

Sounds like an excellent idea and a series I would be very exited to take part in, so thanks John for making the effort.  Hope it meets with success on all levels.

Years back (1992 I think), I saw and heard some of these cars at the Oldtimer Grand Prix at Nürburgring. The thunder of a McLaren M8F going down one of the straights, the momentary silence as the driver braked for a chicane, ruptured by the roars of the throttle blips under downshifts, was a jaw-dropping experience!!  :drool:   If only you could make a realistic reproduction of this in sims... (but then I guess the neighburs would line up to complain..  :D)

Cheers,
Erling

A few screen shots to show I'm not being idle :)

Laguna Grid
(http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t660/Fokkit/GTL/GTL%202016-02-19%2014-56-03-11_zpsyn52khbm.jpg) (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/Fokkit/media/GTL/GTL%202016-02-19%2014-56-03-11_zpsyn52khbm.jpg.html)

Laguna Corkscrew
(http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t660/Fokkit/GTL/GTL%202016-02-19%2015-01-49-57_zpsdojo9pas.jpg) (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/Fokkit/media/GTL/GTL%202016-02-19%2015-01-49-57_zpsdojo9pas.jpg.html)

Looking down the Corkscrew
(http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t660/Fokkit/GTL/GTL%202016-02-19%2014-58-23-17_zpslar79sa9.jpg) (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/Fokkit/media/GTL/GTL%202016-02-19%2014-58-23-17_zpslar79sa9.jpg.html)

Bridgehampton T1
(http://i1318.photobucket.com/albums/t660/Fokkit/GTL/GTL%202016-02-19%2015-07-24-64_zpsfmqchjcn.jpg) (http://s1318.photobucket.com/user/Fokkit/media/GTL/GTL%202016-02-19%2015-07-24-64_zpsfmqchjcn.jpg.html)

All cars are now in the sim, currently working on the sounds. I spoke again with hmmguy and we discussed these, they are all 3rd party so I am removing them from the package along with a few other files so it will not have anything in it which we do not have permission for, also working on rpm samples etc in the .aud files to make the Corvette, Cobra and Pantera sounds from he original game work instead. They sound a bit weak in comparision to the original but I'm sure a grid full of them will  sound ok.

My biggest issue at the moment is a lack of any instruments or Steering wheel for the Mclaren M6A. I don't know where to start on that. :( Any one know about Texture files?

TTFN
John.

Looks great John!  :thumbup1:

Pity about the sounds - always love those cars with ferocious, raw sounds  :)

I remember years ago, someone called Ducfreak made some great custom sounds for several of the standard GTL cars; GT40 & Daytona Coupe among them.  I wonder if he's still possible to get in touch with, and whether he would have something we could use ?

Still have some of the downloads from him, but unfortunately they contain no contact info.

Cheers,
Erling

Just info:
Ducfreak post's on GC and Nogrip.  Latest has been in the GTL #2 sequel thread to get his PM connection........

Bob M.

Thanks for the info Bob!

John, would you be up for this, or have you already put in too much work with the standard sounds ?

I'd be happy to make contact with Ducfreak and also lend a hand with the sounds, if he's got something he's willing to let us use.  Not sure how much help I'd be though - my attempts to copy the Ferrari 250TR sounds to the 375 in our '50 cars met with spectacular failure; just so you're warned..  ;)

Cheers,
Erling

Ducfreak did the sounds for P&G, he must have some Ford & Chevy V8 sounds that he used for that.

Well, I did have a look on NoGrip in the downloads section to see what was available regarding sounds, I actually expected more of his sounds. Nothing other than his Shelby Daytona looks to be suitable.. I did wonder if this is the same  guy who goes by the name Ducwolf on SRMZ who also does a lot of sounds.

I would consider making contact but not for the initial version, I feel I would like to actually have something to show him rather than just approaching him as an unknown with a project which isn't even running yet. (I'm sure he already gets loads of those).

Phil (Hmmguy) has also sent me the rfactor version of Edmonton67. I don't even have rfactor but I'll trawl the forums once this little project is done and see if it is possible to convert from rfactor to GTL and if I can get it to work I'll contact the original creator to ask about permission to release that as well. It's needed if I ever expand past 1967 with this venture.

My biggest issue at the moment is the missing cockpit for the Mclaren M6 It drives perfectly in the sim but I'm not sure if it's acceptable in a series to have a car which is so obviously a WIP.  Also the Maclaren M1B (I think) has a nice cockpit but no gauges or rev counter working so plenty to do yet. The standard of the cars differs quite a lot, none are bad but it's obvious the poly count is definitely lower in some. I have found the odd link to purpose built GTL Can-Am cars but I've decided to stick with the cars in the original package mainly because I know the performance and general physics are aligned across the range.

They don't actually seem that fast but a 1:16 around the 60's Monza circuit proves otherwise.

The sounds are very close now and I hope to actually have something I can pass around for an "Alpha" test in the next few days.

Just saw your post Geoffers I've just had a look through my P&G install to see if the sounds supplied are different to the GTR2 versions and they are, there is also a "readme from Ducfreak". Phase 2 may include a call to either Dave Wright or Ducfreak direct me thinks.

TTFN
John.

Hi John,

Just thought I'd chime in and let you know that I am working on the update/reboot for the Absolute Can-Am mod by Hmmguy.
Another friend GeeDee is re-doing the skins. It is a big job but here is a list of what has been achieved so far.

All the internal drivers have been added.
All cars have working gauges which includes added dashboards for those cars that had none.
All cars have steering wheels (and columns) with corrected pivot points and rotation.
All mirrors are working - I plan to revisit this as some are "just" working but need improving.
A lot of fixes to bodywork - filling in holes etc
All internal driver suits are skinnable.
Some cars are now skinnable.

I am currently doing :
Rewrites of CAS files. This includes consolidating car groups into one CAS instead of one CAS per car slot. i.e the Porsche 917-10 now uses only 1 CAS file.
Also renaming of GMT files to be more logical and consistent as well as overall mod and car group file structure tidy up.
Adding animated external drivers which will also be skinnable, suit and helmet.
Converting driver helmets to GTL to allow them to work correctly with the animated external driver.

Autocoasts, BRMs and Chaparrals have now been repainted.

As you can see, a lot is being / has been done to improve this mod.
Practically everything that you see missing from the version you have will be included. The important things anyway ;)
Also the version you have will no longer be compatible with this update as the file structure has changed too much.

So my intent is not to discourage you from your conversion but perhaps you may want to focus on the legal sound side of the mod ready to drop in to the update ?
As once I am done doing the GTR2 update, the GTL conversion will take me literally an hour.
I imagine doing the legal sounds will take you a while or am I way off ?

Having said that, I still have the Lola, McLaren and Porsche cars (apart from the 917-10s) left to clean up and add the external drivers. Also some other niggly things to try and fix.
But I have to stop work on the update for a short while as I promised to help someone else on a project of theirs (this will give GeeDee time to finish the skins too), so although the update is substantially done, the release is not imminent.
I can see no reason why it won't be completed within the first half of this year (famous last words !).

This is just a suggestion and also to let you know that the main mod shortcomings are being addressed.

Your thoughts ?

Regards
\\:^)
Terry.

Hi Tony,
 Thanks for the post, I'm really looking forwards to the next Absolute release (But please make it generally available I only ever found it on the Evo forums, it deserves a much wider audience than that). Just to confirm my thoughts regarding this little project.

This was never intended to be a replacement for any other GTL Can-Am release, rather just me having an interest in this series, wanting to drive it in GTL and also wanting to learn more about how GTL hangs together. I saw various "Can-Am for GTL" type threads dotted around the forums both requesting and indicating they were already available but never actually found anything which really worked straight from the download or I would consider "Integrated" into the base GTL package (Common car physics, Car selection screens, Separate class etc).

It sort of grew of it's own accord and I suddenly realised I was having a lot more fun than I had ever expected. (Although I have become more familiar with the GTL trace files than I had hoped).  I decided to go for a single season only initially mainly to keep my learning curve as shallow as possible. I decided on 1967 because 1966 is imminent for GPL  (1971 has been available for some time) and also because even though some tracks are not the correct year at least they are available where as later years need Edmondton which is not currently available

I approached Phil to ask if I could make it available to anyone who wanted an interim GTL Can-Am car set as long as I made it clear this was an import of the Absolute GTR2 mod and all original readme's etc were included giving credit to the original authors which he seemed happy with. The decision to use the default GTL sounds was because I could see the ones in the Absolute pack were 3rd party and wasn't sure how easy it would be to track the original authors down so decided to do a complete replacement of these.

I don't feel in any way competent to tackle any sounds as I'm just a "dabbler" with no real skills in any of the more specialised aspects of GTL.

As far as "This" project goes the only real issues I have at the moment are as follows..

1). No cockpit or Steering wheel in the Mclaren M6A or the Mcleagle M6B. Although I have removed the M6B out of my pack because although the Absolute pack suggests it is a 1967 car I am sure it was actually campaigned from 1968.
2). The front wheels in the Mclaren M1B show occasionally in the cockpit view at either end of the suspension movement.
3). No Driver Head movement in the Mclaren M6A/M6B.

All these are addressed by your post apart from the wheels in the M1B but I guess the replacement 3D models cover that.

Being really cheeky I would love to know if there is anything available to put even a rudimentary cockpit into the M6 series in the current pack? The lack of working head physics in the M6 and wheels in the M1B don't worry me for this project but the lack of a cockpit drives me mad.  :thumbdown:

So,
 No one should overestimate my abilities here, Current achievements could probably have been done in a few days at most by a more knowledgeable person it has taken me weeks of toil, prayer and ritual sacrifice to reach this point.

I am finally in the position of having something which I think works and is ready for someone else to have a look at. It's not perfect by any means but I do think it is better than any other GTL CAN-Am car pack I have come across to date.

TTFN
John.

Ermm, it's Terry not Tony  ;)

Well spotted Terry...er, Tony ;)

@John,

Just quickly as it is way past my bedtime...........

Don't worry, I know what it's like trying to piece it all together, especially at the start. It's not easy but well worth the perseverance. I've still got a lot to learn and know very little of the physics side of things or put another way, just enough to get us all in trouble ! ;)

The head movement get's addressed when I do the external drivers and convert the helmets. ;)

And you have a PM you cheeky blighter ! :P

Oh Wow, That is fantastic.
It slotted straight in, I must be getting better at this as it only took me about 10 minutes to get both car numbers in game with everything working..

Grateful just doesn't cover it, I could offer you my 1st born although at 27, 6ft 3in and he plays Rugby for Tamworth Town probably not what you had in mind...

Really Thanks, Now? What else to I want... (Just kidding)

Thanks Sid erm Phil, Sorry..... Terry.

TTFN
John.

ok, Time to put up or shut up as they say...

I just shot a PM off to everyone who has contributed to this topic with a link to the initial download pack.

If you can find time to give it a whirl and provide some feedback I would be most grateful. If anyone didn't get the PM or any other UKGTL drivers are interested in having a look let me know.

Please do not place it in your favourite GTL install, create a new one. I am 99% sure nothing will be overwritten but it's the other 1% which worries me. :)

TTFN
John.

No worries John but I must gratefully decline your offer of your offspring.
Thanks is enough, thank you. ;)
Glad to help push your project along a bit.

Ok, a few deliberate mistakes just to check if you were paying attention. :)

1) References to the "SIM_GTC.gcb" file in the readme should of course refer to the "SIM_GTC.gdb" file.

2) You may find the larger engined BRM a bit quiet. (As in silent). It's nothing to to with the latest Euro 4 regulations for vehicles, the .aud file still contains paths to the original GTR2 pack (I was using it as a benchmark for my own efforts).

Replace it with this one https://www.dropbox.com/s/qujws5cq2kzwpxl/brmp154_496ci.aud?dl=0

Place it in the [GTL_Root]/GameData/Teams/ExtraCars/Can-Am/BRMP154 folder. (Allow to overwrite).

TTFN
John.

Made time to install before pickup for coach tour but unpacked file in wrong place in my haste - think it should have been in my new GTL root, not in Gamedata folder.

(Tour going well, weather dry, cold but sunny. Coach comfy, with WiFi and unlimited free drink by dolly courier.)  ;)

Glad you are having a great time Bill, If the coach has Wifi you should have took your PC, I'm sure they would have made room for some driving. :) :scooter:

Thanks for the feedback so far guys, I've been slowly working through everything..

Driver position in the Lola's (In Replay and 1st initial load in the garage) is fixed. It took ages to work it all out. It all seems obvious now but a few typo's in the car files, (Missing minus signs etc on some parameters) threw me initially and the fact I spent an hour loading the wrong version of the sim via the Logitech profiler and couldn't work out why my changes were not having any effect didn't help either.  :stupid:

I have revamped the sounds, The Olds powered M1B now has new sounds which are no longer from the original install. (Well they are the same but I have adjusted the volume and added a bit of echo). Other sounds have also been adjusted for rpm and overlap between the various RPM ranges. More feedback welcome but I'm happier with them now.

I have also made my initial venture into the tyre files... After wading through loads of these files spread across many different car classes I've come to the conclusion very few others really understand them either.  :helpsmilie: Lots of copy/paste between many of them (And I did no different to get my starting point if I'm honest)... I have fine tuned a set using the TFAR (That feels about Right) methodology which has me swapping ends regularly now if I'm over enthusiastic and has also added about 2 seconds to my lap times at the 60's Monza circuit. It currently is only the "Hard Compound" for the Lola T70 350ci but once we get something we are all happy with I'll apply it to the other tyre files as well. I'm having a hard time working out the wear rate. There is a parameter in the "tyr" file called "WearRate" but changing it to vastly different values seems to have no effect so there must be something I am missing.  ???

Another thing I need to work out is the fuel consumption. The suggested laps on the set up screen bears no resemblance to the actual range possible and I currently have no idea where to find this.. (Although XD appears to calculate it correctly).

I'm going to put a new release up this weekend. I'm afraid it will be a replacement rather than a patch as I've also changed some "paths" in the car files and moved a few files. (You should be able to simply delete the "Can-Am" folders from your "Sounds" & "Teams/ExtraCars" folders and unzip the new version into the install.

I'm also going to remove the Mcleagle M6B.. It's incomplete (No cockpit or wheel) and it didn't actually race in the 67 series. I have tried to merge the cockpit Terry sent for the M6A but not luck so far. If I can fathom it out I'll re add it. I'll leave the BRM's in there though (Even if they are from the 70's seasons) Just because I like them.

TTFN
John.

Well, Very busy at work so the proposed new version got delayed..

I have made a lot of progress though and managed to address all the issues and suggestions raised so far. (Thanks for the feedback).

I started working on the grip levels and looking at the overall speed of the cars.. I'm not sure what to do about the speed. Information regarding these beasts is dotted around the web but much of it is conflicting with BHP and Weights etc varying quite a lot (Plus a number of different engines seem to have been dropped in at some time in the season which just muddy's the waters even more).

My original formula for adjusting the tyre grip all fell in a heap. I ended up with very unpredictable handling which while it definitely increased the lap times it just felt totally unconnected with the road surface. So a new method is being tried which is giving much better results. I decided the best way to see the effects consistently was to run a few full race sessions and just leave the AI to get on with it while I noted the lap times for each car.

This went well for the 1st 30 minutes or so then I got a CTD. Several further attempts resulted in more of the same. The trace file is about as much use (To me) as a Chocolate Teapot and didn't give me much info I could comprehend but I have narrowed it down to some (Or all) of the Lola T70's which are the culprits.

Obviously this is a show stopper at the moment which is a shame, It was all coming together really nicely. Lap times are still around 10 seconds faster (At Road America) than the real Pole time in 1967 but I think that may down to GTL track grip levels and/or track inaccuracies.. (The Big Massa is only a few seconds off Bruce's time and as fast as it is it shouldn't be anywhere near a Can-Am car on those skinny tyres).

So, all I can say is it's not been abandoned but it needs to be done right or not at all if we are to consider running a series at some time in the future.

I just wish I had tried to full race simulations right at the beginning so I would know if it's something I have done or it was an issue with the original models.

TTFN
John.

John, don't know if this is of any value to you but if you check our downloads list, we have a Lola T70 included. Maybe you could probe it for answers?

I have not tried your Can Ams yet John, mainly because my record at installing any new mods in GTL usually end in a swamp of misplaced files and screen crashes. Followed by numerous posts and pleas for help to correct all the errors.

So, I have resisted the urge to jump in and try your new offering. Early moves are afoot for a new PC build with bigger , better memory and storage, graphics etc. I think once I get the new PC up and running I will opt for the multiple "virgin" installs for each series.

I can see the advantage in doing that because any new addition will not screw up what I already have working smoothly, which is what tends to happen at present  :-\

I am following this thread and the comments and your struggles with great interest as I think the Can Ams could be huge fun. ;)

No Problem Clive, I thought I knew what I was doing and I've ended up with an unplayable package a few times so fully understand where you are on this. :)

Well, We have success, finally found out what the problem is and it was nothing to do with the mod itself, and probably would not have happened to anyone else.

Although it makes no sense to me at all, my problem appears to be related to the length of the <PATH>/file name. I have my development pack installed down under several directories well away from my "live" installs. It seems that either the number of directories in the <PATH> and/or the overall number of characters in the full <PATH>/file names caused some strange issue. I know there is a limitation in Windows of around 255 characters (I'm not even close to that) But perhaps it's a GTL limitation being an older game?

Anyway, all back on track. (See what I did there)....   :smartass: Grip levels feel a lot more realistic (At least to me), and I seem to have the cars where I want them, M6A definitely the fastest followed closely by the Chaparral, then the Lola and M1B with the 340bhp M1B definitely the slowest on any tracks with a decent straight. but overall leaving the AI to get on with it there is only around 2s difference between 1st and 35th after qualifying so no repeat of the Bruce and Denny show which I wanted to avoid at all costs.

It will still be a few days until I'm ready to post the new release but I'm a lot happier now and think it's an altogether more polished pack 2nd time around.

TTFN
John.

Hi All,
 Link to new version sent out via PM. Significant tidy up and revised tyre model are the highlights, more details in the PM.

I'm aware you are now mostly well into the racing season so have a look when you have time. It's worth downloading the appropriate tracks as they do feel so much more at home in their native environment. (Although the 60's Monza track is also a blast as is Le Mans [Without the chicanes]).

Track list for the season can be found here.....

http://www.classicscars.com/wspr/results/canam/canam1967.html

All are available on nogrip (But not necessarily exactly the correct layout for 1967).

Thanks again all.

TTFN
John.

OK, It's official I should not be allowed near a computer screen when sharing my time with a very nice Single Malt...

Just sent out a fresh PM, The previous one contained a link to the original pack instead of the latest version.

Sorry for the confusion.  ??? :-[

TTFN
John.

Can-Am series for next year is go https://www.simracing.org.uk/smf/index.php?action=LM2R&group=546&theme=5

 :jumpjoy:

Hi Guys,
 OK, Can't put it off any longer.

Here is the final release. Still time to tweak it before the series if required but it seems pretty good and I don't plan to make any changes unless someone comes up with an issue which needs resolving..

Readme with full credit list etc included in the archive. I'll also be making a post over on the Evo Modding Forum and probably in the general GTL section here as well in case any visitors don't look at the UKGTL pages.


https://www.dropbox.com/s/21wj65s1ed8aa2l/GTL_Can-Am-1967_V1.0.rar?dl=0

TTFN
John.

Had some feedback from guys over on Evo Modding. General comments were that the Handling was still to unpredictable.

So revised the tyr files again. Definitely more stable into corners now and able to drift the rear under power. Overall result is default set ups now have more push than before but adjusting roll bars and spring rates does allow for a more oversteery set up if preferred.

Added exhaust vapour to all cars (Just for a bit of immersion when sitting on the grid).

New Download link . . . . .

https://www.dropbox.com/s/5hnlvv2cbm1gmhw/GTL_Can-Am-1967_v1.1.rar?dl=0

Also not sure if we will use it (I hope so).. I converted Philrob's 1967 Laguna Seca track from the original Absolute Can Am track pack to GTL. (With Phil's permission).

Download is here. . . . .

https://www.dropbox.com/s/udur5631tet12we/67_LagunaSeca.rar?dl=0

Going to also convert his 60's Road America and 67 Mosport tracks as well to see if they are better than the existing offereings.

TTFN
John.

John, the Laguna Seca 1967 version is already in our download list  ;)

And is included in the Can-Am series for next season.

Thanks to Jeep for this and for including me on his Beta tester list, although I could not commit the time to help.

Looks like I had better download and check these cars out soon, as this is likely to be very popular and ultra competitive!  so many cars, so little time!!!  :-\ 

Hi John:
Downloaded new pack and tried them out for about 30 minutes yesterday @ Rd Atlanta and Laguna 67.  Wow! , like night and day from previous packs.  Cars (Chappy big block) are now as stable as LMR or Trans Am and much more so than the F1 cars.  A lap to heat the tires up (Goodyear slicks)
and they are a joy to drive and if the rear steps out at least you can recover, the other versions went to the fence or wall and you just went along for the ride.  If this old f*rt can drive them with confidence any one in our group of drivers can.  Big thanks, should be a great series on the tracks listed.....Will check out some of the other cars and get back to you in PM's.

Thanks for your work

Bob M. 

Thanks Bob, that is really good to hear.

I think there may be an error in the original tyr files from the absolute Can Am pack. I took a few liberties at work and uploaded all the tyr files onto a unix box and wrote a script to analyse all parameters and highlight any major differences. I found 1 parameter which was on average over 3 times the value found in any other tyr files but was common across the Can Am tyres. Just reducing this 1 value to a more common figure had an unbelievable effect on the handling of the cars. From there I started to make significant progress and much of the feedback lost during the grip reduction returned. I still need to work on the "Endurance tyre" although it's of lesser importance as it's really for the AI and I don't think wear is a problem with the "Racing Slick"so I'm not sure anyone would actually choose them by choice.

I'm going to shoot a PM off to Phil at Evo Modding and tell him what I have found as well just to see if there is any reason why the original value was chosen.

Great news about Laguna Tony, that was quick..  :thumbup1:

TTFN
John.
 

After my frustration with the Minis and Skodas last night I got around to installing these cars.

Nice job Jeep!! :thumbup1:

Only did a few laps of Goodwood ( just because I find it a good short track for testing cars ) in the Mclaren M1. But the sound of that V8 was awesome and the general handling was great after a few minor tweaks.

These brutes are very fast, but I found the car very predictable and stable ( after the tweaks ), the racing should be epic and close.

Drove the T70 at Gellerasen and I'm excited! Thank you for your great work.