Installation Shuttle Fleet looks - exactly like stock (?)

[mjl1966]

So I found and installed SF 4.8. (I used the package uploaded to smiviation by Dave413) I jump and and do some missions and wasn't impressed because everything looked and felt like the original. But, it had some nice cargo features.

Well, then I see some stuff on Youtube that looks fantastic. More detailed launch tower, moving gantries, launch pad that isn't a gray textureless block.

I have installed D3D9 and activated it in the modules tab. I launch with orbiter_ng. I read the manual for SF, but it does not appear to have specific installation information. (I copied/merged the folders into the orbiter root folder like everything else). I read the documentation for D3D9 at the google codeplex and stopped at the point where it started talking about editing textures. I did read the advanced config and compared that to mine. Looked like it was OK and I didn't change anything.

Obviously I am missing a step and the pre-ask mandatory "RTFM, search* and think" process has been conducted.

Would really appreciate help on how to get this thing to look like it's supposed to.

*Really, I did. Shuttle Fleet graphics, Shuttle Fleet textures, "Shuttle Fleet", "Shuttle Fleet" D3D9 and some others I don't remember.

 

[SolarLiner]

The only simple and working LC39 pad I know of is part of the Thorton ISS add-on: [ame="http://www.orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=3737"]International Space Station v.3.2[/ame]
Run one of the "International Space Station" scenarios with a Shuttle in (the STS missions) and watch as the automated sequence gets from T- 8 minutes to Orbiter, without any interaction.

 

[PhantomCruiser]

:ninja:

Thorton takes the shuttle fleet and pushes it to a whole new level. And it has contrails when you land it.

Slat's launch pad is supposed to be pretty good also, but I've never managed to get it working as advertised.

 

[mjl1966]

Thank you for these tips. In case it's relevant, some new info: I'm having the same problem with both LC-39 addons (v2 and v9). The launch tower is the same gray blocky 1996-looking thing.

Will try your recommendations in the mean time.

---------- Post added at 08:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:52 PM ----------

OK, Thorton wins. Thanks, guys. I never would have thought of this option.