[David603]

The stock Spitfire MkIX has a pretty terrible 3D model, so I came up with the idea of replacing it with a model derived from the MkVIII model, which is much better and more accurate. The only external difference between a MkIXc and a MkVIII is the tailwheel, so I took some parts from the Spitfire MkVc and edited the MkVIII's HIER.him file to produce the plane you see below.

Anyway, I'm more than happy with the way the new MkIXc looks there, but there is a small problem. Once I take off and retract the undercarriage, the new tailwheel retracts just like the old one did, which leaves the plane looking exactly like a MkVIII again.

So I need some expert advice. If the new plane received classfiles pointing it towards a Spitfire MkIX FM, which of course has a fixed tailwheel, or a version of the MkVIII's FM with the retractable tailwheel disabled, would the tailwheel remain down as shown in the picture or would I have to do more HIER editing?

The next step would of course be to find someone willing to make the needed classfiles, with versions for the MkIXc, MkIXc CLP, MkIXe and MkIXe CLP(I have versions of this 3D model for all these), with appropriate HF and LF models as required. Since these are existing aircraft I don't know how much work would be needed, but if anyone is able and willing to help this would be much appreciated.

I hope to have these as new slot aircraft which would be named SpitfireMkIXc(Merlin 63) or SpitfireLF.MkIXe(Merlin66) and so on to distinguish them from the existing MkIXs, but I don't know Java coding or how to make new slots so I will need help to get them into the game.

The new planes can use existing MkVIII skins.

Regards.