Hi Making; glad you got it sorted!
Actually it is not to difficult to add objects to existing maps:
The only thing you need Unlocked FMB installed. Download available here
(The link is inoperative) .
Now - this is important! - before you start editing a map in the unlocked FMB create a new (empty) folder with the exact same name as the original folder (you can find the names in the all.ini file) in your ...\il2\maps folder.
Edit the map and save. Do not use save as, but only save. All the files you have modified will be saved in the new folder you created. However, before they show up in the game you have to copy these files to the ..\MODS\Mapmods\ folder.
It only gets tricky when you want to open maps in unlocked FMB with big actors.static files. You will get a memory error and a crash to the desktop. You will have to use tools to cut the actors files in (geographical) pieces, modify and rebuild actors.static.
The maps are all divided into categories: lowland 1,2,3 and 4, midland (4), mountain (4), country (villages) (4) city (4), and Airfield (4). There are also listed forest, but these are the 4 layers on top of each other creating the 3d effect when you fly above, and the water files are used for water(1) shallow water(2) and coastline (3 and 4). In the all.ini is described which texture is used for what type. To change lowland to mountain e.g. or add\remove forest in map use unlocked FMB. There are limitations to the game engine though, just experiment and you will get to know them very quickly. 8)
I think this should be enough to get you started. I hope you will succeed :wink:
I will try to help if I you have more questions, but I am not as experienced as many others here are. They build maps from scratch which is 10 times more difficult. But all you need for this can be found on this site to.
I hope you have fun and will succeed in adding some nice stuff to maps.
Be patient and nice things will happen!
I have just bought a new house so I will be quite busy the next month, but I'll try to find time to check my favorite site from time to time. 8)