Mike could you try something?

Run an intercept mission in 1.28 just like the one I described above using all multiskin planes and see if it functions OK.

I ask because when setting up the multiskins for 1.6 I didn't have any problem with the brief entries into the game to observe my efforts. The CTD problem didn't arise until I started running missions.

Fixed




A file I had changed on December 8th was the culprit.
I put the previous version of that file in the code for the latest exe and had zillions of planes and contrails and tracers with no problem. It was not a memory issue.

Great work.

Ok, great news. As always thanks for the veritable HERCULEAN effort to get this straightened out.

Can you drop a copy in my folder ASAP?

Got a tough real life day ahead but I will have time here and there for some testing.

I will make the old map version and then upload them for you.
In that test I had 16 190s, 48 109G2s, 72 B17s and 64 P38s.


Edit
It is in your folder as "Dec21EAW Versions.zip"

This was the big clue I needed, and it highlights one of the best features of a co-operative forum.
Many thanks SkyHigh

I tested a late October version, and there were no problems. I then tested more recent ones until I found the last stable one, and checked the date.
I collected the files that had been added since that date, and added them one by one, compiling them and testing the new version.
The ninth file I added gave a version with the "B-17 CTD". I replaced the dodgy file with the previous version, and the exe worked fine.
Then I took a punt and went to the very latest version, and replaced the dodgy file. BINGO

I only did the donkey-work of experiment and observation, it was your expertise and diligence that found the important clue. It's true, though (and excuse me if that phrase reminds you of that absurd Canadian Prime Minister), that many hands make lighter work.

But that donkey work and report gave me a much needed starting point for the systemic investigation that brought the solution

The new exes are available here: 160exes 21st December 2018

Jel

Man, don't underestimate your contribution and the willingness to get involved.

Say, ever heard of rendering sequence calculations?

Just askin'....................no particular reason.

Your little man can stay running away!

Ah, 'cmon, what's a little insanity in the long run, am I right?

Ah, well.

These screenshots are with the new execs. Green P-38's escorting silver B-17's vs 110G's -

This is the P-38 escort at 6100 ft -


Same plane at 5500 ft - You have to look close but you can see the dark just above the distance readout:


The B17's at 5000 ft -


Same group at 4700 ft - You can see the planes just in front of the contrails, I caught this shot just as they came into view so some are still invisible:


So, it's not ME missing the silver planes in the glare or anything. They are popping into view just like before.

It must be a file problem somewhere Ray.
In my tests I think I had IronMike's B17-G multiskins, and they never disappeared.
In other tests the default single skin bombers did not disappear then reappear.
This includes B17s, B24s, B26s, Mossies, Ju88as and Betties.
Try intercepting some of these and see what happens on your PC.

Thanks for the new exes. I tried several 109K missions on ETO Late with the new map one, with extra squads=3 and numbers and graphics maxed out. I had total stability, no hint of a ctd, with aircraft, tracer, contrails and flamers all over the sky. The game at all times exited properly, also. I had no trace of that pop-up phenomenon that Ray has encountered. in fact, I was seeing aircraft dots at 100kms, with continuous view right up to engagement. All told, excellent so far.

i will double check everything but it's happening to the escorts too.

Ran the same mission but with planes from my 1939 BOB scenario.

Same problem, planes disappear around 5000 to 6000 feet. Doesn't matter, bombers or fighters, friend or foe.

I can show screen shots but rather you just take my word for it.

Ray I believe you, because I get the same problem with the B26s

Disappeared:


Reappeared:


However, you keep using your own files and do not appear to have tried the exe with the ETO default files that I used.
There was no problem with those files, or IM's multiskin B17Gs.
If it were a problem with the exe then I would have expected the same thing to happen every time.

Well, seeing as how I've now used 10 different sets of files, some going back 5 years, I'd say something else is out of wack but I'll give the defaults a try.



Edit - I no longer have the default planes, can you put the appropriate aircraft in a zip for me and load it up to the GEN?

I just tried this.
The DAW Whitley also does the disappearing act, but the DAW B25C does not.
I copied the "PlaneT.3dz" file from the DAW B25C files and put the copy in the root folder for a test.
When the Whitleys were intercepted they stayed in view.

Edit:
As the default folder is "GameData" I moved the "PlaneT.3dz" file into it and the Whitleys still stayed in view.
With that good result I switched planesets and intercepted your multiskin B26s. Sure enough they remained in view.
We need that "PlaneT.3dz" file, but as it is a stick model the one in "GameData" may well be good enough to cover for every skin folder that does not have one, and saves a heap of work

For further confirmation I have just intercepted your multiskin B17Gs and they did not disappear