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About this mod
The THULE AUTHENTIC GRAF ZEPPELIN MOD FOR WOWS is an artistic and authentic/historical mod for the game World of Warships. The mod files have been created by the mod author ONLY for the purpose and reason of art, study, historical interest/accuracy and authenticity and this mod is NOT intended for any other reason or purpose than that.
- Permissions and credits
- Changelogs
THULE AUTHENTIC GRAF ZEPPELIN MOD FOR WOWS
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1.0 - ABOUT THIS MOD
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The THULE AUTHENTIC GRAF ZEPPELIN MOD FOR WOWS is an artistic and authentic/historical mod for the game World of Warships. The mod files have been created by the mod author ONLY for the purpose and reason of art, study, historical interest/accuracy and authenticity and this artistic/authentic mod is NOT intended for any other reason or purpose than that.
The default ("vanilla") presentation of the German Aircraft Carrier GRAF ZEPPELIN in the game World of Warships (WOWS) is unauthentic/wrong in several key aspects. The THULE AUTHENTIC GRAF ZEPPELIN mod corrects some of those aspects and generally follows the authentic (historical) data provided by credible authors/historians on the subject. The THULE AUTHENTIC GRAF ZEPPELIN mod replaces some of the default WOWS GRAF ZEPPELIN files with more authentic/historically accurate files that are based on data from credible authors/historians that are listed further on in this description under sources.
The mod shows the GRAF ZEPPELIN as she would have looked in late 1943 had she been stationed in Norway in the Faettenfjord near Drontheim (Trondheim). Based on the 30 May 1942 report by the Skl (Skl = Seekriegsleitung meaning Sea War Command) of the Kriegsmarine the GRAF ZEPPELIN was to finally be completed on 01 April 1943 and commissioned on 01 August 1943. The War Diary of the Sea War Command (Kriegstagebuch (KTB) der Skl) states on 28 June 1942 that GRAF ZEPPELIN is to be stationed in the Faettenfjord near Drontheim (Trondheim) and on 01 October 1942 the same source mentions that it is to be determined if she can also be stationed at Alta-Fjord. The same source makes clear that GRAF ZEPPELIN is to operate together with the German Battleships in Norway. By 02 February 1943 the GRAF ZEPPELIN was 95% complete when Großadmiral (Grand Admiral) Dönitz ordered completion of the GRAF ZEPPELIN to be halted. Based on the historical GRAF ZEPPELIN construction data available each month of construction work had accounted for about 2.56% of construction completion progress, meaning that the remaining 5% of construction would have been finished in about two months, so by 01 April 1943 at the latest.
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1.1 - REQUIREMENTS
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The only requirement is the latest version of WOWS.
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1.2 - MOD VARIANTS
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The mod has two variants:
(A.) A non-IFF version of the mod with no national Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) markings on the Flight Deck that depicts the GRAF ZEPPELIN in her 1943+ state as she would likely have looked if she had been stationed as intended in Norway in Faettenfjord near Drontheim (Trondheim).
(B.) An IFF version of the mod with national Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) markings on the Flight Deck that depicts the GRAF ZEPPELIN in her 1943+ state as she would likely have looked if she had been stationed as intended in Norway in Faettenfjord near Drontheim (Trondheim).
Using IFF Flight Deck markings was common on Aircraft Carriers of all nations in WW2. IFF Flight Deck markings were used by the Kriegsmarine only in wartime. They were mostly used when Kriegsmarine ships were operating within range of land-based friendly Combat Aircraft in order to preclude attacks by friendly aircraft on friendly naval surface forces. When GRAF ZEPPELIN would have been stationed in Norway from 1943-1945 she would likely have operated against Arctic Convoys and as a result always have operated within range of land-based friendly Combat Aircraft. It is likely that GRAF ZEPPELIN would also have had IFF Flight Deck markings when operating beyond the range of land-based friendly Combat Aircraft in order to preclude attacks by her own aircraft on her, as was common on Aircraft Carriers of all nations in WW2.
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1.3 - MOD FEATURES
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Everything in this mod is exactly made to and represented to scale, as far as practicable and possible.
What has been improved/added in this mod:
(1.) The unauthentic default "TYPE 10" GRAF ZEPPELIN camouflage pattern has been edited to make the colours more authentic and conforming to the Kriegsmarine colour camouflage guideline. According to 1942-1945 Kriegsmarine "Denkschrift: Das Tarnen von Schiffen ("Guideline: The camouflaging of ships"), written by Korvettenkapitän Walther Dechend in 1942, ships operating in the North Atlantic would typically use a "splintered" camouflage pattern with large irregular shaped areas which were painted in the colours: "Grauweiß, Graphitgrau, Nebelgrau, mittel Blaugrau, Schwarzblau" (Grey White, Graphite Grey, Fog Grey, Medium Blue Grey, Black Blue). According to that Guideline the colours of White and Black were to be used "under NO circumstances" and the bow and stern should NEVER be painted in dark colours. In the mod the colours of the unauthentic default "TYPE 10" GRAF ZEPPELIN Camouflage pattern have been altered to more Authentic colours to loosely follow the Kriegsmarine Guideline: Black has been replaced with "Graphite Grey", White replaced with "Fog Grey" and Green replaced with "Grey White" ("Graphitgrau, Nebelgrau, Grauweiß") .
(2.) The unauthentic default ("vanilla") "ADLER” Red, White and Black coloured GRAF ZEPPELIN camouflage type pattern that WOWS has supplied exclusively to the original August 2017 GAMESCOM buyers of the GRAF ZEPPELIN has been altered and replaced by the mod and transformed into a unique and authentic "Graphite Grey", "Fog Grey" and "Grey White" "splintered" ("Graphitgrau, Nebelgrau, Grauweiß") camouflage pattern variant of the regular "TYPE 10” GRAF ZEPPELIN camouflage type pattern.
(3.) All jagged edges in the GRAF ZEPPELIN hull camouflage patterns that existed in the default ("vanilla") version as well as in previous versions of the mod have been reworked so that the camouflage pattern now presents an overall seamless and smooth appearance, this applies to both the "ADLER" and "TYPE 10" GRAF ZEPPELIN camouflage patterns of the mod.
(4.) The Me 155 A-1 and Ta 152 C-1 camouflage colours and aircraft identification markings have been altered to conform to what the Luftwaffe had determined would be used for the aircraft of the GRAF ZEPPELIN when she would become operational. This is based on the information provided by author, naval historian and retired Freggattenkapitän Ulrich Israel (DDR Volksmarine) in his 1994-published book "GRAF ZEPPELIN", which was the result his 7-year study of primary source documentation. In the mod the Me 155 A-1 and Ta 152 C-1 are painted in the Naval Camouflage Colours and Pattern which were used for Luftwaffe Aircraft that operated over the North Atlantic, this consisted of a two-colour camouflage pattern on the top of the aircraft painted in RLM 72 (Graugrün/Grey Green) and RLM 73 (Grünblau/Green Blue), and the bottom of the aircraft painted in RLM 65 (Hellblau/Light Blue).
(5.) In the mod the Me 155 A-1 has the authentic "witch" insignia and identification used by "Träger-Staffel 5." of "Trägergeschwader 186", abbreviated 5./II./186 (T). The white-green-white "Reichsverteidigung" ("Defence of the Reich") fuselage band on the Me 155 A-1 however is still the fictitious default ("vanilla") one provided by WOWS. The "Reichsverteidigung" fuselage bands were generally used by all Luftwaffe fighter units from January 1944 onwards, the white-green-white fuselage band however is a fictitious one introduced by WOWS. There is of course no authentic "Reichsverteidiging" fuselage band for Trägergeschwader 186 because that unit no longer existed after July 1940.
(6.) The Me 155 A-1 in the mod has the authentic number 13 in red that was used by WW2 Luftwaffe ace and naval aviator Kurt Ubben (nicknamed "Kuddel") when he was part of GRAF ZEPPELIN’s 5./II./186 (T). In the Luftwaffe a fighter pilot was considered an "Experte" (literally "Expert", usually translated as ace in English) when he had shot down 10 enemy aircraft. The colour red was used to indicate 5. Staffel (Squadron) and the number 13 indicate the 13th aircraft in the Staffel, the horizontal red bar indicated II. Gruppe (II. Group). Kurt Ubben in real life preferred to fly an aircraft with number 13. In Trägergeschwader 186 the fighter squadrons used Arabic numerals on the fuselage and the bomber squadrons used letters.
(7.) The rudder of the Me 155 A-1 has the authentic victory markings of WW2 Luftwaffe ace and naval aviator Major Kurt Ubben at the time of his death on 27 April 1944. The victory markings on the rudder mark Kurt Ubben's confirmed 111 aerial victories, the Oak Leaves to his Knight’s Cross as well as the British Motor Torpedo Boat he was confirmed to have sunk in 1941 in the Mediterranean.
(8.) In the mod the Ta 152 C-1 has the authentic "Hagenhelm" insignia and identification used by "Träger-Staffel 1." of Trägergeschwader 186", abbreviated 1./I./186 (T). The Ta 152 C-1 has been given the authentic/historical Ta 152 C-1 Werknummer (Factory Number) 360 004. The 360 indicates block number and 004 indicates production number. Block number 360 was given to all Ta 152 C-1 that were produced by the Siebel factory in Halle-Schkeuditz. Number 004 was given to the fourth produced Ta 152 C-1 at Siebel.
(9.) In the mod the Ta 152 C-1 has the fuselage markings J9 + DH (The D in WHITE, indicating 1. Staffel (1. Squadron). In Trägergeschwader 186 the fighter squadrons used Arabic numerals on the fuselage and the bomber squadrons used letters. Since July 1939 the aircraft in I. Gruppe (I. Group) of Trägergeschwader 186 (Carrier Wing 186) used this identification system: the fourth aircraft in the 1. Staffel (1. Squadron) of Trägergeschwader 186 (Carrier-Wing 186) would be marked with J9 + DH fuselage markings. The meaning of this: the J9 stands for Trägergeschwader 186, the D (painted WHITE, because the colour white was used to indicate the 1. Staffel) stands for fourth aircraft in the Staffel (=Squadron, A=1st Aircraft and L= 12th Aircraft), the H stands for the Staffel (=Squadron, in this case the letter H was used to indicate the 1. Squadron).
(10.) The rudder of the Ta 152 C-1 has the authentic victory markings of WW2 Luftwaffe ace and naval aviator Wolf-Dietrich Huy who was part of GRAF ZEPPELIN’s 4./II./186 (T). The victory markings on the rudder mark Wolf-Dietrich Huy's confirmed 40 aerial victories, the Oak Leaves to his Knight’s Cross and the nine ships that Huy was confirmed to have sunk. Wolf-Dietrich used his Me 109 on "Jabo" ("Jagdbomber", meaning Fighter-Bomber) missions over the Mediterranean in 1941 where he managed to sink five Allied freighters, one British Motor Torpedo Boat, two British Destroyers and the British Royal Navy Light Cruiser FIJI.
(11.) The default ("vanilla") Grey coloured and Gold Lettered GRAF ZEPPELIN name plate on the stern of the ship has been replaced by a Bright Blue name plate with Golden Lettering in the mod. This is based on the purportedly authentic name plate of the Kriegsmarine Destroyer Z 20 KARL GARLSTER that still exists today. The present day German Bundesmarine also has the name plates of its ships in these colours. The purportedly authentic name plate of the Kriegsmarine Heavy Cruiser HIPPER that still exists today is in Dark Grey with Golden Lettering.
(12.) The national eagle on the stern has been reworked.
(13.) The 10.5 cm and 15 cm gun camouflage colouring has been altered to better fit the overall authentically coloured camouflage pattern of both the "ADLER" and "TYPE 10" GRAF ZEPPELIN camouflage patterns.
(14.) The Flight Deck details and marking colouring have been significantly improved compared to the previous “RTS Carrier” version of the mod.
(15.) The wood covered front-end of the Flight Deck has now been extended to what authentically would have been covered by wood, consequently the steel-only covered front-end of the Flight Deck has been authentically shortened. This corrects a major error in the default ("vanilla") WOWS GRAF ZEPPELIN model.
(16.) In the mod the inside of the starter car rails on the Flight Deck have been authentically filled with wooden deck planking, thereby replacing the unauthentic default (“vanilla”) steel inside of the starter car rails.
(17.) The two missing starter car elevators that were located directly under the rails behind the port and starboard catapults have been added to the Flight Deck. These two important elevators returned the starter cars to the Flight Deck after they had been used to launch aircraft from the catapults. These elevators would each bring a starter car to the Flight Deck directly underneath an aircraft that was waiting on its wheels for a catapult launch. Without these two starter car elevators the catapults could not have been used. This corrects a major error/omission in the default ("vanilla") WOWS GRAF ZEPPELIN model.
(18.) The missing Aircraft Barrier (Fangseil) on the Flight Deck near the center Aircraft Elevator has been added. This corrects a major error/omission in the default ("vanilla") WOWS GRAF ZEPPELIN model.
(19.) All elevators and hatches on the Flight Deck have been given steel borders.
(20.) The missing gutters (Regenrinnen) surrounding the three main Flight Deck Aircraft Elevators have been added. These gutters catch water and direct it away from the Aircraft Elevators.
(21.) The Flight Deck base elements for the eight cable support holders were incorrectly located on the default ("vanilla") GRAF ZEPPELIN. In the mod they have been relocated to where they would have been located.
(22.) The missing cable support holder rails located left and right of the four arresting cables landing area have been added. These rails lead and guide the cable support holders when a landing aircraft catches one of the four arresting cable with its landing hook.
(23.) The colour of the Rafts (Flöße) and Dinghies (Schlauchboote) has been changed from Grey into Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003). Based on both historical/authentic data as well as photographic evidence these Rafts and Dinghies could be either Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003), Kaiser Red (Kaiserrot - RAL 3010) and/or various shades of Grey (Grau) on a Kriegsmarine ship. For the mod the colour Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003) has been chosen because of WW2 colour photographs showing the Battleship TIRPITZ and the Heavy Cruiser SCHEER having Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003) Rafts/Dinghies (Flöße/Schlauchboote). The mod changes all Rafts/Dinghies (Flöße/Schlauchboote) on Kriegsmarine ships in WOWS to the colour Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003).
(24.) The Flight Deck now has authentic Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003) Lines/Bar markings that conform precisely in size and shape to the Kriegsmarine specifications for the GRAF ZEPPELIN. One Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003) Bar marks the front of the Flight Deck another Bar marks the end of the Flight Deck. Two Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003) Lines each mark the port and starboard limits of the landing area, a slightly thinner centrally located Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003) Line marks the center of the landing and emergency take-off area.
(25.) The IFF version of the mod has national Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) markings on the Flight Deck, the non-IFF version does not.
(26.) The mod adds the visual elements of the two (one port and one starboard) passive underwater listening devices called “Gruppenhorchgerät”(GHG) with which GRAF ZEPPELIN was equipped. In game terms the two GHG are Hydro Acoustic Search related devices, in the mod they are however purely visual and thus not functional in the game. The two GHG are located near the bow and below the waterline, roughly below the forward 15 cm guns both port and starboard. The real world GHG could detect torpedoes and the sound of ship propellers to a maximum range of up till 40 km, thus allowing a ship equipped with the GHG to locate and safely evade torpedoes if they were fired up till 2,000 meters range from the ship. Aircraft released aerial torpedoes were generally preferred to be released 1,000 to 500 meters from the target ship by the torpedo bomber, limiting the ship response time to data provided by the GHG.
(27.) The Flight Deck LIGHTING SETUP for the GRAF ZEPPELIN was detailed in the design documents and these have been implemented fully in the mod. In detail the following is included in the mod:
(27.a.) To indicate the landing area TWO CIRCULAR GREEN LIGHTS were installed behind each other at the end of the Flight Deck behind "Bremsseile I" (Arresting Cable I) on the port side and 11-meters from the center of the ship, this installation was used for both day and night landings. This installation was used for both day and night take-offs and landings.
(27.b.) On the Flight Deck the deck landing lighting to indicate the edge of the aircraft-roll-able area was marked on port and starboard side with EACH SIDE having SEVEN CIRCULAR RED LIGHTS at 26 meter intervals, so FOURTEEN CIRCULAR RED LIGHTS in TOTAL. This installation was used for both day and night take-offs and landings.
(27.c.) The end of the Flight Deck had ONE RECTANGULAR RED LIGHT BAR which ran along the full width of the Flight Deck edge from port to starboard. This installation was used for both day and night take-offs and landings.
(27.d.) Behind (from the viewpoint of a landing aircraft) each of the four Arresting Cables (Brake Cables) TWO YELLOW RECTANGULAR LIGHT BARS were integrated in the Flight Deck, so EIGHT YELLOW LIGHT Arresting Cable BARS in TOTAL. As a result the Arresting Cables could always be YELLOW LIT and seen in every condition, even at night. This installation was used for both day and night take-offs and landings.
(27.e.) The start end of the two Compressed Air Catapults each had a CIRCULAR WHITE starting LIGHTS which was integrated in the Flight Deck, so TWO CIRCULAR LIGHTS in TOTAL. This installation was used for both day and night take-offs and landings.
(27.f.) On the deck of the forward Deck House (housing the bridge etc.) FOUR WHITE RIGHT-ANGLE BAR LIGHTS (in other words inverted V-shaped bar lights) were installed in a straight line behind each other to indicate the prevailing wind conditions, the crest of the angle lights pointed forward (in other words the base of the inverted V shaped lamps pointed towards the front of the ship). Depending on the prevailing winds either 1, 2, 3 or all 4 angle lights would be lit allowing the aircrew of airborne aircraft to instantly see the prevailing wind conditions. This installation was used for both day and night take-offs and landings.
(28.) On the Flight Deck eight steel insets have been added (four port and four starboard) that hold the eight braking winches of the four arresting cables.
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1.4 - INSTALLING AND UPDATING
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First you have to locate the folder where the mod needs to be installed.
Normally the game folder where the mod needs to be installed looks something like this:
z:\World_of_Warships\bin\nnnnnnn\res_mods\x.x.x.x
z: = Drive on which WOWS is installed
nnnnnnn = Seven digit number
x.x.x.x = Current version of WOWS sub-folder
Installation step 1: Locate the WOWS \res_mods\ folder and create a sub-folder in it with the current version number (x.x.x.x.)
Installation step 2: Extract the latest version of the THULE AUTHENTIC GRAF ZEPPELIN MOD files of either the IFF or non-IFF version of this mod into the following folder:
\res_mods\x.x.x.x\
Be sure to extract the mod files only to the x.x.x.x folder that corresponds to the current WOWS version.
Delete x.x.x.x folders of previous WOWS versions when they become defunct due to a newer version of WOWS being released.
To be sure: the highest numbered folder is always the folder of the current version of WOWS and lower numbered folders are defunct, as in no longer used by the game!
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1.5 - UNINSTALLING
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Either remove this entire folder:
z:\World_of_Warships\bin\nnnnnnn\res_mods\x.x.x.x
z: = Drive on which WOWS is installed
nnnnnnn = Seven digit number
x.x.x.x = Current version of WOWS sub-folder
Or manually remove the files that have been installed in that folder from this mod.
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1.6 - COMPATIBILITY
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As a rule of thumb the changes made by this mod should not be game-breaking because the mod does not impact on critical game files. This mod should generally work with and be compatible with the current and future versions of WOWS, unless or until some or all of the GRAF ZEPPELIN related files are changed in WOWS itself.
The Aircraft Carrier GRAF ZEPPELIN in WOWS shares the stern eagle files with the Light Cruiser KÖNIGSBERG in WOWS. This mod alters these stern eagle files and as a result the stern eagle changes of this mod will also be applied to the KÖNIGSBERG. This in and of itself is not a problem unless another mod is used to overwrite these stern eagle files. The game will use the stern eagle files of the last mod that has installed these stern eagle files. If you want to keep the integrity of this GRAF ZEPPELIN mod intact then it is best to not let other mods overwrite these stern eagle files.
The Aircraft Carrier GRAF ZEPPELIN in WOWS shares the Rafts (Flöße) and Dinghies (Schlauchboote) files with all other German ships in WOWS that use these files. The mod changes the colours of the Rafts (Flöße) and Dinghies (Schlauchboote) from Grey into Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003). As a result all German ships that also use these Rafts (Flöße) and Dinghies (Schlauchboote) files will have them changed from Grey into Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003) as well by this mod. This in and of itself is not a problem unless another mod is used to overwrite these files. The game will use the Raft and Dinghy files of the last mod that has installed these files. If you want to keep the integrity of this GRAF ZEPPELIN mod intact then it is best to not let other mods overwrite these Raft and Dinghy files.
This mod contains changes to the “camouflage.xml” file that are required to turn all elements of the “ADLER” camouflage from red into grey. If another mod overwrites the “camouflage.xml” file included in this mod then it is likely that the changes made by this mod will be nullified. The changes in the “camouflage.xml” file only apply to the special “ADLER” camouflage which was supplied in WOWS to the original August 2017 owners of the GRAF ZEPPELIN. The game will use the “camouflage.xml” of the last mod that has installed these file. If you want to keep the integrity of this GRAF ZEPPELIN mod intact then it is best to not let other mods overwrite the “camouflage.xml” file.
The “camouflage.xml” file included in the mod and its impact on other ships needs to be further explained. Normally the only file in the mod that is updated to correspond to each new WOWS version is the “camouflage.xml” file, the changes made by this mod in that file however only effect the special “ADLER” camouflage of the GRAF ZEPPELIN which was supplied to the original August 2017 owners of the GRAF ZEPPELIN.
This mod will generally work even if the “camouflage.xml” file in the mod has not been updated to the latest WOWS version of this file. If the “camouflage.xml” in the mod has not been updated to the latest version of WOWS the mod will generally still work but it might have an impact on the camouflage of a newly released ship because a newly released ship will not be listed in a “camouflage.xml” of an earlier WOWS version. This should not have an impact on the proper working of the game WOWS however, the only effect it might have is that a new ship might not have the camouflage on it displayed as intended by the WOWS Developers.
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1.7 - INFORMATION FOR MODDERS
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For modders I have listed the changes that have been made to the “camouflage.xml” underneath.
The default (“vanilla”) “camouflage.xml” file content relating to the “ADLER” GRAF ZEPPELIN camouflage pattern is:
<!--//GER UNIQUE Zeppelin colour scheme 30-->
<colorScheme>
<name>colorSchemeGERP30</name>
<color0>0.096 0.017 0.017 1.000</color0>
<color1>0.000 0.000 0.000 1.000</color1>
<color2>0.005 0.005 0.005 1.000</color2>
<color3>0.447 0.431 0.431 1.000</color3>
</colorScheme>
The changes made by the mod to the “camouflage.xml” file relating to the “ADLER” GRAF ZEPPELIN camouflage pattern are:
<!--//GER UNIQUE Zeppelin colour scheme 30-->
<colorScheme>
<name>colorSchemeGERP30</name>
<!--//START FIX FOR RED SUPERSTRUCTURE PARTS-->
<color0>0.150 0.170 0.175 1.000</color0> <!--//CHANGED TO GREY-->
<!--//END FIX FOR RED SUPERSTRUCTURE PARTS-->
<color1>0.000 0.000 0.000 1.000</color1>
<color2>0.005 0.005 0.005 1.000</color2>
<color3>0.447 0.431 0.431 1.000</color3>
</colorScheme>
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1.8 - CHANGE LOG
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Version 0.9.5.1
- First published version of this mod on this website.
Version 0.9.6.0
- camouflage.xml updated to WOWS version 0.9.6.0
- The EIGHT YELLOW LIGHT Arresting Cable BARS have been moved behind (from the viewpoint of a landing aircraft) the four Arresting Cables (Brake Cables) and within the yellow line borders of the landing area.
- On the Flight Deck eight insets have been added (four port and four starboard) that hold the eight braking winches of the four arresting cables.
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1.9 - UPCOMING CHANGES
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None planned at the moment.
The following issues remain open for the foreseeable future.
(I.) The Dark Grey square-shaped objects that cover roughly two-thirds of the GRAF ZEPPELIN flight deck are part of the original default ("vanilla") WOWS GRAF ZEPPELIN model. They seem to be an invention of the WOWS Developers that has no real world basis. Photographic evidence and the original GRAF ZEPPELIN plans do not show these objects. Until WOWS Developers clarify where these objects come from and what is their purpose they will for now remain in the mod. If it becomes clear that they are an invention of the WOWS Developers then they will probably be removed in a future version of the mod.
(II.) If the premium Tier 6 German Aircraft Carrier LÖWENHARDT is released in WOWS and if that ship is equipped with the Me 109 T-1 and the Ju 87 C-1 then a variant of this mod will likely be made that swaps the aircraft models. Such an aircraft model swap variant would visually swap the GRAF ZEPPELIN Me 155 A-1 and Ta 152 C-1 with the Me 109 T-1 and Ju 87 C-1 respectively. The swap would only be visual however, functionally the aircraft would remain the Me 155 A-1 and Ta 152 C-1 in WOWS. Such a visual swap would give the GRAF ZEPPELIN her authentic/historically correct Carrier Aircraft, something which is currently not possible in WOWS.
(III.) The port and starboard name plates, the stern eagle and the two port and starboard escutcheons would not have been carried on GRAF ZEPPELIN in wartime. In a future version of the mod these might be removed.
(IV.) The default (“vanilla”) Aircraft Salvage Crane is not depicted correctly, including mounted in the incorrect “neutral” position. In a future version of the mod this might be addressed.
(V.) Three radars mounted underneath the rear of the Flight Deck are not included in the default (“vanilla”) GRAF ZEPPELIN and several of the other radars of the ship are of the incorrect type. In a future version of the mod this might be addressed.
(VI.) The ship’s bell mounted on the navigation bridge is not included in the default (“vanilla”) GRAF ZEPPELIN. In a future version of the mod this might be addressed.
(VII.) The four compressed air cylinders mounted underneath the two forward catapults that are required operation of the catapults are not included in the default (“vanilla”) GRAF ZEPPELIN. In a future version of the mod this might be addressed.
(VIII.) The two starter cars that are mounted on the catapults in the default (“vanilla”) GRAF ZEPPELIN would not have been mounted there if the Carrier Aircraft would use the emergency aircraft undercarriage take-off instead of the regular catapult take-off. In a future version of the mod this might be addressed.
(IX.) The two catapults would have been covered by their cover hatches if not used. In the default (“vanilla”) GRAF ZEPPELIN the catapults are not used but the catapult cover hatches are not flipped over the catapults. In a future version of the mod this might be addressed.
(X.) The four FuMB (ESM) “Sumatra” antennas that were mounted on the “Jägerleitstand” (Fighter Aircraft Control Position) are not included in the default (“vanilla”) GRAF ZEPPELIN. In a future version of the mod this might be addressed.
(XI.) The four port aerial masts are in the raised position in the default (“vanilla”) GRAF ZEPPELIN. During Flight Operations the aerial masts would be in the lowered position. In a future version of the mod this might be addressed.
(XII.) The four port and four starboard cable support holders that were part of the four arresting cables (brake cables) are not included in the default (“vanilla”) GRAF ZEPPELIN. In a future version of the mod this might be addressed.
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2.0 - NOTES
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This mod is both a continuation of and significant improvement over previous versions of this mod.
In February 2019 WOWS version 8.0 introduced the so-called “WOWS Carrier rework” that replaced all the so-called “RTS-Carriers” with “Action-Carriers”.
The post-February 2019 versions of this mod pertain to the so-called “Action-Carrier” version of the GRAF ZEPPELIN and are published here.
The pre-February 2019 versions of this mod pertain to the so-called “RTS-Carrier” version of the GRAF ZEPPELIN and were published in the AUTHENTIC GRAF ZEPPELIN topic on the WOWS EU forum.
The AUTHENTIC GRAF ZEPPELIN topic not only contains the now-defunct pre-February 2019 “RTS-Carrier” version of this mod but also a lot of information on the real world Aircraft Carrier GRAF ZEPPELIN. The topic can be found here:
https://forum.worldofwarships.eu/topic/86678-authentic-graf-zeppelin/
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2.1 - DISCLAIMER, PERMISSIONS AND OTHER LEGAL THINGS
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You are NOT allowed to copy, modify, use and/or distribute any part of this mod without explicit permission from me.
You are NOT allowed to upload and/or copy this mod and anything related to it to any other website and/or (electronic and/or other form of) medium without explicit permission from me.
You are NOT allowed to use this mod for political, propaganda and/or other such related purposes, because this mod is solely intended to be an artistic and authentic/historical mod for the game World of Warships. The mod files have been created by the mod author ONLY for the purpose and reason of art, study, historical interest/accuracy and authenticity and this artistic/authentic mod is NOT intended for any other reason or purpose than that.
You are NOT allowed to use this mod in a public environment and/or in a public viewing environment/setting.
This mod is provided as is.
I am not responsible for any and all damages that may arise from using this mod. You use the mod at your own risk.
When installing this mod it may overwrite files, so as a precaution it is best to backup files manually before installing the mod and before overwriting other files.
One of the reasons for this mod, is to assist WOWS Developers in adding the authentic Flight Deck Markings and Lights, Squadron Aircraft Emblems and Individual Identification Markings to their default ("vanilla") WOWS GRAF ZEPPELIN ship model in order to make their default ("vanilla") ship model more AUTHENTIC. The mod files have been created by the mod author ONLY for the purpose and reason of art, study, historical interest/accuracy and authenticity and this artistic/authentic mod is NOT intended for any other reason or purpose than that. If you do NOT like study and authenticity/historical accuracy then this artistic/authentic mod is NOT for you and do NOT download it.
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2.2 - SOURCES
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The THULE AUTHENTIC GRAF ZEPPELIN mod is primarily based on the authentic (historic) data provided by these sources (sources listed in order of importance):
- "Der Flugzeugträger GRAF ZEPPELIN" (1968) by Wilhelm Hadeler. A unique book written by the lead designer of the real world Aircraft Carrier GRAF ZEPPELIN that also covers her design.
- "Flugzeugträger GRAF ZEPPELIN" (1994) by Ulrich H.J. Israel. The best and most complete single book on all aspects of the Aircraft Carrier GRAF ZEPPELIN and her Aircraft.
- "Flugzeugträger GRAF ZEPPELIN" (2007) by Richard Wagner and Manfred Wilske. Contains rare valuable primary source data on the GRAF ZEPPELIN, her Aircraft and unique rare comparative Carrier Aircraft data).
- "STUKA" (1993) by Helmuth Mahlke. A book by a WW2 veteran and ranking naval aviation officer in the WW2 GRAF ZEPPELIN Ju 87 Air Group.
- “Wappen der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1939-1945” (2013) by Barry Ketley. Contains data on emblems used on GRAF ZEPPELIN Aircraft.
- "Freedom of the seas" (2010) by Stephen Burke and Adam Olejnik. Contains rare valuable primary source data on the GRAF ZEPPELIN, but alas also some errors and useless superfluous theories and speculations.
- “Anstriche und Tarnanstriche der deutschen Kriegsmarine” (1997) by Dieter Jung, Arno Abendroth and Norbert Kelling. A valuable book on the colours and camouflage used by the Kriegsmarine, includes the full text and drawings of the 1942 Camouflage Guideline “Denkschrift - Das Tarnen von Schiffen” by Korvettenkapitän Walther Dechend.
- “Flugzeugträger GRAF ZEPPELIN” (1988) by Siegfried Breyer. A booklet that contains dated but still pertinent data on the GRAF ZEPPELIN.
- “Von der EMDEN zur TIRPITZ” (1991) by Siegfried Breyer and Gerhard Koop. A book on all German warships from 1920-1945, the data on the GRAF ZEPPELIN is dated but still pertinent.
- “German Naval Camouflage - Volume One 1939-1941” (2016) by John Asmussen and Eric Leon. A valuable book on the colours and camouflage used by the Kriegsmarine from 1939-1941.
- “German Naval Camouflage - Volume Two 1942-1945” (2016) by John Asmussen and Eric Leon. A valuable book on the colours and camouflage used by the Kriegsmarine from 1942-1945.
- “Schlachtschiff TIRPITZ” - Volume 1, 2, 3 and 4 - 1936-1943” (2014-2018) by Robert Gehringer and Antonio Bonomi. A four volume book series on the Battleship TIRPITZ containing valuable data on the colours and camouflage used by the Kriegsmarine from 1936-1943.
- "Focke-Wulf Fw 190 / Ta 152" (1997) by Manfred Griehl and Joachim Dresssel. A book on the Fw 190 series and the Ta 152 series by experts on the subject.
- "Focke-Wulf Ta 152" (1999) by Dietmar Harmann. A book on the Ta 152 series by an expert on the subject.
- "Messerschmitt Me 109 T" by Francis Marshall (2002). The most detailed book on all aspects of the Me 109 T.
- “Flugzeugprofile aus Norwegen - Messerschmitt Me 109 T” by Kjetil Aakra and Arild Kaeraas. A companion booklet to the book "Messerschmitt Me 109 T" by Francis Marshall.
- "Die deutsche Luftfahrt" Volume/Band 1 (1980) by Wolfgang Wagner. A book on all Focke Wulf Aircraft designed by Kurt Tank et al.
- "Die deutsche Luftfahrt" Volume/Band 4 (1983) by Rüdiger Kosin. A book detailing German Fighter Aircraft from 1918 till 1982.
- "Die deutsche Luftfahrt" Volume/Band 17 (1992) by Hans Ebert, Johann B. Kaiser and Klaus Peters. A book on all Messerschmitt Aircraft designed by Willy Messerschmitt et al.
- “The German Aircraft Carrier GRAF ZEPPELIN” (2016) by Stefan Draminski. An interesting booklet with 3D drawings of the GRAF ZEPPELIN, alas both the 3D drawings and the text in the booklet are based on dated sources and as a result contain serious errors.
- “Verdammte See” (1971) by Cajus Bekker. The author of this book not only used primary source documentation for his study but also interviewed most if not all Admirals and ranking senior officers of the Kriegsmarine, as such his book contains unique information provided by high ranking Kriegsmarine officers.
- “Mein Leben” (2009) by Erich Raeder. The autobiography of the Commander-in-Chief of the Kriegsmarine up till 1943. Contains distasteful and self-serving omissions, distortions and clearly incorrect statements regarding the GRAF ZEPPELIN, whose aim appears to be to shirk responsibility for not completing the GRAF ZEPPELIN and other German Carriers.
- “Zehn Jahre und zwanzig Tage” (2015) by Karl Dönitz. The autobiography of the Commander-in-Chief of the Kriegsmarine from 1943 till 1945.
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2.3 - ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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- www.nexusmods.com for providing the platform for mods and modders.
- Wargaming for the game World of Warships, for allowing modding of it and releasing their superbly made GRAF ZEPPELIN 3D ship and aircraft models.
- MedvedevTD for providing data and help on modding on the WOWS EU forum.
- Edelweisse, Tanz, zFireWyvern, TheKingofUm and Carrier_Ikoma for their published WOWS mods and/or modding information.
- The mod part of the WOWS EU and WOWS NA forum.
- The authors of the books listed under sources.
- GIMP
- XnView
- Notepad++
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1.0 - ABOUT THIS MOD
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The THULE AUTHENTIC GRAF ZEPPELIN MOD FOR WOWS is an artistic and authentic/historical mod for the game World of Warships. The mod files have been created by the mod author ONLY for the purpose and reason of art, study, historical interest/accuracy and authenticity and this artistic/authentic mod is NOT intended for any other reason or purpose than that.
The default ("vanilla") presentation of the German Aircraft Carrier GRAF ZEPPELIN in the game World of Warships (WOWS) is unauthentic/wrong in several key aspects. The THULE AUTHENTIC GRAF ZEPPELIN mod corrects some of those aspects and generally follows the authentic (historical) data provided by credible authors/historians on the subject. The THULE AUTHENTIC GRAF ZEPPELIN mod replaces some of the default WOWS GRAF ZEPPELIN files with more authentic/historically accurate files that are based on data from credible authors/historians that are listed further on in this description under sources.
The mod shows the GRAF ZEPPELIN as she would have looked in late 1943 had she been stationed in Norway in the Faettenfjord near Drontheim (Trondheim). Based on the 30 May 1942 report by the Skl (Skl = Seekriegsleitung meaning Sea War Command) of the Kriegsmarine the GRAF ZEPPELIN was to finally be completed on 01 April 1943 and commissioned on 01 August 1943. The War Diary of the Sea War Command (Kriegstagebuch (KTB) der Skl) states on 28 June 1942 that GRAF ZEPPELIN is to be stationed in the Faettenfjord near Drontheim (Trondheim) and on 01 October 1942 the same source mentions that it is to be determined if she can also be stationed at Alta-Fjord. The same source makes clear that GRAF ZEPPELIN is to operate together with the German Battleships in Norway. By 02 February 1943 the GRAF ZEPPELIN was 95% complete when Großadmiral (Grand Admiral) Dönitz ordered completion of the GRAF ZEPPELIN to be halted. Based on the historical GRAF ZEPPELIN construction data available each month of construction work had accounted for about 2.56% of construction completion progress, meaning that the remaining 5% of construction would have been finished in about two months, so by 01 April 1943 at the latest.
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1.1 - REQUIREMENTS
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The only requirement is the latest version of WOWS.
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1.2 - MOD VARIANTS
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The mod has two variants:
(A.) A non-IFF version of the mod with no national Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) markings on the Flight Deck that depicts the GRAF ZEPPELIN in her 1943+ state as she would likely have looked if she had been stationed as intended in Norway in Faettenfjord near Drontheim (Trondheim).
(B.) An IFF version of the mod with national Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) markings on the Flight Deck that depicts the GRAF ZEPPELIN in her 1943+ state as she would likely have looked if she had been stationed as intended in Norway in Faettenfjord near Drontheim (Trondheim).
Using IFF Flight Deck markings was common on Aircraft Carriers of all nations in WW2. IFF Flight Deck markings were used by the Kriegsmarine only in wartime. They were mostly used when Kriegsmarine ships were operating within range of land-based friendly Combat Aircraft in order to preclude attacks by friendly aircraft on friendly naval surface forces. When GRAF ZEPPELIN would have been stationed in Norway from 1943-1945 she would likely have operated against Arctic Convoys and as a result always have operated within range of land-based friendly Combat Aircraft. It is likely that GRAF ZEPPELIN would also have had IFF Flight Deck markings when operating beyond the range of land-based friendly Combat Aircraft in order to preclude attacks by her own aircraft on her, as was common on Aircraft Carriers of all nations in WW2.
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1.3 - MOD FEATURES
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Everything in this mod is exactly made to and represented to scale, as far as practicable and possible.
What has been improved/added in this mod:
(1.) The unauthentic default "TYPE 10" GRAF ZEPPELIN camouflage pattern has been edited to make the colours more authentic and conforming to the Kriegsmarine colour camouflage guideline. According to 1942-1945 Kriegsmarine "Denkschrift: Das Tarnen von Schiffen ("Guideline: The camouflaging of ships"), written by Korvettenkapitän Walther Dechend in 1942, ships operating in the North Atlantic would typically use a "splintered" camouflage pattern with large irregular shaped areas which were painted in the colours: "Grauweiß, Graphitgrau, Nebelgrau, mittel Blaugrau, Schwarzblau" (Grey White, Graphite Grey, Fog Grey, Medium Blue Grey, Black Blue). According to that Guideline the colours of White and Black were to be used "under NO circumstances" and the bow and stern should NEVER be painted in dark colours. In the mod the colours of the unauthentic default "TYPE 10" GRAF ZEPPELIN Camouflage pattern have been altered to more Authentic colours to loosely follow the Kriegsmarine Guideline: Black has been replaced with "Graphite Grey", White replaced with "Fog Grey" and Green replaced with "Grey White" ("Graphitgrau, Nebelgrau, Grauweiß") .
(2.) The unauthentic default ("vanilla") "ADLER” Red, White and Black coloured GRAF ZEPPELIN camouflage type pattern that WOWS has supplied exclusively to the original August 2017 GAMESCOM buyers of the GRAF ZEPPELIN has been altered and replaced by the mod and transformed into a unique and authentic "Graphite Grey", "Fog Grey" and "Grey White" "splintered" ("Graphitgrau, Nebelgrau, Grauweiß") camouflage pattern variant of the regular "TYPE 10” GRAF ZEPPELIN camouflage type pattern.
(3.) All jagged edges in the GRAF ZEPPELIN hull camouflage patterns that existed in the default ("vanilla") version as well as in previous versions of the mod have been reworked so that the camouflage pattern now presents an overall seamless and smooth appearance, this applies to both the "ADLER" and "TYPE 10" GRAF ZEPPELIN camouflage patterns of the mod.
(4.) The Me 155 A-1 and Ta 152 C-1 camouflage colours and aircraft identification markings have been altered to conform to what the Luftwaffe had determined would be used for the aircraft of the GRAF ZEPPELIN when she would become operational. This is based on the information provided by author, naval historian and retired Freggattenkapitän Ulrich Israel (DDR Volksmarine) in his 1994-published book "GRAF ZEPPELIN", which was the result his 7-year study of primary source documentation. In the mod the Me 155 A-1 and Ta 152 C-1 are painted in the Naval Camouflage Colours and Pattern which were used for Luftwaffe Aircraft that operated over the North Atlantic, this consisted of a two-colour camouflage pattern on the top of the aircraft painted in RLM 72 (Graugrün/Grey Green) and RLM 73 (Grünblau/Green Blue), and the bottom of the aircraft painted in RLM 65 (Hellblau/Light Blue).
(5.) In the mod the Me 155 A-1 has the authentic "witch" insignia and identification used by "Träger-Staffel 5." of "Trägergeschwader 186", abbreviated 5./II./186 (T). The white-green-white "Reichsverteidigung" ("Defence of the Reich") fuselage band on the Me 155 A-1 however is still the fictitious default ("vanilla") one provided by WOWS. The "Reichsverteidigung" fuselage bands were generally used by all Luftwaffe fighter units from January 1944 onwards, the white-green-white fuselage band however is a fictitious one introduced by WOWS. There is of course no authentic "Reichsverteidiging" fuselage band for Trägergeschwader 186 because that unit no longer existed after July 1940.
(6.) The Me 155 A-1 in the mod has the authentic number 13 in red that was used by WW2 Luftwaffe ace and naval aviator Kurt Ubben (nicknamed "Kuddel") when he was part of GRAF ZEPPELIN’s 5./II./186 (T). In the Luftwaffe a fighter pilot was considered an "Experte" (literally "Expert", usually translated as ace in English) when he had shot down 10 enemy aircraft. The colour red was used to indicate 5. Staffel (Squadron) and the number 13 indicate the 13th aircraft in the Staffel, the horizontal red bar indicated II. Gruppe (II. Group). Kurt Ubben in real life preferred to fly an aircraft with number 13. In Trägergeschwader 186 the fighter squadrons used Arabic numerals on the fuselage and the bomber squadrons used letters.
(7.) The rudder of the Me 155 A-1 has the authentic victory markings of WW2 Luftwaffe ace and naval aviator Major Kurt Ubben at the time of his death on 27 April 1944. The victory markings on the rudder mark Kurt Ubben's confirmed 111 aerial victories, the Oak Leaves to his Knight’s Cross as well as the British Motor Torpedo Boat he was confirmed to have sunk in 1941 in the Mediterranean.
(8.) In the mod the Ta 152 C-1 has the authentic "Hagenhelm" insignia and identification used by "Träger-Staffel 1." of Trägergeschwader 186", abbreviated 1./I./186 (T). The Ta 152 C-1 has been given the authentic/historical Ta 152 C-1 Werknummer (Factory Number) 360 004. The 360 indicates block number and 004 indicates production number. Block number 360 was given to all Ta 152 C-1 that were produced by the Siebel factory in Halle-Schkeuditz. Number 004 was given to the fourth produced Ta 152 C-1 at Siebel.
(9.) In the mod the Ta 152 C-1 has the fuselage markings J9 + DH (The D in WHITE, indicating 1. Staffel (1. Squadron). In Trägergeschwader 186 the fighter squadrons used Arabic numerals on the fuselage and the bomber squadrons used letters. Since July 1939 the aircraft in I. Gruppe (I. Group) of Trägergeschwader 186 (Carrier Wing 186) used this identification system: the fourth aircraft in the 1. Staffel (1. Squadron) of Trägergeschwader 186 (Carrier-Wing 186) would be marked with J9 + DH fuselage markings. The meaning of this: the J9 stands for Trägergeschwader 186, the D (painted WHITE, because the colour white was used to indicate the 1. Staffel) stands for fourth aircraft in the Staffel (=Squadron, A=1st Aircraft and L= 12th Aircraft), the H stands for the Staffel (=Squadron, in this case the letter H was used to indicate the 1. Squadron).
(10.) The rudder of the Ta 152 C-1 has the authentic victory markings of WW2 Luftwaffe ace and naval aviator Wolf-Dietrich Huy who was part of GRAF ZEPPELIN’s 4./II./186 (T). The victory markings on the rudder mark Wolf-Dietrich Huy's confirmed 40 aerial victories, the Oak Leaves to his Knight’s Cross and the nine ships that Huy was confirmed to have sunk. Wolf-Dietrich used his Me 109 on "Jabo" ("Jagdbomber", meaning Fighter-Bomber) missions over the Mediterranean in 1941 where he managed to sink five Allied freighters, one British Motor Torpedo Boat, two British Destroyers and the British Royal Navy Light Cruiser FIJI.
(11.) The default ("vanilla") Grey coloured and Gold Lettered GRAF ZEPPELIN name plate on the stern of the ship has been replaced by a Bright Blue name plate with Golden Lettering in the mod. This is based on the purportedly authentic name plate of the Kriegsmarine Destroyer Z 20 KARL GARLSTER that still exists today. The present day German Bundesmarine also has the name plates of its ships in these colours. The purportedly authentic name plate of the Kriegsmarine Heavy Cruiser HIPPER that still exists today is in Dark Grey with Golden Lettering.
(12.) The national eagle on the stern has been reworked.
(13.) The 10.5 cm and 15 cm gun camouflage colouring has been altered to better fit the overall authentically coloured camouflage pattern of both the "ADLER" and "TYPE 10" GRAF ZEPPELIN camouflage patterns.
(14.) The Flight Deck details and marking colouring have been significantly improved compared to the previous “RTS Carrier” version of the mod.
(15.) The wood covered front-end of the Flight Deck has now been extended to what authentically would have been covered by wood, consequently the steel-only covered front-end of the Flight Deck has been authentically shortened. This corrects a major error in the default ("vanilla") WOWS GRAF ZEPPELIN model.
(16.) In the mod the inside of the starter car rails on the Flight Deck have been authentically filled with wooden deck planking, thereby replacing the unauthentic default (“vanilla”) steel inside of the starter car rails.
(17.) The two missing starter car elevators that were located directly under the rails behind the port and starboard catapults have been added to the Flight Deck. These two important elevators returned the starter cars to the Flight Deck after they had been used to launch aircraft from the catapults. These elevators would each bring a starter car to the Flight Deck directly underneath an aircraft that was waiting on its wheels for a catapult launch. Without these two starter car elevators the catapults could not have been used. This corrects a major error/omission in the default ("vanilla") WOWS GRAF ZEPPELIN model.
(18.) The missing Aircraft Barrier (Fangseil) on the Flight Deck near the center Aircraft Elevator has been added. This corrects a major error/omission in the default ("vanilla") WOWS GRAF ZEPPELIN model.
(19.) All elevators and hatches on the Flight Deck have been given steel borders.
(20.) The missing gutters (Regenrinnen) surrounding the three main Flight Deck Aircraft Elevators have been added. These gutters catch water and direct it away from the Aircraft Elevators.
(21.) The Flight Deck base elements for the eight cable support holders were incorrectly located on the default ("vanilla") GRAF ZEPPELIN. In the mod they have been relocated to where they would have been located.
(22.) The missing cable support holder rails located left and right of the four arresting cables landing area have been added. These rails lead and guide the cable support holders when a landing aircraft catches one of the four arresting cable with its landing hook.
(23.) The colour of the Rafts (Flöße) and Dinghies (Schlauchboote) has been changed from Grey into Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003). Based on both historical/authentic data as well as photographic evidence these Rafts and Dinghies could be either Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003), Kaiser Red (Kaiserrot - RAL 3010) and/or various shades of Grey (Grau) on a Kriegsmarine ship. For the mod the colour Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003) has been chosen because of WW2 colour photographs showing the Battleship TIRPITZ and the Heavy Cruiser SCHEER having Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003) Rafts/Dinghies (Flöße/Schlauchboote). The mod changes all Rafts/Dinghies (Flöße/Schlauchboote) on Kriegsmarine ships in WOWS to the colour Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003).
(24.) The Flight Deck now has authentic Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003) Lines/Bar markings that conform precisely in size and shape to the Kriegsmarine specifications for the GRAF ZEPPELIN. One Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003) Bar marks the front of the Flight Deck another Bar marks the end of the Flight Deck. Two Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003) Lines each mark the port and starboard limits of the landing area, a slightly thinner centrally located Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003) Line marks the center of the landing and emergency take-off area.
(25.) The IFF version of the mod has national Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) markings on the Flight Deck, the non-IFF version does not.
(26.) The mod adds the visual elements of the two (one port and one starboard) passive underwater listening devices called “Gruppenhorchgerät”(GHG) with which GRAF ZEPPELIN was equipped. In game terms the two GHG are Hydro Acoustic Search related devices, in the mod they are however purely visual and thus not functional in the game. The two GHG are located near the bow and below the waterline, roughly below the forward 15 cm guns both port and starboard. The real world GHG could detect torpedoes and the sound of ship propellers to a maximum range of up till 40 km, thus allowing a ship equipped with the GHG to locate and safely evade torpedoes if they were fired up till 2,000 meters range from the ship. Aircraft released aerial torpedoes were generally preferred to be released 1,000 to 500 meters from the target ship by the torpedo bomber, limiting the ship response time to data provided by the GHG.
(27.) The Flight Deck LIGHTING SETUP for the GRAF ZEPPELIN was detailed in the design documents and these have been implemented fully in the mod. In detail the following is included in the mod:
(27.a.) To indicate the landing area TWO CIRCULAR GREEN LIGHTS were installed behind each other at the end of the Flight Deck behind "Bremsseile I" (Arresting Cable I) on the port side and 11-meters from the center of the ship, this installation was used for both day and night landings. This installation was used for both day and night take-offs and landings.
(27.b.) On the Flight Deck the deck landing lighting to indicate the edge of the aircraft-roll-able area was marked on port and starboard side with EACH SIDE having SEVEN CIRCULAR RED LIGHTS at 26 meter intervals, so FOURTEEN CIRCULAR RED LIGHTS in TOTAL. This installation was used for both day and night take-offs and landings.
(27.c.) The end of the Flight Deck had ONE RECTANGULAR RED LIGHT BAR which ran along the full width of the Flight Deck edge from port to starboard. This installation was used for both day and night take-offs and landings.
(27.d.) Behind (from the viewpoint of a landing aircraft) each of the four Arresting Cables (Brake Cables) TWO YELLOW RECTANGULAR LIGHT BARS were integrated in the Flight Deck, so EIGHT YELLOW LIGHT Arresting Cable BARS in TOTAL. As a result the Arresting Cables could always be YELLOW LIT and seen in every condition, even at night. This installation was used for both day and night take-offs and landings.
(27.e.) The start end of the two Compressed Air Catapults each had a CIRCULAR WHITE starting LIGHTS which was integrated in the Flight Deck, so TWO CIRCULAR LIGHTS in TOTAL. This installation was used for both day and night take-offs and landings.
(27.f.) On the deck of the forward Deck House (housing the bridge etc.) FOUR WHITE RIGHT-ANGLE BAR LIGHTS (in other words inverted V-shaped bar lights) were installed in a straight line behind each other to indicate the prevailing wind conditions, the crest of the angle lights pointed forward (in other words the base of the inverted V shaped lamps pointed towards the front of the ship). Depending on the prevailing winds either 1, 2, 3 or all 4 angle lights would be lit allowing the aircrew of airborne aircraft to instantly see the prevailing wind conditions. This installation was used for both day and night take-offs and landings.
(28.) On the Flight Deck eight steel insets have been added (four port and four starboard) that hold the eight braking winches of the four arresting cables.
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1.4 - INSTALLING AND UPDATING
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First you have to locate the folder where the mod needs to be installed.
Normally the game folder where the mod needs to be installed looks something like this:
z:\World_of_Warships\bin\nnnnnnn\res_mods\x.x.x.x
z: = Drive on which WOWS is installed
nnnnnnn = Seven digit number
x.x.x.x = Current version of WOWS sub-folder
Installation step 1: Locate the WOWS \res_mods\ folder and create a sub-folder in it with the current version number (x.x.x.x.)
Installation step 2: Extract the latest version of the THULE AUTHENTIC GRAF ZEPPELIN MOD files of either the IFF or non-IFF version of this mod into the following folder:
\res_mods\x.x.x.x\
Be sure to extract the mod files only to the x.x.x.x folder that corresponds to the current WOWS version.
Delete x.x.x.x folders of previous WOWS versions when they become defunct due to a newer version of WOWS being released.
To be sure: the highest numbered folder is always the folder of the current version of WOWS and lower numbered folders are defunct, as in no longer used by the game!
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1.5 - UNINSTALLING
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Either remove this entire folder:
z:\World_of_Warships\bin\nnnnnnn\res_mods\x.x.x.x
z: = Drive on which WOWS is installed
nnnnnnn = Seven digit number
x.x.x.x = Current version of WOWS sub-folder
Or manually remove the files that have been installed in that folder from this mod.
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1.6 - COMPATIBILITY
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As a rule of thumb the changes made by this mod should not be game-breaking because the mod does not impact on critical game files. This mod should generally work with and be compatible with the current and future versions of WOWS, unless or until some or all of the GRAF ZEPPELIN related files are changed in WOWS itself.
The Aircraft Carrier GRAF ZEPPELIN in WOWS shares the stern eagle files with the Light Cruiser KÖNIGSBERG in WOWS. This mod alters these stern eagle files and as a result the stern eagle changes of this mod will also be applied to the KÖNIGSBERG. This in and of itself is not a problem unless another mod is used to overwrite these stern eagle files. The game will use the stern eagle files of the last mod that has installed these stern eagle files. If you want to keep the integrity of this GRAF ZEPPELIN mod intact then it is best to not let other mods overwrite these stern eagle files.
The Aircraft Carrier GRAF ZEPPELIN in WOWS shares the Rafts (Flöße) and Dinghies (Schlauchboote) files with all other German ships in WOWS that use these files. The mod changes the colours of the Rafts (Flöße) and Dinghies (Schlauchboote) from Grey into Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003). As a result all German ships that also use these Rafts (Flöße) and Dinghies (Schlauchboote) files will have them changed from Grey into Yellow (Gelb - RAL 1003) as well by this mod. This in and of itself is not a problem unless another mod is used to overwrite these files. The game will use the Raft and Dinghy files of the last mod that has installed these files. If you want to keep the integrity of this GRAF ZEPPELIN mod intact then it is best to not let other mods overwrite these Raft and Dinghy files.
This mod contains changes to the “camouflage.xml” file that are required to turn all elements of the “ADLER” camouflage from red into grey. If another mod overwrites the “camouflage.xml” file included in this mod then it is likely that the changes made by this mod will be nullified. The changes in the “camouflage.xml” file only apply to the special “ADLER” camouflage which was supplied in WOWS to the original August 2017 owners of the GRAF ZEPPELIN. The game will use the “camouflage.xml” of the last mod that has installed these file. If you want to keep the integrity of this GRAF ZEPPELIN mod intact then it is best to not let other mods overwrite the “camouflage.xml” file.
The “camouflage.xml” file included in the mod and its impact on other ships needs to be further explained. Normally the only file in the mod that is updated to correspond to each new WOWS version is the “camouflage.xml” file, the changes made by this mod in that file however only effect the special “ADLER” camouflage of the GRAF ZEPPELIN which was supplied to the original August 2017 owners of the GRAF ZEPPELIN.
This mod will generally work even if the “camouflage.xml” file in the mod has not been updated to the latest WOWS version of this file. If the “camouflage.xml” in the mod has not been updated to the latest version of WOWS the mod will generally still work but it might have an impact on the camouflage of a newly released ship because a newly released ship will not be listed in a “camouflage.xml” of an earlier WOWS version. This should not have an impact on the proper working of the game WOWS however, the only effect it might have is that a new ship might not have the camouflage on it displayed as intended by the WOWS Developers.
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1.7 - INFORMATION FOR MODDERS
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For modders I have listed the changes that have been made to the “camouflage.xml” underneath.
The default (“vanilla”) “camouflage.xml” file content relating to the “ADLER” GRAF ZEPPELIN camouflage pattern is:
<!--//GER UNIQUE Zeppelin colour scheme 30-->
<colorScheme>
<name>colorSchemeGERP30</name>
<color0>0.096 0.017 0.017 1.000</color0>
<color1>0.000 0.000 0.000 1.000</color1>
<color2>0.005 0.005 0.005 1.000</color2>
<color3>0.447 0.431 0.431 1.000</color3>
</colorScheme>
The changes made by the mod to the “camouflage.xml” file relating to the “ADLER” GRAF ZEPPELIN camouflage pattern are:
<!--//GER UNIQUE Zeppelin colour scheme 30-->
<colorScheme>
<name>colorSchemeGERP30</name>
<!--//START FIX FOR RED SUPERSTRUCTURE PARTS-->
<color0>0.150 0.170 0.175 1.000</color0> <!--//CHANGED TO GREY-->
<!--//END FIX FOR RED SUPERSTRUCTURE PARTS-->
<color1>0.000 0.000 0.000 1.000</color1>
<color2>0.005 0.005 0.005 1.000</color2>
<color3>0.447 0.431 0.431 1.000</color3>
</colorScheme>
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1.8 - CHANGE LOG
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Version 0.9.5.1
- First published version of this mod on this website.
Version 0.9.6.0
- camouflage.xml updated to WOWS version 0.9.6.0
- The EIGHT YELLOW LIGHT Arresting Cable BARS have been moved behind (from the viewpoint of a landing aircraft) the four Arresting Cables (Brake Cables) and within the yellow line borders of the landing area.
- On the Flight Deck eight insets have been added (four port and four starboard) that hold the eight braking winches of the four arresting cables.
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1.9 - UPCOMING CHANGES
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None planned at the moment.
The following issues remain open for the foreseeable future.
(I.) The Dark Grey square-shaped objects that cover roughly two-thirds of the GRAF ZEPPELIN flight deck are part of the original default ("vanilla") WOWS GRAF ZEPPELIN model. They seem to be an invention of the WOWS Developers that has no real world basis. Photographic evidence and the original GRAF ZEPPELIN plans do not show these objects. Until WOWS Developers clarify where these objects come from and what is their purpose they will for now remain in the mod. If it becomes clear that they are an invention of the WOWS Developers then they will probably be removed in a future version of the mod.
(II.) If the premium Tier 6 German Aircraft Carrier LÖWENHARDT is released in WOWS and if that ship is equipped with the Me 109 T-1 and the Ju 87 C-1 then a variant of this mod will likely be made that swaps the aircraft models. Such an aircraft model swap variant would visually swap the GRAF ZEPPELIN Me 155 A-1 and Ta 152 C-1 with the Me 109 T-1 and Ju 87 C-1 respectively. The swap would only be visual however, functionally the aircraft would remain the Me 155 A-1 and Ta 152 C-1 in WOWS. Such a visual swap would give the GRAF ZEPPELIN her authentic/historically correct Carrier Aircraft, something which is currently not possible in WOWS.
(III.) The port and starboard name plates, the stern eagle and the two port and starboard escutcheons would not have been carried on GRAF ZEPPELIN in wartime. In a future version of the mod these might be removed.
(IV.) The default (“vanilla”) Aircraft Salvage Crane is not depicted correctly, including mounted in the incorrect “neutral” position. In a future version of the mod this might be addressed.
(V.) Three radars mounted underneath the rear of the Flight Deck are not included in the default (“vanilla”) GRAF ZEPPELIN and several of the other radars of the ship are of the incorrect type. In a future version of the mod this might be addressed.
(VI.) The ship’s bell mounted on the navigation bridge is not included in the default (“vanilla”) GRAF ZEPPELIN. In a future version of the mod this might be addressed.
(VII.) The four compressed air cylinders mounted underneath the two forward catapults that are required operation of the catapults are not included in the default (“vanilla”) GRAF ZEPPELIN. In a future version of the mod this might be addressed.
(VIII.) The two starter cars that are mounted on the catapults in the default (“vanilla”) GRAF ZEPPELIN would not have been mounted there if the Carrier Aircraft would use the emergency aircraft undercarriage take-off instead of the regular catapult take-off. In a future version of the mod this might be addressed.
(IX.) The two catapults would have been covered by their cover hatches if not used. In the default (“vanilla”) GRAF ZEPPELIN the catapults are not used but the catapult cover hatches are not flipped over the catapults. In a future version of the mod this might be addressed.
(X.) The four FuMB (ESM) “Sumatra” antennas that were mounted on the “Jägerleitstand” (Fighter Aircraft Control Position) are not included in the default (“vanilla”) GRAF ZEPPELIN. In a future version of the mod this might be addressed.
(XI.) The four port aerial masts are in the raised position in the default (“vanilla”) GRAF ZEPPELIN. During Flight Operations the aerial masts would be in the lowered position. In a future version of the mod this might be addressed.
(XII.) The four port and four starboard cable support holders that were part of the four arresting cables (brake cables) are not included in the default (“vanilla”) GRAF ZEPPELIN. In a future version of the mod this might be addressed.
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2.0 - NOTES
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This mod is both a continuation of and significant improvement over previous versions of this mod.
In February 2019 WOWS version 8.0 introduced the so-called “WOWS Carrier rework” that replaced all the so-called “RTS-Carriers” with “Action-Carriers”.
The post-February 2019 versions of this mod pertain to the so-called “Action-Carrier” version of the GRAF ZEPPELIN and are published here.
The pre-February 2019 versions of this mod pertain to the so-called “RTS-Carrier” version of the GRAF ZEPPELIN and were published in the AUTHENTIC GRAF ZEPPELIN topic on the WOWS EU forum.
The AUTHENTIC GRAF ZEPPELIN topic not only contains the now-defunct pre-February 2019 “RTS-Carrier” version of this mod but also a lot of information on the real world Aircraft Carrier GRAF ZEPPELIN. The topic can be found here:
https://forum.worldofwarships.eu/topic/86678-authentic-graf-zeppelin/
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2.1 - DISCLAIMER, PERMISSIONS AND OTHER LEGAL THINGS
======================================================
You are NOT allowed to copy, modify, use and/or distribute any part of this mod without explicit permission from me.
You are NOT allowed to upload and/or copy this mod and anything related to it to any other website and/or (electronic and/or other form of) medium without explicit permission from me.
You are NOT allowed to use this mod for political, propaganda and/or other such related purposes, because this mod is solely intended to be an artistic and authentic/historical mod for the game World of Warships. The mod files have been created by the mod author ONLY for the purpose and reason of art, study, historical interest/accuracy and authenticity and this artistic/authentic mod is NOT intended for any other reason or purpose than that.
You are NOT allowed to use this mod in a public environment and/or in a public viewing environment/setting.
This mod is provided as is.
I am not responsible for any and all damages that may arise from using this mod. You use the mod at your own risk.
When installing this mod it may overwrite files, so as a precaution it is best to backup files manually before installing the mod and before overwriting other files.
One of the reasons for this mod, is to assist WOWS Developers in adding the authentic Flight Deck Markings and Lights, Squadron Aircraft Emblems and Individual Identification Markings to their default ("vanilla") WOWS GRAF ZEPPELIN ship model in order to make their default ("vanilla") ship model more AUTHENTIC. The mod files have been created by the mod author ONLY for the purpose and reason of art, study, historical interest/accuracy and authenticity and this artistic/authentic mod is NOT intended for any other reason or purpose than that. If you do NOT like study and authenticity/historical accuracy then this artistic/authentic mod is NOT for you and do NOT download it.
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2.2 - SOURCES
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The THULE AUTHENTIC GRAF ZEPPELIN mod is primarily based on the authentic (historic) data provided by these sources (sources listed in order of importance):
- "Der Flugzeugträger GRAF ZEPPELIN" (1968) by Wilhelm Hadeler. A unique book written by the lead designer of the real world Aircraft Carrier GRAF ZEPPELIN that also covers her design.
- "Flugzeugträger GRAF ZEPPELIN" (1994) by Ulrich H.J. Israel. The best and most complete single book on all aspects of the Aircraft Carrier GRAF ZEPPELIN and her Aircraft.
- "Flugzeugträger GRAF ZEPPELIN" (2007) by Richard Wagner and Manfred Wilske. Contains rare valuable primary source data on the GRAF ZEPPELIN, her Aircraft and unique rare comparative Carrier Aircraft data).
- "STUKA" (1993) by Helmuth Mahlke. A book by a WW2 veteran and ranking naval aviation officer in the WW2 GRAF ZEPPELIN Ju 87 Air Group.
- “Wappen der Deutschen Luftwaffe 1939-1945” (2013) by Barry Ketley. Contains data on emblems used on GRAF ZEPPELIN Aircraft.
- "Freedom of the seas" (2010) by Stephen Burke and Adam Olejnik. Contains rare valuable primary source data on the GRAF ZEPPELIN, but alas also some errors and useless superfluous theories and speculations.
- “Anstriche und Tarnanstriche der deutschen Kriegsmarine” (1997) by Dieter Jung, Arno Abendroth and Norbert Kelling. A valuable book on the colours and camouflage used by the Kriegsmarine, includes the full text and drawings of the 1942 Camouflage Guideline “Denkschrift - Das Tarnen von Schiffen” by Korvettenkapitän Walther Dechend.
- “Flugzeugträger GRAF ZEPPELIN” (1988) by Siegfried Breyer. A booklet that contains dated but still pertinent data on the GRAF ZEPPELIN.
- “Von der EMDEN zur TIRPITZ” (1991) by Siegfried Breyer and Gerhard Koop. A book on all German warships from 1920-1945, the data on the GRAF ZEPPELIN is dated but still pertinent.
- “German Naval Camouflage - Volume One 1939-1941” (2016) by John Asmussen and Eric Leon. A valuable book on the colours and camouflage used by the Kriegsmarine from 1939-1941.
- “German Naval Camouflage - Volume Two 1942-1945” (2016) by John Asmussen and Eric Leon. A valuable book on the colours and camouflage used by the Kriegsmarine from 1942-1945.
- “Schlachtschiff TIRPITZ” - Volume 1, 2, 3 and 4 - 1936-1943” (2014-2018) by Robert Gehringer and Antonio Bonomi. A four volume book series on the Battleship TIRPITZ containing valuable data on the colours and camouflage used by the Kriegsmarine from 1936-1943.
- "Focke-Wulf Fw 190 / Ta 152" (1997) by Manfred Griehl and Joachim Dresssel. A book on the Fw 190 series and the Ta 152 series by experts on the subject.
- "Focke-Wulf Ta 152" (1999) by Dietmar Harmann. A book on the Ta 152 series by an expert on the subject.
- "Messerschmitt Me 109 T" by Francis Marshall (2002). The most detailed book on all aspects of the Me 109 T.
- “Flugzeugprofile aus Norwegen - Messerschmitt Me 109 T” by Kjetil Aakra and Arild Kaeraas. A companion booklet to the book "Messerschmitt Me 109 T" by Francis Marshall.
- "Die deutsche Luftfahrt" Volume/Band 1 (1980) by Wolfgang Wagner. A book on all Focke Wulf Aircraft designed by Kurt Tank et al.
- "Die deutsche Luftfahrt" Volume/Band 4 (1983) by Rüdiger Kosin. A book detailing German Fighter Aircraft from 1918 till 1982.
- "Die deutsche Luftfahrt" Volume/Band 17 (1992) by Hans Ebert, Johann B. Kaiser and Klaus Peters. A book on all Messerschmitt Aircraft designed by Willy Messerschmitt et al.
- “The German Aircraft Carrier GRAF ZEPPELIN” (2016) by Stefan Draminski. An interesting booklet with 3D drawings of the GRAF ZEPPELIN, alas both the 3D drawings and the text in the booklet are based on dated sources and as a result contain serious errors.
- “Verdammte See” (1971) by Cajus Bekker. The author of this book not only used primary source documentation for his study but also interviewed most if not all Admirals and ranking senior officers of the Kriegsmarine, as such his book contains unique information provided by high ranking Kriegsmarine officers.
- “Mein Leben” (2009) by Erich Raeder. The autobiography of the Commander-in-Chief of the Kriegsmarine up till 1943. Contains distasteful and self-serving omissions, distortions and clearly incorrect statements regarding the GRAF ZEPPELIN, whose aim appears to be to shirk responsibility for not completing the GRAF ZEPPELIN and other German Carriers.
- “Zehn Jahre und zwanzig Tage” (2015) by Karl Dönitz. The autobiography of the Commander-in-Chief of the Kriegsmarine from 1943 till 1945.
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2.3 - ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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- www.nexusmods.com for providing the platform for mods and modders.
- Wargaming for the game World of Warships, for allowing modding of it and releasing their superbly made GRAF ZEPPELIN 3D ship and aircraft models.
- MedvedevTD for providing data and help on modding on the WOWS EU forum.
- Edelweisse, Tanz, zFireWyvern, TheKingofUm and Carrier_Ikoma for their published WOWS mods and/or modding information.
- The mod part of the WOWS EU and WOWS NA forum.
- The authors of the books listed under sources.
- GIMP
- XnView
- Notepad++