F.A.Q.
Help! I can't get the patch to work.
Okay, here's the deal. None of my patches contain any bugs, BUT... to ensure that there are no conflicts, they MUST be installed onto a completely clean version of RB2 with the Dynamix Super Patch, or a clean version of RB3D. If they're not - i.e. if the version you're running has been altered in any way (including if there are still campaigns from previous versions still being in use), the game may have some problems. In order to ensure a trouble-free installation of BSP2, first, you must be finished with all old campaigns - the following steps will delete 'em, as well as all paint files, so either back them all up in another folder elsewhere, or prepare to lose 'em all. Also, make sure that your RB2 (and a copy of the Dynamix 'Superpatch' download) or RB3D disk is working properly - you'll need it to reinstall Red Baron. Now:
From your desktop, go into 'My Computer'. Open the 'C' folder (or the drive that houses your Red Baron program), and then open the Sierra folder. Now delete the 'Red Baron' folder, and all subdirectories and files. Message dialogs will appear, asking if you're sure - click on 'yes to all'.
Now, install RB3D (or if you have the older RB2, install that, and then the Dynamix Super Patch). Now, for best results, download CM11 from the downloads page. Unzip CM11 to the RedBaron3D (or RedBaronII) folder (if you're using Winzip, make sure you've selected the "Use folder names" option). Now you're ready to install BSP.
Download the Beery20 zip file, and unzip it to the newly-created CM11 'Patches' folder. Now go into the CM11 folder and open the Campaign Manager (double-click on CM11.exe). The Campaign Manager Main Menu will open. Click on the 'Patches and Files' button. 'Beery20' should now appear in the 'Patches Available' window - highlight it by clicking on it. Now click on the 'Add' button. The Campaign Manager will now automatically install the patch. Now you should be ready to go, with the Beery Super Patch version 2 successfully installed.
How do I configure Newplane to work in MMP?
First, make a backup copy of your Multi folder and store it in a safe place. Now open the game's Shellpat and Multi folders in seperate windows. Select all the files in Shellpat and copy them all into Multi. Then, set a date in CM that you want to use as the date of your online mission. Finally, just as you did with Shellpat, copy all the files from Simpatch to Multi, overwriting any files of the same name. Now you're ready to use Newplane online. You'll be able to choose from any of the new aircraft additions, and others using the patch will be able to see your chosen aircraft too. After you've finished an online session, delete the Multi folder and restore the original version (later versions will simplify this process). Remember, this is a beta version of Newplane, and certain features are not yet available - the patch is not yet configured for team play. Please let me know of any problems with the patch.
What are all these 'unofficial' patches?
They are free utilities which fix certain bugs that were in the official version of Red Baron 2/3D, and which add greater realism and extra features to the game. They are unofficial simply because for legal and other reasons, they are not endorsed by Sierra/Dynamix.
What is BSP?
BSP stands for 'Beery SuperPatch'. It is a major patch for Red Baron 3D, and all the other patches on my website are meant to work in conjunction with it. It can be used alone, or with any combination of patches which appear in the 'Downloads' page.
How safe is it?
While every internet download includes a small amount of risk, I take every precaution to ensure that the patches I create are completely free from viruses and data corruption. My patches go through a very rigorous testing procedure which I have developed during over 5 years experience in creating unofficial game patches for such titles as 'Red Baron 1', 'Close Combat', 'Age of Sail', and 'Battleground Waterloo'.
I like Red Baron 3D as it is. Why would I want to use your patch?
Unfortunately, Red Baron 2 (later to become Red Baron 3D) shipped in an incomplete state - there were quite a few minor bugs which never got fixed by the manufacturers; the Beery SuperPatch fixes many of these. Also, the artwork was originally intended for a 2D game, and was never updated to take full advantage of the nuances of the 3D version; the aircraft in BSP have been redrawn so that they match perfectly to the 3D shapes, making them appear much more realistic (see the 'Screenshots' page). Thirdly, the ace and squadron information in the original game was often incorrect; BSP corrects much of the historical details of the game. Finally, with the help of von Tom's wonderful 'Campaign Manager', I have added a number of new features that were never envisaged by the creators of the original game (see the 'New Features' page).
What bugs in the original game are fixed by the use of unofficial patches such as BSP?
There are still one or two that never got fixed by Dynamix:
The 'Ace Transfer Bug' actually prevents aces from transferring into their first assigned squadron during a campaign. This is a big deal because quite a few of the aces in the game only get assigned to one squadron - Phillip Fullard is one of these - in the original game, if the player starts a campaign before the first assignment of one of the affected aces, that ace will never turn up because of this bug.
The 'Invisible 2-Seater Bug' prevents certain aircraft from ever showing up in single player campaigns - these aircraft are the Bristol Fighter, Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter, Halberstadt CLII, and Roland CII.
But there are many unofficial patches out there. What makes yours special?
BSP includes a carefully balanced ace and squadron set, which reflects the historical balance of forces on the Western Front. Also included are a number of aces and aircraft that other patches don't feature (see the 'New Aces', and 'New Aircraft' pages). Most importantly, when used together, my patches take full advantage of von Tom's excellent 'Campaign Manager' - I believe no other patch comes close to the depth of realism that I've included in my version of the game - it has to be seen to be believed.
Where do I find the instructions for installing the patches?
They're all contained in the download for each individual patch. When the patch has finished downloading to the directory of your choice, open up the zip file, and you'll find 'readme.txt' (or 'help.txt') files that fully explain the installation procedure.
What other patches are compatible with the ones listed on your site?
All patches compatible with BSP are listed on the 'Downloads' page.
Is your 'Beery SuperPatch compatible with MMP?
Yes. Originally, BSP was intended for Single Player only. But due to popular demand, I adjusted it to work with MMP too. In order for the patch to work with MMP, one or two changes in the installation procedure are required, but everything is explained fully in the '00readme.txt' file - just follow the directions and you'll be playing MMP in no time.
Can I fly the new aircraft included in your patch?
While all 2-seater aircraft in the game are non-flyable, all single seaters are player-flyable. The two new single-seaters included in BSP (DH5 and Sopwith Dolphin) are flyable, but since these aircraft are simulated only by the addition of the correct paint scheme, careful application of shadow effects, and a modest tweaking of the shapes, they do not look as impressive from the cockpit as they do when facing them in battle. Of the two, the Dolphin is the best suited for player-flyability, especially if Todd Comeau's Dolphin Wing Patch is used.
Who is responsible for these patches?
Many people contributed to the BSP, either directly or indirectly. The main contributors are listed in the readme.txt files for each patch.