The rest

Although not much, this page is where all the stuff goes that doesn't fit any of the other pages on this site.

3D models

All the net.books available for download from this site use three-dimensional computer graphics to clarify what part of the real thing is shown in each photograph, and in some cases show other details of the net.book's subject matter. These models can be downloaded from the links below.

Each link gives you a zip file to download, which contains two files: one has the extension .pov, which is a data file for use with POV-Ray. This is a so-called ray-tracing programme that needs the data file to create the actual picture: the data file contains instructions for what the image should look like, and not a complete picture. Thus, you will need POV-Ray to be able to use the .pov file at all! Beware that using a ray-tracer is not all that easy—it has a fairly steep learning curve, but once you've gotten your head around the basics, everything else will be much easier. RTFM! :)

The other file has the extension .kpm, and is a data file for KPovModeler. This program is what's known as a front-end for POV-Ray: it makes creating the .pov files much easier by giving a graphical environment to work in, rather than having to work on the raw data files in a text editor. If you're not using a computer running some flavour of UNIX (if you don't know, it's safe to assume you're not), though, you'll have to find another front-end, because there are no versions of KPovModeler for other operating systems. Those other programmes will not be able to load the .kpm files, however.

• IS-2M (10 KB)
• Regelbau 501 bunker (7.9 KB)
• Regelbau 502 bunker (8.2 KB)
• T-55 Enigma (21 KB)
• V-750 (3.8 KB)
• Whippet (9.2 KB)

Another note is that the models are by no means 100% accurate. Those of military vehicles have been based mainly on measurements taken from model kits, and as we all know, those can be inaccurate. Furthermore, these 3D models were never intended to show exhaustive detail: their primary purpose is to show the basic shape in a small drawing, so nearly all the detail that wouldn't be evident (and a lot that would be) has been left out.

Scale calculator

To use this calculator, first enter under Measure 1 the measurement you took, calculated, researched, etc.; choose the unit if necessary. In the text box underneath this you can enter the scale of the model or drawing from which the measurement was taken (use 1/1 if the measurement was taken from the real thing). By hitting the Calculate button, the converted measurement will appear under Measure 2 using the settings for unit and scale on that side.

Note: Should the converted measurement read NaN, you have entered something under Measure 1 that was not recognized as a number. Check whether you did not accidentally typed in any letters.

Scale Calculator for OS X

If you are on a Macintosh running OS X, here is a small application that performs exactly the same function as the calculator above, but which does not require you to be on-line.

This application has only been tested on OS X version 10.3 (Panther); it may or may not work under earlier versions, so try at your own risk.

The calculator has English and Dutch localisations.

Download here · 204 KB