It appears that Modified gf files, as in replacements for the original ships -- Akira, Galaxy, Sov, etc.. cause the patch to hang up and not install.
Solution.. new install of SFC3, install patch, and wait for the mod update. Here's why.
The SFC3 mods in current form will not work with the patch - because I did a lot of mixed tech on the races, and the patch does not allow race tech mixing. There is a gf file I can change, but I will need time to do the updates.
I plan to take the 3 parts of the TNG Mega Mod off line -- and replace them with one big mod the works with the patch, which means time.
The Mods change most of the stock ships to different models.
I'm posting now because I will get questions about this.
Never had this problem with EAW or OP. All I had to do was change to the right spec files before I installed a new patch.
Those days are gone, I spose.