Thanks guys. I've always thought the black and silver looked nice on the Thunderbolt's frame, and the large squadron patch on both sides adds a nice splash of color...
The markings are and rudder color are directly from Krusty's bmp; I usually try to keep some work from the original if I can, and just tone down the color, make adjustments, etc to counter AHIII's more powerful lighting. I can look at the black again - it may be the angle and my spec map values also. Generally I try to keep black shades on the lighter side, to allow some headroom for the really true black areas like shadows, gaps and holes.
Not sure I can get this one submitted by Monday - busy week here and I have another skin in front of it that I must finish first.