Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Custom Skins => Topic started by: ink on August 14, 2011, 06:19:55 PM
-
I don't know why but I love the look of bare metal planes, I have been reading that towards the end of the war once we had air superiority, a lot of our planes were just bare metal........this P40 I am working on is white #7, no not bare metal, but the next one is gonna be and a bare metal 51 also is lined up......
anyways what do you guys think? what can I do to improve on the metal look?
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w246/fieldsofink/P40metal_layer.jpg)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w246/fieldsofink/P40metal_layer_1.jpg)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w246/fieldsofink/P40metal_layer_2.jpg)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w246/fieldsofink/P40metal_layer_3.jpg)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w246/fieldsofink/P40metal_layer_4.jpg)
-
Start looking for lots of examples. Look at Greebo's bare metal '47s, look at real bare metal planes.
One thing you can do is change the metal shade/weather pattern between panel sections of the plane. The plane is made up of sheet aluminum riveted to the rib structure underneath, and these sheets of aluminum may be from different batches or soources and therefore appear a slightly different shade.
Read Festers tutorial on panel texturing too.
I've switched to using a majority of light rivets on bare metal instead of dark. Just a preference.
-
Start looking for lots of examples. Look at Greebo's bare metal '47s, look at real bare metal planes.
One thing you can do is change the metal shade/weather pattern between panel sections of the plane. The plane is made up of sheet aluminum riveted to the rib structure underneath, and these sheets of aluminum may be from different batches or soources and therefore appear a slightly different shade.
Read Festers tutorial on panel texturing too.
I've switched to using a majority of light rivets on bare metal instead of dark. Just a preference.
thanx for reply :salute
I never thought about the slightly different panels, real good idea.
:headscratch: :headscratch:
62 views and 1 comment.......I guess that means I cant improve it very much....or your all just lazy.......or have me blocked :rofl
or just oboe looked at it 62 times.... :D
-
Ha! Same thing happens to me ink-- lots more views than replies. Main thing is that you produce something that makes you happy.
Have you noticed that the rivets on the wing look raised, while the ones on the fuselage look like holes?
-
Ink,
It is good to see that you are sticking in there with skinning! Seeing as this is just a bare metal finish project, here are a few tips if you would like to hear them out:
1. Add more gray colors to your skin. There is too much white in there.
2. Panel lines look good, as well as the drop shadow effect. Rivets, though, are too dark and "obnoxious" so to speak. Lighten up the rivets and maybe use a different color.
Not much else for me to add. Your panel/rivet template looks pretty accurate and realistic. Just gotta tone down the rivets and give the plane more "silver" where there is too much white.
Best of luck.
-
Ink,
It is good to see that you are sticking in there with skinning! Seeing as this is just a bare metal finish project, here are a few tips if you would like to hear them out:
1. Add more gray colors to your skin. There is too much white in there.
2. Panel lines look good, as well as the drop shadow effect. Rivets, though, are too dark and "obnoxious" so to speak. Lighten up the rivets and maybe use a different color.
Not much else for me to add. Your panel/rivet template looks pretty accurate and realistic. Just gotta tone down the rivets and give the plane more "silver" where there is too much white.
Best of luck.
:salute
I am always willing to hear criticism thanx
all points taken
Ha! Same thing happens to me ink-- lots more views than replies. Main thing is that you produce something that makes you happy.
Have you noticed that the rivets on the wing look raised, while the ones on the fuselage look like holes?
ya im still messing around with different way of creating rivets,was checking out bump mapping them and embossing to see the different effects.
-
Hard for me to judge something like that, as i can see what you're doing, but since no experience with graphic programs, no idea what the end product would look like to be able to judge it at that state. But based on my own modeling experience I think the shadowing might be too dark, but then again... gfx and layers and stuffs like that. :headscratch:
the finished, or nearly finished product, I can, more so.
Keep working on them. :aok
-
your off to a good start.....some things that may help.. Mellow out the rivets, turn the opacity down on them, highlight very slightly the wings fuselage etc with some white and crank the opps way down so it looks like light glinting off the metal, add layer with just a hint of really light blue...play with the opacity off that too. You have the eye just Dial in the tweaks.. :aok
-
One thing you can do is change the metal shade/weather pattern between panel sections of the plane. The plane is made up of sheet aluminum riveted to the rib structure underneath, and these sheets of aluminum may be from different batches or soources and therefore appear a slightly different shade.
A +1 on that, that is probably one of the best ways to make a skin look truly authentic/historic.
-
your off to a good start.....some things that may help.. Mellow out the rivets, turn the opacity down on them, highlight very slightly the wings fuselage etc with some white and crank the opps way down so it looks like light glinting off the metal, add layer with just a hint of really light blue...play with the opacity off that too. You have the eye just Dial in the tweaks.. :aok
thank ya :salute
I don't use many layers, each panel is painted individually on one layer
these are the layers that I use, and in order I make them
panel lines + highlights
(first I build the panel lines then high light them,then save as One layer)
rivet layer + highlights
(same as the panel lines)
I do each part of the plane individually so as to make the highlights in the right direction
metal layer just a sheet of "metal" one layer
color layer/black and grey shaded layer two layers combined as one
nose art/emblem layer
exhaust dirt layer
I combine the panel lines with the metal sheet and then burn, dodge, paint, highlight each panel individually
apply the rivets to that save as one layer
then I take the color, emblem layer, and apply over the metal panel with rivets and panel lines. save as layer.
then I take the layer of color emblem and panel,rivet layer, and erase where I want to expose the metal layer underneath for paint chipping.
add the exhaust and dirt layer.
some times I may make a couple layers on each one for tweaking until im happy with that particular layer.
thanx for the feed back
A +1 on that, that is probably one of the best ways to make a skin look truly authentic/historic.
ya i never thought about that, very good tip that I grabbed right up :aok
-
worked it a bit more, definitely like the toned down rivets.... :aok
thanx to those that replied and gave there opinion much appreciated :salute
I'm thinking the shadow on panel lines is a bit dark :headscratch:
dont know if I will ever be happy fully with it but that goes with all art that I do :cry
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w246/fieldsofink/P40metal_layer_5.jpg)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w246/fieldsofink/P40metal_layer_6.jpg)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w246/fieldsofink/P40metal_layer_7.jpg)
-
worked it a bit more, definitely like the toned down rivets.... :aok
thanx to those that replied and gave there opinion much appreciated :salute
I'm thinking the shadow on panel lines is a bit dark :headscratch:
Actually yes and no. I think it is because all of your panels have a dark shadow. What I would do, instead, is vary your shadow effects on certain panels. For example, the panel lines on the wings should have a very faint shadow, whereas the panel lines around the engine and wing roots have a darker shadow. What I am getting at is that you will want to vary the shadow effects based on the type of panels on the aircraft. I think this would add to realism.
If you play your cards right, you probably won't need to change your bare metal colors. Just the panel lines need a rework on the shadow effects.
-
Dial down the opacity of the panel lines as well. They aren't typically that conspicuous, and it will soften their effect.
-
good tips both thanx guys will do both :salute
-
I like that blueish pannel behind the acess hatch. That would look great on a Pony for the stainless steel pannel arround the exhaust. :aok
-
I like that blueish pannel behind the acess hatch. That would look great on a Pony for the stainless steel pannel arround the exhaust. :aok
have to keep that in mind... :salute
-
ive never skinned a plane (probably never will) but i might suggest putting some black streaks behind the guns? would make them pop out more and it would look like they have been used quite a bit. just a realism thing. other than that, darken the panels by the exhaust just a hair. that would look great.
nice job anyways! :aok
-
ive never skinned a plane (probably never will) but i might suggest putting some black streaks behind the guns? would make them pop out more and it would look like they have been used quite a bit. just a realism thing. other than that, darken the panels by the exhaust just a hair. that would look great.
nice job anyways! :aok
the exhaust is the last step for me...itll be there :aok
hell I am still working on the metal layer :rofl
-
Gun soot is the most overplayed effect on Aces High skins. Take a look through photographs and find ones that have the gun soot trails that get put on our skins. They're very rare, if ever seen. Plenty of other oil, grease, fuel, dirt, mud etc. to add that does show up in photos.
-
Gun soot is the most overplayed effect on Aces High skins. Take a look through photographs and find ones that have the gun soot trails that get put on our skins. They're very rare, if ever seen. Plenty of other oil, grease, fuel, dirt, mud etc. to add that does show up in photos.
I have noticed its not as obvious, but the exhaust is sometimes way more obvious. :lol
-
Ink, is there a specific bird you are doing or is this just to get the techniques down?
-
Ink, is there a specific bird you are doing or is this just to get the techniques down?
both.... :D
-
both.... :D
just a question... are the "dmg" files for the "visible" dmg part modifiable?
Sounds like something you might be interested in if it were?
-
just a question... are the "dmg" files for the "visible" dmg part modifiable?
Sounds like something you might be interested in if it were?
I am guessing your meaning "damage"? bullet holes and what not....?
taking the great hints from peeps here I am really liking the bare metal so far for the p40 I am doing, it just keeps getting better...
:salute
who have helped
gonna throw up some pics soon, I am almost done.
-
I am guessing your meaning "damage"? bullet holes and what not....?
taking the great hints from peeps here I am really liking the bare metal so far for the p40 I am doing, it just keeps getting better...
:salute
who have helped
gonna throw up some pics soon, I am almost done.
yeah, them... the newer models have better "eye candy" in this regard like a dmgd elev, and for older ones more limited to bullet holes, there's still leeway to be artistic there? Not really sure, but probably not a player modifiable file. It would be cool to be able to use a custom dmg "pack" (visible display only) ala sound packs.
-
Ink, is there a specific bird you are doing or is this just to get the techniques down?
He mentioned ... "this P40 I am working on is white #7"
-
couple more pics, the wings are a bit too dark, didn't notice that, gonna fix that for sure, pretty happy so far.
again thanx for all the tips :salute
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w246/fieldsofink/P40metal_layer_10.jpg)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w246/fieldsofink/P40metal_layer_9.jpg)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w246/fieldsofink/P40metal_layer_8.jpg)
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w246/fieldsofink/P40metal_layer_11.jpg)
-
Very nice Ink. Although I think the whole aircraft is too dark.
-
The bare metal finish is certainly coming to life. Just lighten the skin up a bit. Panel lines are still too dark as well. By then, the bare metal template you made should be ready for squad markings, etc.
-
looks FREAKING AMAZING ink! great job, all i can say to improve is lighten up the skin just a wee bit. other than that, its doing just fine.
-
ty guys.... :salute
-
He mentioned ... "this P40 I am working on is white #7"
I saw that part. Just wondering where INK came across a combat P40E in bare metal. White 7 was Robert Scott's bird but that was OD/Gray. No complaint about INK's work at all, just didn't want him going all out on a NMF P40E if it wasn't a combat bird :)
-
I saw that part. Just wondering where INK came across a combat P40E in bare metal. White 7 was Robert Scott's bird but that was OD/Gray. No complaint about INK's work at all, just didn't want him going all out on a NMF P40E if it wasn't a combat bird :)
ya I am just practicing getting down the metal texture's I do have a bare metal P40 I will hopefully get to do, its an N though.
I started a bare metal 51..with the shark teeth. so I figure I started the P 40 first might as well try to get this metal down first so I have spent a LOT of time on this layer.....just in this P40's metal texture I have maybe 35 hours :rofl that is mostly trying it different ways, and painting each panel separately, I figure now that I know what works for me Ill be able to do a metal skin with rivets and panel lines...in about 4 hours :pray
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w246/fieldsofink/ingametest.jpg)
-
Ooooh. Thats nice. :aok
-
Thank Ya :salute
-
:O
Ink....this is me....smacking you for not getting into skinning years ago.
-
:O
Ink....this is me....smacking you for not getting into skinning years ago.
:)
thank ya man, I have a lot of respect for you and what you have freely givin for this game, I figure it was about time that I to give back.
:salute
-
looking amazing ink, wish i could just learn how to skin. let alone get the proper programs for it :lol but i guess if you want to do something right, leave it to the pro's
:salute
-
ya I am just practicing getting down the metal texture's I do have a bare metal P40 I will hopefully get to do, its an N though.
I started a bare metal 51..with the shark teeth. so I figure I started the P 40 first might as well try to get this metal down first so I have spent a LOT of time on this layer.....just in this P40's metal texture I have maybe 35 hours :rofl that is mostly trying it different ways, and painting each panel separately, I figure now that I know what works for me Ill be able to do a metal skin with rivets and panel lines...in about 4 hours :pray
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w246/fieldsofink/ingametest.jpg)
That is a bare metal finish that I can live with. It has a fair balance of panel lines and rivet opacity and weathering/stressing. I think you did a great job. Now lets see you apply these things you learned onto other bare metal aircraft. :cheers:
-
That is a bare metal finish that I can live with. It has a fair balance of panel lines and rivet opacity and weathering/stressing. I think you did a great job. Now lets see you apply these things you learned onto other bare metal aircraft. :cheers:
thank ya...appreciate the words :salute
gotta p51...and a p 40 and 47 bare metal that are in progress :D
-
thank ya...appreciate the words :salute
gotta p51...and a p 40 and 47 bare metal that are in progress :D
p47!?!?!?!?! awsome!!! :x :x :x :x :x :x :x can we get a peek at it?
-
p47!?!?!?!?! awsome!!! :x :x :x :x :x :x :x can we get a peek at it?
im in the very earliest stages of it...will post some pics, when I can :aok
-
Ink, try playing with the material file to add some specularity. It will make the metal reflect more light. Obviously weathered aluminum is not mirrored, but it still reflects a decent amount of light. Look at some of Greebo's P-47s or Fester's P-51s to get a good yardstick. Looking good though. I'd still dial back the opacity of the panel lines and some of the shading--my preference obviously.
-
ya I haven't messed with that file yet...dumb question do I save it in the main kI folder? or the individual skin folder..im guessing the individual folder :headscratch:
thanx BTW :salute