Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Custom Skins => Topic started by: Fencer51 on February 14, 2017, 04:12:47 AM

Title: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on February 14, 2017, 04:12:47 AM
Starting this thread to have a place to show what I am working on and receive comments on the aircraft in progress.

First up P-51D Sizzlin' Liz  QP-H of the 334th Fighter Squadron / 4th Fighter Group in Spring 1945.

Not happy entirely with the normal map, particularly around the gas caps.  Also the flap area and interaction area between the wing and moveable trailing edges looks wonky.

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26713)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26715)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Greebo on February 14, 2017, 06:11:08 AM
Looks really good Fencer. The screenshots don't really show the issues you mentioned. There are a couple of what looks like normal map-generated raised strips just ahead of the ailerons. Looking at RL photos of these strips they should be streamlined and blend into the wing at the front and back. The only other thing that looks a little off to me is that the blue on the markings seems a bit too saturated.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: oboe on February 14, 2017, 07:13:23 AM
Could just be my laptop screen, but I'm seeing sort of a faint lavender cast on fuselage and tail. 

Re: the raised strips ahead of the ailerons - if they were generated by the normal map, and the normal map "raises" areas of lightness and depresses areas of dark, could it be the raised strip is caused by the light panel line layer?

Or could it be the aileron hinge shadow (n-map depressed area) causes the area next to it to appear raised by comparison?

Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: oboe on February 14, 2017, 10:29:54 AM
Just checked on my game machine and I'm definitely seeing a lavender hue on the fuselage, especially in the top shot.   So it wasn't my laptop screen.  However, it could just be my old eyes....

The red might be a little overstaturated - that's a matter of taste, and its common to see in the the new graphics engine.   The pictures I Googled of Liz do show a pretty intense red.

I think I'm seeing the anti-glare paint underneath the red at the top front of the nose, however that could be from the spec map value if you haven't adjusted that yet.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: bustr on February 14, 2017, 01:46:00 PM
There is a lavender cast which is probably his interpretation of the blue sky surroundings saturating the polished aluminum plates. Greebo seems to have gotten a handle on making aluminum look like aluminum in his P47 remakes with blue saturation versus pearled light lavender white panels. Polished aluminum seems also to reflect light into the blue spectrum.


(http://www.lonesentry.com/panzer/may/pics/p51-mustang-paint.jpg)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: bustr on February 14, 2017, 02:48:22 PM
Mirror polished aluminum in sunlight. You can see why so many ww2 color photos of bare aluminum skinned P51 have a spectrum of gray to blue casts to the reflections and along compound surfaces. At certain times of day the cast of the aluminum could well be lavanderish pearl white under a solid cloud cover.


(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8091/8526276902_66af55f59d_b.jpg)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Nefarious on February 14, 2017, 07:24:54 PM
Looking good!

If P-51s are rolling back down the assembly line for AH3, can we please visit Robert "Punchy" Powells 352nd FG P-51B or D "The West By Gawd Virginian"?

Thanks! <S>
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: oboe on February 14, 2017, 11:00:58 PM
Looking good!

If P-51s are rolling back down the assembly line for AH3, can we please visit Robert "Punchy" Powells 352nd FG P-51B or D "The West By Gawd Virginian"?

Thanks! <S>

Was this one in the game at one time?   I had ideas of doing a 352nd '51B, and settled on Snooks Sniper, but it may be a little to decorated for my taste.  Did Powell fit a Malcolm hood on his B?

My understanding is there is one open slot for the D, and maybe two or so for the B.  Apart from that, it'll just be the updates by skinners who already have their '51 skins accepted and in game.  Not much room for anything new.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on February 15, 2017, 09:48:24 AM
I could do that Nef, I have a secret that might/should allow me to add a skin... muhahahaha.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: BFOOT1 on February 15, 2017, 10:13:11 AM
I can't wait to see what else you're working on, I love your 51 skins!
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on February 15, 2017, 03:34:34 PM
Moving down the line of my accepted P-51Ds..

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26725)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Devil 505 on February 15, 2017, 04:57:16 PM
Overall I like it.

I still think you should correct the lavender hue to the metal surfaces.

Also, you might want to darken the silver lacquer areas so that they don't get washed out in the sunlight.

 :aok
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on February 16, 2017, 07:51:25 PM
Overall I like it.

I still think you should correct the lavender hue to the metal surfaces.

Also, you might want to darken the silver lacquer areas so that they don't get washed out in the sunlight.

 :aok

The problem there is everything then looks too gray.  It's a challenge.   
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Nefarious on February 16, 2017, 09:11:40 PM
I could do that Nef, I have a secret that might/should allow me to add a skin... muhahahaha.

His P-47D-11 would be another option as well. As well as this 361st FG P-47D, the "West by GOD Virginian". I think you see what I'm getting at :D

(http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb180/ralphmunnich/361stP47D.jpg) (http://s205.photobucket.com/user/ralphmunnich/media/361stP47D.jpg.html)

Quote
Sgt. Arthur R. Minor (right) was responsible for much of the Squadron’s nose-art. Capt. Dayton C. Casto’s “West by God Virginia” was one of his many creations and was crewed by S/Sgt. Fred L. Seavey, (left) crew-chief, Pvt. Charles R. Betts, assistant, Cpl. Floyd E. Stinemetz, armourer and Sgt. Frank Pukoszek, radio man.  (Casto)   
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on February 16, 2017, 09:23:26 PM
Looks really good Fencer. The screenshots don't really show the issues you mentioned. There are a couple of what looks like normal map-generated raised strips just ahead of the ailerons. Looking at RL photos of these strips they should be streamlined and blend into the wing at the front and back. The only other thing that looks a little off to me is that the blue on the markings seems a bit too saturated.

I've tried to make those strips taper with the Normal Map without success.    :headscratch:
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Greebo on February 17, 2017, 01:52:59 AM
I've tried to make those strips taper with the Normal Map without success.    :headscratch:

What I would do is remove about a third of the line from each end, use the rectangular selection tool to select an area equal to the original line, then do a 2-3 pixel gaussian blur.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on February 17, 2017, 06:49:27 AM
What I would do is remove about a third of the line from each end, use the rectangular selection tool to select an area equal to the original line, then do a 2-3 pixel gaussian blur.

Will give that a shot.   :salute
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: oboe on February 17, 2017, 06:51:54 AM
Are you guys talking about the airflow fences on the outer portion of the wing?  if so, those are supposed to be raised, however the base is wider than the fence itself; you wouldn't want the whole thing raised as a bump on the skin.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on February 17, 2017, 06:59:28 AM
Are you guys talking about the airflow fences on the outer portion of the wing?  if so, those are supposed to be raised, however the base is wider than the fence itself; you wouldn't want the whole thing raised as a bump on the skin.

Yes, bit it is shaped like an elongated teardrop instead of an elongated cylinder.    Getting the taper right is super tough.

Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: oboe on February 17, 2017, 07:06:38 AM
Best shot I can find of one, closeup:

(http://i.imgur.com/5qaPcxg.jpg)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on February 17, 2017, 11:06:37 AM
I've tried to make those strips taper with the Normal Map without success.    :headscratch:

I think I got it.  I started at the ends at 128/128/128 and every 2 pixels upped it by 20ish until the middle.  Looks pretty good in cockpit.  The fillets are 2 pixels wide that I use fwiw.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on February 17, 2017, 11:13:27 AM
I have a bunch of pictures of different areas of P-51s that I took at the Mustang Roundup back in 2007 (wow 10 years ago).

If you need something specific ask me I might be able to help.


(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26745)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26747)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on February 28, 2017, 04:49:10 PM
Opening a branch office in Germany.

Work In Progress.. Still lots to do.

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26863)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26865)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26867)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Devil 505 on February 28, 2017, 05:00:44 PM
Looking good so far. I'd make your greens a bit duller though, but you haven't done any weathering to the paint yet either.

another thing I noticed: the rivets on the fuselage extension should be perpendicular to the panel lines. The extension was essentially a simple box.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on March 02, 2017, 09:56:05 PM
Opinions on the wear ?


(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26893)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Devil 505 on March 02, 2017, 10:36:07 PM
Very fake looking to me. Find a picture of a real 190 that has a wear pattern that you like and try to mimic it.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Devil 505 on March 02, 2017, 11:07:15 PM
Here's some good reference photos. Remember that it's important to blend inn the heavy wear with all the other wear and weathering as well. Pay attention to where the paint usually is chipped and what other weathering you can see in the same area.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fhZZ63PRjhQ/S93jR11BbpI/AAAAAAAAA1c/GKgDJVUue08/s1600/dorajg300.jpg)
(http://www.warbirdphotographs.com/LCBW3/FW190A8-JG1-(Red1+-)-Denmark1945-004.jpg)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3KUoLfQ1c18/WCR2USjq3XI/AAAAAAAAYLU/sMikw1I6h5QozJYpWFk_c_CPN24wy_LPQCLcB/s1600/Maxivivroux.jpg)
(http://www.warbirdphotographs.com/LCBW10/FW190A8-JG300-Red1-1944-2f-s.jpg)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_CBOpznT9ks/U6G_DioGEUI/AAAAAAAA7Zc/FajwjIPanA0/s1600/Valiant+Wings+new+title+in+the+Airframe+&+Miniature+series+No.7+-The+Focke-Wulf+Fw+190+Radial-engine+Versions+(3).jpg)
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/61/b3/9f/61b39f987870f2601e182f33f93bd541.jpg)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on March 03, 2017, 01:44:48 PM
Very fake looking to me. Find a picture of a real 190 that has a wear pattern that you like and try to mimic it.

Thanks!
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on March 09, 2017, 09:16:44 PM
Updated George Preddy's aircraft.

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26950)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26952)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26954)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: oboe on March 11, 2017, 05:49:53 PM
Nice!

I just discovered via Bustr's post on in a different thread on the 51's painted wings - the aft-most section of the wing-fuselage fillet does not have screws in it.  I have to fix my template, and I think yours has the screws here too.  I realize now there is nothing to fasten to because in this section the flap tucks up underneath:

(http://i.imgur.com/nfsqBgS.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/2E1lMQN.jpg)

Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on March 11, 2017, 08:41:59 PM
Yeah.  I caught that some months ago and those photos were one of my sources.   I think the old default had a few minor errors like that which led us astray.   Nothing major though.   :salute

Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Devil 505 on March 11, 2017, 09:15:07 PM
Updated George Preddy's aircraft.

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26950)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26952)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26954)

Fantastic!

Anyway I can convince you to do the earlier version with full invasion stripes?
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on March 11, 2017, 09:47:54 PM
Those stripes tend to accentuate the polygon shape of the upper wing.   A single black stripe on each would look good though.    Can't recall if he ever flew it like that though.   

Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on March 12, 2017, 11:30:21 PM
Work in progress

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26987)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on March 13, 2017, 07:04:06 AM
Fantastic!

Anyway I can convince you to do the earlier version with full invasion stripes?

The version here is the aircraft after he returned from a mission where he shot down 5 planes while suffering a hangover...   :cheers:

This mustang had the most kills scored in it than any other.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on March 13, 2017, 10:41:07 AM
Updates for F4U-1D:

VBF-83

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26991)


VF-5

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26993)


VMF-112

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26995)

VMF-312

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26997)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Greebo on March 13, 2017, 11:57:12 AM
Maybe its just the monitor I'm viewing it on but the blue on those F4Us seems to have a purplish tint to me.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: lyric1 on March 13, 2017, 12:30:42 PM
Maybe its just the monitor I'm viewing it on but the blue on those F4Us seems to have a purplish tint to me.

My end as well.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Devil 505 on March 13, 2017, 01:15:14 PM
The version here is the aircraft after he returned from a mission where he shot down 5 planes while suffering a hangover...   :cheers:

This mustang had the most kills scored in it than any other.

Ah. Very cool story.


The Dora looks nice, but I would desaturate the brown a good bit. It is too bold.

The Corsairs all look too purple to me and the color on the top two also looks too bold. Also, the canopy frames are not weathered like the fuselages are, it looks odd.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on March 13, 2017, 01:59:01 PM
My end as well.

I concur. 
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on March 14, 2017, 12:45:59 AM
On my old Acer laptop from 2008 they look fine for whatever that's worth.  They have a purple hue on my iPad and desktop.   :salute
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Skuzzy on March 14, 2017, 07:08:27 AM
If you have good color perception (I don't), then try this.  Make an image the size of your monitor.  In the mage do a gradient running from the upper left corner to the lower right corner.  The starting color should be white, the ending color should be black.

View the image and see if there is anything other than a shade of gray across the screen.  All monitors default to a color temperature (9000K to 9500K) which should show a blue cast in areas of the image.

If you can adjust the color temperature of your monitor, it should be set to around 6500K.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: oboe on March 14, 2017, 08:29:18 AM
They look OK on my newer hp notebook, but definitely have a purplish hue on in gaming machine monitor.

Interesting.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on March 14, 2017, 08:33:09 AM
If you have good color perception (I don't), then try this.  Make an image the size of your monitor.  In the mage do a gradient running from the upper left corner to the lower right corner.  The starting color should be white, the ending color should be black.

View the image and see if there is anything other than a shade of gray across the screen.  All monitors default to a color temperature (9000K to 9500K) which should show a blue cast in areas of the image.

If you can adjust the color temperature of your monitor, it should be set to around 6500K.

Hmmmmmmm.    Sounds like something we all should try.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: whiteman on March 14, 2017, 08:52:57 AM
Took a peak on my design computer at work, they look purple and very bold there too.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on March 14, 2017, 11:18:35 AM
I will just leave this here for reference since nothing has changed on these skins other than the addition of the normal map and the spec/enviro/power maps.

http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,265408.0.html

 :noid
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on March 14, 2017, 11:59:38 AM
I will just leave this here for reference since nothing has changed on these skins other than the addition of the normal map and the spec/enviro/power maps.

http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,265408.0.html

 :noid

It's possible the new graphics engine is tweaking your colors.  I noticed this during my conversions.  It may be the way the E map interacts with the Diffuse or something. 

Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: oboe on March 14, 2017, 01:49:39 PM
I will just leave this here for reference since nothing has changed on these skins other than the addition of the normal map and the spec/enviro/power maps.

http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,265408.0.html

 :noid

Well that is odd, those old F4Us look a little purple to me too, and so does the the aircraft carrier - superstructure and hull.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: BowHTR on March 14, 2017, 02:29:44 PM
Work in progress

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=26987)

 :x
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: bustr on March 14, 2017, 04:24:48 PM
I'm using #1 from Warbird Depot, the TBM in full NAVY blue as my desktop this month. On my desktop it is the correct deep NAVY blue. Your screen captures go into purple while my downloads viewing in an art program, the first one is blue, the rest start shading into purple as you increase the weathering effects.

http://warbirddepot.com/desktop_calendars.asp
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on March 18, 2017, 10:01:20 AM
Maps not done for S/E/P


(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27095)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on March 18, 2017, 10:11:43 AM
That's gonna' look good when you get it Spec mapped.   
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: oboe on March 18, 2017, 11:16:59 AM
I;ve been waiting to see this bird - my hands down favorite among all of Fencer's P-51D skins. 

It already looks good even without the benefit of the spec, env, and power maps so I expect it to be even more of a knockout when their effects are added.  I hope you are able to work out something with Skuzzy to free up a '51D slot and  get it into the game.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Devil 505 on March 18, 2017, 11:21:41 AM
I think the skinners should have some say on purging out the lesser skins when a roster is full. There are quite a few old P-51 skins that look awful by today's standard. No sense keeping them in when there are quality skins unable to be used.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on March 19, 2017, 07:16:48 AM
I think the skinners should have some say on purging out the lesser skins when a roster is full. There are quite a few old P-51 skins that look awful by today's standard. No sense keeping them in when there are quality skins unable to be used.

And that adoption thing needs to get going, too, so we can salvage those that can be converted.   A number of them can be saved with a little updating.   

I don't understand the limit on slots.  Skuzzy made it sound like it's a global limit.   Is it impossible to code five more slots for skins that are full now?
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Skuzzy on March 19, 2017, 08:45:20 AM
It is a global limit.  It is the nature of software to define the resource usage(s).

Right now, skinners can adopt a skin.  Just let me know which one you want to adopt, and I can manually make it happen.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on March 19, 2017, 09:00:31 AM

Right now, skinners can adopt a skin.  Just let me know which one you want to adopt, and I can manually make it happen.

Right on!

Once I master the spec files for these two Ds I will look into adopting a couple Mustang orphans.


Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on March 19, 2017, 04:14:47 PM
Submitted all 5 of my F4UDs this weekend as well as George Preddy's P-51D update and the new JG26 Fw190D9 is going in next.

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27123)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27125)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27127)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on April 14, 2017, 06:45:39 AM
Updated Skins

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27332)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27334)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27336)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27338)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on April 14, 2017, 06:49:52 AM
Also updated all my firefly skins

And from the 51 files just for fun..

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27344)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on April 14, 2017, 10:04:50 AM
I've gotta do that fencing like yours...   :x
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Greebo on April 14, 2017, 04:34:43 PM
Great job on updating those skins Fencer, there is some good detail on them and they are all, the USAAF P-51D in particular, nicely weathered. I'd like to see some of your Firefly skins.

There are a few niggles I have though;

On the P-47 across the top of the rear fuselage the top 20% of the USAAF insignia gets stretched in height by the shape's barrel distortion. I usually reduce the height of the top of the insignia circle about 20-25% to compensate for this. Also I think the panel line dirt and gun soot could be toned down a little.

The grey and green colours on the RAAF P-51D look a little pale and washed out to me.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on April 15, 2017, 09:01:46 AM
The RAAF Mustang was just a file I found while looking for the Fireflies.  I do not plan on submitting it since we are full up.

Yeah those stretching are bothering me, much obliged for the solution.  Righto on the toning down.  No one ever likes my gun smoke.  :cry

I will post the firefly skins this weekend, I am going to do the Sherman 75s and 76s as well which will finish up my tanks and get rid of the ice look Lyric was complaining about.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on April 15, 2017, 11:43:17 AM
Updating.. Spec done

Just to clarify by updating I mean going in and redoing all the panel lines to anti-alias, redoing the weathering and the overall feel of the aircraft.  Modifying the aluminum to my new "standard" and fixing any other issues on these 10 to 12 year old skins.

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27352)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27354)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27356)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Greebo on April 17, 2017, 05:28:01 PM
It is a good looking skin Fencer and the last shot shows up the new effects well. As on Vraciu's latest skin though I'd like to suggest making the control surface and hatch line gaps a fair bit darker than the panel join lines.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on April 18, 2017, 12:25:00 AM
How do you do nose art like that?   Is it drawn as a big file then resized or drawn to scale?
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Skuzzy on April 18, 2017, 09:01:36 AM
How do you do nose art like that?   Is it drawn as a big file then resized or drawn to scale?

I do not know how Fencer does it, but I would be using a vector art program to draw that.  You really cannot draw it in a bitmap and resize it, without losing a lot of detail (shrinking) or making it blocky (expanding).

With vector art, you can resize it without losing any detail or clarity (for the most part).

Here is a link to well regarded, free, vector art application. https://inkscape.org/en/
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on April 18, 2017, 09:46:06 AM
Awesome.  Thank you, I will check that out. 
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on April 18, 2017, 10:06:04 AM
How do you do nose art like that?   Is it drawn as a big file then resized or drawn to scale?

A wife who has a bachelors degree in art education and a masters in art history but had nothing to do with it.

I have a first grader's talent for tracing.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Devil 505 on April 18, 2017, 10:36:30 AM
I do not know how Fencer does it, but I would be using a vector art program to draw that.  You really cannot draw it in a bitmap and resize it, without losing a lot of detail (shrinking) or making it blocky (expanding).

With vector art, you can resize it without losing any detail or clarity (for the most part).

Here is a link to well regarded, free, vector art application. https://inkscape.org/en/

So how does one take the vectored artwork and put it into a regular bitmap without losing detail?
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Skuzzy on April 18, 2017, 10:54:28 AM
So how does one take the vectored artwork and put it into a regular bitmap without losing detail?

You size it and export it as a bitmap then merge it in.  The first part is the tricky part.  Ideally you do not resize it once you export it.  It really does make a difference in the clarity of text and those small details in the nose art.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Devil 505 on April 18, 2017, 11:32:48 AM
I'll definitely have to give it a go.

I imagine it will be a godsend for a sharkmouthed 110 and keeling the teeth sharp - pun very much intended.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on April 18, 2017, 06:37:00 PM
A wife who has a bachelors degree in art education and a masters in art history but had nothing to do with it.

I have a first grader's talent for tracing.

Oh sure, blame wifey!    :rofl   :banana:
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: bustr on April 24, 2017, 03:01:59 PM
Found this one, color photo taken in ww2.


(https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/tkxtfsmoduw2jultujnb.jpg)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on April 24, 2017, 08:17:40 PM
4 Sherman Vc Fireflies updated, 1 FW-190D9 updated, 2 New FW-190D9s submitted, 1 P-47D11 updated, 1 P-51D updated, and 1 P-51B updated all submitted today... time for a break.

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27409)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27411)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27413)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27415)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on April 24, 2017, 08:21:27 PM
Next on the slate is updating any Luftwaffe aircraft for the next scenario and attempting get to update my relevant B-17G skins.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: The Fugitive on April 24, 2017, 08:59:37 PM
Those tanks are amazing!!!  Well done!  :aok
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Devil 505 on April 24, 2017, 09:01:37 PM
Fencer, the only 109 of yours that fits the scenario is 9./Jg 54 and I already have one from that unit, so don't kill yourself updating that one quickly. I'm sure the Jg 11 guys will appreciate you updating your Jg 11 A-8 in general, but they have A-5's in the scenario. I think the pressing need will be updating the B-17's, especially your OD green 100BG - that will look so sweet when you are done.

Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on April 24, 2017, 09:20:54 PM
Fencer, the only 109 of yours that fits the scenario is 9./Jg 54 and I already have one from that unit, so don't kill yourself updating that one quickly. I'm sure the Jg 11 guys will appreciate you updating your Jg 11 A-8 in general, but they have A-5's in the scenario. I think the pressing need will be updating the B-17's, especially your OD green 100BG - that will look so sweet when you are done.

Right-o, the JG11 A5 will need done.  I looked at it tonight and it's in really good shape overall just want to tweak it and do all the relevant power, enviro and spec files.  After that I will pile on the 17s.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on April 26, 2017, 11:55:24 AM
Those tanks are amazing!!!  Well done!  :aok

Not a tanker myself, but I totally agree.   Those are friggin' cool.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Greebo on April 26, 2017, 12:57:27 PM
Great work on the Fireflies Fencer.  :aok
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Devil 505 on April 26, 2017, 01:02:00 PM
Not sure how I missed the tanks until now, but they are indeed excellent.

Only issue I see is the black camo on the last one is too bold.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: oboe on April 26, 2017, 01:34:12 PM
I had to go back and look too - those tanks are fantastic.  Well done, Fencer!
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on April 27, 2017, 01:44:27 PM
You know, I don't think I posted these updates which have been submitted and are already in game.


(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27422)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27424)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27426)

(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27428)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on April 27, 2017, 01:47:38 PM
1 more


(http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=385154.0;attach=27430)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on May 03, 2017, 04:00:24 PM
Has anyone ever counted the number of rivets that a B-17G has?  Dear lord I am seeing dots in my sleep.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Skuzzy on May 03, 2017, 04:07:11 PM
Has anyone ever counted the number of rivets that a B-17G has?  Dear lord I am seeing dots in my sleep.

Less than the B29. :)

I assume you are doing the skin 2048x2048?
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Zoney on May 03, 2017, 04:09:44 PM
Has anyone ever counted the number of rivets that a B-17G has?  Dear lord I am seeing dots in my sleep.

And you are drawing/putting them in artwork.  Think about the women and men that actually had to rivet them all.  You think they saw them in their sleep too?
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Devil 505 on May 03, 2017, 04:15:49 PM
Has anyone ever counted the number of rivets that a B-17G has?  Dear lord I am seeing dots in my sleep.

Ah, the "joys" of rivet hell.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Fencer51 on May 03, 2017, 04:23:54 PM
Less than the B29. :)

I assume you are doing the skin 2048x2048?

Yes, thank you for the opportunity to redo all the rivets I had already done once before. :P
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on May 03, 2017, 04:31:59 PM
Ah, the "joys" of rivet hell.

 :rofl  :rofl  :rofl

On my B Mustang re-work I deleted the rivet layers multiple times by mistake.  I literally yelled aloud the last time.   :bhead
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Skuzzy on May 03, 2017, 04:34:02 PM
Yes, thank you for the opportunity to redo all the rivets I had already done once before. :P

Well, at least is it not a B29.  (had to say something positive)
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on May 03, 2017, 04:40:49 PM
Well, at least is it not a B29.  (had to say something positive)

 :rofl
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Devil 505 on May 03, 2017, 04:51:16 PM
:rofl  :rofl  :rofl

On my B Mustang re-work I deleted the rivet layers multiple times by mistake.  I literally yelled aloud the last time.   :bhead

I had gimp crash on me after I did all the rivets for the wings on the 110C in one sitting - I was in the zone. Of course that "zone" prevented me from remembering to save and I lost it all. Took me a week to muster the courage to touch the 110 again.
Title: Re: North American Aviation Shop
Post by: Vraciu on May 03, 2017, 04:55:12 PM
I had gimp crash on me after I did all the rivets for the wings on the 110C in one sitting - I was in the zone. Of course that "zone" prevented me from remembering to save and I lost it all. Took me a week to muster the courage to touch the 110 again.


Been there.  Done that.   :cheers:   PSP5 crashes on me just often enough to catch me in that same situation.   It's enough to make ya' weep.