Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Custom Skins => Topic started by: oboe on July 06, 2018, 07:31:50 PM
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This skin has been in the game before and I've long thought it was an attractive scheme. I just wanted to see what I could do with it.
Capt England's second P-51 was transferred to the 357th FG in March 1944. Delivered in standard factory Olive Drab/Neutral Gray finish, this aircraft was stripped down from its original paint on fuselage sides and undersides, then painted with 357th FG nose and spinner pattern, full D-Day stripes and field-fitted with Malcom hood canopy. Prior to being passed on to another pilot, it served well to claim 2.5 of England's finaly tally of 17.5 victories. Its also took part in summer shuttle missions to Poltava air bases in the USSR with RAF exchange pilot Flt/Lt Eric Wooley at the controls. England finished the War as the second-ranking ace of the 357th. He stayed on active USAF service after the War ended and claimed a MiG-15 kill during the Korean War.
(https://i.imgur.com/ivsF15d.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/qauxGhT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/OFyuTdY.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/n5BUbHB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EUxeKVq.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/R8Lx7d2.jpg)
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I was thinking the other day about asking you to give this one an update. Glad you beat me to the punch. She's a beauty.
Something I noticed - shouldn't the invasion stripes continue under the fuselage?
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:aok
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Thanks, Devil. Its not in the game any more though, so it can't be updated. It was removed because it had swastikas in the kill markings. The open slot created by its removal was filled quite a few months ago.
RE: the underside D-Day stripes - I've seen pictures showing it both ways. Here is an example I went by:
(https://i.imgur.com/R3L0I8j.jpg)
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Nice work.
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Looking good! :aok
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Thanks! I already see tweaks I'd make - for example I think I desaturated the red and yellow checkerboard too much. I'd also add some shine to the nose art - it seems too washed out to me.
Since I can't submit it to the game, I have to be creative about finding other ways to get some use out of it. Here it is in action on the "cover" of an old AIRFIX plastic model kit box:
(https://i.imgur.com/UMQsvbN.jpg)
This took entirely too much time to do, but I saw a skinner present his skins like this on some other site (IL-2 maybe?) long ago and thought it was a cool idea and always wanted to try it.
<S>
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Its a great skin Oboe, shame it won't make it into the game. The Airfix box art is a nice idea too.
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Thanks! I already see tweaks I'd make - for example I think I desaturated the red and yellow checkerboard too much. I'd also add some shine to the nose art - it seems too washed out to me.
Since I can't submit it to the game, I have to be creative about finding other ways to get some use out of it. Here it is in action on the "cover" of an old AIRFIX plastic model kit box:
(https://i.imgur.com/UMQsvbN.jpg)
This took entirely too much time to do, but I saw a skinner present his skins like this on some other site (IL-2 maybe?) long ago and thought it was a cool idea and always wanted to try it.
<S>
:aok
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I would consider letting that plane take the slot of B6*Y especially since they're the same group and "U'VE HAD IT!" is a true Malcolm Hood airplane.
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Here's the skin ID info: P51B0109162017 357FG/363FS
Skuzzy, feel free to replace this one with "U'VE HAD IT!" -- I'm fine with that. :salute
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That's a kind offer, Vraciu, thank you. If Skuzzy agrees, I can work up the submission files pretty quickly.
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That's a kind offer, Vraciu, thank you. If Skuzzy agrees, I can work up the submission files pretty quickly.
Sounds good. You're welcome. It's a major upgrade to the stable. :salute
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Even more reason to allow the active skinners to cull the herd of sub-par skins. Trading V's very good skin for Oboe's excellent skin is a half measure when there are still bad skins in the P-51B lineup.
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Even more reason to allow the active skinners to cull the herd of sub-par skins. Trading V's very good skin for Oboe's excellent skin is a half measure when there are still bad skins in the P-51B lineup.
Thanks for the thought. I wish we could just add the C and K models so we wouldn't have to lose ANY skins. Or as some have advocated, a true birdcage B/C.
I've gone on a tear all last month to upgrade the Bs I felt I could do some good on. I'm sure it appears that I'm trying to dominate the airframe, but the reality is I couldn't stand to leave them looking the way they do. It's not an issue with the people who originally made the skins, it's just the game has passed them by.
The P-51, for good or bad, is the airplane most players seek out when they first come in here. It is in our interests to make them look good. "U'VE HAD IT!" certainly accomplishes this, so for the sake of the game it's the right call if other options are not viable.
Thanks again for the kind comment. I have had a good teacher. :salute
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I've gone on a tear all last month to upgrade the Bs I felt I could do some good on. I'm sure it appears that I'm trying to dominate the airframe, but the reality is I couldn't stand to leave them looking the way they do. It's not an issue with the people who originally made the skins, it's just the game has passed them by.
I feel the same way. In a perfect world there'd be half a dozen skinners working on a popular airframe like the P-51. I was heartened to see Larry return to the game; I like his skins and think he does good work. But it appears he's more interested in terrain-making (we need more good terrains too). I think a lot of the other guys have just moved on from skinning.
I sometimes wonder if I'm overrating the importance of the appearance of skins. Maybe it doesn't bother most players, but I shudder for the game's sake when I see a YouTube video that contains those shiny-glass skins.
I'm with Devil too - I wouldn't mind seeing a number of skins retired and replaced by completely different skins. I'd enjoy seeing some new and different schemes.
<S>
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Any further thoughts on this?
Is there a skin we can cull to make room for this one?
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I have just thought of another reason to allow culling of older skins - it will allow new skinners a place to have their work showcased.
Imagine if Oboe was new to skinning. He'd have no idea of the 32 skin cap. He makes this excellent skin, posts his screen shots, and gets told, "That's great, but we can't use it." That guy would take it as an insult that his work is not being used to improve the game and won't skin another thing for us.
Let the cream rise to the top.
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Could always institute a jury review system.
Oboe has achieved an excellent command of aluminum. Others of details, weathering, and color. Pick an old skin that can be updated with that and hold a jury. Players submit their new rendition of it and the best chosen. Unless new 3D models are in the works we don't know about. Skinning KOTH....
Personally, I think terrains are probably easier since I have more room for massive illusions and I'm the only person who can judge what the heck I thought I was doing. The members of this current informal jury are judging a known entity that is small, highly detailed, and has defined parameters that each of you know in your sleep. Kind of like a Mr. Universe contest under flood lights. You gents are politely cruel and very picky, while incredibly magnanimous when something is really good.
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Well, I think I have figured out aluminum, too, but I am trying to achieve a different look (primarily from inside the cockpit). Oboe has a style that reminds me of a beautiful Robert Taylor painting. I’m off in another direction as is FTJR. It’s good to have multiple ways of looking at skinning so players have a choice. Which brings me to my point via a circuitous route...
I’m not a fan of voting on this stuff. If that were the case nothing I’ve done would even exist as I would have never had the chance to learn. I got to this point in fits and starts—I am also still learning. If it were up to a vote we may wind up with all the planes skinned by one or two guys and that’s it.
:uhoh
Updating skins is well and good, but if we have one that's questionable or relatively similar to some others and I can move it out of the way to get something better (by someone else) in its place well...
My B6*Y can go because It's the same squadron and I have two others that are relatively similar.
On the other hand, FIRST OF THE FEW, while unique, is the result of a lot of guessing. If the book Lyric ordered doesn't have any photos then I have basically skinned a ghost. We have a plane from that group already so if we eliminate it because it is questionable then there’s not likely to be an uproar.
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Thanks for the kind words, guys. I may print and frame Vraciu's comment comparing my style to Robert Taylor's paintings! :aok These positive comments mean a whole lot to me.
You don't need to pursue trying to get "U've Had It" into the game any longer. For a number of reasons, I've decided it would be best for me to close my account. With regard to skinning in particular, I realized the philosophical differences I have with the way older skins are handled are insurmountable and it would most likely continue to be a frustration. The decision to leave wasn't easy and took a long time to come to but I think its right for me. I think my recent skins, if not my best work, are as close to it as I'll to get. So, in my mind at least, I'm departing on a high note! :D
Thanks to you skinners who have encouraged me with compliments and helpful comments over the years. And anyone else who has chipped in a good word in the game or on the boards. Praise is a powerful motivator, keep it up.
<S> all!
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Geeze. This is unfortunate news.
Take a break. Cool your jets. Have a soda. See you when you return. :cheers: :salute
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I don't mean to give the impression I'm hot under the collar about something and have the need to cool off -- I'm not; I'm calm. Its a decision I took some time to come to, and was based on a number of factors, skinning being just one of them. I have personal reasons as well. WRT the treatment of old skins, I've concluded this is a situation that is not likely to change and would just continue as a frustration. Wasn't a deciding factor for me, just a factor in my decision.
I consider you guys my community so I thought it would be polite to let you guys know rather than simply disappear. I'll always hold a good thought for Aces High. <S>
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Cool your jets was not intended to imply anger on your part. Frustration, sure. Understandable.
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Thanks for the kind words, guys. I may print and frame Vraciu's comment comparing my style to Robert Taylor's paintings! :aok These positive comments mean a whole lot to me.
You don't need to pursue trying to get "U've Had It" into the game any longer. For a number of reasons, I've decided it would be best for me to close my account. With regard to skinning in particular, I realized the philosophical differences I have with the way older skins are handled are insurmountable and it would most likely continue to be a frustration. The decision to leave wasn't easy and took a long time to come to but I think its right for me. I think my recent skins, if not my best work, are as close to it as I'll to get. So, in my mind at least, I'm departing on a high note! :D
Thanks to you skinners who have encouraged me with compliments and helpful comments over the years. And anyone else who has chipped in a good word in the game or on the boards. Praise is a powerful motivator, keep it up.
<S> all!
Well, this is less than ideal.
:salute
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Sorry to hear you are leaving Oboe and I hope to see you back one day. Your skins are some of the best I've seen.
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Sorry to hear you are leaving Oboe and I hope to see you back one day. Your skins are some of the best I've seen.
Agreed.