Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Custom Skins => Topic started by: FTJR on June 08, 2020, 11:47:21 PM

Title: Update B26 skin
Post by: FTJR on June 08, 2020, 11:47:21 PM
I intend to go slowly go through my B26 skins to upgrade them as best I can.

A huge shout out to Greebo, for his time and patience for helping me understand the more subtle aspects on the spec files. Having said that, all errors are mine alone.


Starting with this B26 from the 22nd Bomb Group, prior to shipping to Australia they were at Langley Field, 1941 in early war colours.

(https://i.postimg.cc/02zW8PxG/Clipboard02.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1fZcBx84)
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Devil 505 on June 08, 2020, 11:54:22 PM
Nice improvement with the metal effects.

Did you change the red and blue colors you used? These seem too pale. I think those colors looked better on your original version.
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Vraciu on June 09, 2020, 12:25:06 AM
Nice work.  Keep it up.    :aok
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: lyric1 on June 09, 2020, 12:44:15 AM
 :aok
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: FTJR on June 09, 2020, 12:46:31 AM
Nice improvement with the metal effects.

Did you change the red and blue colors you used? These seem too pale. I think those colors looked better on your original version.

Thankyou,

 in regard to the colours,  I didn't change the blue, but I harmonised the red, with a swatch that Greebo supplied, however I think that the change in colour would more likely be due to the spec files.
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: FTJR on June 09, 2020, 12:47:26 AM
Nice work.  Keep it up.    :aok

Thanks man
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Greebo on June 09, 2020, 05:32:13 AM
The skin's lighting effects looks a lot better now but I agree about the markings colours looking washed out. I originally thought this was down to the weathering layer I suggested that you reduce but I've had another look at the working file and have now found another reason for this. It is because the "markings" group that these layers are in has had its opacity reduced to only 70%. Adjusting this group opacity level back up to 100% makes the markings colours too bright if anything, but you could just alter the opacity to 80-90% or so to find a level that works for you. A better solution though would be to set the group opacity to 100% and then insert an adjustment layer for saturation into the top of the markings group stack. This would keep the markings solid but make them progressively greyer as you adjust the level of saturation or layer opacity of the adjustment layer. I'm not sure of the procedure for inserting an adjustment layer in Photoshop though.
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: FTJR on June 09, 2020, 08:36:02 AM
Thanks for the feedback,
Upped the colour of the markings.

(https://i.postimg.cc/GmL4bcJj/Clipboard01.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QHz8bZzB)
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Nefarious on June 09, 2020, 11:07:19 AM
Good job!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Devil 505 on June 09, 2020, 11:25:19 AM
The cowl still looks too light to me compared to the red on the tail and insignia. Are you using the same shade of red?
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: FTJR on June 09, 2020, 11:27:23 PM
The cowl still looks too light to me compared to the red on the tail and insignia. Are you using the same shade of red?

Yes indeed, same red.  I see your point..let me try and tweak it.
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: FTJR on June 09, 2020, 11:28:22 PM
Good job!  :cheers:

Thank you
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Devil 505 on June 09, 2020, 11:51:14 PM
Yes indeed, same red.  I see your point..let me try and tweak it.

Cool.

The red on the tail looks spot on, so that should give you a good benchmark.
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: lyric1 on June 11, 2020, 01:21:41 AM
I found a better quality image form the original I gave FTJR some years ago.
Clearly it has text under the wing.
There if you need it FTJR. :aok

New.

(https://i.imgur.com/bbpbX0uh.jpg)

Old.

(https://i.imgur.com/GwDQCovh.jpg)

Also a black and white image showing the US text under the wing of the prototype B-26.


(https://i.imgur.com/z5ePYG5h.jpg)





Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Vraciu on June 11, 2020, 01:31:41 AM
The master researcher at work.

My hat is off.

 :cheers:
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Arlo on June 11, 2020, 07:45:38 AM
Just out of curiosity - did this aircraft actually see combat in this paint scheme?
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Vraciu on June 11, 2020, 08:08:02 AM
Sources say it was Muroc-based for anti-sub duties from December 1941-January 1942.  That probably counts.   Although later on it did this:

https://www.worldwarphotos.info/gallery/usa/aircrafts-2-3/b-26-marauder/22nd-bg-19th-bs-b-26-southern-cross-40-1363-belly-landing-at-7-mile-drome-1942/

(https://www.worldwarphotos.info/wp-content/gallery/usa/aircrafts/b-26-marauder/22nd_BG_19th_BS_B-26_Southern_Cross_40-1363_belly_landing_at_7-Mile_Drome_1942.jpg)


Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: FTJR on June 11, 2020, 10:43:42 AM
I found a better quality image form the original I gave FTJR some years ago.
Clearly it has text under the wing.
There if you need it FTJR. :aok

New.

(https://i.imgur.com/bbpbX0uh.jpg)

Old.

(https://i.imgur.com/GwDQCovh.jpg)

Also a black and white image showing the US text under the wing of the prototype B-26.


(https://i.imgur.com/z5ePYG5h.jpg)







Thanks Lyric, I would presume it woudl be something like US ARMY on the underside? Would that be accurate.
Cheers

Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Mister Fork on June 11, 2020, 11:06:07 AM
Left side says ARMY and the right wing looks like it's from a different aircraft... it has U6 or UG or USA?
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: LCADolby on June 11, 2020, 11:18:07 AM
U.S. 

The very early style, I'm surprised the wings aren't yellow
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Mister Fork on June 11, 2020, 11:21:39 AM
U.S. 

The very early style, I'm surprised the wings aren't yellow
:aok

That makes sense.
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: lyric1 on June 12, 2020, 12:47:55 AM
Thanks Lyric, I would presume it woudl be something like US ARMY on the underside? Would that be accurate.
Cheers

Yes something like this.

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/valom-72043-b-26-marauder-22nd-bg--148343

(https://i.imgur.com/92HlS5ch.jpg)
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: lyric1 on June 12, 2020, 12:52:30 AM
Just out of curiosity - did this aircraft actually see combat in this paint scheme?

Supposedly yes.

(https://i.imgur.com/xSH9bnah.jpg)

A few squadrons of bombers were patrolling the West coast. A B-25 actually sunk a Japanese sub.
How successful they all were at this effort?
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: FTJR on June 12, 2020, 11:31:38 PM
Yes something like this.

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/valom-72043-b-26-marauder-22nd-bg--148343

(https://i.imgur.com/92HlS5ch.jpg)

Thanks, I'll will have to do some more digging.
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: lyric1 on June 13, 2020, 02:06:54 AM
Decals.

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/lone-star-models-rg-00748-hot-rod-marauders-early-b-26--1198340

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/lone-star-models-rg-00872-red-gecko-productions-early-b-26-marauders--937260

(https://i.imgur.com/vnFuqVGh.jpg)
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: FTJR on June 13, 2020, 03:02:12 AM
Decals.

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/lone-star-models-rg-00748-hot-rod-marauders-early-b-26--1198340

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/lone-star-models-rg-00872-red-gecko-productions-early-b-26-marauders--937260

(https://i.imgur.com/vnFuqVGh.jpg)

Thanks
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: FTJR on June 14, 2020, 02:19:21 AM
Change log: added US ARMY underwing, and tweaked the red on cowling and spinners.

(https://i.postimg.cc/Vv1fP5bQ/Clipboard02.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WFWLMNnX)
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Greebo on June 14, 2020, 03:13:35 AM
The U S ARMY marking is a nice addition, I thought at first glance the letters looked a little small but after examining the photos it seems about right. Have you placed this into the three lighting maps as well as the diffuse map? The red colour appears to be much better too now.
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: lyric1 on June 14, 2020, 04:35:08 AM
 :aok
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: FTJR on June 14, 2020, 08:29:01 AM
Have you placed this into the three lighting maps as well as the diffuse map? The red colour appears to be much better too now.

Yes, it has been added to all 3 maps.
Thank you
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Devil 505 on June 14, 2020, 08:41:45 AM
The red looks pretty spot on now. Great Job.
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: FTJR on June 14, 2020, 09:48:47 PM
The red looks pretty spot on now. Great Job.
Thank you
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: FTJR on July 07, 2020, 12:37:45 AM
A long delayed project of "The Big Hairy Bird" of the 599th Bomber Squadron, 397 Bomber Group. 9th Airforce, England, June 44.

A few things need to be tweaked,


(https://i.postimg.cc/2SqqWBgv/Clipboard01.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nXJcbMFc)
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: lyric1 on July 07, 2020, 12:49:35 AM
 :aok
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: FTJR on July 07, 2020, 01:55:35 AM
:aok

My apologies, I forgot to mention my thanks to  Lyric, who as usual answered the call for reference material.  Cheers
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: LCADolby on July 07, 2020, 02:41:32 AM
Lyric deserves a Skinner Team tag on the BBS. He's had a hand in so many skins references  :old: :aok
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Vraciu on July 07, 2020, 07:09:36 AM
Lyric deserves a Skinner Team tag on the BBS. He's had a hand in so many skins references  :old: :aok

I second the motion.


Looking good, FTJR.  Have you tried that noise layering yet?
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: FTJR on July 07, 2020, 07:35:43 AM
I second the motion.


Looking good, FTJR.  Have you tried that noise layering yet?

Thanks V,  Yes, its there, probably a bit too light.
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Vraciu on July 07, 2020, 07:37:54 AM
Thanks V,  Yes, its there, probably a bit too light.

Give it more and try darkening all your shadow layers.   Do it a percent or two at a time until you find what you like.  It won't take much.
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Shuffler on July 07, 2020, 09:35:13 AM
Lyric deserves a Skinner Team tag on the BBS. He's had a hand in so many skins references  :old: :aok

He is definitely worthy of the recognition.
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Devil 505 on July 07, 2020, 10:49:06 AM
Looking good so far.
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Greebo on July 07, 2020, 01:01:51 PM
Good looking skin FTJR, the colours seem just right.
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Volron on July 07, 2020, 07:48:35 PM
Lyric deserves a Skinner Team tag on the BBS. He's had a hand in so many skins references  :old: :aok

No he doesn't.  He deserves his own, unique tag. :D

But failing that, then I agree completely.  :aok
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Vraciu on July 07, 2020, 08:00:14 PM
No he doesn't.  He deserves his own, unique tag. :D

But failing that, then I agree completely.  :aok


I offered Dale some bribery if he'll do it.  Let's see if he goes for it!   :D
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Volron on July 07, 2020, 08:03:50 PM

I offered Dale some bribery if he'll do it.  Let's see if he goes for it!   :D

 :rofl
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: oboe on July 07, 2020, 09:48:18 PM
Good job, FTJR.

I found a couple of color shots.  Interesting to see the elevators and ailerons are painted silver, a silver with less blue in it than other areas of the skin.  In fact I think the aircraft in the 2nd photo is all painted, with a replacement panel on the upper left wing?   I think the aircraft just below is bare metal, and the skin takes on a bluish cast, esp. on upper surfaces.   

Does your specular value allow a nice broad glare from the tail when the sun is just right, like in the first photo?  If not, it might be a little low.

(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=400327.0;attach=32767)

(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=400327.0;attach=32769)

Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: lyric1 on July 08, 2020, 01:33:46 AM
Good job, FTJR.

I found a couple of color shots.  Interesting to see the elevators and ailerons are painted silver, a silver with less blue in it than other areas of the skin.  In fact I think the aircraft in the 2nd photo is all painted, with a replacement panel on the upper left wing?   I think the aircraft just below is bare metal, and the skin takes on a bluish cast, esp. on upper surfaces.   

Does your specular value allow a nice broad glare from the tail when the sun is just right, like in the first photo?  If not, it might be a little low.

(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=400327.0;attach=32767)

(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=400327.0;attach=32769)

(https://i.imgur.com/XjffwaXh.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/SeW1D3ah.jpg)

Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: FTJR on July 08, 2020, 02:12:02 AM
Good job, FTJR.

I found a couple of color shots.  Interesting to see the elevators and ailerons are painted silver, a silver with less blue in it than other areas of the skin.  In fact I think the aircraft in the 2nd photo is all painted, with a replacement panel on the upper left wing?   I think the aircraft just below is bare metal, and the skin takes on a bluish cast, esp. on upper surfaces.   

Does your specular value allow a nice broad glare from the tail when the sun is just right, like in the first photo?  If not, it might be a little low.
(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=400327.0;attach=32769)

Thanks Oboe,
The only thing I can say about the B26, is there is a lot of source photo's and they all seem different in one aspect or another, nice pick up on the Ailerons and elevators, while Im not sure it applies to this bird, I had a look through all the photo's I could find, and there is a predominance of different colours on the ailerons, so i've gone with your suggestion.

Regarding the glare on the tail,  it has something similar in favourable light.

still tweaking.....
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: FTJR on July 08, 2020, 02:13:39 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/XjffwaXh.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/SeW1D3ah.jpg)

 :aok  Ta
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: oboe on July 08, 2020, 07:18:03 AM
Lyric continues to amaze!

 :aok
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Vraciu on July 08, 2020, 10:37:18 AM
Lyric deserves a Skinner Team tag on the BBS. He's had a hand in so many skins references  :old: :aok

Wish granted by Hitech.   Thanks Dale, and congrats Lyric1.


(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=400327.0;attach=32782)
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Spikes on July 08, 2020, 10:39:00 AM
Wish granted by Hitech.   Thanks Dale, and congrats Lyric1.
:aok
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Shuffler on July 08, 2020, 10:40:54 AM
Wish granted by Hitech.   Thanks Dale, and congrats Lyric1.

 :aok
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: lyric1 on July 08, 2020, 11:01:07 AM
Oh wow. Thank you everyone a very nice gesture I do appreciate it.  :rock
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Vraciu on July 08, 2020, 11:19:44 AM
Oh wow. Thank you everyone a very nice gesture I do appreciate it.  :rock

Well-deserved.   :salute
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: oboe on July 08, 2020, 11:54:44 AM
Congrats, Lyric!  :salute   
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Devil 505 on July 08, 2020, 11:54:58 AM
Congrats Lyric.  :salute
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Shuffler on July 08, 2020, 12:11:43 PM
Oh wow. Thank you everyone a very nice gesture I do appreciate it.  :rock

We thank you for your work toward helping our skinners make the most accurate skins. You definitely earned the tag.
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Volron on July 08, 2020, 12:44:43 PM
Oh wow. Thank you everyone a very nice gesture I do appreciate it.  :rock

Definitely deserved.  If there is information about a skin, you will find it, which helps out the skinner team considerably in making very detailed and accurate skins. :aok :salute
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: FTJR on July 08, 2020, 10:29:20 PM
Congrats Lyric
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: LCADolby on July 09, 2020, 01:20:54 AM
Wish granted by Hitech.   Thanks Dale, and congrats Lyric1.


(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=400327.0;attach=32782)
:aok :rock
Title: Re: Update B26 skin
Post by: Hajo on July 09, 2020, 08:53:55 AM
Congrats Lyric.  Well deserved!