Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Custom Skins => Topic started by: Vraciu on March 05, 2023, 11:57:49 PM

Title: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Vraciu on March 05, 2023, 11:57:49 PM
Am I screwing this blue up somehow?  Should I flatten it?

For the life of me I can't decide if it is the engine or something I'm doing wrong.   Heck, maybe this is how it is supposed to look.   This skin is in the very early stages so don't be too judgmental just yet--I've not bothered to trim the blue to blend at the seams for example.   Sorry for the fuzzy images, I didn't zoom in enough when I took the shots I guess.


(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=407049.0;attach=36223)


(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=407049.0;attach=36221)


(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=407049.0;attach=36219)
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Devil 505 on March 06, 2023, 07:59:21 AM
I'd have to see the reference photos to even venture a guess.
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: oboe on March 06, 2023, 08:41:54 AM
It looks like the right shade of blue to me, IIRC the pictures of plastic models of Virginia Marie.  It just looks too shiny in the area where antiglare paint is usually applied.   The spinners for example, look about right.

Maybe try reducing the power and spec values that cover the area where antiglare paint is applied on nose and booms?


Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Vraciu on March 06, 2023, 09:05:29 AM
Thanks,  Oboe.   I feel like I'm going to have to make it VERY flat to get rid of that pearlescent effect which is what you are saying I think.

Devil, ask the reference photos are bkack and white. 


https://www.largescaleplanes.com/reviews/review.php?rid=503


(https://www.largescaleplanes.com/reviews/images/503/03.jpg)


Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Greebo on March 06, 2023, 09:24:42 AM
The blue looks fine to me.
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Devil 505 on March 06, 2023, 09:28:22 AM
I think the blue is over-saturated.

Try my version of True Blue that I used on my 49th FG P-40N

(https://i.postimg.cc/027n6VdV/Blue_Diamond_1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MvKVNbLB)

RGB 69,96,115

and the base level sheen was made using RGB 64,64,64 on both the S and P maps
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Vraciu on March 15, 2023, 07:13:01 PM
Any better?  I'm still not hitting Devil's color but this looks like a lot of the models I've seen.   I'm wondering how we can find out for sure just what it was...

(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=407049.0;attach=36242)

(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=407049.0;attach=36250)

(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=407049.0;attach=36244)

(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=407049.0;attach=36246)

Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Vraciu on March 15, 2023, 07:15:15 PM
Accidental extra post.
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Devil 505 on March 15, 2023, 07:20:23 PM
It's definitely better, but to me the color itself is too teal. I know most artwork shows it like that but it just looks very wrong to me.

If the blue I suggested earlier looks too light to you try the blue you used on your 21FG/46FS D-Pony.
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Vraciu on March 15, 2023, 07:38:45 PM
Can you upload a color square for me to grab?   I'll paste it directly on the skin and see how it looks.
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Devil 505 on March 15, 2023, 07:57:58 PM
Here you go.
(https://i.postimg.cc/h42y1TNc/True-Blue-Devil-s-Mix.png) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Vraciu on March 15, 2023, 09:33:51 PM
 :salute
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: oboe on March 17, 2023, 08:39:43 AM
I would call the color more of an aqua or turquoise than teal, but it looks pretty good and I agree it seems to match most models I've seen of Virginia Marie.

For comparison, here is a decal set I found:
(https://modelingmadness.com/scott/allies/previews/has/48/09101b.jpg)

In a post about building a plastic model of "Virginia Marie", I found this comment:

For the blue color (the stripes) the kit comes with decals to be applied, but after thinking about the idea to do it in that way I decided to mask it and paint it. It took time but finally looks really nice. That specific blue was something really hard to find. Digging on the Net I found the Large Scale Planes Forum web site where the member dmthamade, builted a 1/32 Virginia Marie like mine, and he said he used the MiG Ammo Dark Grey Blue MiG-229. He said this was a color recommended on another site, and looks like a great match. I followed his advice and this color really match with the blue used in the decals.

https://imodeler.com/2022/03/hasegawa-p-38j-lightning-virginia-marie-1-48/ (https://imodeler.com/2022/03/hasegawa-p-38j-lightning-virginia-marie-1-48/)

Here is a sample of that color:
(https://exito.site/userdata/public/gfx/1b8a039e1b5f77dbd8195cc29efb6a0a.jpg)

With AH's intense sun though, maybe a darker color like Devil's True Blue would be better.
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Devil 505 on March 17, 2023, 11:01:38 AM
Yeah, that paint example is going to be way too bright in game.

I still question where that turquoise blue originated from. I'm sure if you trace it back, it's probably an artist's representation in a book from the 1950's or 60's. Just like the red cowled 109F.

This plane was painted in the field, so what are the usual suspects for getting a light blue paint on an island near New Ginuea?

USAAC True Blue - most likely given that it's an Army Air Corps color.
RNZAF Roundel Blue - is plausible if units from New Zealand were based on the same island.
USN Intermediate Blue - is plausible if the Navy also had aircraft based on the same island. Least likely based on the time frame.



 
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: whiteman on March 17, 2023, 11:36:44 AM
Yeah, that paint example is going to be way too bright in game.

I still question where that turquoise blue originated from. I'm sure if you trace it back, it's probably an artist's representation in a book from the 1950's or 60's. Just like the red cowled 109F.

This plane was painted in the field, so what are the usual suspects for getting a light blue paint on an island near New Ginuea?

USAAC True Blue - most likely given that it's an Army Air Corps color.
RNZAF Roundel Blue - is plausible if units from New Zealand were based on the same island.
USN Intermediate Blue - is plausible if the Navy also had aircraft based on the same island. Least likely based on the time frame.



 

Any possibility they went the Richard Petty route and mixed what paint they had in bucket and came up with a color?
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: oboe on March 17, 2023, 11:49:46 AM
Its an interesting question for sure.  Its one the most distinctive P-38 paint schemes, and the nose art figure is among the most beautiful females on a Lightning nose I think:

(https://i.imgur.com/LjRkXUx.jpg)
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Vraciu on March 21, 2023, 10:24:15 PM
Here's Devil's True Blue.   If it is good then I'll work to get the paint trimmed up neatly.

Seems a bit pale to me, but I think that's a natural reaction when compared to how it started.



(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=407049.0;attach=36260)

(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=407049.0;attach=36262)
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Devil 505 on March 21, 2023, 10:45:08 PM
I really like it.

Do you want a sample of my RNZAF roundel blue? It's a bit darker and bolder.
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Vraciu on March 21, 2023, 11:29:09 PM
I really like it.

Do you want a sample of my RNZAF roundel blue? It's a bit darker and bolder.

I'll take any help I can get.

Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Devil 505 on March 21, 2023, 11:57:45 PM
Here it is, RNZAF blue
(https://i.postimg.cc/3Jtg8Y53/RNZAF-Roundel-Blue.png) (https://postimages.org/)

For comparison, this was True Blue
(https://i.postimg.cc/h42y1TNc/True_Blue_-_Devil_s_Mix.png) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Vraciu on March 22, 2023, 12:53:59 AM
Many thanks.  Hmmmmmmm.   That almost makes True Blue looks better.

The common perception is that this plane was more toward Sky Blue if I'm not mistaken.    :bhead
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: lyric1 on March 22, 2023, 01:32:56 AM
My two cents worth.

The problem I have always had with this aircraft and its profiles is they don't match the plane in the layout and potentially all the light blue in every location.
So starting off profiles they nearly all look like this with all the blue bits with its last paint scheme.

(https://i.imgur.com/iutM7vJh.jpg)

Some of the profiles have the text no place near the blue topped nose. Yet every photo has numerous letters on both sides over lapping this blue topped nose. This profile brings the text right to the lines edge yet wont cross it.
So why do most profiles ignore this? The photos below clearly show it overlapping yet they would have us believe its all the same colour blue.

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

(https://i.imgur.com/Tn2DkLLh.jpg)

So is it a blue topped nose or is it a standard anti glare panel? Or maybe the text is just another colour other than light blue? There is clearly two colours in play with the text to begin with.
Also here is a couple of real colour photos from the same group with some light blue bits.

(https://i.imgur.com/ehxhS7kh.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Y3lZEtLh.jpg)

They may have different shades of blue a bouts within the group these two would be at least a good base line I think.  :headscratch:


So early scheme to the finished all blue like the profile above.

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

(https://i.imgur.com/9ockmxxh.jpg)

So what colour is the #194? Not like the text & not like the blue anti glare panel on the nose if it is blue.
(https://i.imgur.com/Iw85qBsh.jpg)



Now we have partially painted spinners.

(https://i.imgur.com/Tn2DkLLh.jpg)

Also in this image the air intakes are painted now.

(https://i.imgur.com/YSOGou9h.jpg)

Finally the finished product the wing fillets are now painted as well & #194 seems to be a few shades lighter as well & overall the light blue seems feasible  :headscratch: except for the names text it has to have additional shading around the tops of the letters so not to clash with the blue nose top because they still overlap..


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

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

I think there is numerous schemes on this plane depending on what time frame the photos were taken.
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Vraciu on March 22, 2023, 01:47:57 AM
I never even considered the anti-glare being OD.   Wow. 

The blue on St. Louis Blues looks a lot like Devil's True Blue, too.
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: lyric1 on March 22, 2023, 01:52:33 AM
I never even considered the anti-glare being OD.   Wow. 

The blue on St. Louis Blues looks a lot like Devil's True Blue, too.

It depends what time frame I believe.
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Vraciu on March 22, 2023, 04:49:39 AM
It depends what time frame I believe.

Yeah, true.   But I never caught it in those pics until you pointed it out.

I think the nose paint was rather sloppily applied.   Hence why it winds up in such strange places.
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: lyric1 on March 22, 2023, 11:35:11 AM
Yeah, true.   But I never caught it in those pics until you pointed it out.

I think the nose paint was rather sloppily applied.   Hence why it winds up in such strange places.

Yes and no possibly.  :headscratch:
Here is a sister ship from the same squadron in the link below. Blue stripe on the wing same spinners and this this one has a kill panel painted in what looks to be black.

https://www.ozatwar.com/usaaf/alcoburn.htm

In this video this plane has similar markings. Correct spinners painted wing root fillets and a roughly painted kill panel very square & seems to have the same sheen as the spinners and fillets.

3min 40 sec mark.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0TVTg2paBM

(https://i.imgur.com/batD11Lh.jpg)

The pilot never got a kill in this plane so the panel was never used. My theory is he changed the kill less blue panel into an artistic design and added the wedge shape to the square panel and followed the rivet line on that panel and painted the same thing on the other side and did the O/D anti glare panel as well.

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

(https://i.imgur.com/gLTBua1h.jpg)

I do believe it was an all blue trim at the later date as all the historians mention this from interviews with people there at the time.






Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Vraciu on March 22, 2023, 11:39:10 AM
Ah, yes.  Of course.   That makes sense.

Many thanks.
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help - P-38J "Virginia Marie"
Post by: Vraciu on September 05, 2023, 01:04:51 PM
Okay guys, here is Devil's True Blue on Virginia Marie.   I have not finalized the lighting maps yet, but I think I'm pretty close.

I'm going for the penultimate version of the paint scheme before they went crazy with the blue paint on the fuselage.


CLICK TO ENLARGE

(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=407049.0;attach=36808)

(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=407049.0;attach=36810)

(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=407049.0;attach=36812)

(https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=407049.0;attach=36814)
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Devil 505 on September 05, 2023, 01:13:24 PM
Looks great.
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Banshee7 on September 05, 2023, 01:20:05 PM
 :aok :aok
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Vraciu on September 05, 2023, 01:24:41 PM
Thank you, guys.  I'll roll with that color blue unless someone shoots it down.

https://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,407049.msg5402959.html#msg5402959
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: oboe on September 05, 2023, 01:51:13 PM
That Lightning looks fantastic!
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Vraciu on September 05, 2023, 02:04:54 PM
That Lightning looks fantastic!

Thanks, bro.  I'm still tweaking the weathering.   Can't decide if the shine is too "nice" for a PTO warrior.
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: oboe on September 05, 2023, 02:07:46 PM
Those screenshots are wallpaper if not poster material.   Well done.
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: JimmyD3 on September 05, 2023, 02:27:48 PM
Very nice V !!  :rock
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Vraciu on September 05, 2023, 02:45:19 PM
Thanks guys.   A few tweaks left and hopefully I can get it submitted before the next update is processed.
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: lyric1 on September 05, 2023, 02:56:21 PM
 :aok
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Lazerr on September 05, 2023, 06:03:49 PM
Nice V.
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Vraciu on September 05, 2023, 07:27:08 PM
Many thanks, guys.  :salute
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Greebo on September 06, 2023, 01:47:48 AM
Very nice Vraciu, great looking skin.
Title: Re: Blue Paint Help
Post by: Vraciu on September 06, 2023, 08:43:43 AM
Thanks, G.