Will pay $150 for skin of Witchcraft

[Serenity]

I got this interesting information today from Janice Bates, daughter of Ray Betcher (Witchcraft mechanic):

"Hi, Andy!  I talked to Dad this morning -- he says the Witchcraft cowlings were originally the 'olive drab' color of the plane.  As engines were replaced, they may have gotten ones that were that color or unpainted(silver), but they NEVER had any that were red.  He says he does have a picture of the Witch that has some of each color.  If anyone needs to talk to him, his phone number is . . . Let me know how the flight simulator is going, if you can.  We'd love to see it and/or get a copy if possible."

Brilliant! Ill knock out the red right now.

[Brooke]

I have a final few questions in to Ray Betcher (mechanic for witchcraft).  The questions are here:

http://www.electraforge.com/brooke/flightsims/b24_flights/questionsWitchcraft.html

I'll post more information as I get it.

[Serenity]

Got it! My guess is orange-yellow on the numbers, same for the prop tips, and either gray or more likely insignia white on the Q2. The serial number should, almost without a doubt be orange-yellow. Those are just my bets until we get the confirmation though.

[Serenity]

Any new developments Brooke?

[Brooke]

Any new developments Brooke?

I haven't heard back from Ray Betcher yet.

[Serenity]

I haven't heard back from Ray Betcher yet.

Alright, shes just waiting for more details!

[Brooke]

This just in from Janice Bates, Ray Betcher's daughter, with regard to these questions:

http://www.electraforge.com/brooke/flightsims/b24_flights/questionsWitchcraft.html

"He says the Collings Foundation did a good job of copying the colors on the plane (with the exception of the cowlings).  The "3" on the number 4 engine was yellow and it was there for the top turret gunner to use to keep his bearings.  "Q2" was light gray, the same color as the lower half of the plane.  The tail numbers were yellow.  The first 4-5 inches of the props were yellow, painted to be seen (in use) as a circle so people wouldn't walk into them!"

Looks like we are good to proceed.

If anyone has any other questions on markings or coloration, please let me know asap.  Janice offered to ask any questions we have at the 467th BG reunion, which happens this upcoming weekend.  Ray Betcher and another Witchcraft mechanic will be there, as well as Audre and her husband (John Kramer, I believe -- bombardier) and the man who painted the nose art on Witchcraft.

[Brooke]

Serenity, would it be possible for you tomorrow to e-mail me the .res file as you have it so far?  I don't mean with the above changes -- I mean just whichever one you have right now.  I'd like to load it up on my computer and make some screenshots from it to show the work in progress and also so that I can illustrate any suggestions I might have.  My e-mail is brooke "at" electraforge.com .

[Serenity]

Serenity, would it be possible for you tomorrow to e-mail me the .res file as you have it so far?  I don't mean with the above changes -- I mean just whichever one you have right now.  I'd like to load it up on my computer and make some screenshots from it to show the work in progress and also so that I can illustrate any suggestions I might have.  My e-mail is brooke "at" electraforge.com .

Already in the mail!

[Serenity]

Heres the latest batch of images. I know the plane SHOULD be in the air, but my mouse wouldnt control the throttle no matter what I did, and I didn't have a stick with me. Notes:

We have two problems. The white lines on the bomb bay door are mirrored halfway up the doors. Also, the numbers on the cowlings are mirrored on the outside of the engines.

[Brooke]

Can you e-mail me the latest res file?  My e-mail address is brooke "at" electraforge.com

[Serenity]

Can you e-mail me the latest res file?  My e-mail address is brooke "at" electraforge.com

Yep, mailing right now.

[Brooke]

Comments so far:

http://www.electraforge.com/brooke/flightsims/b24_flights/witchcraftSkin.html

There is a link in that document to every decent historical pic I could find of Witchcraft.  So, if in doubt, that is the place to look.

[Serenity]

Comments so far:

http://www.electraforge.com/brooke/flightsims/b24_flights/witchcraftSkin.html

There is a link in that document to every decent historical pic I could find of Witchcraft.  So, if in doubt, that is the place to look.

lol. I feel stupid. The Circle P and a couple of the other changes you mentioned were on a layer I accidentally deleted. I should have all of this done for you by later this evening!

As far as your question about using the original BMP as a shading layer, no, that wouldn't work. Was there a particular effect you wanted to see? I can replicate it another way Im sure.

[Serenity]

How does this look?

Notes: The Circle-P needs to be dampened a tad; Also, the lightened control surfaces are a REALLY cheap attempt, I just wanted to know what you thought of that process; Lastly, theres a tad bit of grey on the top side of the starboard flap.