SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

Finally got one of my projects close enough to completion to throw up here. Now if I could just get them #&*$ painters back to work!

In the process of finishing up applying textures and also might add a few channel markers to the area.

This is the Lesner Bridge that spans the Lynnhaven Inlet between the Lynnhaven River and the Chesapeake Bay. Also, showing my first completed A/C paint job, VBPD Bell 407.

Comments and suggestions welcomed.

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 10:19 pm Post subject:

hehehe

like the A/C painting a lot Very Happy

keep up

Posted: Fri Dec 10, 2004 11:17 pm Post subject:

Cool scenery Rick! Did you paint the Chopper?

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 2:10 am Post subject: Outstanding,

Looks good to me, nice paint work. As far as critique, only one I can see from these screenies is to check your alpha on the CG bird, the reflection on the tail plane is a little off. Overall, based on what I see, a 9.5. Keep 'em coming.

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 4:43 am Post subject:

looks great.
how long does something like that take?

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 4:55 am Post subject: A...........

A loooooooooooong time. Also influenced by whether you have a life or not Wink

. Took me weeks just to paint the Bluestream birds.

Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 6:23 am Post subject:

Thanks GS...you know the deal. It takes a looooooooooong time and lotsa intestinal fortitude. Start it and stick with it.

I have 5 other projects I'm working on right now and each presents it's own challenges.

Thanks for the kind words ViLdOr

Thank you too pingponggame, and yep, that's my paint job. Working on a few tweaks and color changes to finish it up but so far, I'm happy with it.

Thanks again GS...not sure what I need to do to correct the problem you mention though. That A/C aready had an alpha file. I hate it and wouldn't mind fixing it, haven't got that far though.

Posted: Sun Dec 12, 2004 4:55 pm Post subject:

Nice job Rick! I can only imagine how much time you've spent on making it just right!

To adjust the alpha on the a/c: open up the file in question in DXTBmp and use the option 'send to editor'. If you are using PSP or Photoshop then obviously they must be specified as the default editors for DXT. Then make your changes to the alpha either reducing fill or transparency or both until the desired effect is achieved. The beauty of it is, you shut down the file in your paint program, reload/update it in DXT and then save it back to it's original folder. You can do this as many times as you like to get that right effect. Remember, the darker the alpha channel...the more the shine...unless it's the alpha for the lightmap. Thats another procedure.

Hope that helps and keep up the great work man!

Exx

Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2004 10:02 pm Post subject:

Rick

What program did you make your bridge in?

Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2004 10:15 pm Post subject:

...gmax

Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2004 1:33 am Post subject: Hey Exx...and others,

Once you have your desired texture map opened in DXT, you use the "send alpha to editor" in the alpha drop down menu, then when you are done editing, select "refresh alpha" in the alpha drop down menu. Dont forget to save your changes in the editor before refreshing alpha in DXT.

Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2004 3:02 am Post subject:

I'm familiar with the alpha that you usually see in the upper right hand window when you have a texture map open in DXT. This A/C doesn't have an alpha with the texture map, it has one alpha texture map for the entire A/C, the alpha is it's own 256x256 image file that's completely gray.

I've heard you can create an alpha by creating a copy of the texture map and then applying different shaded layers (gray I guess) over the painted areas of the map?

Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2004 3:37 am Post subject:

One alpha map for the entire thang?? Hmmm. Makes it difficult no?

Yeah, there are several ways. This is how I do it in Photoshop. Open the image up, Go to 'create new channel' and it automatically names it Alpha1. Then I just play with the brightness/contrast until I see it's right or use the Targa plugin which is stupidly easy. If using PSP, then just open up the image, adjust your opacity level and brightness/contrast until you think it's right. Or, convert your image to RGB (if not already) then convert it to greyscale and fiddle around with it. In either case, just save it as whatever_alpha.bmp then import (not refresh) into DXT. Remember you have to save it in a format that preserves alpha otherwise you'll lose it and the alpha will be all gray.

If you want to go hardcore, like me, then you can open up the image, use your magic wand and customize each facet of the paints to a realistic blend of grays and then save it as above. I always wondered what the painter's meant by 'hand painted reflections' and this is how they do it. I don't know what you are using as a paint program?

Rick, there are some smokin tutorials at www.projectopensky.com. I learnt everything from those guys. And some help from Super G here. Check out the tutes they have, and I'm sure you will be surprised. Very informative and cater to any question we painter's usually ask.

Hope that helps.

Exx