Modeling/skinning

[carrick58]

I would like to learn , but I dont know where to start. ? Modeling or skining ? Which threads to read and in what order? Need adivce if anyone can help. Thanks Carrick 58

 

 

[hairyspin]

Both take a lot of work, but modelling is the real slog of the two. If you try repainting skins, best have a trawl around Simmer's Paintshop for some introductory tuts. You'll need a paint program that can handle layers - Photoshop (of course), Paintshop Pro, Paint.NET, The Gimp.

 

http://www.simmerspaintshop.com/

 

Modelling takes a fairly long time to learn the tools (Gmax) and that's before even building something you'll be happy with, but I think it's worth the solid effort needed. Just be aware the sim world is littered with the remains of would-be modellers and their abandoned efforts!

Modelling tuts include Viso's Bitmap to Boom 'n' Zoom for an introduction to CFS3 modelling, Hugh Shoult's Stupid Idiot's guide to Gmax, Milton Shupe's C162 tut for FS2004 and Gerard van der Harst's Low-Poly Aircraft Modelling tut. Viso is very good as an overview, Hugh Shoult should be read as another viewpoint IMO, Milton is first-class and Gerard is decidedly intermediate to advanced, but packed with clever tricks and techniques many of which I'm still learning. None of these should be tried without first plodding through the tutorial material supplied with gmax - but oddly enough, not the tut on building a P-38: it's seriously flawed!

 

http://www3.telus.ne...orial/B2BNZ.htm

 

http://www.simviatio...als/gMax_00.htm

 

http://www.flightsimonline.com/C162/

 

http://www.sim-outho...al&daysprune=-1

 

 

Get gmax from http://www.turbosquid.com/gmax or from http://www.fsalpha.com/gmax_tips/

 

You'll also need the CFS3 SDK from Microsoft http://www.microsoft.com/games/combatfs3/downloads.aspx#sdk

 

 

Good luck, and don't be afraid to ask questions!

Edited March 12, 2010 by hairyspin

[Beanie]

I use Paint.net - its free! although Pro Paint Shop is the way to go.

 

I started with very basic designs using Albatros DII.

 

Although there is a lot to learn, as you are already aware the forum is a great place to get help.

 

Oldham, Widowmaker, RAF and OvS have all given sound advice - although I still have a lot to learn.

Over time you will find yourself getting better. And it is a great feeling flying in a aircraft that you have skinned.

Also with 4,000 skins to choose from in game, and a great collection of downloadable skins, they are a great source of ideas. Try simple cut and paste skins - your be surprised by the results, but above all else, enjoy yourself - I find it great fun.

 

Regards

[ConradB]

For skinning, I use a combination of Gimp, and Paint.net. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, so what one does better I use it for that procedure, and they compliment each other quite well. I find the Gimp works better for things that require a "freehand" sketching approach, where Paint.net lends itself better to working with layers. Which after 10 years I'm finally starting to get the hang of.

 

Modelling is fun once you get the hang of it. It's the initial getting the hang of it that's the hard part. The tutorials are good, but can be confusing at first. Trust me, I spent an entire weekend just setting up the backround areas for building from. Best thing, is to take your time. You will use a 3 view drawing as your reference. But remember, 3 view drawings are not always 100% accurate. So you may have to make slight adjustments to them as you go along. Best thing I can suggest, is to stay flexible and not let yourself get frustrated.

[hairyspin]

I use Paint.net - its free! although Pro Paint Shop is the way to go.

 

I've used Paintshop Pro 8 for a few years now, but recently bought version 10 very cheaply off eBay - still in the shrinkwrap! You don't need the latest of anything for skinning.

[carrick58]

Thanks Guys. I have paint Net so I will give it a try

[carrick58]

Any one know of a way to cut and paste some of the paint jobs ? I spent the last few hours in windows paint and paint net . The jobs dont look very good. In fact, they are kinda 3rd grade level

[Beanie]

I sometimes find that if to cut away the surrounding area of the part I wish to cut and paste - this gives cleaner lines.

 

Keep at it and don't loose heart - my first couple of skins were dreadful. I started with skinning the Albatros DII as I found these are the simplist to skin. I have started to skin Albatros DIIII/DV and Fok DR1, which have to be skinned in a diffent way and are also casuing my problems!

 

 

Regards

[carrick58]

Thanks , Old man, Still hanging in there but my skins look like %$#@%

[carrick58]

Downloaded G max but it wants a code ?

[hairyspin]

Downloaded G max but it wants a code ?

 

 

You have to register at TurboSquid to get the code. Alternatively, since TurboSquid are sometimes tardy with their replies, there's a Gmax Registration Work-around available from FSAlpha.

 

http://www.fsalpha.com/gmax_tips/

[carrick58]

Your advice worked like a champ. Thanks. Now to figure out what I am doing ?