Nyghtfall

should work again now.

Copy & Paste-Error sorry....the headline / filename should read VA-164 of course. I fixed it in the download.

Hi there, allow me to say a word or two first. Although playing SF2 for quite a while now (not constantly though), I wasn't an active member since. A state I would like to change :) In this summer I played around with WarThunder, its possibilities to skin planes and used that chance to intensify my learning of photoshop and its techniques with the help of several good tutorials. After some time SF2 came into mind and so I wanted to try to create some skins for a plane from existing templates. As my favourite plane always was the little Skyhawk, a plane was quickly found. Although I was and am always impressed of the great work all modders on this site do, the Skyhawk template I found was a bit unorganised for taste and so I decided to create a new one. I have to admit, in no way I had an impression on how much time it will consume (and you guys put into your models, skins, etc.)! Nevertheless I got a working template and at the moment create some skins. I really like the results, but after looking at several projects you working on (for example Centurions F-5E), I'm a little intimidated and ask myself, if my little first one may be of any interest at all and is worth a release. All Decals are new and most parts of the skins are new (Details and Insides are from the original TW-skin as my template is based on it and atm I don't see the chance to create something better myself). The 3tone-Camo is work in progress...the decals are for testing only. My idea for the VA-93 skins is to combine both styles (roundel on nose like A-4C on some planes and roundel on the back like A-4E on the rest of the planes) in one skin. Any comments, hints and tricks for improvements are welcome!

Hey Guys, thanks for all your replies. Simmers Paint Shop is an amazing site! I used your post to redo the different camos I once started without finishing them and I really like the results. In comparison with Simmers I ususally used to dark colors. Now everything looks slightly faded, just the right amount. :) Aggressors are eyecatchers for sure, but require some more time to create. I think I will create some, but probably not within the next weeks. About the OA-4M. Just yesterday I thought about trying to create an improved skin for the TA-4F/TA-4H-model that is available here. And although I like it, because its the only 2seat Skyhawk-model available (I think) it's got several shortcomings and I don't think, that an improved skin alone would work in the end. I recently discovered in the WoV-skins, that TK for example used shadow effects on the leading edges of wings, ailerons and so on to enhance the appeal of a curved surface. Such things are absolutely needed for it. Unfortunately I neither have 3dmax nor the knowledge how to use it, otherwise I would even try to create a new one.

File Name: SF2 A-4C(65) VA-153 'Blue Tail Flies' 1966 File Submitter: Nyghtfall File Submitted: 18 October 2014 File Category: A-4 A-4C (65) Skyhawk, VA-153 'Blue Tail Flies' Vietnam 1966 Skinpack by Nyghtfall v1.0 =================================================================================== *** SF2V required for A-4C_65-model, tested in full 5-merged installation *** The skin represents A-4Cs from VA-153 'Blue Tail Flies' in 1966 aboard the carrier USS Constellation in Vietnam. BuNo and Modex should be correct for this squadron, with 302 and 307 filled with Numbers that are correct for the squadron, but miss the modex. According to my sources, modexnumbers 300, 308 and 309 are not used, so in this pack you'll find 301-307 and 311-316. Some highlights on this skinpack are: - new Baseskin - new Decals for nearly everything :) - optional 'Griffin'-Decal as used on planes aboard USS Coral Sea (just change to commented parts at the end of decals.ini, to have it visible) - updated data.ini is included, which contains the working canopy (SHIFT+0) and landing light (thanks to Wrench). Installation ============ 1. unzip to a temporary folder 2. copy 'Objects'-folder from the zip to your mods 'Objects'-folder, if asked to overwrite, say 'yes'. 3. enjoy! Credits ======= - Thirdwire and TK for a great game, nice models, skins and some decals I used as pattern - ZScout370, wikimedia - USAF Insignia - a4skyhawk.org, Harry S. Gann - original VA-153 Griffin-patch, I used as pattern - Wrench, updated data.ini Thanks ====== - Soulfreak, for your decalpattern, which was a BIG help to improve the baseskin and fill it with "life"! - Blowhard, for the weathering-tutorial at http://www.eaf51.org/Photoshop/Tutorial/Basic_Weathering.htm - Wrench (also for help with flap-decals), ikon71, Stratos, CrazyhorseB34, cocas and EricJ for your help with the color-issues - Sundowner (F-105D template) as inspiration on how to handle certain things in a template, as it was the first one, I created - all modders at CombatAce for their work and inspiration! P.S. ==== If you have any problems with this skin or have suggestions and hints, feel free to PM me. Click here to download this file

File Name: SF2 A-4E(65) VA-163 'Saints' 1967 File Submitter: Nyghtfall File Submitted: 17 October 2014 File Category: A-4 A-4E (65) Skyhawk, VA-163 'Saints' Vietnam 1967-1968 Skinpack by Nyghtfall v1.1 =============================================================================== *** SF2V required for A-4E_65-model, tested in full 5-merged installation *** The skin represents A-4Es from VA-163 'Saints' betwenn June 1967 and January 1968 aboard the carrier USS Oriskany in Vietnam. BuNo are correct for this squadron, but unfortunately I couldn't find the correct assignment for all modex to BuNo. Modex-numbers 305, 307 and 314 are filled with BuNo, that are correct for this squadron, but miss a modex-number. - new Baseskin with highter resolution (2048x2048) - new Decals - gray rudder for 301, 305, 306 and 311 - a lot of new maintenance markings (a big thank to Soulfreak for the pattern!) - corrected nosecone - updated data.ini is included, which contains the working canopy (SHIFT+0) and landing light (thanks to Wrench). Installation ============ 1. unzip to a temporary folder 2. copy 'Objects'-folder from the zip to your mods 'Objects'-folder, if asked to overwrite, say 'yes'. 3. enjoy! Credits ======= - Thirdwire and TK for a great game, nice models, skins and some decals I used as pattern - ZScout370, wikimedia - USAF Insignia - Wrench, updated data.ini Thanks ====== - Soulfreak, for your decalpattern, which was a BIG help to improve the baseskin and fill it with "life"! - Blowhard, for the weathering-tutorial at http://www.eaf51.org/Photoshop/Tutorial/Basic_Weathering.htm - Wrench (also for help with flap-decals), ikon71, Stratos, CrazyhorseB34, cocas and EricJ for your help with the color-issues - Sundowner (F-105D template) as inspiration on how to handle certain things in a template, as it was the first one, I created - all modders at CombatAce for their work and inspiration! P.S. ==== If you have any problems with this skin or have suggestions and hints, feel free to PM me. Click here to download this file

Thanks Dave and affirmative! Next will be VA-153 with A-4C and VA-164 with another A-4E (matching my VA-163 skin). Stay tuned!

I tested several colors, line-variations and cloudeffects now and I think the 2 versions below are much better now. v1 still looks a tad to bright in my opinion (escpecially in game), so v2 it is then. thanks all for your input! :) first pic is the shadow side of the plane, second is the sunny side

@Eole: Thanks for the recommendations! Atm I just use Photoshop for everything, but Artweaver and Xnview seem to be interesting additions. Thats an impressive project and a very interesting plane! Any pictures abvailable? :) If I can help you with anything, just say the word. @Wrench: Yeah, seems TK wanted to force all modders to create complete new skins for everything ;) Partial templates are an interesting idea, never thought of that. I'd love to have a look at them.

Thanks Wrench! The clouds effect is great, I discovered it not long ago, but have to experiment with it a bit more. Thanks for the hint. http://combatace.com/files/file/13673-sf2-template-set-for-3w-a-4f-skyhawk/ Thats the only Skyhawk template I found for SF2. I know, that WoV used a different mapping or model, so I didn't have a look in the WoX/SF1 section though.

Agreed! Cheers from Germany Rene (Nyghtfall)

I combined Wrench's Template with my decals and my template with decals for a quick comparison. Judge for yourself. I definitely agree with you, that the colors need additional tuning, rivets and lines could be more visible and everything looks some kind of blured on my side of the skin (probably due to thicker lines painted with gray instead of black or my method of putting one layer over another). There were 3 mainreasons, why I went the way of creating a template before making a skin: 1. As I explained earlier, Wrench's template was a bit to unorganized for my taste (no offense). My aim is a template, where you can check and uncheck layers and to get skins for different skyhawk versions and/or different camos in no time. Atm it's far from being perfect and I change things with every skin I make, but it works for me. 2. I really don't like the graineffect, that is on all default skins (and therefor on Wrench's template, as he didn't touch the basecamo on that one). I didn't know if you can remove it without creating new problems, so I went the other (longer) way. 3. You just learn more about photoshop with a template then with just painting over things :) As for the stock colors: After looking for the right colors for different camos on websites I came to the conclusion, that TK's colors are sometimes way off the real color. For example, the dark brownish color in SEAcamo (should be another green) and the to light stock navy-gray. Long story short: I agree, there's still much to do on my template, but I think I stay with it. Nevertheless, if I can help with a decal, just ask. I'm still in the learning process though.

Hi, thanks :) Well, that may be. I tried to use the correct color, but unfortunately there is no one "translation" for the original FS color (FS 16440 should be the correct color) to RGB values. There are several websites with RGB values for FS colors available, that differ considerably from color to color, so I chose one, that was fitting for me. Another name for the gray I found was ANA620 (I have a typing error in the following pic), which seems to be in the same colorrange as FS 16440. Weathering effects add a bit of darkness, so maybe the basecolor has to be a bit lighter...I'll play a bit with the colors later. :) I don't know how other people handle this. Opinions? :) I add a picture with a quick selection of variations.

a WIP as requested by bigstone

impressive work!

File Name: SF2 A-4C(65) VA-172 'Blue Bolts' 1966 File Submitter: Nyghtfall File Submitted: 11 October 2014 File Category: A-4 A-4C (65) Skyhawk, VA-172 'Blue Bolts' Vietnam 1966 Skinpack by Nyghtfall v1.1 =============================================================================== *** SF2V required for A-4C_65-model, tested in full 5-merged installation *** The skin represents A-4Cs from VA-172 'Blue Bolts' in 1966 to 1967 aboard the carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt in Vietnam. BuNo and Modex should be correct for this squadron, but I couln't find a complete listing from one source, so I had to combine all available sources. Some highlights on this skinpack are: - new Baseskin with highter resolution (2048x2048) - new Decals for nearly everything :) - special Decals for the CAG bird (Number x00) - updated data.ini is included, which contains the working canopy (SHIFT+0) and landing light (thanks to Wrench). Installation ============ 1. unzip to a temporary folder 2. copy 'Objects'-folder from the zip to your mods 'Objects'-folder, if asked to overwrite, say 'yes'. 3. enjoy! Credits ======= - Thirdwire and TK for a great game, nice models, skins and some decals I used as pattern - ZScout370, wikimedia - USAF Insignia - Wrench, updated data.ini Thanks ====== - Soulfreak, for your decalpattern, which was a BIG help to improve the baseskin and fill it with "life"! - Blowhard, for the weathering-tutorial at http://www.eaf51.org/Photoshop/Tutorial/Basic_Weathering.htm - Wrench (also for help with flap-decals), ikon71, Stratos, CrazyhorseB34, cocas and EricJ for your help with the color-issues - Sundowner (F-105D template) as inspiration on how to handle certain things in a template, as it was the first one, I created - all modders at CombatAce for their work and inspiration! P.S. ==== If you have any problems with this skin or have suggestions and hints, feel free to PM me. Click here to download this file

thanks guys! my holidays are over this week, so it will take a bit longer 'til the next one. @Eole2: I absolutely liked your retro screenshots...like some lost photos from vietnam, back in the days. Would be great to see some more. :)

nice idea and very good looking!

wow, incredible...like some original photographs taken long ago. nice!

Thanks! Seem, there is no answer for it at the moment. Sure, the more the merrier...there can never be enough skyhawk-skins, as it's one of the more colorful jets. :) If needed, I can sent you a complete blank skin, in case you want to use it! Feel free to do so.

Thanks Stratos! :)

File Name: SF2 A-4E(65) VA-93 'Blue Blazers' 1967 File Submitter: Nyghtfall File Submitted: 08 October 2014 File Category: A-4 A-4E (65) Skyhawk, VA-93 'Blue Blazers' Vietnam 1967 Skinpack by Nyghtfall v1.1 =============================================================================== *** SF2V required for A-4E_65-model, tested in full 5-merged installation *** The skin represents A-4Es from VA-93 'Blue Blazers' in the first half of 1967 aboard the carrier USS Hancock in Vietnam. BuNo are correct for this squadron, but unfortunately I couldn't find the correct assignment for all modex to BuNo. The following ones are correct and confirmed by pictures or shotdownlists: 300 (152022), 301 (151049), 302 (151106), 303 (151070), 306 (151038), 310 (151082), 311 (151076), 313 (151105) All others are filled with BuNo that are correct for the timeframe and squadron, but miss an assignment to a specific modex. If someone has more information, please contact me for an update. One rare fact is, that some planes of VA-93 still wore the A-4C marking pattern (Insignia on front, 4-digit BuNo on tail, Navy on airbrakes) which was changed with the transition from A-4C to A-4E. According to my sources 301, 303 and 313 are confirmed for the old scheme. I added 308 and 312 for a good mix. Some highlights on this skinpack are: - new Baseskin with highter resolution (2048x2048) - new Decals for nearly everything :) - 2 Marking styles (Markings like A-4E for 300-315 except for 301,303,308,312 and 313, which wear the A-4C-scheme) - special Decals for the CAG bird (Number x00) - updated data.ini is included, which contains the working canopy (SHIFT+0) and landing light (thanks to Wrench). Sources ======= - US Navy and Marine Corps A-4 Skyhawk Units of the Vietnam War, Osprey 2007 - Scooter! The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk Story, Crécy 2011 - A-4 Skyhawk Association, http://a4skyhawk.org/ - Wings Palette, http://wp.scn.ru/en/news/ - GoNavy, http://www.gonavy.jp - the Internet ;) for details and reference picture Installation ============ 1. unzip to a temporary folder 2. copy 'Objects'-folder from the zip to your mods 'Objects'-folder, if asked to overwrite, say 'yes'. 3. enjoy! Credits ======= - Thirdwire and TK for a great game, nice models, skins and some decals I used as pattern - ZScout370, wikimedia - USAF Insignia - Wrench, updated data.ini Thanks ====== - Soulfreak, for your decalpattern, which was a BIG help to improve the baseskin and fill it with "life"! - Blowhard, for the weathering-tutorial at http://www.eaf51.org/Photoshop/Tutorial/Basic_Weathering.htm - Wrench (also for help with flap-decals), ikon71, Stratos, CrazyhorseB34, cocas and EricJ for your help with the color-issues - Sundowner (F-105D template) as inspiration on how to handle certain things in a template, as it was the first one, I created - all modders at CombatAce for their work and inspiration! P.S. ==== If you have any problems with this skin or have suggestions and hints, feel free to PM me. Click here to download this file

Thanks a lot guys! It was timeconsuming and sometimes a real challenge, but it was always great fun. :-)