My latest toy

[DaveG]

No luck so far Paul. I don't think they operated the NG did they? I think the -300 series was the nearest, judging from a quick Google.
The scheme is quite simple, so I may be able to knock one up for you, depending on how good or bad the paint kit is!

[Paul K]

Hi Dave,

No, they've never operated the NGX but I had hoped for a fictional one. Like you, I've googled to no avail, and there's nothing at Avsim, which was the most likely place. Incredibly good of you to offer to do one, but I mustn't impose on your time. You've helped me an awful lot over the past few months, what with the disappearing taxiways at Duxford etc. and I really need to stop asking and start learning.

I've been doing a repaint of the A2A Cherokee for what seems like an eternity, and it's coming along nicely, but I'm never certain I'm doing it in the most efficient way. That's down to me to look up more tutorials. Anyway, as you can see from this picture, I've got the basics, though I think I need to create an adjustment layer to tone down the bright reds and blues. Its all based on the Red Ensign, you see. And I've learned how to make selections and transfer logos, like the AeroShell one on the nose. The Singapore Airlines logo is easily found on the web.



So with that grasp of the basics, I need to get further off my backside, look at the NGX paintkits, and create 9V-PVK.

[DaveG]

That Cherokee looks rather smart Paul, well done.
I'll leave the SA NGX to you then! I'm away most of next week, so wouldn't get chance to do anything until I get back anyway.
If you need any help or advice, just shout.

[Paul K]

That Cherokee looks rather smart Paul, well done.

Thank you !

I shall certainly ask if I hit any brick walls. Thanks again !

[DaveB]

I think I need to create an adjustment layer to tone down the bright reds and blues.

Why don't you just use another shade.. that is, of red and blue? You're making extra work (and layers) for yourself doing it this way and all the while.. the red and blue are still sitting nicely wrong underneath the 'adjustment' layer. If it aint right.. BIN IN

ATB
DaveB

[Paul K]

Well, I'm not sure what shade of red and blue looks best in the sim yet, so I thought an adjustment layer will let me try it out, adjust it, try it out again, adjust it etc. And it doesn't really matter that there's another layer - once I've got it right and converted to DDS textures, the PSD will be redundant and consigned to a folder somewhere on my backup HD. I'm following Bill Womack's tutorial on what to do.

[Paul K]

Oh and another thing which is worth mentioning; I'm looking to match the luminosity / saturation / whatever-you-call-it with that of the white on the rest of the aircraft. Although it's pretty much pristine with a little weathering here and there, I think the blue and red will have to be reined in a bit. I'm trying to avoid the livid colours you see on some models, such as the FS Add-Ons Hudson. That's the plan, anyway.

[DaveB]

That is no bad thing amigo

You have to experiment with colours. What might look really good in Photoshop will often look like poop in FS. At other times, you can take a sample from a phot and put it into Photoshop and immediately, you know it's SOOOO wrong In the end, you have to go with what looks right in FS regardless of RGB/Pantone or whatever real numbers you're using. If you have RGB's.. that's always a good place to start though but ultimately, if it looks poop in FS, you gotta keep tweaking until it looks right. FS is notorious for showing certain colours I'm afraid.. but you know that already

I'm having to re-invent the wheel at the moment by using PS CS2 as some recent (and not so recent) PK's won't open in PS Elements.. mainly because authors use groups and Elements isn't keen on groups. It's painful because I've used Elements for years and it fits like an old glove and many evolutions you 'one click' in PSE are only accessed via menu's in CS. It took me ages to find the Paint Bucket a few days ago and I nearly gave up It's getting easier though I'm far from comfortable.

ATB
DaveB