Requesting help from the gurus of bare metal

[oldpropfan]

Awhile back one of our member's requested a paint for the JF DC-3. I thought I'd try the paint on Manfred Jahn's C-47 as the paint kit is much easier to use. Still new to this repainting stuff, have done some basic things for my own use, but figured this would be a good learning experience.

This is the plane I'm trying to copy.
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll279/oldpropfan/air%20colombia%20paint%20pics/aircolombia_zps9e2640d7.jpg

This is how it looks so far in FSX.
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll279/oldpropfan/air%20colombia%20paint%20pics/aircolombiafsx_zpsa5d0f162.jpg

One of my texture sheets.
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll279/oldpropfan/air%20colombia%20paint%20pics/aircolombiatail_zpsef541ee9.jpg

And the alpha for that same sheet.
http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll279/oldpropfan/air%20colombia%20paint%20pics/aircolombiatailalpha_zpsd7905055.jpg

How do I get that nice polished metal look, or something close to it in FSX? I've taken a look at almost all of the bare metal planes I have in FSX and see that the metal should be a shade gray and the alpha dark, almost black, but I'm still missing something. I haven't done any specular textures yet, is that what I need?

Thanks for any help,

Al

[mjahn]

I looked at this picture, too, when I did the model...

Your spec and alpha look OK for starters, the alpha perhaps even a little too dark. What you are perhaps missing is the specular texture, which changes the picture considerably. You can use a darkened and desaturated (almost grey) copy of the diffuse with an inverted near-black alpha much like the alpha you already have. This was the recipe for C-47 15619 in the base pack, which I made as shiny and reflective as I thought was still in good taste.

How do you create the sim files? You are saving to DXT5 DDS including the alphas aren't you? Just wondering ...

Edit: and make sure you restart FSX for each new version, don't reload the plane, or use a saved flight...because FSX generally prefers the stuff it has already loaded.

[jankees]

I tend to give the spec a slightly bluish tone for the bare metal, works well in giving it a more metal look I find.
Also, I don't think you have the right font yet for the 'air colombia', the original looks more rounded.
If you can't find the right font, maybe you can copy the letters from this image (http://images3.jetphotos.net/img/1/7/1/7/36915_1247449717.jpg).
Otherwise, great texture to paint!

Oh, and restarting FSX every time you want to see changes to a paint? I just change aircraft to a different model, fly for 5 seconds and change back with the new textures, never had a problem.

[Javis]

Oh, and restarting FSX every time you want to see changes to a paint? I just change aircraft to a different model, fly for 5 seconds and change back with the new textures, never had a problem.

Not even needed to fly, Jankees, just easy cycle thru the various view modes ( wait for the VC to completely fill in ) and then change back. :cool:

@ Al : check your blue color... Copy and paste the pic from Jankees' link into your paint program. Pick a blue color pixel ( with the color picker 'pipet' thingy ) from underneath or above the cockpit windows ( make sure it's the darker shade ) and fill your current blue color with that. You may need to do it again until you think you have the best matching blue color ( in FSX reflectivity will take care of the lighter and darker shades )

cheers,
jan

[spotlope]

This doesn't relate to your metal question, but I noticed that the font you're using for the air columbia logo is pretty far off from the one used in the example photo. It's fine if you're okay with it, but if you'd like a more accurate look, you might try Cooper Std. Black. It's not a perfect match, but it's pretty close. I believe it's a system font, at least in Window 7. Either that, or some application I installed added it. Again, not criticizing, but just in case you were interested.

[oldpropfan]

Thank you all for your suggestions and helpful critique's. I'll put this info to work and see how things go.

Al