KCFS Seabee Update, 10/23/2011. Seabee is getting some paint!

[Gibbage]

Hay guys! I havent posted an update on the Seabee progress in some time, so just stopping by to show off a few screenshots.

Im currently working on the external texture. Im creating whats called a base paint for the aircraft. On top of that, I paint the livery's, so the base paint is typically white with the dirt showing. In these 3D Studio's screen shots you will see very early texture work and VERY early normal mapping. There is STILL a lot of work to be done on the dirt, and tweaking the shaders plus perfecting the normal maps, but it gives you a good idea and feel for the corigated "ribs" on the wings and how they will look in FSX.

FYI, these are screen shots from within 3D Studio's Max, not FSX. Also, this is not a "render" with advanced lighting and shadows. This mode helps me visualize how the normal maps will show up in game, and later on, will help me tweak things like spec and reflection maps.

Also, I would like to ask the skinning/livery community for help on this. I have not done a lot of bare aluminum paints and would GREATLY apprecate any help on creating a good bare aluminum skin. If anyone is willing to help me, PM me or e-mail me at admin AT kcflightshop DOT com. Sorry for spelling it out like that, but I get enough spam as it is without posting my address. If your willing to help, I will try to compensate you what I can, but please understand we are a small 3 man team and I really cant afford much. I know I can at least offer you good credits, and first crack as skinning this great aircraft!

Now onto the eye candy!!!

[N2056]

Wow! Looks great.
When it comes to materials I have always been impressed with the work Chuck Jodry has done. I'm guessing you might have worked with him before on the P-38?

[Roger]

Yep,
That's looking very good Kevin!

[Gibbage]

Chuck is my partner in both the Seabee and SportStar! Im handling the artwork side of things, and he is doing a lot of the back-end programming. The P-38 bare ALU did turn out nice, but I want more. I constantly want to improve my artwork and sometimes the best way to do that is to learn from others, like Jankees. He just has a way with aluminum that I simply cant match! And I want to do the Seabee justice.

Wow! Looks great.
When it comes to materials I have always been impressed with the work Chuck Jodry has done. I'm guessing you might have worked with him before on the P-38?

[OleBoy]

Kevin, the SeaBee is looking real nice!

[jankees]

Though I appreciate the praise, I'd like to defer it to my personal heroes: John Terrell and Martin Catney. They REALLY know how to make brilliant textures, me, I just slap paint on them.
Looking very nice, Kevin! Can't wait to slap some paint on this one..

[Gibbage]

Thanks for the PM Jan. Ill try out some of your suggestions!