The Thomas Ruth Antonov AN 225

[Jafo]

Fun model ....huge plane with originally really small graphics. I've done a few in the past...so this time decided to rework the graphics from 1024 res to something bigger/cleaner. There are some repaints around in 4096, however there's more to a paint than just the paint. This model has specs, bumps, and 'light', not just paint/alpha.

First step was to chase all the model openings to be mapped per-pixel....and only the doors were pretty right. Nothing much in the 'windows' or nose opening were done, and the biggest issue was the 4 times too big bumps that made the model/plane look small...like an Airfix kit.

So ... I redid all the linework as a single pixel at 4096 .... chasing the seams in the model map. 2 weeks later I'm just about done with the fuselage...and better part of 2 days got the rudder openings to make sense...dealing with a right...a reflected left....and a 90% shrunk inner.
The main, and the bumps are currently 36 layers...so eventually I'll upload the kit for others to mess with...

I like working with models that have 'everything' on one bitmap ....so there's less chasing between pieces. This one's mostly OK, though I haven't even begun to look at the wings yet on separate bitmaps.

At the scale I'm painting you can read the phone number and email addy for 'International Cargo Transporter' [I have an urge to paint one green and put the number '2' on it .... "international Rescue" ...


Next step is mapping seams on the tailplane surfaces and working out what 'scale' they were mapped to the image at ....looks like they were scaled down too...

[Jafo]

Here's the Kit in progress. I work in PSP 6 as I've used it for so long it's second nature.... and it can save-as in psd to keep PS users happy...


One of the first things I did was rig up some smoke effects to engine N1 and vapour trails to wingtips and rudders ...

[Seahawk72s]

Thanks for your efforts and describing the process.
This aircraft has a lot going for it internally and with the different animations.
Upping the realism on the surface textures is just the enhancement she needs.

[Jafo]

Getting the bumps to behave....got some lines on the tail ....lots more to do...

[tommieboy]

Tommy

[Jafo]

OK...so I finally got the hang of the fuse....the bitmap and its alpha....and the bumps and its alpha....and the spec....and its alpha....and the 'light'....and its alpha.
Now all I need to do is the same again....with the wings.
That means I've done 4 bitmaps.....only 6 more to go.....yay.....