Template repository?

[DDawg]

I don't know if this has been mentioned before, But I was wondering if there has been a painters forum where they might place Layer'd Templates for the various plane and copters? this would be very useful for painting from a "clean slate" ...

I know some of you must have created templates from your renderings ...

I am sure there would be a great interest in this if there was a centralized location for the more popular models.

 

[adrenoline 60]

I think this is what your looking for. It already exists, its called the TGA file.
All aircraft in RealFlight have them.

Check your PM
This is what a TGA file looks like, when imported into your graphics manipulation program.

 

[12oclockhigh]

I think that I can understand why you want a blank slate to paint on. That would require another file explaining what area was what. The way things are now, you can see what part it is by what is painted on it. You just paint over the existing surface. The way it is now is self documenting for the most part.

 

[BrokeDad]

If you need a program for editing the TGA file I recommend Gimp 2. I think it's the best free option. You can download it here:

https://www.gimp.org/downloads/

 

[DDawg]

I know how to paint, I can work in Paintshop Pro or, Photo Shop ... I am just older, rustier and have less time to spend ...


Here's a few examples of some I did for Rise of Flight ...

above: From my flyboys collection ... which is also missing since I shut down my website eons ago ...

And a rendition of the Ruston 1000th Sopwith Camel's paint Scheme

all done using multi-layer'd templates ...

all of which I cannot find my originals anymore ...
Circa 2009 time period, several computers, and hard-drives ago ...


So yes, I know how much labor intensive, it is to paint quality skins ...
And why I appreciate anyone, that takes the time to paint, or create anything, for anyone.

It is a labor of love.

I have created race tracks and Racecar skins, add in creating golf courses ...
so, this isn't new to me, I'm just a little out of practice ...


I was simply looking for a place where others shared their plane templates for RF ... That is all.

But, I do appreciate the links ...
Always room for improvement.
And always something new to learn ...


And Here is a repository of some layer'd templates, for these above planes - if you want to see what I am referring too ....

 

[BrokeDad]

Superb work there DDawg. I'm no where near that level. Maybe when I get old enough (still in my 50's).

 

[DDawg]

Superb work there DDawg. I'm no where near that level. Maybe when I get old enough (still in my 50's).

This is why I started the thread ...

anyone can paint nice skins with a proper layer'd template (once the master working in layers) ...
The hardest part is creating your own template, is creating a decent mask set, and to use layers efficiently ...
It takes time to create your own, but once you have a good template, painting a whole squadron of planes (of the same) is quick and easy.
I don't have the time to invest to spend on making a template, from a pre-painted plane by someone else ...
It's best to have a clean slate ... from the designer of the plane, and his fist initial rendering with the parts cleanly laid out.



I have found that now I only work about 8-12 hours per week ... (Compensated with free Golf - as often my body can handle it) I have less time to do all the things I did working 60 hours per week or more, then come home, work on my planes, play around with some games, go camping, go fishing, go motorcycle riding ... etc.

Now, if I do anything more than 2, or 3 hours ... I am laying down on the couch, and napping ...

I am not in bad shape physically ... I can still walk 18 holes ... but, I do use a push cart instead of carrying my clubs ...

The older I become, the more I hate the fact I am turning into my dad! But, I am stress free, do what I want, when I want for the most part ...

After all, I am still married ... And I am a lucky guy ...