Hurricane
- Thread starter NickB
- Start date
While developers have the know how to build beautiful models, some of them will admit that they hate mapping textures and in the process produce poorly mapped models. It's not so much that the paint kit is bad, but rather that the original mapping was poorly conceived and poorly executed.
I agree with all said. I can see a situation where something may not get mapped as an over sight.
Curiosity makes me ask, by chance have you created a layer that is a solid color, above everything to see if the area may have been mapped, although one bit of mesh "stacked" over (or mixed in) another bit of mesh? I can see (and have fixed) this happening on templates.
Once you find the area is painted, you may have to walk through the template parts one by one with colors or numbers. My method is a lot of work, but it does help if you're determined.
Concerning the different sizes of identical (or opposite) areas, re-scale them to make them the same to your likings. Just a suggestion.
Curiosity makes me ask, by chance have you created a layer that is a solid color, above everything to see if the area may have been mapped, although one bit of mesh "stacked" over (or mixed in) another bit of mesh? I can see (and have fixed) this happening on templates.
Once you find the area is painted, you may have to walk through the template parts one by one with colors or numbers. My method is a lot of work, but it does help if you're determined.
Concerning the different sizes of identical (or opposite) areas, re-scale them to make them the same to your likings. Just a suggestion.
When I was developing the Seabee, I had a re-painter in the beta program specifically to give me feedback on the paint kit. I know that re-paints are a big part of sales, and that if someone did re-paints, it means more marketing and sales. Its not an area that can be ignored by dev's, so I warn anyone that wants to be lazy with paint kits.
I very much agree, Kevin. A Repainter in the early stages prior to release play a very important "key role" to the friendly-ness for the end user. Especially for someone who enjoys painting models. Not only are they making the model easier to paint, they are also finding (and relaying to the creator) of deficiencies that need to be addressed.
Flipped normals or an inverted poly, a gap, etc. I see it in many times even from the best developers.
Flipped normals or an inverted poly, a gap, etc. I see it in many times even from the best developers.
If a developer merely imagines the flak resulting from a rotten paint kit he (or she?) might pay more attention to the job. It's not as if the tools to produce one are lacking, and it's not so hard to produce a layer labelling which bits of the mapping belong where.
Agreed, Tom.
Something as simple as a "text/info" layer that identifies parts (or groups of) takes a minute amount of time on the developer and beta painters part, and communicating. When they transfer the mesh to the template. Some (a lot!) simply do not care.
(Added) The parts ID was obviously traced to make the repaints that are/were released when it made consumer status. I see no need to be put through having to re-trace the steps aside from utter laziness on the developers end. (End Added)
If I am considering a model purchase, I've learned to critique (not count rivets) every part. Including "user friendly" templates
Something as simple as a "text/info" layer that identifies parts (or groups of) takes a minute amount of time on the developer and beta painters part, and communicating. When they transfer the mesh to the template. Some (a lot!) simply do not care.
(Added) The parts ID was obviously traced to make the repaints that are/were released when it made consumer status. I see no need to be put through having to re-trace the steps aside from utter laziness on the developers end. (End Added)
If I am considering a model purchase, I've learned to critique (not count rivets) every part. Including "user friendly" templates
Despite the problems, your paintwork looks very nice.
The model is hard to repaint because there is so much detail in the actual model that the textures "hop, crop and stretch". Also the lay out can be called "unconventional". Nevertheless I think is is the best looking Hurricane around and especially the VC is very good.
Cheers,
Huub
The model is hard to repaint because there is so much detail in the actual model that the textures "hop, crop and stretch". Also the lay out can be called "unconventional". Nevertheless I think is is the best looking Hurricane around and especially the VC is very good.
Cheers,
Huub
NickB
Charter Member
Thanks Huub. This is my favourite model at the moment. I think it captures the rugged strength of the Hurricane very well. I have no idea how accurate it actually is but I like the way it looks and flies. I re-drew all the panel lines sometime ago and did a 302 Sqn paint which I didn't quite finish but was inspired to finish this 402 Sqn one after seeing a certain Norwegian one
recently uploaded.
In general I think FSX models are primarily made to fly and not just to repaint them. So I can understand why designers do not consider the repaint friendliness as their top priority when creating a model. However I believe that repaints contribute to the success of a model.
Here is my attempt to repaint the JF Hurricane.....
(still work in progress.....)
Here is my attempt to repaint the JF Hurricane.....
(still work in progress.....)
Nice work Huub!
Cees
Cees
bazzar
Charter Member 2018
Merry Christmas everybody.
Nice scheme Huub.
I have to say I take a small offence at being called "lazy"!
I think 55 productions in 9 years could hardly be called lazy?!
This hobby evolves. It now seems paintkits drive sales (personally I don't believe this much as I don't see all that many paints from the general market for any add-on. A handful of enthusiastic re-skinners unfortunately does not make a huge difference to sales.
These days, unless the add-on has "deep systems", 100% functionality in everything in the cockpit, photographic textures and more, it will not satisfy. Shame really, speaking entirely personally, I don't have the patience to wait years for a product. I'd rather build something that is honest in quality and features, get it to market in a timely manner and move on.
All this extra work costs time which equals money. Most devs will not receive any more for their labours so such feature creep reduces the dev's earnings.
Anyway enough of that. Have a great break, enjoy the Hurri for what it is and we'll see you with some surprises in the new year.
Nice scheme Huub.
I have to say I take a small offence at being called "lazy"!
I think 55 productions in 9 years could hardly be called lazy?!
This hobby evolves. It now seems paintkits drive sales (personally I don't believe this much as I don't see all that many paints from the general market for any add-on. A handful of enthusiastic re-skinners unfortunately does not make a huge difference to sales.
These days, unless the add-on has "deep systems", 100% functionality in everything in the cockpit, photographic textures and more, it will not satisfy. Shame really, speaking entirely personally, I don't have the patience to wait years for a product. I'd rather build something that is honest in quality and features, get it to market in a timely manner and move on.
All this extra work costs time which equals money. Most devs will not receive any more for their labours so such feature creep reduces the dev's earnings.
Anyway enough of that. Have a great break, enjoy the Hurri for what it is and we'll see you with some surprises in the new year.
Dumonceau
Banned
In general I think FSX models are primarily made to fly and not just to repaint them. So I can understand why designers do not consider the repaint friendliness as their top priority when creating a model. However I believe that repaints contribute to the success of a model.
Here is my attempt to repaint the JF Hurricane.....
(still work in progress.....)
Now that is magnificent! You got me drooling over my keyboard here!
Cheers,
Johan
Not completely true. On the 2nd of March 1940 3 Belgian Hurricanes intercepted a German Do.17 which was flying over (still) neutral Belgium. And there is a record which states the Hurricane H-23 got damaged when it intercepted some He111 on the 10th of May 1940.
Bazz, I don't think the "handful of enthusiastic re-skinners" make the real difference in sales, but the people who decide to purchase after they have seen one of their favourite models in their favourite livery. Posting images of re-skinned models is free advertising for the model.
Cheers,
Huub
Bazz, I don't think the "handful of enthusiastic re-skinners" make the real difference in sales, but the people who decide to purchase after they have seen one of their favourite models in their favourite livery. Posting images of re-skinned models is free advertising for the model.
Cheers,
Huub
bazzar
Charter Member 2018
Oh I understand the value of these kinds of images and activity Huub and grateful for them too. Sometimes a mapping method may very well be difficult to follow but then it would have been done to help speed development and get the product out quicker. There are so many variables. Some like lots of weather and scratches, others don't Some people have the skills to start with a "bare"canvas, others don't. We generally produce what we believe to be a good cross-section of models and liveries/schemes to satisfy most people "out-of-the box". Amending existing textures to carry different codes or adding a bit of noseart or other markings is usually simple stuff to regular painters like you!