F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

[fishlips]

That looks excellent mate. Keep up the good work

Actually Dan, it just goes to show how important textures are to an AI model of this type and why we put so much umth onto painters to deliver the model from purgatory. Developing a model is only part of the process, without the expertise of painters, FDE & xml developers these things are just ugly grey objects.
Thanks for your pat on the back, mate!

[nickblack423]

That looks excellent mate. Keep up the good work

Actually Dan, it just goes to show how important textures are to an AI model of this type and why we put so much umth onto painters to deliver the model from purgatory. Developing a model is only part of the process, without the expertise of painters, FDE & xml developers these things are just ugly grey objects.
Thanks for your pat on the back, mate!

Agree with that. In AI models you can cover up so many things and reveal so many other things that you would not need to model, with a good texture paintjob. And as has been said before and I reiterate, without the FDE these things would all be flying around with the default Learjet.AIR and that would be simply dull.

Nick

[fishlips]

I thought I better go and see what it actually look like FS9, starting to look sweet! Better than I first imagined
That will make me feel more assured about doing the A & C models after this one is out of the way.
How's the Nozzle coming along Kev!
Cheer's,

Looking for input so please join in if you'd like to share a comment or suggestion.

As well as FS9, I'll also be looking for someone to help me turn it into an FSX model for all to enjoy.

PS: Guy's when I say I'm on the lookout for someone to help turn my models to FSX, I'm refering to a person/s who use FSDS. I know JY is a talant in this field and I thank him for his earlier offering of assistance but G-max and FSDS differences get a bit confusing. Once I see how an FSDS conversation is done, I'll be away and flying.
Many thanks,
Mark

[fishlips]

Back to the cutting room again. Looks like it's going to take me a little while to work out the best way to map this model for painting. With so many zig-zag lines that run around hatches and doors, keeping the paintwork from bleeding is going to be a chore.
There goes a perfectly good test paint, lol.

I don't know about this but would it be acceptable to have two 1024p texture files. I say that only because a single texture file will most likely require me to reduce the wire model size hence reducing the quality of paintable zig-zag lines that make the model look so distictive.
Food for thought!

[Firebird]

Mark,
Whilst it is acceptable. It is not as desirable as a single bmp only due to fact that double the number of sheets will mean double the number of draw calls which will increase the graphic card work and lower the fps.

How much this will impact I couldn't really say, the only way to tell would be to test a flightline full of one and then the other and measure the difference.

[nickblack423]

Mark,
What you could do is put all the standard parts that don't change from model to model on a desperate texture and put that in the main FS Texture folder and then have all the customisable reprint parts on individual textures in your aircraft folder.

Nick

[fishlips]

I think I might get away with a sheet like this if I have enough room for all the parts. For now I have all the cut out parts still joined to the fuselage rather than texture each door and hatch separately with exception to the canopy frame.

Mapped Left, Right and underside of the forward fusleage.
Top and bottom of mid to rear fuselage section.

I still could have some minor alignment issues with the mapping. I suck at doing alignment, it takes me forever to get it right, if ever spot on.

Thank's guys for your input, still may need to consider those options.

[fishlips]

O'h bugger, this is going to take me some time to repaint this model again! Last time it wasn't saved in layers, typical pitfall for the layman painter like me.
This time I'll try to remember to put everything into layers, especially all those damn zig zag lines.
A few things had to be changed in any case as I had them slightly off, still it's going to be fun!
Just to think, both the A and C model are different mapping again, oooooh so much fun!

[fishlips]

Ok, its a long road back but it's getting there!

[nickblack423]

Looking great Mark. It's very annoying and frustrating when you find you have to start again on something but its so satisfying when it comes together

Nick

[fishlips]

Got it worked out I think. Just needed a screw driver and a big hammer! lol
Still a couple of little tiny tricky bits that won't play ball but they are 'I hope' in areas where a decale or fancy paint work won't intersect. Who knows what kind of paint job these things will get years from now.

Kev, if you see this, how's the nozzle coming along. I still need to fit it and make a flange to seal it smooth but need a sample to make it.
cheer's,
Mark

[Weescotty]

Done the first shorten, still think it needs the centre section shortened also.

NozzleNewLinked (2).zip

(224.46 KiB) Downloaded 40 times

XML

<part>
<name>hover_exhaust</name>
<animation>
<parameter>
<code>
(A:LIGHT NAV,bool)
if{ 100 } els{ 0 }
</code>
<lag>150</lag>
</parameter>
</animation>
</part>

Adjust lag (anim speed) to suit.

<part>
<name>exhaust nozzle</name>
<animation>
<parameter>
<code>
(A:LIGHT BEACON,bool)
if{ (A:VELOCITY BODY Z,knots) 100 < if{ 0 } els{ 15 } }
els{ 30 }
</code>
<lag>150</lag>
</parameter>
</animation>
</part>

Adjust 100 (speed for nozzle to cruise) and lag (anim speed)to suit.

[fishlips]

Thanks Kev, I'll install it ASAP.

The underside texture mapping all but complete for the base B model. I won't know if all the outlines are spot on until I start cuting out the hatches for animation. Looks good in a screenie!

[BadPvtDan]

That looks awesome.

[nickblack423]

Echo that. Really looking great Mark. Well done matey.

Nick

[fishlips]

Thanks guy's! I could do with some inspiration right about now
I'm really trying hard here guy's, I'm a little out of my depth with the painting but I'm working through it slowly.
Please keep in mind that this model will be a WIP. In saying that I mean the model will need to follow the real world model as Lockheed Martin makes changes to the final production model. Also if new plans come to hand like I'm trying to get hold of, I'll be quick to fully remodel it again with this one as a stand in.
3am here in Oz, I'm off to bed after speaking with the wife who is in the U.S, of all places.
Cheer's

PS: If you've seen something in these photos that look strange, please tell me now before its too late to fix it! Remember it's your model too.

[MIKE JG]

It certainly does look the business!

You've managed to capture the look of that stealthy skin quite well.

[fishlips]

Now for the top texture!

[fishlips]

I do believe it does look a little like the F-35B!

Still more textures to map. Tires would be good.
Next update should have rear engine nozzle fitted.

PS: These are FS9 1024 x 1024 pixel textures, wait to you see it in FSX where the textures can be 4096 x 4096 pixel. So smooth!

[lewis]

Looking really good Mark.