First Look...

In my attemps to create a more detailed P-51D, what you see here is a sneak peak. I've been working on it since the simulation's initial release....even before the template was released.

I've become satisfied enough so far to finally post a screenshot. It features all new panel lines and rivets placed in more accurate areas....given the location of a few bits mis placed. It will also include new repaints of the "mechanical" workings.

Right now I'm on a long haul working with the metal finish. It really is no easy task, and I hope I can find a happy medium. :book:

Just WOW. Excellent.

Thanks Tommy :)

yep looking good so far !

WOW!

Thanks guys, :thumbup: The metal finish looks so much better at around 1900hrs. I've adjusted the SPEC files some more.

You can also see the detail on the rest of the aircraft. I know on this polished livary, rivets and some panel lines should be very hard to see. It's only visible until I actually make a livary.

Very impressive, Rudel! I'm looking forward to seeing what livery you decide to pick for your first P-51 skin with your new template. I'm interested to see how you have dealt with the bump maps, also.

Normal maps, Rock. Those are normal maps.

By definition: 'In 3D computer graphics, normal mapping, or "Dot3 bump mapping", is a technique used for faking the lighting of bumps and dents.'

So thank you, Oh great one. Thank you.

Excellent Rudel!

a technique.

What I'm trying to tell you is that what Rudel has applied to the model is a normal map, so that's what they will look like. DCS uses normal maps, as far as I know that's the correct term.

Thanks for the great response gents. What you see is all of my new texture layers in use.

In these screenshots, I forgot to add a few lines in the Description file for the Bort numbers. That is why there is an inconsistency in the bump (NMp / Normal Map) files. You can see where the Bort numbers go if you look closely. Where they go, the default NMp file was called on instead of my new one. Adding the new lines fixed that.

Here's a quick glimps at the wheel bay. It's a start, and can't really do anything about the small pipes being under the framework. But it still looks nice!

Since we're still in beta, and if the poly limit is not close, I hope the area is beefed up in detail. Including actuators and levers at most. Wires can be painted.

Some progress working with the framework detail :) I would like to mention that with the multitude of P-51D pictures of the wheel wells, that the hydraulic plumbing and wires will never be accurate enough.

Congratulations! A very high level job! It 's really nice!

Thank you Markindel!

Until the next patch, I'm moving on to the aileron & flap housings. Just about finished!

It's been a few weeks since my last update. A lot has changed! The wings' NMp, SPEC, and DIF are finished, and I'm just getting ready to finish the front fuselage files. Soon I can begin on the tail section.

I'd like to think that the current screenies are before putty and filled seams on the wings. :book:

I ramped up the detail with:

• The oil cooler / heat exchanger inlets and outlets.
  
• Bomb / Rocket pylons.
  
• .50 Call shell shoots.
  
• Wheel, Canopy frame, and the camera!
  

Stunning work Rudel, truly great work, my friend!

Excellent my friend looking forward to the final..release..:thumbup:

Does anyone know if there's any chance of this work being incorporated into the sim by default? Even in an unfinished state, it seems that this is much closer to "the DCS standard" than the default skins are.

Thanks gentlemen!

Echo38, It really has crossed my mind to ask Wags to include my work in the final release, but then it will require to change all the P-51 Liveries :fear:

I've been working on this since the first day of release. The list below are textures I still need to start updating. So just imagine how much longer it will take. :crazy:

It really has crossed my mind to ask Wags to include my work in the final release, but then it will require to change all the P-51 Liveries

I understand that it would be a big project (probably a job for more than one person), but it seems to me that the visibly higher level of fidelity would be worth it. I never would have considered the default skins to be bad, but after seeing how much more detailed this work is, the default ones look a bit unfinished.

I haven't forgotten gents! I've been caught up with another cold war project for DCS.

But I left off with working on the tail section. Panel lines and rivets are pretty much done. Since the 3d artist most likely will not fix the horz. stab's actuators, I dont have to change what I made so far.

Can u make a version with only one radio mast?

Can u make a version with only one radio mast?

That'd be a 3D-modelling job and not a skinning job.