Proposal for career mode community skin pack

[migmadmarine]

So, now that we have the beginning of the tactical code decaling system, I would like to propose we start working on generic squadron skins to be used with career mode. According to VikS, there is nothing preventing career mode skin implementation of a similar method to RoF, but of course we need to have the skins made. I've got some prepared already that I made for Pat to use, but there are loads more that need making. So, anyone else is game to make some skins with generic squadron colors, lacking squadron codes, hopefully down the road we can see these used in career mode with dynamic coding applied. I've taken to putting a serial number ending in 000 on american aircraft, as the tail looks naked with out them. Hopefully one day the decal system can be extended to create random serial numbers, but I think this is the best solution. 

Edited April 24, 2021 by migmadmarine

[Ram399]

I've been making generic skins for personal use in my career modes for around two years now.
I generally do them with ID numbers and personalization like kill marks already included but I could pretty easily wipe those layers on a few sets if there's interest.

A 3-Staffel set I did for my Kuban JG-52 Career:

Spoiler

 

[migmadmarine]

When the tack symbols come for German aircraft they should  cover the chevrons, staffed bars etc, so probably only the unit badge, fusalage bands etc. If these are to be officially supported they likely need the fauxenkreuz, so perhaps prepare two versions of each?

[co199]

As I mentioned in the other thread, I've done generics for the 36th fighter group P-47s, and and the 474th FS, 429th FG P-38s (though that's not a PWCG squadron.) I was actually just going to kind of go down the list and make skins for the fighter groups since Pat doesn't list specific squadrons. I think that gives some leeway if people want to make skins for the same FG. All my stuff is available in my thread or on HSD. 

 

I'm just making generic squadron skins with no markings in anticipation of the marking system being expanded.

 

 

 

 

 

[migmadmarine]

To my understanding of the tactical lettering system, it sounds like we probably aren't going to get anything beyond the squadron lettering. I still hope for randomized serials one day, but won't hold my breath. I would not expect things like unit badges and the like, so we should expect to have to handle those as a part of the skins. I further propose the that we put the "generic serial numbers" [eg 478000] on until such time as random ones are confirmed to be possible. I'm pretty sure that the marking system can't handle multicolor decals, so assume simple. 

 

 

Secondarily, for the sake of sanity, use of a standardized file name format would likely be best, similar to what had been done for the Flying Circus skins would be prudent, perhaps along the lines of [Aircraft type, service, unit], for example "P-51 USAAF 328FS 352FG.DDS" For axis aircraft, provide two options with and without the hackenkreuz. Keep the same name for both, just add an H to the end of the file name, so that users can elect to use the historical versions if desired. 

 

 

 

I also made a number of generic skins I submitted to pat, so I have a chunk of P-47 squadrons done and should be able to finish up the mustangs in an afternoon. Think you could tackle more of the 38s co199?

Edited April 27, 2021 by migmadmarine

[migmadmarine]

All right, so I have all six of the P-51 skins finished, will get them uploaded soon: 

[MarcoPegase44]

Generic IL2 M42 and Spitfire MkXIV for career mode and soviet C47 .

Below;

 

 

 

 

[migmadmarine]

Look very well made. Did the RAF paint squadron badges on their aircraft consistently, or was unit distinction purely through the fuselage codes?

[MarcoPegase44]

16 minutes ago, migmadmarine said:

Look very well made. Did the RAF paint squadron badges on their aircraft consistently, or was unit distinction purely through the fuselage codes?

The RAF planes were very sober. in particular the 2nd TAF in europe.

The traditional badges were not painted on the planes, only the codes identified the squadrons during the war.

From time to time a small baptismal name ...

All squadron badges on tail or colored propeller spinner were painted after the Armistice.

It is well explained in the book of the 2nd TAF of C Shore volume 4.

Nothing to do with the US planes which had noses or tail units painted with colored patterns.

Ditto for the Russians until the end of 1943 who only had numbers most of the time.

[co199]

11 hours ago, migmadmarine said:

Think you could tackle more of the 38s co199?

 

Sure, I like doing the 38s. Any specifically you want me to focus on, or is just ETO-based 38s good enough?

[migmadmarine]

We'll need the ones covered by career mode, so the 401st, 402nd and 481st of the 370th fighter group, and the 428, 429, 430th of the 474th fighter group. 

9 hours ago, MarcoPegase44 said:

The RAF planes were very sober. in particular the 2nd TAF in europe.

The traditional badges were not painted on the planes, only the codes identified the squadrons during the war.

Sounds like the RAF/Commonwealth will be covered pretty well by default then. Were there any free French units operating with french roundels, or were they flying with british colors?

[co199]

Got it! I believe the 430th is covered by a default skin, but in any case, I have a book about the 370th coming in the mail, so I'll start working on them!

[MarcoPegase44]

49 minutes ago, migmadmarine said:

We'll need the ones covered by career mode, so the 401st, 402nd and 481st of the 370th fighter group, and the 428, 429, 430th of the 474th fighter group. 

Sounds like the RAF/Commonwealth will be covered pretty well by default then. Were there any free French units operating with french roundels, or were they flying with british colors?

French units flew under British cockades with a unit badge under the cockpit.

From the end of 1944, when the free French squadron flew from bases in northern France or Belgium, the British command of the 2nd TAf authorized French cockades to the same dimensions as English cockades.

 

Spitfire MkXVIe Free French 340 Sqn 1945 / Spitfire / Downloads - Axis and Allies Paintworks (axis-and-allies-paintworks.com)

 

 

 

26 minutes ago, co199 said:

Got it! I believe the 430th is covered by a default skin, but in any case, I have a book about the 370th coming in the mail, so I'll start working on them!

I am working on some Spitfire MkXIV skins for the 430 Sqn.

These skins are for my personal use but I can upload them with pleasure

Edited April 27, 2021 by MarcoPegase44

[co199]

18 minutes ago, MarcoPegase44 said:

I am working on some Spitfire MkXIV skins for the 430 Sqn

 

I meant the 430th Fighter Squadron (P-38), but you are welcome to add whatever you want.

[migmadmarine]

43 minutes ago, co199 said:

Got it! I believe the 430th is covered by a default skin, but in any case, I have a book about the 370th coming in the mail, so I'll start working on them!

Lovely, though even if there is a 430th default skin we will need a squadron generic version for that unit. Also, the 485th FS of the 370th FG is the unit covered by the "lightening strikes" campaign, so should be some good inspiration from the associated skin pack for that campaign. 

29 minutes ago, MarcoPegase44 said:

French units flew under British cockades with a unit badge under the cockpit.

From the end of 1944, when the free French squadron flew from bases in northern France or Belgium, the British command of the 2nd TAf authorized French cockades to the same dimensions as English cockades.

 

It lopoks like we have No.329, 341, and 345 squadrons for the Free French fighter units, as well as No342 with A20s, so these could use suitable generic skins.

 

@LukeFF Would there be a master list somewhere of all the squadrons covered by career mode, so we don't have to go clicking through the menus jotting down notes? 

[LukeFF]

20 minutes ago, migmadmarine said:

@LukeFF Would there be a master list somewhere of all the squadrons covered by career mode, so we don't have to go clicking through the menus jotting down notes? 

 

The best thing to do is to go into the XXSkins.cfg files, because those list all of the squadrons in the game and their associated skin assignments. So, 18Skins.cfg for instance covers all the skins for the Battle of Rhineland phase. Those files can be found in the Scripts.gtp file.

[MarcoPegase44]

28 minutes ago, migmadmarine said:

Lovely, though even if there is a 430th default skin we will need a squadron generic version for that unit. Also, the 485th FS of the 370th FG is the unit covered by the "lightening strikes" campaign, so should be some good inspiration from the associated skin pack for that campaign. 

It lopoks like we have No.329, 341, and 345 squadrons for the Free French fighter units, as well as No342 with A20s, so these could use suitable generic skins.

 

@LukeFF Would there be a master list somewhere of all the squadrons covered by career mode, so we don't have to go clicking through the menus jotting down notes? 

Excuse me..130 Sqn for Spit XIV

[co199]

2 hours ago, migmadmarine said:

Also, the 485th FS of the 370th FG is the unit covered by the "lightening strikes" campaign, so should be some good inspiration from the associated skin pack for that campaign.

 

There's some good info for the basic skins in that thread, so I should be able to put together generics for the 401st, 402nd, and 485th pretty easily. I'll do bare metal and OD, just to give folks options.

 

2 hours ago, LukeFF said:

The best thing to do is to go into the XXSkins.cfg files, because those list all of the squadrons in the game and their associated skin assignments. So, 18Skins.cfg for instance covers all the skins for the Battle of Rhineland phase. Those files can be found in the Scripts.gtp file.

 

Out of curiousity, is there a way to find out what squadrons fly what kind of missions? Assuming it's probably in the scripts.gtp file as well?

 

EDIT: Answered my own question, sure is in scripts.gtp.

Edited April 27, 2021 by co199

[migmadmarine]

Sounds good. Hopefully we will get some info on what aircraft/squadrons will also be available in the BoN career before too long, so we can start preparing earlier versions for that. 

[LukeFF]

4 hours ago, migmadmarine said:

Sounds good. Hopefully we will get some info on what aircraft/squadrons will also be available in the BoN career before too long, so we can start preparing earlier versions for that. 

 

Most of the squadrons that fly in the Rhineland campaign also fly over Normandy. Two of the new American fighter groups for Normandy will be the 354th and the 363rd.

[co199]

Here's a WIP for the 401st.

 

[migmadmarine]

3 hours ago, LukeFF said:

 

Most of the squadrons that fly in the Rhineland campaign also fly over Normandy. Two of the new American fighter groups for Normandy will be the 354th and the 363rd.

Might you know what B-26 groups will be added? 

[LukeFF]

On 4/27/2021 at 6:35 PM, migmadmarine said:

Might you know what B-26 groups will be added? 

 

It's planned to have the 323rd, 387th, 394th, and 397th.

[migmadmarine]

Good, will be handy to find references for them before the template comes out, thanks

[migmadmarine]

Here are the P-51s I have currently done. Working on P-47s right now. I'll start uploading these to the skin management tool soon, try to get a collection going on there for ease of use (this will be especially useful for the German skins, to cover the censored/historical options)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Agr24rxHPC18TGsvBBkRzqpWeGYcrr5q/view?usp=sharing

Edited May 4, 2021 by migmadmarine

[migmadmarine]

Right, been silence for a while, in part because I was installing a new CPU. I have all the P-47D-28 skins done, in D-Day, Mid/Late 44, and 45 variations. I'll probably go back and do pre-Day ones down the road. 

[Skycat1969]

I'd really like to have these P-47 skins ^^  Are they available?

[Vamandrac]

I would love to have the generic skins as well.

[migmadmarine]

Hey all, sorry to have not been posting in here for a while. I've finally got all the P-47-28 skins uploaded, link below. I'm going to work in the next couple week on getting them applied to the D-22 as well, and expand to cover the additional squadrons in Normandy. 

 

https://www.mediafire.com/file/cvxgemacmelro8p/P-47D-28_Career_mode_defaults.rar/file

[Ram399]

Over the past few months I've been progressively working on a large set of blank squadron skins for the VVS in Kuban and am now at a point that I'd say I feel they're good enough to share.

I haven't managed to cover every VVS unit but using what resources I could find I can confidently say that I have the correct ID band and tail markings for 27 fighter units, 8 ground attack units, and 10 bomber units.

Pic Related, a P-39 of the 11th GIAP VMF (please ignore the minor alpha issue, its since been fixed) and 2 Yak-7bs of the 15th IAP:

Spoiler

All of the skins include some minor paint scheme variations as well as being tactical code compatible.

At the moment I've created a very basic mod for myself to use them in vanilla career mode, but I can't help but feel they'd be better used if integrated here.
As such, should anyone be interested, here's a download:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11TcsYPWj80W8gCwlzWYHvptAeOrJ_jhX/view?usp=sharing

 

28 minutes ago, Ram399 said:

please ignore the minor alpha issue, its since been fixed

Upon further inspection I realized that I fixed the issue then uploaded the old versions.
Please see the following link for the actually fixed P-39s:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hsti9Vi2O4gYVKokS0gyTNsAibrMUkCU/view?usp=sharing

Edited November 11, 2022 by Ram399

[migmadmarine]

Great to see Ram, much appreciated. 

 

[migmadmarine]

All right folks, I finally have the full pack for the P-47 D28 and D22 for BOBP finished, available below. I also have all the ones for BON made, but need to do the file editing to get them to appear in career mode. 

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZkPwJqzsZZrAbJn8Li_B11b_OtdONwW2/view?usp=share_link

 

Here is the link to the modified career skins file, they are edits of the ones done by skycat in their thread over in the mods section. the one called "skins" goes inin data/scg/18, and the "18 skins" file in data/scg/scripts 

 

:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-DXWQRnxF1Jxae1j-F80sMgbT1-TbfcT/view?usp=share_link. 

Edited November 24, 2022 by migmadmarine

[migmadmarine]

And now, here is the collection of BON skins for the P-47D-22 and 28, and the files for them to appear in career mode. Bit less color variety than BoBP, but hey, great to have them.  

 

The skins: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-f0pGkviIOvNH6l8YI-Ca12QqUaRcJPg/view?usp=share_link

Edited December 1, 2022 by migmadmarine

[migmadmarine]

Hey @Ram399, taking a look at your Soviet skins now, look great all in all, but do you intend the metal to be so shiny on the La-5s?  They seems almost waxed and polished. Are you using gimp or photoshop? 

 

Edited November 26, 2022 by migmadmarine

[Ram399]

2 hours ago, migmadmarine said:

Are you using gimp or photoshop?

Gimp.

Generally speaking I didn't really mess with the alpha layers outside of the usual adjustments and used a sort of "one size fits all" for each aircraft type.
I do see what you mean on the La-5s for the cowling and the landing gear in particular however, I'll dial back the reflectivity on the metal portions a bit and reupload them.
(Some of the Yaks also appear a bit over-reflective so they'll probably be in there too)

In the meantime I've also been working on a couple sets for the Luftwaffe, primarily the Stukas and the Slovakian Staffel of JG 52 thus far (Pictured below is III./St.G2). 
I'll upload two versions of those with the real and fake hakenkreuz in a bit probably.
 

Spoiler

 

[migmadmarine]

1 hour ago, Ram399 said:

Gimp.

Generally speaking I didn't really mess with the alpha layers outside of the usual adjustments and used a sort of "one size fits all" for each aircraft type.
I do see what you mean on the La-5s for the cowling and the landing gear in particular however, I'll dial back the reflectivity on the metal portions a bit and reupload them.
(Some of the Yaks also appear a bit over-reflective so they'll probably be in there too)
 

  Reveal hidden contents

 

You're likely running into the same issue I do with gimp, where the output levels of the alpha are messed up in the initial conversion from photoshop format, so what I'd recommend doing to fix this is copy the alpha, paste it into a visible layer, right click, go to colors, levels then set the output minimum to 15 and maximum to 155, and that should dial everything back to a reasonable level. Then you just bring this in as a new alpha channel layer, and use that instead of the the default. 

 

Edited November 26, 2022 by migmadmarine

[migmadmarine]

Right, I now have a set of skins available for the P-51B/C and D15 in Normandy career. See my thread over in the mod section to get the updated config files to use them. 

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DyViObZe-GZ85if891qUE__lZOL4HIej/view?usp=share_link 

 

 

 

[MarcoPegase44]

On 11/26/2022 at 6:20 AM, Ram399 said:

Gimp.

Generally speaking I didn't really mess with the alpha layers outside of the usual adjustments and used a sort of "one size fits all" for each aircraft type.
I do see what you mean on the La-5s for the cowling and the landing gear in particular however, I'll dial back the reflectivity on the metal portions a bit and reupload them.
(Some of the Yaks also appear a bit over-reflective so they'll probably be in there too)

In the meantime I've also been working on a couple sets for the Luftwaffe, primarily the Stukas and the Slovakian Staffel of JG 52 thus far (Pictured below is III./St.G2). 
I'll upload two versions of those with the real and fake hakenkreuz in a bit probably.
 

  Reveal hidden contents

 

Hello,

I've made available my Alpha channel for the La5 here, if that helps with the the cowling and the landing gear.
There are quite a few for other planes here

If that can help you.

Edited December 1, 2022 by MarcoPegase44

[migmadmarine]

I've made the layers for a Faux F-6, and will be making a couple squadron variants to fill the "Fakesquadrons recon" role in BoBP career mode next. 

[migmadmarine]

I have now uploaded those, so check my and Skycat's threads over in the mods section for links.