Since there are a number of people who have started reskinning, etc and are in need of information on where to get the tools, etc, I dug out some of my links and short tutorial txt files that are from forum posts. I take no credit for any of these. I wish I knew who two of the authors were, if you know post and let me know so I can put it in the txt file I have on desktop.
Tools
*****TGATool2 http://www.mnwright.btinternet.co.uk/index.htm
Makeace http://www.train-sim.com/login.htm ---file library
Conbuilder http://www.geocities.com/conbuilder
http://www.uncertaindesign.com/trainsimmirrors/conbuilder/PSP: http://www.jasc.com
Photoshop: http://www.adobe.comPainting Tutorial: http://www.train-sim.com/login.htm --search for Rick Lamp in the file libaryIn regards to translucent windows transparencies and gloss, here are three forum posts--The first I didnt get the author of, whomever did it, should be noted.
Translucent Windows:(Courtesy: Author unknown forum member's post)Its actually stupidly easy
in PSP. Here's the basic procedure:Before you begin, make sure that the texture file is saved in .TGA. One other suggestion is to change the colour of the transparent backgrounds (the transparent background has the checkerboard design). Its really hard to cut out the windows when the background and transparent background is white!).To change this colour, go to FILE -> PREFERENCES -> GENERAL PROGRAM
PREFERENCES. Go to the transparency tab, and change it to a different
colour (Red works pretty good for me).Once you load up the file with the windows you want to cut out, do this:1) On the MASKS menu, select NEW -> SHOW ALL. Nothing appears to happen, which is correct.2) On the MASKS menu, select EDIT. You will see the palette on the right change to shades of grey. The way that the colours work is the closer to black you select on the palette, the more translucent they become. At the extreme ends of the scale, black will be completely open (as if there wasn't a pane of glass present), while completely white is opaque (You can't see through it).3) With the colour selected, use your paintbrush to remove the areas where the windows belong. One thing I found is that when you use the colours to paint, they don't actually show up on the places where the windows belong.
So if you take black and paint, then you take white and paint, you will notice that they don't appear, but rather shades of the background represent the colours. It sounds confusing, but try it out and you'll see what I mean.4) When you have finished punching out the windows, from the MASK menu
select SAVE TO ALPHA CHANNEL. Give the new alpha channel a name, and you're done! One thing to keep in mind is that you can only have one alpha channel per texture file.Transparent Windows:
Courtesy: Hannibal Brakeman's board post
Hi - if you want to create new or use the same Alpha Channel, there is a freeware program called "Project Dogwaffle" which is really easy to use. Get it at: http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Ridge/7251/cyberop.htm Once you have it - here's a brief tutorial I've made for you.
Alpha Channel Files - Maintaining them while editing using Dogwaffle
1. Run TGA Tools (you've really got to buy this - but it's cheap!)
From the TrainSets directory, find the .ace file you wish to edit
- Export this file as a .bmp to Temp Directory and rename (origName1.bmp)
- Export the .ace file as a .tga file to the Original Directory (origName.tga)
- Exit TGA Tools
2. Run any suitable Paint program
- Open .bmp file (origName1.bmp) from Temp Directory
- Make your editorial/graphic adjustments any way you like and save (origName1.bmp)
- Exit your Paint Program
3. Run any conversion utility
- Convert origName2.bmp to Targa file (origName2.tga)
- Exit conversion utility
4. Run Dogwaffle
- Open origName2.tga
- Press ctrl C; to copy total file to buffer
- Open origName.tga (from original Directory)
- Position “window” and click on screen to paste
- Save as origName.tga - 32bit alpha
- Exit Dogwaffle
5. Load TGA Tools
- Load origName.tga
- Export as .ace (alpha) to replace original (origName.ace) file
6. Run MS Train Sim and verify that the new skin is correct before deleting the Temp Directory.Hope this helps,Hannibal
Gloss:
Courtesy: Author unknown forum member's postOne of the easiest methods is to use layers, and set transparency on them for the reflected parts:1) Add a layer to your locomotive skin file2) Ensure you save the file with the *.psp extension for later editing3) Find a nice photo of a landscape...Generally one that's clear, and that the horizon is relatively straight4) Working with the new layer, use the crop tool to enclose an area of one of the panels as seen below the layer you're working on5) Copy the photo into the selected area6) Repeat for all or some of the panels as desired7) Set the transparency of the new layer to 10 or 20% (I use 8%), or until you get the results you like8) Select "Save Copy As..." from the PSP file dropdown to a new BMP or TGA fileThose are the basics, and keeps the original work free from defects when applying effects
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed."
--Albert Einstein
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Pete Willard