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Hi, Newbie here, trying to figure out how to put my custom paint scheme on existing locos and cars. I grabbed a BMP file from the SD-40-2 that comes with MSTS and repainted it using my 2D paint app. Now I need to (I guess the word is) skin the SD-40-2 model with my paint scheme. I've spent alot of time trying to figure out how to do this, but no luck so far. As hard as it is for this male to ask directions , I'm asking...could someone please point me in the right direction?Thank you so much, and please forgive my ignorance. Looking at the online cars and locos ya'll have done, there is some excellent work out there!!Dan Parent
RE: Changing the paint scheme on an existing loco, jklein, Oct-23-03, 04:54 PM, (1) RE: Changing the paint scheme on an existing loco, controll, Oct-23-03, 05:45 PM, (2) RE: Changing the paint scheme on an existing loco, dtscommish, Oct-30-03, 01:04 AM, (3) RE: Changing the paint scheme on an existing loco, trainbrain, Nov-12-03, 03:18 AM, (4) RE: Changing the paint scheme on an existing loco, controll, Dec-19-03, 08:12 PM, (5) RE: Changing the paint scheme on an existing loco, trainbrain, Dec-20-03, 00:49 AM, (6)
A good starting point would be to read this post: http://www.train-sim.com/dcforum/DCForumID8/5046.htmlYou can't paint right on the bmp. First you need to convert the .ace file to a bmp, paint it, convert it back to an .ace file. You need TGATool for this.Until you get TGATool you won't be able to paint. I may be wrong but that is my understanding.You can also read this page: http://www.uktrainsim.com/index.php?form_reader=texturing1
Here is a tutorial I wrote...... Simple Repainting Tutorial 1. Choose a unit to repaint and create a new directory named for it under MSTS/Trains/Trainset/mymodelname(Example : MSTS/Trains/Trainset/U50B_BN5950)2. Copy all files from the original models directory to your newly created directory(Example : the *.eng , *.sd, *.s files and all ACE files)3. Obtain a copy of TGATool2 from http://www.mnwright.btinternet.co.uk/train/tgatool2.htm4. Obtain a graphics program like Photo Impact or Paint Shop Pro or Adobe Photoshop others are out there some require payment.5. Use TGATool2 to open the ACE files for your model and under the Image heading send them to your graphics software…..6. Then create a new file sized 512x512 pixels and copy the TGATool file onto this new file and save it as something you’ll remember for a backup and for use as you repaint the unit. (do this for each ACE file that your model uses….except the transparency file)7. My technique is to change the newly saved file into a grayscale image so that application of colors can begin without underlying color problems. (usually formatting the image to a specific data type is required to get it into a greyscale image)8. After you have the greyscale image ….save it as another file named “myunit_greyscale.bmp” so that you’ll have a copy to refer to as you progress.9. Alter the brightness and contrast of the greyscale image to even out the tone of the grey BMP….so there are no sharp contrasts between sections.10. Then use the selection tool in the graphics program to select an area of the greyscale image and use the color balance option to change the colors to your liking…to match the new units colors….you will need to do this across the whole greyscale image to get the desired effect….do it a section at a time.11. After you paint the greyscale image and are satisfied with your work ….copy it to the TGATool image and then save it……go back to TGATool2 and you should see your newly painted file in the window….then wxport the ACE file to your new models directory…..and save the file also as a TGA or BMP image (BMP for normal paint and TGA for transparencies) (Transparencies are for wheels and handles or windows, things that are see thru.) NOTE : do not save the colored greyscale image or it will ruin your template.12. As you progress, start MSTS and check your work in the sim to see what needs fixing and what colors show up where…..this way you don’t spend a lot of time trying to paint and then end up with a screwed up model. The files that help MSTS know which model is which need to be altered so that the sim will know your new model….. If your model is a BN SD40-2 #5450 then the wag, eng, s files all need the same name like : BNsd4025450.sd, BNsd4025450.eng, and BNsd4025450.s…..also the eng file and wag file need to be edited with notepad or wordpad to find the references to your old model and point them to the new model……the SD file has one reference to the model on the first line after the header…..and the eng file has 4 or 5 references to the model on various lines that need to reference the file name above….so in the eng file if it says WAGON ( GP38 ) then change it to say WAGON ( BNsd4025450 ) you’ll see the lines that need fixing, the sound lines and cabview line reference a model but they can stay the same as long as you copy the Cabview and Sound folders from the original to the new directory.13. Once you get all the painting done you can use MSTS to take some in game screen shots and upload them to Train-sim.com for all to see….Rick
Thank you for the info. It was very helpful. I guess I could have used the search function to find an answer, but as a newbie, I didn't realize that was there (silly me!). Anyway, I am nearly done my first attempt at a repaint and am finding it a very rewarding part of this hobby. Thanks again!Dan
Help me out if you can. I am trying to re-number a unit. Specifically MILW F7 113A to 83A. I have converted the ace files to bmp's, changed the number on the number boards, and also the sides and rear of the unit. The NB's are on a separate ace file from the main ace. I had no problem whith the boards but I cannot get the main ace file to change. Did I miss something somewhere along the line? Any help would be greatly appreciated.Thanks, GregHappy Railroading, Greg
Did you follow the instructions above exactly? most likely the cause is not having the new ENG WAG or S file named correctly for the new unit to appear.....check each of the lines in those files to make sure they point to your new files.....see if that is ok and get back to me.Rick