Dirty WIndows

[FSXaddict]

I have seen very few posts about this topic, and each post does not exactly specify the answers I have been looking for. So with hope, I wanted to ask if anyone with knowledge would be willing to give a detailed tutorial on how to create realistic windows, specifically adding dirt, smears, etc.

I would especially appreciate a step-by-step tutorial.

I have a high definition freeware addon vc for the Carenado Mooney (FSX version, and you can find here for reference:FTX), and I want to recreate this for the Aerosoft Twin Otter windows. If anyone knows how to do this, or could point me to a step-by-step tutorial, I would be indebted to you for you help.

Regards.

[FSXaddict]

No one knows??

[adlabs6]

Hi,

Are you wanting these effects on the VC windows? I have some payware with these effects, or simulations of reflections of the cockpit on the glass. In my texture edits in FS2004, I never did window changes that I can recall.

I don't have FSX, but I can give you some pointers to if you want to sleuth out this project on your own.

Firstly, you need to determine if the model actually has 3d modeled windows, actual polygonal models. You can figure this out be seeing that the world outside is slightly tinted through the windows, while through an open door, there is no tinting. Most models have this.

Second, if there are 3d modeled windows, determine if they are UV mapped to accept a texture. You can tell this easily if there are 'faked' reflections painted on them, or some tinting near the edges.

If the answers above are yes, then you have some hope of experimenting with these effects. Navigate to the aircraft directory which contains the various texture files for the aircraft model in question. You can often guess something about each file from it's name, but using DXTBmp to view the contents of each file will show you for certain. Make backups of any files you may edit, and store them in a safe place!

Locate which file(s) contain the mapped area for the VC windows, make a backup copy, and from there you can follow any sort of tutorials for working with FS textures, and creating dirt or weathering effects.

I hope this is enough to get you started. It's really the same approach I used when I had a texturing idea in FS2004. Some of the freeware models I had were created with 3d windows, but they were not UV mapped (at least not that I could find) so these kinds of effects weren't possible. But with later and higher quality models, there is a good chance of finding what you need.

[FSXaddict]

Thanks for the info. You got me on the right track. Seems these windows are the more challenging portion of painting so far.