Sli loco packs

[wwhall]

While I'm not a skilled repainter and not a model builder at all, here is what I do to support better models: I purchase payware that contains good quality models, e.g., TrainSimulations, BLW/ZT, TigerTrains, etc., etc. In numerous cases, I have bought payware models from, say, SLI/TS of a livery that I may not even run very often just because I know that there will be freeware repaints out there that use that model. And, yes, there is older stuff out there that is pretty high quality and I still use and enjoy that. I also applaud modelers like North American V-scale that are producing high-quality blanks for reskinners.

I will close with a suggestion: one thing that I find sad is that there is not a good way to contribute some money to talented freeware providers who do so much to provide content. Is that something that the Trainsim forum guys could figure out how to do via the "Store" part of the site? I know that most freeware providers don't make content to make a buck, but it would be nice to show some appreciation for their efforts in a way other than just a "thank you" on the forum.

[dfalshaw]

As I previously mentioned, I use blank textures as a starting point because I am not skilled enough to create my own repaints without them. If you are, great. I really admire Shawn K's work, and it gives me some hope to find someone that can create such good repaints prefers to start with greyscale blanks. I should post some of my attempts at greyscale textures here so you can all see how bad they are.

And to also repeat...if older lower quality models are a problem for you, then take the bull by the horns and take steps to make newer quality blank textures available.

[oper190]

So were Barney Rubble's. - I was always more a Barney guy.
And speaking of wheels I have more of an issue with off-center texturing of wheels, and I'm at fault with my own models for this with the hub of my wheels, when it's on a payware model. Freeware, just be thankful someone took the effort to make it and put it out there for others for FREE.

[CSRX]

I will close with a suggestion: one thing that I find sad is that there is not a good way to contribute some money to talented freeware providers who do so much to provide content. Is that something that the Trainsim forum guys could figure out how to do via the "Store" part of the site? I know that most freeware providers don't make content to make a buck, but it would be nice to show some appreciation for their efforts in a way other than just a "thank you" on the forum.

While I am not hard up for money, thanks to the railroad, I don't see a problem with taking donations for making up on my valuable time being used. Whether it is something done through here, or some other service that is trustworthy. However, it does become a sticky situation, if taking donations on say, repaints of payware products or repaints of someone else original freeware models.

I don't know, I am just glad I still have the ambition and patience to create repaints for the community to enjoy, whether they want it or not. The amount of times I have wanted to simply wash my hands of it and walk away is unreal. I have definitely slowed down a lot on my releases, but I also aim to try for larger packs, such as my container packs, or the entire NB&M SD70M-2 fleet..

I say that though, as I have simply walked away from the Xbox gaming as a result of sticking to this..

[eric]

Taking donations on behalf of others gets tricky, but I wouldn't be against people posting PayPal donation buttons that go to their own accounts.

[yellowdog]

I'm not sure that working without a blank is related to talent. Just more of a mindset? I mean, I still have to apply whatever paint I'm applying, regardless of the original canvas. Or maybe I've just crossed into old curmudgeon territory: back in my day we were just happy to be able to have textures

[yellowdog]

Taking donations on behalf of others gets tricky, but I wouldn't be against people posting PayPal donation buttons that go to their own accounts.

I'm not really in favor of this idea in general. But I suppose if someone is interested in donations, they could put a PayPal reference in their upload Readme?

[yellowdog]

As far as outdated models go (especially non-round wheels), anybody can "replace" those with a newer version, utilizing the method described here in post #4:

https://www.trainsim.com/forums/foru...-an-sli-gp38-2


This involves blending 2 models into 1 by modifying the prim states and adding alpha channels in the texture files. This essentially creates a FA, which can be added via the .eng file. In other words, you change the prim states and alpha out the wheels/trucks on one model, then change the prim states and alpha out everything BUT the wheels/trucks on another model, then blend them together via the use of FA in the .eng file. You don't have to have any repainting skills (other than modifying the alpha channels), but you do need to have some skill with modifying .s files. Which if you're using these old models, you probably have. I haven't really found the motivation or need to do this with older models, but used this technique on several repaints I did of Tyler Bundy's SD40 models to get the precise details I needed. Take CSX 4600 as an example, where I used 3 different models to get the details I wanted. 2 of the models were Tyler's IC SD40 variants, and 1 was a Danny Beck SD40-2 variant (just for the air hose).



Edit:
Loads/runs in the sim just fine

[CSXT Q-317]

Years ago, 2009 or so I dived into repaints a bit. Here are a few examples using what most calls "Flintstone Wheels". I would also say that the easiest things to create blanks on are the simple paint schemes. The OSRR 2009 unit I blanked myself. Again, I will say the simplest scheme is always easy to blank. I would use the clone tool to go over the logos before I even entertained anything else. Although I have considered reviving that fictional B&O C40-8... I still like that one that much.