New ES44!!

[jp4712]

Well it's nice to see what you look like Michael, but if I were you I'd be really careful to blur out at least some of that personal info - I think an identity thief would be delighted with the gift you've just posted.

Paul

[roinuj]

I started working on a repaint to make it a CN unit, though we'll have to pretend its a DC unit. This (these) textures are an absolute pain to work with. Not sure If I'll even be able to finish this properly considering every little part on this thing is a poly (ie each louvre blade) which may not be able the painted properly. Also looks like the flag-logo is useless for any text based logo because its mirrored and child decals will have to be used. Looks like static numbers will be needed due to the placement of the back numbers as and the rear numbers will have to be done as a child decal as well. Anyways, a progress image so far. Weathering is going to be difficult. Any future updates will be posted as a WIP forum topic.



Ton of work still to be done. Think it may be easier to work with the original Kuji model...........

[BNSF650]

Looking good so far.

[hermit9153]

There's another 'small' issue; RSC didn't model a window in the nose entry door!
Guess I've got to fake it.....

[BNSFdude]

That's because there aren't windows anymore.

[BNSF650]

Why does RSC have to make stuff so hard to repaint.

[hermit9153]

That's because there aren't windows anymore.

Maybe not on the UP locos, if there ever were.
But, there're plenty of BNSF locos with the window, and then plenty with the door on the other side and then.....

[BNSFdude]

Perhaps they'll make a Standard version then, I don't know.

[august1929]

Why does RSC have to make stuff so hard to repaint.

Well as Derek has already said, it is the way the artist put the graphics together, and I don't suppose RSC are too concerned about the end user producing their own versions of their models.

In fact, they are pretty relaxed about it overall - those of you from MSTS backgrounds will possibly remember that Streamlines had a no repaint policy until about 3 years ago (you could repaint for your own use, but you couldn't distribute) - Diesels West currently has the same, but they will allow certain reskins to be released through their web site.

All in all, I reckon RSC could take a much harder stand if they wished to - as for providing templates - why should they?

Rod

[hermit1953]

First for soem good news; RW_tools has been updated to be able to open the 'new' RSC texture sheets with interpolated alphas and save them back again! A true shortcut...

Well as Derek has already said, it is the way the artist put the graphics together, and I don't suppose RSC are too concerned about the end user producing their own versions of their models.

In fact, they are pretty relaxed about it overall - those of you from MSTS backgrounds will possibly remember that Streamlines had a no repaint policy until about 3 years ago (you could repaint for your own use, but you couldn't distribute) - Diesels West currently has the same, but they will allow certain reskins to be released through their web site.

All in all, I reckon RSC could take a much harder stand if they wished to - as for providing templates - why should they?

Rod

[hermit1953]

First for soem good news; RW_tools has been updated to be able to open the 'new' RSC texture sheets with interpolated alphas and save them back again! A true shortcut...

Well as Derek has already said, it is the way the artist put the graphics together, and I don't suppose RSC are too concerned about the end user producing their own versions of their models.

In fact, they are pretty relaxed about it overall - those of you from MSTS backgrounds will possibly remember that Streamlines had a no repaint policy until about 3 years ago (you could repaint for your own use, but you couldn't distribute) - Diesels West currently has the same, but they will allow certain reskins to be released through their web site.

All in all, I reckon RSC could take a much harder stand if they wished to - as for providing templates - why should they?

Rod

EDIT: Hit the right button at the wrong moment, wasn't meant to

It's the prerogative of any artist to do as she/he pleases, right or wrong. But there are ways and ways! Like going from NY to LA in a straight line or via Miami... Diving deeper and deeper into the new texture sheet set-up I strongly suspect there is a particular purpose behind the architecture: make it near impossible for those goofs out there to produce repaints so we can cash in on any we (RSC) may or may not produce (most likely not, what do they care if someone wants an ES44 in NS livery, following your logic that is). I could go into great detail explaining why I come to that conclusion, but that would take too long. The experienced repainters amongst us will see why!

Any no-repaint policy is a demonstration of an almost pathological form of egocentrism. It's typical for individuals that are convinced only they can do best. And it's a perfect example of a extremely stupid business decision. You are simply cutting yourself off from a pool of potentially highly talented people that may serve your purpose in the future. And the proof is in the pudding, some of the best assets, routes, scenarios that RSC now offers as payware add-on or default content have been produced by people from outside the offices of RSC (apart from DP obviously).

Why make a repaint kit available? Because it simply sells the main product in larger volumes, thereby increasing the net takings and ROI! Ask any of the renowned producers of add-ons for MS FSX like PMDG, RealAir, Flight1, Aerosoft (also a producer of add-ons for RW, now so strong they could probably have RSC for breakfast and not need a toothpick afterwards), they'll all tell you the same story. The fact that people can do their own livery or have it done for them makes them want to buy the main product. Moreover, if someone else does the livery, at least they don't have to spend resources on it and if a repaint is up to standards, they'll gladly make it available own their website. It's again a matter of good, common business sense when or rather if maximizing your profits in the true meaning of the expression is the name of the game. period. What is better than having people wanting to buy your product by having others dangle out the carrot, for free?! Alas it's too late for the RW4 ES44, SW1500 and GP40, unless they start from scratch including the UV mapping...

However, I'm afraid that we're barking up the RSC tree to no avail. Let's face it, in spite of all the ranting about the true meaning of the EULA, they chose to remain completely silent. I regard that as a complete lack of respect! As the saying goes, nothing much grows in a desert (anyone can interpret that as they see fit)! Maybe if they turn the RW-core into public domain after they faded away...., or Aerosoft picks up the pieces?

[hertsbob]

Hi

I think you'll find that it's not a deliberate policy. I think you'll find it's down to the way the particular person textures his models, as has been posted and re-posted previously.

And as you said in the opening comment of your Part 2

It's the prerogative of any artist to do as she/he pleases, right or wrong.

Cheers

Bob

[PapaXpress]

Here is the thread:
viewtopic.php?p=71460#p71460

[GSkid]

Is anybody else here stunned that there is a thread with 16 pages of posts and counting about the ES44? I mean... I like it too. But 16 pages!?!?!? I could see it if it was about a route cuz there is so many things you can say about a route. But there is nothing that special or unique about the ES44 unlike say a GE U50 or an EMD GP30 which are both pretty unique.

Not dogging on it...just surprised people have that much to say about it!!

[ArcticCatZRT]

If you actually go through and see what people are posting about, it is much more than people praising the locomotive. Much of this talk is about improvements to the locomotive, such as sounds, and the fact that people are trying to repaint the thing. Plus the ES44 is actually a pretty interesting locomotive when read-up on. Yes it may not have unique styling, but under the skin they are quite impress in terms of the technology and developement that went into these beasts! GE has even developed a "hybrid" version of the locomotive. Sounds pretty unique to me!