F7 Repaints

[Shayfan1]

I use Gimp since its free. So my question is how on earth can you tell what to paint on the default F7? Solid colors are pretty basic. I tried to do my own version of a Western Maryland F7 (since we don't have a single head light version) in their circus colors livery. I was pleased with it for the most part but there are so many little parts of trim I couldn't get it right. Do any of you paint masters have any tricks for making everything line up? This is one of the major Chessie System roads that is not very well represented in game in its orginal liverys. I would like to change that starting with the F units. Any help would of course be appreciated. In case anyone is wondering the is the scheme I am referring to.

[Bananarama]

I have a set of templates on my forum:

http://www.3dtrains.com/forums/index.ph ... opic=16671

Registration required.

[ATSF3814]

Probably the biggest tip I can give you is do EVERYTHING in a new layer. Whether it's adding a new color, logo, or whatever. Always do it in a new layer. Here's a good example:



This template has 16 different layers on it. All the base colors, logos, numbers and lines have their own layer. What this does is it lets you easily adjust and reposition any part of your repaint in just a few seconds. It also saves you a huge amount of headache if you screw up on something since having to delete and redo only one layer isn't usually a big deal.

As for getting everything lined up, well that's really just a process of trial and error. And it's where the RW_Tools asset viewer really comes in handy. It will let you quickly preview what your repaint will look like in-game so you can make adjustments to it. It's much quicker than loading up a route in RW just to preview your repaint.

[Kali]

Although the asset viewer doesn't work for everyone. Quick tip is to start a new route using another route with minimal assets as a template ( like Testtrak ) and just lay one piece of track on it, and put whatever you're repainting on that. Still needs a few clicks through the menus but it's pretty fast still.

[Shayfan1]

Thanks for the tips. Here is a crappy screen cap of the basic speed lettering version. Still have alot to go but for my first loco I am pleased. Marc can I use the templates in Gimp since it's set up for paint shop?