RE WORKING of EXISTING MODELS

Hi all, what method is used to re paint or in my case re number existing MSTS/ OR models within the bounds of author copyright . Cheers KenH.

Hi Ken,
You need a graphics program like PhotoShop or Paint Shop Pro.
I've only done a couple of renumbers for my own use, using an old program called Micrografx Picture Publisher.

There's a tutorial on UKTS which might be helpful : www.uktrainsim.com/index.php?form_reader=texturing1

heers,
Ged

Hi Ged Thanks for info.I will give it a try. Regards KenH

I have redone a few private owner wagons for my own use using Gimp, a free graphics program.
Jonathan

Thank you Jonathan I appreciate the info. Regards KenH.

Personally I just use MSPaint for renumbering or light reskins of existing locomotives from UKTrainSim. All five Class 20s and the L1s and 4MTs that I've done were possible by using numbers from existing models and changing them around. Combined with TGATool and AceIt, of course.

As I've been doing a fair few repaints and what are essentially re-numberings of wagons (adding TOPS codes and other markings, etc), I guess it may help if I describe how I do it, as it's simpler than some of the other methods described.

First, use TGATool to open the Ace file, and then send it to your graphics editor, for which I use Gimp 2, via "Image > Send Main Image To Editor". I'd really recommend Gimp 2 as it's free and very easy to use, but has lots of capabilities.

Having done whatever image manipulation you want to do in Gimp 2, select the "Export as" option to send the edited image back to TGATool by overwriting the image in the temp files - when doing this, don't change the filename or directory. It's also important to select "don't save colour space information" in "Compatability Options", and I've found that you also need to select the 24-bit option in "Advanced Options", as it won't work with 32-bit images.

Close Gimp 2, and you'll see that the image displayed in TGATool will update to your edited version.

You can then overwrite the original Ace file by selecting the "Export" option, making sure to select the correct type of Ace file.

And that's the repaint completed - no need to use AceIt or any other programs.

Adrian.

Hi Adrian thanks for your reply, I have downloaded Acelt,TGA and GIMP  I am now having a go at a renumbering. Fingers crossed. Regards KenH