Pre-Purchase Question about the FSX Version

[CBris]

Those who know me, know that I am a stickler for getting my paints right. To do that with FSX models means that I expect a new model to comply with the SDK - especially the parts which describe specular and bump mapping.

Does the Dreamfleet Dakota model for FSX come with separate, and full UV mapped, spec and bump textures?

I don't mean spec applied to the model prior to exporting from the 3D program, I mean a separate specular texture similar to those used by Microsoft/ACES for the FSX default aircraft.

Why? Loads of reasons and all "painter-selfish". For one, I have spent too much good money on so-called FSX compliant models that come without a proper specular texture that can be painted at will. There are also good technical reasons as well, but the simplest is FSX ACES default aircraft show the way and the description and reasoning behind specular texture sheets is well described in the SDK.

Thanks in advance for any advice...

[alastairmonk]

Hi,

I don't know the answer to your question (I still use FS2004) but the FSX Repaint Template for the Dakota is available here, and may allow you to work out whether your requirements are being met or not.

http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/Previe...ownloadsX.html

Cheers,

Alastair

[CBris]

Thanks.... but...

I have seen the PK and it really is good and useful, but it doesn't tell me the answer.

A spec texture is a copy of the standard diffuse texture with the colours shifted, altered, modified etc. if you open a bump, a spec and a diffuse, you will see the same picture according to the file type. A bumpmap texture is blue with the high and low parts, the diffuse map is what you see as the normal colours and the spec often looks like a psychedelic version of the diffuse texture.

Painters can do lots of interesting things with speculars - if the modeller maps them. If not it's just painting plain planes with very little room to adjust things.

I will just hope that one of the makers drops by and can answer me.

[Tim-HH]

Hi Chris,

yes, the Dakota has specular and bump mapping textures

Greetings
Tim

[CBris]

That sounds good to me... We have a PA 28 here at the Airbus flying club which has metalflake stripes. I look forward to trying that out on the dreamfleet plane. I had the FS9 Dreamfleet one of oh so many years ago - the standard was hight then. I look forward to buying this one (next CC period so as not to load any one month )

You're in Hamburg I see... anywhere "interesting"?

[CBris]

Oh blast! I have just read all the other posts and I see it is not Vista64 compatible.

"Botheration"

OK, so it is a "no buy" for now.