Simviation Forums

Ok, I am trying to get better at repainting so that I might be able to actually upload some of my repaints.
My first question is why are there two versions of every file in the texture folder? example Cowl_l and Cowl_t.
I have repainted a few aircraft and never did anything with the _l files. What are they and should I be editing them as well as the others?

And my second question. I have now completely forgoten.  ::)

Thanks
Kevin

I think the _l textures are night textures but I could be wrong, wait for Hagar, he will probably know. I normally just paint the _t textures anyway.

Regards,
Stratobat

Thanks for the reply stratobat!
If that is the case then I can ignore them as I have been. I never fly at night so I would never see them anyways LOL.

Just to be sure I will wait for Hagar (or anyone else that might know the answer).

EDIT: after thinking about it I figure if I actually plan to upload some repaints some people might actually like night textures so any info on painting night textures would be appreciatted. Should night textures just be the same as the regular textures or should they be darker or lighter? Does the alpha channel need to be different? Any suggestions or help will be most welcome and put to good use.

Kevin

Yep, the _l textures are night textures.  On some models you don't need to worry about it.  Others are set up differently and would need to be painted as night textures.  For specifics, ask Hagar, because I never paint models like the latter.

Night textures work by creating a double texture of sorts.  When FS realizes it's dark outside, it puts the night texture on top of the day texture, thus giving it a darker appearance.  (This is why the night texture appears all black.  It's basically just a dark layer on top of the paint.)

Like I said, some are more complex than this, but I don't mess with those.  lol

Thanks for clearing that up Hyperion.

Sounds complicated, but then again when I first got DXTbmp that sounded complicated too. lol

Anyone know of a tute that might cover night textures?
All the tutes I have read only cover editing the regular textures.

Thanks

Kevin

Anyone know of a tute that might cover night textures?

Try this one...  :)

http://www.calclassic.com/repaint.htm

Regards,
Stratobat

Perfect! Explains everything I need to know. Bad thing is, I have read that tute a hundred times and never even looked at the section about night lighting.

Thanks

Kevin

Hehe... No problem

Regards,
Stratobat