Hello, I'm at that crossroads. Did some research on how aircraft texture BMPs are saved for and used in FS2004, I believe it's 32-bit BMP? It explains why I can't open them on Microsoft Paint (most people have PhotoShop Pro, I don't), so I downloaded DXTBmp to convert the textures from Ron Watson's Grumman AA1-C from 2010. The program is terrific in that it can convert the 32-bit BMP textures to 24-bit BMP for my Paint to read, but I cannot figure out how to convert the revised textures from 24 back to 32 with DXTBmp. Perhaps it can't be done, not sure. I have two new textures made up: an all-orange N6146L and an all-green N5985L, both with minimal factory striping in white. Both these aircraft were planes my dad learned to fly on and where I spent a great deal of time in back, held down by luggage straps, LOL (I was 7 and 8 then). The orange one was memorable in that all 3 of us almost lost our lives aboard her one night, long story. Just reliving the good memories is all...
So has anyone used DXTBmp to the extent of converting 24-bit back to an FS2004-readable 32-bit (?) format? Any advice? I can't afford PhotoShop Pro, any advice would be great. BTW, Ron Watson's AA1-C Yankee is a hoot to fly. Thanks!