Improving looks of DW

[Polak2]

Here is my recent and very preliminary attempt to improve texture of one of the surface unit in DW.

It is not frankly totally painless and easy task and result perhaps is not very drastic after all. I have no access to any of the 3d editing tool to modify the model (in this case i believe it would be early 3dsMax 3.01) and I only must rely on free 3d converter which allows me to read j3d format and unwrap each part of the DW model to make the repaint of the existing texture more accurate in in higher resolution.

The main problem in continuing this project I see in finding sources on the web and gathering enough materials and pictures of the warships to make their look consistent, hirez and visually better. If someone knows some good internet naval modeling sites please maybe share here.

Also, there is enormous number of the 3d units and models in DW. This project is not for an individual but rather group of texture painters or 3d modelers. I can gladly share ''know how" in brief tutorial, which can follow this post.

Anyway ... its a start (maybe).

http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo83/TPolak/dwcomp_zps4nbi5hxp.jpg (http://s364.photobucket.com/user/TPolak/media/dwcomp_zps4nbi5hxp.jpg.html)

[Nippelspanner]

I sure like it! Some textures in DW are really awful, so every bit helps I think.

[FPSchazly]

That definitely looks better! Nice work.

[Pirate]

I like it! :)

[Stewy1]

Bravo Zulu Sir - is this available for download?

The Perry is definitely one ship that needs a texture spruce up! :salute:

[MR. Wood]

Damn good job your hired we offer no pay and no health care but we love your work lol looks ten times better have any of you looked into adding and replacing models and paint jobs from fleet command to DW? just started doing some of it the other night. Seen in the RA mod fourms when 1.42 comes out there will be more units and more modal replacement just a heads up guys :Kaleun_Salute:

[Polak2]

Thank you all for quick encouraging response and reception. For now here is the link to 3d Object converter which is the only program to my knowledge being able to read j3d format. This program is free and for what we are using it for (preview of models and texture unwrap) no need to register.
http://3doc.i3dconverter.com/

Registration would allow to convert to other editable formats, but for j3d it is not possible to write it back into j3d. For that the only possible way is to use known and available here to us j3d plugin, which unfortunately only works with 3dsMax 3.01 which is old, very rare and hard to get.

[Nippelspanner]

The Ohio SSBNs could need a new texture. It's very blurry unfortunately.
Curious what the RA team is up to in that department...

[Castout]

The RA team has consistently given American 3D models in the game much disrespect.

They are horrible in comparison to Russian models.

Let's not bring politics into a game. I love both Russian and American submarines and I would love seeing American submarines getting proper 3-D models that look as good as their Russian counterparts in RA.

[Nippelspanner]

I agree, but I wouldn't say it's I'll-intend by them. It is normal that one us more passionate about ones countries stuff and Russians are very nationalistic anyways (often).
The Kilo and typhoon for exampke are drop dead gorgeous and show that dw can still be sexy. But yes, the us boats are really...ugh...

[Castout]

I agree, but I wouldn't say it's I'll-intend by them. It is normal that one us more passionate about ones countries stuff and Russians are very nationalistic anyways (often).
The Kilo and typhoon for exampke are drop dead gorgeous and show that dw can still be sexy. But yes, the us boats are really...ugh...

When playing the Kilo I get so upset if my target is a Virginia and it looks just so horribly....I mean the benefit of eye candy isn't only for the sub you're driving but also your targets.

It's politics I believe that's stopping RA team to give us better American 3D models and textures. Naval passion knows no nationality. I cheerish Chinese subs as much as I cherish American and Russian submarines in the game.

Japanese subs look really sweet though in RA. Virginia hurts my eyes......Ohio has very bad textures and propeller. Could benefit from a new 3D-model too.

[Nippelspanner]

Virginia and Ohio definitely should have priority by anyone wanting to do something. It's like with guns. I can't shoot them when I can't even look at them...

[p7p8]

I disagree with you. last version RA have very nice new models for US warships:
- Gearing DD
- Belknap CG
- Truxtun CGN
- Albany CG
- Long Beach CGN
- Virginia CGN
and airplanes:
- A-4A Skyhawk
- F-8 Crusader

Did you notice them?

[Polak2]

This thread should not turn into discourse about which side 3d models are better or inferior. And sure suggesting any bias would be really a stretch. RA Team did tremendous job into DW improvements in ALL categories far exceeding just graphics.
In fact their commitment and truly magnificent effort with Reinforced Alert project should be to all of us as a bright example to try to contribute time and talents.

[Castout]

I disagree with you. last version RA have very nice new models for US warships:
- Gearing DD
- Belknap CG
- Truxtun CGN
- Albany CG
- Long Beach CGN
- Virginia CGN
and airplanes:
- A-4A Skyhawk
- F-8 Crusader

Did you notice them?

Not all of them. They are okay but some of the new playable American subs just look horrible and haven't been updated for a long long time. In mind, the Ohio and Virginia classes. All of the Russian subs look awesome in comparison.

[Nippelspanner]

Yes, but to claim it is due to political reasons without being able to prove it isn't helping anyone. Is it?

I really gotta learn 3d modeling. A good friend and expert in the field offered me to teach me, but so far I always found a way to postpone it.

"if you want things done..."

[Castout]

Yes, but to claim it is due to political reasons without being able to prove it isn't helping anyone. Is it?

I really gotta learn 3d modeling. A good friend and expert in the field offered me to teach me, but so far I always found a way to postpone it.

"if you want things done..."

I don't intend to help anyone. Was merely expressing an opinion. This is not a court where evidence is a prerequisite to presenting a statement.

Opinion is a valid expression of one's thought.

As other nations' playables don't suffer poor 3-D models I thought it being a political sentiment.

I find you somewhat repulsive. Welcome to my ignore list.

[Polak2]

Not to burst your bubble guys, but getting entire new 3d models to DW is totally dependant on having access to 3dsMax 3.01, which is very very early version of Max and not really available around anymore.

I believe RA Team has it and this is why they and they only can pick and choose what units to upgrade and which not (or not yet...).

To rest of us only improving and upgrading textures to their j3d models is the only way and path to make this improvement process happening. That and transfer of other j3d models like Fleet Command or Sub Command . However, my personal opinion is that those models are not too advanced or good looking.

[Castout]

Not to burst your bubble guys, but getting entire new 3d models to DW is totally dependant on having access to 3dsMax 3.01, which is very very early version of Max and not really available around anymore.

I believe RA Team has it and this is why they and they only can pick and choose what units to upgrade and which not (or not yet...).

To rest of us only improving and upgrading textures to their j3d models is the only way and path to make this improvement process happening. That and transfer of other j3d models like Fleet Command or Sub Command . My personal opinion is that those models are not too advanced or good looking.

The Skipjack, etc are wonderfully done. But the Ohio and Virginia just look like trash......

Even the French Amethyste class is so well done.....The RA team seems determined to defer or ignore building new 3D models for these two important classes of submarines. They have made other subs so well done but not these two which have been playable since the start...or early RA version.

[Polak2]

The RA team seems determined to defer or ignore building new 3D models for these two important classes of submarines.

Perhaps those two can be improved by redoing their textures. However, it needs to be noted, that Ohio model included in RA is already improved comparing to the original DW model. I have to look yet at Virginia.

In general ... RA Team made quite a lot of progress and honestly ATM that what it is tangible in the game. Ours are for now just talk and wishes. Let see if we can change something on our end.

[Castout]

Perhaps those two can be improved by redoing their textures. However, it needs to be noted, that Ohio model included in RA is already improved comparing to the original DW model. I have to look yet at Virginia.

In general ... RA Team made quite a lot of progress and honestly ATM that what it is tangible in the game. Ours are for now just talk and wishes. Let see if we can change something on our end.

Yeah true. I'm very grateful for what the RA team has done for the community. Updated textures on the Ohio and Virginia would help a lot.

I love every playable sub in the game. I hope the Yasen class may get updated texture and be playable.

Got killed in the Amethyste earlier in the day hehehe. Left the game to shower and came back already sunk...Beautiful boat. I think the French Barracuda is also in the game and it has the same low texture but decent 3D model.

The British Astute also needs better texture and or a new 3D model.

I wish the Astute, Yasen, Scorpene, Type 209 (of many nations), and Vietnamese Kilo to be playable.....

The Chinese Yuan needs better model and texture too....

Even with Cold Waters coming, RA has a lot more playable subs.

Edit:

Ah it's the Shang but it seems it has decent texture and 3-D model. I hope we can get to play with the Yuan. The Shang's propeller in the game rotates in the wrong direction with respect to the shape of its blades....

[FPSchazly]

To be fair, the Russian subs looked terrible in the stock game. I think it's warranted that they got more attention in RA.

[p7p8]

Many 3D models was created by Jaf and Kpv 1974 from RedRodgers forum.
link (http://ra-dwx.narod.ru/gallery.htm)
I think they have actual plugins, good aplication and experience. Peoples on RedRodgers forum are very helpfull if you have something more than "next briliant idea". For example last patch have new gfx for TA stations from my friend (polish community).

They still working on new models:
Next 1.42 сorrect a many detected error.
Expected new excellent model aircrafts from -Jaf-.

Next thing: do you have priority list of object for improving textures?

[Polak2]

do you have priority list of object for improving textures?
Originally I thought about surface units only, but after latest exchange here I might take a shot on Ohio and Virginia.

[Castout]

Originally I thought about surface units only, but after latest exchange here I might take a shot on Ohio and Virginia.

That would be awesome if could be brought up on redrodger forum. The British Astute also needs an update to texture and model or just the texture. But it's not priority as it is not playable [yet].

[Polak2]

yes, I have contacted RedRogers forum via PM and will coordinate with them.

For now I have novice question about subs. Some of them have red bottom and some of them. (even same class) are all black. Any reason?

[Castout]

yes, I have contacted RedRogers forum via PM and will coordinate with them.

For now I have novice question about subs. Some of them have red bottom and some of them. (even same class) are all black. Any reason?

Yeah, it's just the paint/coating choice I think. Perhaps someone else knows better?! THANK YOU for coordinating with the RA team. Awesome mod. <0

Edit:
A general rule is those subs with red lower bottom have no sensors on their lower hull.

When a sub has sensors (flank sonar) located on their lower hull then the lower bottom is usually coated gray or black. There are exceptions still. The Akula is painted all dark even though its flank/aperture sonar is on its upper hull...the red paint might start from surface ships' lower hull/keel environmental/corrosion protective coating. Then it got stuck. So, even though subs started to be coated with anechoic tiles the lower hull was still coated in red (such as the Typhoon SSBN).

Edit 2:
Ah The Akula has sonars on its lower hull, that's why it's not painted red. Thus, we can conclude the red paint is a corrosion protective coating that would hinder sonars/sensors.

[Polak2]

Just to give small and short update of my recent undertaking here is comparison shot of Arleigh Burke class.

Despite earlier promise, I have not attempted yet any retexturing of submarines, instead tried to concentrate on the surface units as they are tad easier to deal with. Time permitting, I am probable going to continue with surface and try to see how long will take me to make at least 10 to issue anything out.

New textures are pretty heavy and hirez and made from photorealistic sources found on the internet. However, I am sad to see fro the shots below this is somehow lost when in the game (i am running it on my laptop in rather low resolution).

I realise also, that just repainting of the textures is not making this update 100% and what would be needed and desired is to be able to edit UV mapping of the j3d model, which I am unfortunately not able to accomplish due to lack of that early 3dSMax 3.1.

We shall see what the future may bring.....

http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo83/TPolak/dwcomp2_zpsmvzhl56k.jpg (http://s364.photobucket.com/user/TPolak/media/dwcomp2_zpsmvzhl56k.jpg.html)

[Castout]

That already looks super awesome!! I'd however, not use hull numbers on skins. When you see two same-class ships with the same hull number it kind of kills immersion, at least to me.

But it's not too big a deal.

Nice work!

[Pirate]

I'd however, not use hull numbers on skins. When you see two same-class ships with the same hull number it kind of kills immersion, at least to me.

+1:up:

[Castout]

Or use fictional generic codes such as CG, DD, DG, CV, CL, FG, FF, BB, BC, etc instead of numbers.

[Stewy1]

Hi Polak,

Would you consider painting the playable Perry? (removing the rust stains, fixing the red circle around the missile launcher, sharpening the textures, etc.?)

Also, repainting the Coast Guard Cutter into an actual Coast Guard Cutter would be cool.

Just ideas mate :Kaleun_Salute:
Stew

[Polak2]

Would you consider painting the playable Perry? (removing the rust stains, fixing the red circle around the missile launcher, sharpening the textures, etc.?)
Also, repainting the Coast Guard Cutter into an actual Coast Guard Cutter would be cool.
Just ideas mate

Thanks for comments and suggestions and ideas. When I look deeper into the subject I see that some of the DW surface units share textures and models.
For example: requested above CGC Hamilton class uses Halifax.j3d model and Kasturi.bmp textures. I see what can be done, but it appears that without being able to change 3d with 3dsmax ...( I do not have necessary early 3dsmax) and also add new model and texture to database this might be quite difficult.

[Kaye T. Bai]

Wow, that Arleigh Burke DDG looks beautiful! :salute:

It sucks though that the 3D-modelled mast is vertical instead of tilted, like on the real ones. :(

[Polak2]

It sucks though that the 3D-modelled mast is vertical instead of tilted, like on the real ones
Indeed, inability to edit j3d format is preventing this project to make any significant difference or progress. Available 3dsmax plugin seems really only to work with 3dSmax version 3.10 which seems to be not obtainable anymore.

Meanwhile i made another repaint of Hamilton class Coast Guard cutter, but surely,despite repaint, this is one of the situations where 3d edit is most necessary.

http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo83/TPolak/coastcomp_zpsrkivcnsb.jpg (http://s364.photobucket.com/user/TPolak/media/coastcomp_zpsrkivcnsb.jpg.html)

Featured in DW model of Hamilton is not a Hamilton at all and this is not good not being able to do anything about it....

[p7p8]

This Hamilton class looks awesome :up:

[Stewy1]

I like it a lot mate. I know the model's not perfect - but having a Coast Guard Ship makes for more mission options.

I like what you've done with the side of the boat too!:Kaleun_Salute:

Is the skin available for DL? (I know how to install them)

Thanks mate! :)
Stew

[Polak2]

I like what you've done with the side of the boat too!
Other side of the boat have more problems because of inability to change 3d to make lettering read right.
I try do upload something perhaps after making some more skins.

With approaching "cold waters" gorgeous 3d models keeping interest in upgrading DW graphically maybe difficult, I somehow wish to see DW lasting some time longer.

I must say though, that it is little regretful to have such a great, complex and involving simulation piece was pretty much devoid of the ability to be upgraded in more easy to accomplish way. Perhaps it is pretty late to make comments like this to this already decade old title and there is no stopping to the time, which is ticking away further still.

[Kaye T. Bai]

Wow, that Coastie cutter looks sweet! :up:

A good model to use for the Hamilton-class cutters would be to take the Australian version of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate that's in the DB and reskin them. On the surface the two look somewhat similar.

[Wildcat]

Polak, check your PM box for my latest PM.

[Stewy1]

I PM'd Polak to see if I could have a look at his Cutter texture in game; though it appears he's 'gone deep'. :Kaleun_Sleep:

[Polak2]

I PM'd Polak to see if I could have a look at his Cutter texture in game; though it appears he's 'gone deep'. :Kaleun_Sleep:
Indeed, i am unfortunately buried in RL stuff as of late. sorry. replied your both PMs and thank you for your interest and support.