***STICKY*** B-17G SPEC FILE WORK AROUND

[==Wiggy==]

There has for some time been an issue with getting the B-17G materials to look right in the game. After much trial and error, research and networking with other SME's, I'd like to recognize "Rudel" (at the present time, it might change) from the DCS:Livery Art Group Discord, for helping me figure out what the problem ultimately was with why Model Viewer and the actual Sim were not showing the same thing.

 

The Problem is the B-17G XXX.JSON file located here:

 

C:\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World OpenBeta\Mods\tech\WWII Units\Shapes

 

I'm not a an expert on the matter, however, deleting this file allows the SPEC files to be rendered correctly. There is still a problem with the Default SPEC files for the exterior of the B-17G. The GREEN channel must be inverted for them to display correctly. However that will have to be manually done by the user.

 

This fix will allow painters to apply realistic materials settings to the exterior now. Following the SPECULAR file rules. I won't go into those here. The tires of the B-17G are also incorrect and look like they have a varnish applied to the exterior of the default textures. However, all this can be fixed, with this JSON file deleted.

 

I've tried every combination of applying the "ROUGHMET" treatment. Using all variations of channel inversions with RGB and File naming convention. I cannot get the use of Rougmets even if called out in the description .lua to work. Nineline has suggested that the devs are aware that it is not operable at this time. Which is honestly fine. This fix more than makes up for it. And you can achieve essentially the same look.

 

I have no idea, and don't claim to know if this fix will break IC. At the time of this writing I have not tried it. Personally I cannot tolerate the visual experience enough with the broken rendering that I simply would turn IC off in order to use the B-17 and have a pleasant experience escorting the big boys with their Little Friends.

 

See the image below for my texture tests. I've redone the base coloring and built SPEC files from scratch. You can achieve very good results IMHO. Roughmets or not.

 

Thanks, I hope this helps the painters out there to start populating the skies with authentic looking B-17's!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BrassEm]

WOW! I can appreciate the time and effort (many repetitive iterations to see what works and what doesn't) to get a great result! Nice to see her looking half decent in game. Thanks for the heads up.

[==Wiggy==]

Thank you!

[Helles Belle]

Broken again