GeneralMatt's Creation Thread

[snafusmith]

That is going to be the tough part, but thanks to dissecting your Helgoland texture (I think that is the best ship out there) I have figured out how it works. Now just to continue at it and get better.

It's all about having as many pieces represented by the same area on the texture - especially the areas with windows on the superstructure. You can get a lot more detail into the texture that way. Also- make sure the most visible areas (decks, etc) are the bits you show the most detail on.

 

[GeneralMatt]

Those were actually the first 4 barreled guns I have done. But right now I am too lazy to start the texture, all this thinking eh?

Edit: Ah, thank you Smitty! I am starting to figure out how to put details on plain texture, I am still no good at actual windows (not just black dots).
On the Littorio I actually changed the way I textured the thing compared to my previous work by what you did, I think it helped quite a bit!
I also found some rust brushes thanks to asio, and that helps..

 

[Wolfshanze]

Sorry guys... I just got done working a 15-hour day... so I've had precious little time to criticise everyone here today.

Fix up the Queen Elizabeth Class to everyone satisfaction
Then after that, not sure yet. Probably more WWII stuff.

Queen Elizabeth needs some work if I'm going to give it a
USS Arizona is in the same boat if you ask me... it could also use some work.

However, since I didn't ask for either model, and don't really need either, I won't lose any sleep on them if you just leave them as-is (substandard to Matt's other excellent work).

After all, we know that the HMS Hood is just fine to use for England's Battleship unit!

And how does the Littorio look?

I dunno Matt... you used to put-up larger/closer pictures of your textured models, but when you do these zoomed-out in-game pics, it's hard for me to see what you've done (or haven't done). Even an in-game Civilopedia shot or two would be better to see your texture work.

I can't really tell what you did with the Littorio... the pic you provided is too zoomed out and not close/detailed enough for a educated answer. However, from what I can see, the deck does seem a bit "bland"... but I'd like to see more.

You also mentioned you've done more work on it in a recent post (I think you did), so maybe providing us an updated pic might help (closer-up this time!).

******************************
WARNING: WOLF CRITICISM TO FOLLOW
(don't take it too seriously)
******************************

If you want the God's-honest truth... your textures are hit and miss lately. Sometimes you get a texture perfect right-off the bat (Brandenburg and Mikasa were both great first-time out)... other times... well... the USS Iowa (pre-dread) I would not have used at all if you left it as it was the first time you put it out for download.... but you did a good 2nd-effort on the texture and I think it looks much better now. You also know what I think of the QE and Arizona.

Mind-you, your modeling skills are top-notch... if you can get those textures to the same level as your models, you'll be unstopable!

I look forward to a well-textured Littorio... and what you're doing with the Dunkerque looks fantastic (I can't wait to use yet another battlecruiser to represent a navy's battleship force!).

You do know I suggested you might use the Richelieu as France's battleship, but I guess you prefer doing battlecruisers?

All kidding aside, I like the Dunkerque over the Richelieu anyways. Looks like it's going to be another great model Matt.



NOTE:
On those Littorio "candy stripes" on the deck... those are ariel recognition bands so friendly aircraft don't mistake them for the enemy (not that it helped).

 

[Sword_Of_Geddon]

On the female unit, I'd like the Arsenal Ship first if possible...if your willing General Matt...

 

[GeneralMatt]

Hmm, that image actually was zoomed in all the way, I do not know why it seems so small..

Here is a render, much closer.

If you want the God's-honest truth... your textures are hit and miss lately. Sometimes you get a texture perfect right-off the bat (Brandenburg and Mikasa were both great first-time out)... other times... well... the USS Iowa (pre-dread) I would not have used at all if you left it as it was the first time you put it out for download.... but you did a good 2nd-effort on the texture and I think it looks much better now. You also know what I think of the QE and Arizona.

That is why I keep you as a critic.

Yes, on the Littorio, I took a look and Snafu's Helgoland, one of the best ships out there IMHO, and I think it helped some, we will see eh?

 

[snafusmith]

That's 100x better than any of your other Matt- definitely a usable unit!

 

[GeneralMatt]

Thank you. I stole your decking as what I was using is unsuitable.. Recoloured though..

 

[Sword_Of_Geddon]

On the Arsenal Ship, would you steal the attack from the Missile Cruiser? These are great ships you are truely an artist of the sea and I can't wait to see what you come up with for the Arsenal Ship when you get to it eventually.

What is the order of power when it comes to Destroyers, Cruisers, Battlecruisers, Frigates, and Battleships anyway? So confusing.

 

[GeneralMatt]

You mean like in WWII? Well Battleships would be the big guys, heavyweights so to speak.
Cruisers were lighter, and much faster, used for places a long way from home.
Battlecruisers were basically Battleships without all the extra armour so they could go much faster. The theory was they would be good away from home as cruisers.
Then could take on all but Battleships and Battlecruisers.
Destroyers were the largest anti sub warships, and also used for short range patrolling, escorts for convoys and as a screen for the main battle fleet.
Frigates were Anti-sub ships, used especially for escorting convoys..

And yes, the Missile Cruiser's animations would probably be the best bet..

 

[Wolfshanze]

Matt... well with that render I can actually see what we're talking about... looks pretty darn good to me... so far as the Wolf critic can say from a one-angle pic... looks good to go!

What is the order of power when it comes to Destroyers, Cruisers, Battlecruisers, Frigates, and Battleships anyway? So confusing.

Smallest listed first, then bigger and bigger...

Small ships... Frigates are the smallest, destroyers bigger still... mostly escort vessels... usually 600-2,000 tons displacement... 4inch to 5inch guns.

Decent jump in size...

Medium ships... Cruisers... medium ships... used to scout, patrol, raid, escort... fast and swift, well armed ships... not too much on armor though... usually 6,000-15,000 ton displacement... 6inch to 8inch guns.

BIG jump in size...

Battlecruisers, Dreadnoughts & Battleships... huge ships... capital ships in every way... big guns, well armored, and capable of eliminating any previous ship with little trouble. Dreadnoughts and Battleships are both heavily armored and heavily gunned... Battlecruisers usually trade some armor to gain some speed, but in historical use, from WWI to WWII, they were used in the same fashion as other battleships. usually 30,000 to 50,000 tons in displacement... 14inch to 16inch guns typical.

 

[waterfinery]

I love the Avro Arrow!! I hope someone will incorporate it in a modpack. Go Canada!!

 

[GeneralMatt]

I Believe it was waterfinery.

Pretty good summary Wolfshanze.

I will also release the Littorio right now..

 

[Shiggs713]

Hi GeneralMatt! I was wondering if you have created any vessels that would resemble the first american hospital ships that cruised the mississippi during the civil war. Or if not if you could possibly make one sometime in the future.

It wouldn't have to be soon, I could use some filler model for now, but I'm not great at modeling and it would take me forever to do it on my own.

Just asking, you don't have to do it obviously,

Shiggs

 

[GeneralMatt]

I do not think I have, either way I don't actually know what they are! (Don't know my US history too well). Any images?

 

[GeneralMatt]

Almost done, just the turrets, scout plane, and the small boats.

 

[Shiggs713]

yea, I don't know if this will be enough. I can maybe find more, or perhaps similar ships if you need another angle.

its quite hideous

 

[GeneralMatt]

Basically one of those Missouri Showboats converted.. We will see. Unfortunately we cannot sail down rivers (I remember in Civ 2 trying to get my destroyer down one. )

 

[Shiggs713]

yea, I know... I'm making a huge map of the eastern united states, where the mississippi, at least all the way up to Memphis, TN will actually be coast, drawn up like a river.

btw, thanks for even considering

Shiggs

 

[GeneralMatt]

Well, no problem! I doubt that at the moment I could make it look any good, but I feel I am finally making progress with my textures, and that is 45 Percent of the battle (the other being 35 the model and 20 the animations)

 

[Wolfshanze]

Blech... boring...

Anyways... on to the cool stuff... Matt... that Dunkerque is really fantastic looking!

Too bad none of us can use that as a French Battleship, since technically it's a battlecruiser... oh well, nice model, but nobody will be able to use it!