Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Hello everyone,

I am a virtual pilot. My name is Don. Forum name, OleBoy. That's the name I use on the virtual flight forums also. I'll explain a little about myself, and why I'm here.

Not too long ago, a friend of mine released a Thorp T-18 model, that he has been working on for quite some time. He has been around a Thorp T-18 for many years as his father enjoyed building experimental aircraft to fly, and explore the skies. As years passed by, by friend Robert found interest in virtual flight. I don't know the whole story behind the fascination, but Robert decided that he wanted to create a Thorp T-18 "Tiger" for use in Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

While having got to know Robert (of whom I met on a flight simulator forum), he shared with me his model he had been designing. It appeared to me to be a very well done model. Not long after he shared the model with me, he asked me if I would be interested in doing a few paint schemes as a test. Being an artist in Adobe Photoshop I agreed. I couldn't resist a new challenge. That's when I started searching all over the internet for paint schemes that caught my eye. I found many schemes I wanted to do. This is how I found thorp18.com.

My reason for being here is that I thought some here might enjoy seeing the model my friend Robert has created for virtual flight (considering it's a Thorp T-18), and the paints I've done for it. I hope you enjoy them.


Please note that you can view the pictures I've posted below in High Resolution, by right-clicking with your mouse, then by selecting "View Image"

ZK-KID



ZK-EDF (old)



ZK-EDF (new)


N6CM



N9675Z




[:)]

For those interested in seeing more detailed pictures of the cockpit and everything else, or those interested in virtual flight, more can be read, and viewed at this link (you may have to register to see the photos) http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/s ... n-uploaded!

By the way, I'm always looking for unique schemes to put on our virtual Thorp T-18.

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Virtual Painter of the Thorp T-18

Don, where can I get the actual airplane for the simulator?

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In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not.

If you read the thread at sim-outhouse.com, that tells all.

Note: This model is of no use to anyone unless they have Microsoft Flight Simulator X installed. It is/was made specifically for that simulation program only. Also, the virtual flight community is very fortunate this plane was released freely. Both visually and flight characteristics, the plane is very real in every aspect.

Here's a link to my domain http://www.oleboys-paintshop.yolasite.c ... p-t-18.php

By the way, if anyone can lead me to better photos of this registration (higher resolution preferred) I would like to do this scheme also. http://www.airliners.net/photo/Thorp-T- ... 7606905246

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Virtual Painter of the Thorp T-18

Interesting paint jobs.

Having known Mr. Thorp quite well for a number of years, I can say that he didn't think too much of paint on his airplanes. He figured paint was an acceptable evil to fight corrosion but added weight - the enemy. He wasn't very big on upholstery either! His T-18 was paintless, as many of you know, and the upholstery was spartan. The paint on his T211 was plain and muted without frills, scrolls or other fancy attention getters and the interior was basic and minimalist canvas as well. I'm sure his SkySkooter would have been polished aluminum as well had the corrugated wings lent themselves to such finish.
Mr. Thorp was the most no nonsense guy I ever had the pleasure to know, he was all about efficiency in his airplanes.

To each their own as they say.

Soon, with the help of the EAA Air Venture Museum, I will be doing the paint scheme of the Thorp T-18, owned by Don Taylor, registration # N455DT, in all it's glory from the RTW flight.

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Virtual Painter of the Thorp T-18

Interesting technology, Don Oleboy. How difficult is it to "paint" virtual airplanes? This could be a great way to test ideas before doing the real thing.

From what I can tell, Thorps seem to be a particularly difficult airplane on which to create a pleasing paint design. To my eye you did a fantastic job in thumbnailhk.jpg.

DW

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In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not.

A virtual paint shop would be a great idea, (now that I've painted mine !) I am sure this young man has some "copy rights" to the process, but what a time saver it would be.

RB

Jeebus Dick.....pleasing to the eye is what your plane is now - a few wrinkles close up perhaps, but a real pin up girl of yellow and blue - don't be looking at paint porn yet.....get it flying.

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Fraser MacPhee
N926WM
Serial #279-1
Angel Fire, NM (KAXX)

Agreed, Fras... I'm not unhappy with the paint scheme on MLM. It's a 10 ft. paint job, but it does have real nice lines. I especially like "Don't Hit Me Yellow." Unfortunately Imron has discontinued it.

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In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not.

The question comes up of how difficult virtual aircraft are to paint. Well, I can't really give you an definitive answer. It takes several programs that deal with graphic arts. I use Adobe Photoshop for most of my paintwork. A program I have been using for many years. And a foray of other programs I use in between before you see what you see in the photos I've shown. And to add, the pictures do the actual look of the finished paint scheme no justice at all because you can't see the visual depth in 2D. You're only seeing one angle. Some of my paint schemes take weeks to perfect. And have a depth that just grabs the eye and makes you want to look at it more and more. I can get extremely detailed if I wanted to put in the time, but most people who see my work never say anything about it. I personally see my work as a form of art. Most in the virtual flight communities never say anything much about all of them I do. And I'm just scratching the surface where I can go with other paint schemes.

This is the next one I have plans to re-create. I've made contact with the folks at the EAA Airventure Museum. They're working on gathering/taking all the photos I need so I can do it the best it can possibly be done. http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/photo/299907L.html It will be interesting to see it come together. I'm looking forward to doing it.

I've added a note to my pictures I posted above for those of you who aren't aware of this particular feature when viewing photos on a website. Please note that you can view the pictures I've posted previously in High Resolution, by right-clicking with your mouse, then by selecting "View Image"

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Virtual Painter of the Thorp T-18

Don

I'm curious about how your paint schemes might be scaled up to full scale.
For instance could you scale up a paint scheme from your virtual models to make them suitable for sign writing printing at full size?
The way I figure it rather than paint a complex design you could simply print onto vinyl stickers.
It might be a good cost effective way of turning a basic paint job into something much more interesting.
Nice designs by the way.
Stuart

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Stug

Hello Stuart,

What you mention can be done I would think fairly easily. How long it would last, hard saying considering the use and intended air speeds, fuel residue, bugs, and who knows whatever elements mother nature tosses at the material. Aside from other modifications different builders have incorporated into their own personal likings, I think anything could be worked with. longevity and the methods of installation would be crucial. I know paint is not cheap. Vinyl would be in the same lines for any given quality.

I know there are all sorts of different styles of engine cowls, wheel pants etc, but I honestly don't see a problem. I have a bit of vinyl graphics experience, design, layout, etc.

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Virtual Painter of the Thorp T-18

Here is another I've just completed. Roughly four days time spent on the checkered nose alone. It gives you the idea though.

For the best view, right-click the image, then select view image

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Virtual Painter of the Thorp T-18

I have owned and operated N6CM for several years with my brother. It is the finest and most fun airplane I have ever flown. Just a wonderful bird that puts a giant smile on your face every time you fly it.

Some really interesting application of technology. Would be great to try out some paint schemes prior to painting. You've done some nice work. Someone near OleBoy able to give him a ride in the real thing....might be just the ticket to get out of the virtual world and into the real.

SS

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Scott Stine
Vincennes, IN
812-881-7923
Arrow 545WA