Reskinning buildings...

...is possible, and it would seem, relatively easy.

Given some small experience of texturing trains and such when I was into Train sims many years ago I'm going to have a go at this.

I could use some textures though. I am in need of clear, large format square on images of buildings and details of buildings, particularly some Spanishy-looking structures. Whitewashed, limewashed and stone walls are very useful as are doors, windows and in particular roof tiles. Old and dirty better than clean and newish. A good couple of graphic of Mediterranean oragey-brown roof tiles would be fantastic.

Modern details like telephone wires, drainpipes and light fittings are not always a problem as I can photoshop these out.

Here's some examples of what kinds of things I need. What I don't have yet is a good clear square on image of roof tiles. If Davide or Alberto live near any a photo would be very useful!

http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/22426/Tex_01.JPG

http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/22426/Tex_02.JPG

http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/22426/Tex_03.JPG

http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/22426/Tex_04.JPG

http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/22426/Tex_06.JPG

http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/22426/Tex_08.JPG

http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/22426/Tex_09.JPG

http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/22426/Tex_11.JPG

http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/22426/Tex_12.JPG

Notice how brown and pale Mediterranian tiled roofs are, not very orange.

http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/22426/ItalianRoofs.jpg

10 mins work on one of the above pics.

http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/22426/RedHouse1.jpg

EDIT: Oh, BTW, credt where it's due, Kevin highlighted these possibilities to me, so send the votes of thanks to him.

Those pictures will make for some really nice buildings. Since our maps span Europe from Portugal to Poland, there is plenty of opportunity for others to get in on the fun.

If we start off with some buildings that could be either in Spain or North Italy then they'll work for Austro/French games too. Later we can go for some Germanic looking structures which would do for Germany and even Belgium/Waterloo.

I know there's a couple of stone barns that look perfect already, all they need is a red-tiled roof to replace the ones they have now and we'd be good to go.

EDIT: Ah, yes!

http://www.mayang.com/textures/Architectural/html/Roofing/

That's good news, Martin.

I will help in any way I can, just as soon as I get the portraits done.

It would be interesting to know how you intend to get these in-game?

I learned much of the 3D mapping process for Total War some time ago but was not quite able to finish the process and get a map into game. I was distracted away from TW by better games.

However, come next year I intend to move into 3D mapping and perhaps, modelling too and I think it would be good to share our knowledge for the benefits of the game and community.

Perhaps, when they release the next SOW game they might let us get our hands on this map engine??

Best of luck

Mike