[Beowolff]

Your working on TGA files,I use a program called DXTBmp to convert them to JPEG image,then do my editing and convert them back to TGA.I don't know how it works but the alpha channel seems to follow some how.

yeah...alpha is VERY mysterious somehow. :-?

GIMP handles it fine...but as i said, when i open the alpha and try to remove the slots/holes in the flaps and wings (or even just try and delete the entire alpha channel) it leaves unsightly WHITE splotches on the regular skin where those holes had been.

is there not someway to remove the alpha (or even better JUST THOSE SLOT HOLES in the alpha) without it effecting the normal skin of the plane? or is the skin paint somehow 'around' those holes and will leave an ugly splotch no matter what?

very confusing stuff here to a non-painter like myself.