[stuka_40]

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.

The alpha channel is a black and white layer in the main image the white colored parts indicate the visible parts of main image and the black colored parts indicate the transparent (holes!) parts in main image. Well i don't use gimp but if you can see and edit the alpha, the only thing is to paint totally white color over the holes in your case the parts of the wings that you want to be visible! that is it, in photoshop it is very easy! i did it for you, you can replace the alpha with mine i attached also edited skin1o.tgb file too. Download here: http://www.mediafire.com/?vgtocnrmt4i :wink: