Frequently Asked Questions
Art Content
Why are you painting old airplanes?
I have loved airplanes ever since my childhood. My father worked for the German airline Lufthansa, then later became a travel agent. I grew up a spoiled young jetsetter with a joy for taking pictures of the neat metal birds and their airport habitats.
As an adult, I embraced the flight simulator community. As I gained experience in creating add-on liveries for the simulator, the increasing exposure to the histories of individual aircraft has fueled a desire to preserve their legacy.
My goal is to faithfully depict any variant of the Douglas DC-3 family of aircraft PLUS present their accompanying history so we can all appreciate the contributions that these amazing machines and their custodians have made to our modern lives.
What is a livery?
Per Wikipedia... "An aircraft livery is a set of comprehensive insignia comprising color, graphic, and typographical identifiers which operators (airlines, governments, air forces and occasionally private and corporate owners) apply to their aircraft."
Most folks call them paint jobs or skins.
How do you create these airplanes and their liveries?
First, an exhaustive quest is made to acquire useful original reference images of the target aircraft ...text descriptions help too. Speculation of appearance is kept to a minimum ...if the target lacks good references, then another subject is chosen.
Next, using the 3D creation software called Blender, a 1-to-1 scale model of the aircraft is created such that its individual parts can be selectively presented, offering the customization of external and internal features to match the real aircraft. An Excel spreadsheet is used to record a "recipe" of the parts used for each aircraft.
Then, using the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP), many image files derived from modular templates are generated for later reference by Blender. Again, a spreadsheet is used to store these recipes. Custom scripts for Blender and GIMP reference the recipes to automate the activation of the 3D objects and image textures.
Once the model, light sources and camera positions are set, Blender's rendering engine applies the livery textures upon the 3D model and produces an image of the subject aircraft from any desired angle.
A concise history of the subject is drafted to serve as the caption to accompany the subject.
Finally, a suitable background, one or more renderings, and the caption are brought together using GIMP to create the finished design.
The resulting high-resolution image file is forwarded to the printer for application upon the desired display material.
Why the Douglas DC-3?
The DC-3 is one of the most important aircraft in aviation history. From its first flight in 1935, this revolutionary twin-engined airliner flew further and faster than others before it.
It was one of the first airliners that could profitably carry only passengers without relying on mail subsidies, and thus is credited with establishing the modern commercial airline industry.
World War II General Dwight D. Eisenhower considered the military variant of the DC-3 (most prolifically known as the C-47 Skytrain) to be one of the five most important vehicles crucial to the Allied victory.
Fairly unique among pre-war aircraft, the DC-3/C-47 continues to fly in active commercial and military service ...although the number is dwindling quickly with each passing year.
What does MSN stand for?
Manufacturer's Serial Number.
Also known as a Construction Number (cn or c/n), these are unique identifiers allocated by an aircraft's manufacturer to individual airframes.
Think of an MSN as the equivalent to an automobile's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
Do you do commissions?
Initially, no.
Later, maybe.
Requests are always encouraged so that I can learn what my clients desire.
Art Pieces
Why print only on metal?
I feel it is the most appropriate material to present my art.
The durability and color emitted by the aluminum surface is amazing.
I feel good knowing that my work will last a long time ...just like the Douglas DC-3.
What is ChromaLuxe?
ChromaLuxe is a brand of coated aluminum panel, specifically prepared for the printing process called dye sublimation. The result is a printed panel with a brightness, vibrancy, and clarity that is unrivaled by any other printing technique.
ChromaLuxe panels are considered the industry standard for professional photographers and artists.
How thick is a ChromaLuxe metal panel?
The printed panel is 0.045 inches or 1.14 millimeters thick. The included aluminum frame is pre-attached to the backside, so that the panel will project away from the wall about three-quarters of an inch.
How durable is a metal print?
ChromaLuxe panels are proven to last over 65 years, per...
https://www.chromaluxe.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/FadeReportUnderstanding.pdf
and...
http://www.wilhelm-research.com/pr/ChromaLuxe_Wilhelm_Press_Release_SGIA_2016-09-14.pdf
Metal prints are resistant to scratches, sunlight and moisture. They can be placed in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and protected outdoor spaces.
ChromaLuxe products meet ASTM standards for flame spread and smoke development.
What finish options are available?
While ChromaLuxe offers six finish options, I am initially limiting my work to the Matte White finish only as I feel it is the best choice for the detailed work I create.
My experience with the Glossy finish choices revealed that the resulting reflections were very distracting when viewing my artwork's fine details and accompanying texts.
In the future, I may develop abstract art that is compatible with the Silver finishes that allow the aluminum panel's natural color to show through in lieu of the artwork's white coloration.
How are metal prints framed?
Answer: An aluminum channel frame is affixed to the backside of the metal print and mechanically fastened at each corner. Rubber feet at each corner prevent scratches upon the surface the print rests upon.
How are metal prints hung?
Metal prints are lightweight --making them easy to carry, hang and relocate. The attached aluminum frame mount projects the print 3/4" off the wall. Hanging hardware (cleat, screws and level) are included.
What other features do your art pieces possess?
Once ordered, I received each piece from the printer and confirm quality of the print and look for any manufacturing defects. On the back of each print, I apply an inked stamp which I complete by hand with an electric engraving tool. The three engraved fields are: Stock Number, Serial Number, and Date Printed. The unique Serial Number is for identification only since I do not believe in the antiquated concept of Limited Editions in this day of abundant print-on-demand services. Finally, a metal die stamp of the dcthreepainter logo is carefully applied.
Shopping
Shipping
Do you ship overseas?
Not yet. I am initially limiting sales (and shipping) to the United States.
Later, as demand warrants, I will expand my market.
Shipping costs are shown at the time of purchase checkout.
How long will it take to receive my order?
You should receive your metal print(s) within four weeks.
Which shipping carriers do you use?
Shipments are made via Fedex or United Parcel Service (UPS).
Pieces over 60" in length will be shipped via Fedex Freight.
How are the metal prints packaged?
Each art piece is wrapped in a plastic bag. The bag's perimeter is taped onto a heavy piece of cardboard. The cardboard floats inside a thick cardboard box sized to match the print. The box's corners are reinforced with shipping tape. A "FRAGILE - DO NOT DROP" sticker is applied to the outside of the box.
What happens if a print arrives damaged?
In the very unlikely case that a piece arrives damaged, please send me a photo of the damaged print and its packaging. My priority will be to replace your print as soon as possible.
If you did not find an answer to your particular question, send me an e-mail or an SMS text message.