359th BS_303rd BG_BN-U_Thunderbird [UPDATED]

This is a submission for the B-17G Livery Competition. It includes two skins, one a detailed 'Thunderbird' and one plain and without the distinguishing markings of 'Thunderbird" as specified in the competition. Speculars are used but I will change to roughmets if the developers decide to upgrade the B-17 to PBR. The detailed skin depicts Serial number 42-38050, a B-17G-25-DL,  code: BN U, nicknamed "Thunderbird". The plane flew 112 combat missions with the 359th Bombardment Squadron of the 303rd Bombardment Group. She reputedly was crewed by 538 different airmen, none of whom suffered an injury aboard Thunderbird. Returned to the United States after the war, she was sent to Kingman Army Airfield, Arizona, where she was scrapped. This plane is the subject of a large mural in the World War II Gallery of the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., entitled "Fortresses Under Fire", completed 1975–1976. by Keith Ferris and depicts Thunderbird on her 70th mission to Wiesbaden.

[UPDATED]
8/6/23 Speculars and lower surfaces changed to the correct No. 42 Gray instead of Sky Blue
8/7/23 Codes removed from plain skin
8/23/23 Added missing stars and bars rondels on wings
8/25/23 Fixed RH Aileron Specular

Please Note: This skin will work with the default JSON file included in the game but to see the skin at it's best, use the improved Metallic look MOD by Warlord64 available here :  https://forum.dcs.world/topic/319116-specular-reflectivity-from-brushed-to-mirror-effect/#comment-5150016

I spent quite a bit of time working on details and weathering and want to note some of them. 1)Overlay ("Scab") patches are placed as depicted on the original photo. Normal map modified to simulate the thickness of the overlaying patches. A flush patch is on the inboard #2 engine cowling.* Paint was worn, discolored and chipped as per the original photo. 2) Mud spatters added to areas of the landing gear bays and mud stains added to tires. 3) Actual photos of the turbo and exhaust piping overlayed to better simulate those areas. 4) As per the profile by Mark Styling the rudder is shown as re-coverd but in only silver dope. Also, the de-ice boots have been removed showing bare metal (I have real life experience removing boots and the toluene solvent used to loosen them and remove the adhesive would surely dissolve any zinc chromate primer and paint thus leaving bare metal). Special thanks to Warlord64 for showing how to keep the prop domes black with engines running!