They're in the art directory. Can't remember the name of the file; it's "blah_blah_blah_6" (only think I can remember is that, the file ends in 6). I just highlighted the icon in bmp of the original file (in the ...6 file of the art directory), and pasted it onto my new image.
The "maps" are just screen shots during the execution phase. It may not be exactly the event you see in the illustration. It just a game event during the execution in the area, that gives me the geography that I want. You can also highlight-copy the TF icons (from the same image even), and paste it onto the map to create the "battle". I use the night phase, because there's less clutter (would be hard to illustrate my battle with all the spottings). It annoys me that it's darker than an air phase, but I don't have the patience to adjust the gamma for all my shots.
At this point, it's getting easier, since I've got plenty of icons to use on previous maps. I can grab the infantry icon from an old picture, and copy onto the new one (instead of hunting for that stupid ...6 file).
It's just a matter of drawing lines and plunking copy-pasting the TF icons on the map at this point. I'm trying to stay consistant with
medium red = japan naval
medium green = allied naval
thin yellow = japan air
thin blue = allied air
I tried making a marine icon (with the anchor), but it looked pathetic... :^)
I just use "Paint" to create the main file. Then use "imaging" to convert the file to jpg for upload.
Thanks for the compliments. While I think I'm doing "well enough", I gotta admit that the Allied commander-n-chief has a major case of the "Holy Sh_ts!".
-F-