I don't use Gimp. If you have Photoshop Elements (the cheap and simple version of Photoshop) then I could help you a lot more. Photoshop Elements comes free with cameras/printers/scanners etc. and if you can find it somewhere it would be good.
You need to use Layers. I don't know how much you know about editing in Gimp...but you need to know how to use Layers when you are skinning.
Maybe these will help you.
http://www.youtube.com/results?searc....1.gDewsD86w2Y
http://www.simmerspaintshop.com/foru...g-layers-3409/
I'll show how I start in Elements:
Basically you need to open one of these templates, (that we discussed earlier):
http://airwarfare.com/sow/index.php/...templates-pack
then create a new layer on top of that, which will be your own skin.
If you reduce opacity of you own skin then you will see the template at the same time as you work on your own layer.
It is best to do each camouflage colour on a different layer.
Add then layers for markings and anything else you want.
Simply it should look like this:
I hope this helps.
Sorry if I misunderstood your question or answered it too simply.
EDIT - the top layer is 'Panel Finder by Tom'
http://www.pumaszallas.hu/Private/VO..._2048x2048.jpg
You need this as a layer when making your skin, also put it in your skin folder. Play the game with this skin to find parts... Use the panel finder to locate them - when you look at the skin in-game you will see the colour of the part your a looking for. Look then for the same colour on the layer.
Cheers.
major-setback