Hey DNK, I'd definately encourage you to have a go at this yourself, there really is nothing more satisfying than flying an aircraft in the sim for which you have done the skin yourself. And once you've painted one the next one will seem simpler. Dont set your goals too high, maybe start with a simpler aircraft.
If you dont have a lot of experience with the more complex editing programs they can be a handful but its still worth persisting. Unlike Adamski

I'd actually reccomend the GIMP, its a great and fully-featured tool and if you arent used to another tool like photoshop (like I wasnt) then I dont think it will be that difficult to pick up
i think i will leave this model for the experts but none the less i am still very keen to learn the ropes so that i may one day be able share my future projects that i have a small mountain of that are all in real life photo form but no repaint .but thx for for your advice