I'd guess B.J is using vectors, where a lot of people try to do this stuff in Photoshop- as good as it is, it falls flat on its arse for this sort of thing unless you've got a *lot* of time to play. Illustrator gives better results at a more accessible time/learning level, but its just as pricey... Paint Shop Pro and Corel Draw are competent Vector-capable applications.
B.J: It's very nice work- my personal favourite so far is the Russian Marine Camo style paint job- always liked that. Can I ask what font you used for the nosecone numbering? I've been searching for one like that, but its hard to know where to start after the obvious options turn up dry.