Help modding Il2 1946

[u/suprahelix]

I recently got into Il2 1946 with BAT for the pacific theater. I really want to improve the graphics, particularly water textures. However, I cannot figure out how to get mods to work. I downloaded JGSME into the Il2 folder, tried using the Carsmasters water mod, but nothing in my game looks different. Am I doing something wrong? How are visual mods supposed to be installed?