3-D Modelling

AltarBoy · Post by **AltarBoy** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 11:42 am

Guess I should mention what I do in my spare time besides spying on my sexy neighbour and sneaking out of AA meetings.lol.

I create 3-D models mainly aircraft. I've almost completed a Bell MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. I've already gotten blueprints of a World War I German Albatros DII fighter. Tough work but fun. Will post up pics of them soon.

:FI:Dr_Strangelove · Post by **:FI:Dr_Strangelove** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 1:34 pm

Yes, show us some pictures of your neighbor..er...handy work.

AltarBoy · Post by **AltarBoy** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 1:58 pm

Easier said than done. The bloody camera keeps falling out of my hands.lol.

napier · Post by **napier** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 4:59 pm

sounds cool mate send em this way

AltarBoy · Post by **AltarBoy** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 6:44 pm

I'll post a pic up as soon as I get home from work.

napier · Post by **napier** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 6:47 pm

I did some modelling back in college with 3DS and Maya, and HASH(animation master) ever heard of it? Never got to put as much time into it as I would have liked. I mostly made nature-ish scenes, but I did model some "mechwarrior" type stuff, and even a spitfire once!

AltarBoy · Post by **AltarBoy** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:00 pm

That's way cool, dude! Although I've never come across HASH before. I got Maya, 3DS Max, Lightwave, Rhino, Cinema 4D, Photoshop CS2, Adobe Illustrator- all used for the model process. But I like Lightwave the most. Thing is the software is waaaaay expensive! I love modelling and it's almost magical taking a 2D representation and turning it into something almost lifelike. Animation is something I need more education on. There are basically 3 steps to take in this genre of art. 1) Modelling, 2) Texturing and 3) Animation. At present the University here do not offer degrees in 3D Designs or else I'd be there in a jiffy!

napier · Post by **napier** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:04 pm

Yeah i never quite did so well at the animation process, pretty much just modelling. As soon as I graduated with a CS degree my school started offering a 3D program

So I didnt touch it much after school. Of course now im not in the computer field at all!

AltarBoy · Post by **AltarBoy** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 11:41 pm

Ok folks here's my V-22 Osprey in the works. There's still some tweaking to be done including adding rivets and panels, some more markings and an undertone colour. But this is it so far. Hope you like it. Comments are welcomed.

napier · Post by **napier** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:09 am

looks awesome m8, but wheres the modeled, animated pilots?

Cant wait to see it when its done. Are you planning on modeling the rivets, panels, etc, or just texturing the plane?

AltarBoy · Post by **AltarBoy** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:24 am

Usually the panels and rivets are included in the texturing process with pretty good results with specular and gloss. I've never tried 'etching' the panels and rivets onto the model directly and that may be a challenge in itself if possible at all. As for animation, well, I certainly will try as I've never animated before. Btw it's over 330,000 polygons, that means if ever this gets incorporated into a flight sim you'll need to upgrade your rig to a Super Cray II Computer.

Thanks for the comments.

napier · Post by **napier** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 1:13 am

cool, if you get to animating at all you should just animate the props, which I think wouldnt be too difficult

Do ya got any landing gear in there?

Btw how did u go about modeling, from a picture? I am used to importing a high quality picture on the axis and basically just going from there using my eye as a guide, and using the measurements as a guide. For example, the hull would be on solid piece, wings, etc, then "Weld" them together. Or just modelling half then doubling it? I never really "learned" how properly I guess, just taught myself.

Also, Id love to see a mesh shot

cheers

AltarBoy · Post by **AltarBoy** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 2:44 am

I use 3-way views- a top, side and front view. Scale them as accurately from realistic specifications as possible and take it from there. A lot of research has to be put into a project but setting up the backdrop views is the most important part. Yes, you model different parts separetly then bring them together. I mirror one half of the parts to make them equal. The landing gear hasn't been done yet and animating the props shouldn't be a problem. Will post a mesh shot tomorrow. I've put away the V-22 for a bit to start on the Albatros DII for a m8 of mines from Hells Gazelles.

napier · Post by **napier** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 2:58 am

rgr that, im getting inspired to get back into modeling a bit. Id love to model a FW190 D9. I'd have to dig through some cds to find some software though, or get it from somewhere else

Is that correct that ur from west indies? Good rum, women, rum?

AltarBoy · Post by **AltarBoy** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 4:03 am

Good for ya!

...and yup I'm from the Caribbean. Would stay away from the rum..too sweet, therefore get drunk faster (hmmm..not a bad idea). The women? Better learn to take Viagra...you'll need it!

A piece of advice- Since you may be a bit rusty taking on a complicated model like the FW-190 D9 may result in you losing your hair, like me.lol. I suggest you start off simple just to get your feet wet as it were. Just use primitive objects like a cylinder, box etc and shape them to get a feel of things then let your confidence build up then tackle that muther! Good luck!