CG Cylon Tanker Model

[bwayne64]

Didn't know where to post this. There isn't a CG section that I could find. This is a Cylon Tanker I'm building to do some of the parts maps. I don't have any pictures of the bottom that I can post, so I'm building this as a stand in. It is also helpful in building the SS version also. Cheers,

Joe




This is the plexi main body section.


   


Here's a closeup of the mounting point.


   


A shot with some body panels added.


   


A shot with some detail Leopold parts.


   


Here's one of the Leopold parts. Not completely finished yet. I have to build every part on the model in CG, Woo Hoo,


   



This was a happy accident. I hit the wrong button in my 3D program and got a stealth version of the Tanker, in dark plexi.



   

[JAWS]

That looks very sweet. Just pondering where this sort of thing should/could go? Theres actually a few of you very talented CG artists out there doing this. Looks great Joe. Love how your mapping it like this. What programme are you using Joe?

[427 Cobra]

I take it that this will be the basis of the plans? I Like the smoke gray colour better, this makes it look more sinister.

[bwayne64]

(03-13-2010, 02:08 PM)jasonwright.1972 Wrote: That looks very sweet. Just pondering where this sort of thing should/could go? Theres actually a few of you very talented CG artists out there doing this. Looks great Joe. Love how your mapping it like this. What programme are you using Joe?

Thanks man. Since I don't have any pics of the bottom of this baby, this was the only thing I could think of. We didn't have a CG section here yet, so I just threw it in here. It's up to you guys if you want a special section, like at the RI. To me a model is a model. Whether it's pixels or plastic, As for the program, I use Lightwave 3d. I've used this since it came out in the early 90's. To me it's the most intuitive 3d app out there. Much easier than most others I've used. And you can't beat the render quality. The only hard thing about this model, or any SS one, is building all the darn kit part's in 3d, wow. The good thing is, you build it once, and then you can cut and paste those parts onto any model you build. Much cheaper than resin and rubber, LOL. Of course you can't hold it in you hands and stare at it. I'll always prefer the real thing. Just something about a big SS model.

(03-14-2010, 03:07 AM)427 Cobra Wrote: I take it that this will be the basis of the plans? I Like the smoke gray colour better, this makes it look more sinister.

Yes definitely, but probably with a lot of hand drawing to get the dimensions just right. The 3d model helps a lot with the overall size of the base model. Seems like every tom, dick and sally is going to 3d for there effects shots. So you can't buck the trend forever. As for the color, that was an accidental button push, and turned the whole thing " Stealth", LOL. It was one of those lucky things that happen. Don't know if I could get that surface again if I wanted to, Cheers,

Joe

[JAWS]

Here ya go Joe. New Topic for CG! ; )

[427 Cobra]

(03-14-2010, 02:01 PM)bwayne64 Wrote: [/b][/color]

(03-14-2010, 03:07 AM)427 Cobra Wrote: I take it that this will be the basis of the plans? I Like the smoke gray colour better, this makes it look more sinister.

Yes definitely, but probably with a lot of hand drawing to get the dimensions just right. The 3d model helps a lot with the overall size of the base model. Seems like every tom, dick and sally is going to 3d for there effects shots. So you can't buck the trend forever.

Joe

I don't know. It just depends how convincing computer graphics can go,and how far the envelope can be pushed until they can't go any further. If people demand violence, and action crap - then it'll live in forever until someone gets wise, and they go back to actual model making again. You can only do so much with CGI garbage,but it'll never replace the real thing no matter how good they think they are at it. You can't fool the eye,especially a trained one!

[bwayne64]

Quote:I don't know. It just depends how convincing computer graphics can go,and how far the envelope can be pushed until they can't go any further. If people demand violence, and action crap - then it'll live in forever until someone gets wise, and they go back to actual model making again. You can only do so much with CGI garbage,but it'll never replace the real thing no matter how good they think they are at it. You can't fool the eye,especially a trained one!

Yea I'm with you there. Looking at the effects from the new Star Wars movies, as pretty as some of them were, there was that missing something. I think eventually CG will look almost if not exactly realistic. It's not there yet, but it gets better every year. I'll always be a hands on modeler at heart. I grew up watching these great movies, and wanting to hold a little piece of the "Magic" in my 10 digits. As much as I love computers, and CG, real models are always where its at for me. Cg is real helpful to me in designing the physical models. You can compare all the measurements and line everything up before you start cutting expensive plastic or whatever. It helps me anyway. Some people just have that eye, and can do it old school. I have a pretty good eye I think, but need a little extra help, LOL. Cheers,

Joe

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(03-14-2010, 03:39 PM)jasonwright.1972 Wrote: Here ya go Joe. New Topic for CG! ; )

Awesome Man, you rock. I hope we get alot of CG artist in here. It's always great to see whats going on in CG too. Some of it is sooo Purty, Cheers,

Joe

[427 Cobra]

I know what you mean, nothing is better than a real model. It's hard to guess by looking at something if it's correct proportionately. Real models are manly! Does this help?










I'm sorry - I couldn't help it, I'm just feeling a little fiesty. I've had a rough, and busy weekend!

[bwayne64]

"I sense damage, that data could be interpreted as pain." Thats gonna leave a mark,

[427 Cobra]

I'm sorry,Joe. You were the first victim in my way! I just needed to let off some steam. My mother's been driving me crazy lately, arguing about everything! Her health is deteriorating as of late. She has high blood pressure, and she also eats all the wrong things, and she doesn't excercise, so she's reaping the benefits of a poor lifestyle. She's been off work because this is a requirement that she takes her blood pressure medicine, but now she gets it through the mail - DON'T ASK! She didn't get it on time, and now her blood pressure has spiked because of this, and now she's been a having migrane headaches, so she took vicodin, and that made her blood pressure spike even higher. I'm the unfortunate victim of all her agression toward an inept brain damaged brother, and an equally inept sister that make her crazy not to mention my grandmothers' finances, as she's in a nursing home, and now my mother is her power of attorney, and makes all my grandmothers' decisions, and pays her bills.


I have a billion damn things to do yet before I die, and not nearly enough time to do them in. I have to play babysitter to my mother as of late, and I've had enough! I can't afford to get sick, or hurt as I have no health insurance. My moms' Yorkie pissed on the floor,and I didn't see it, so I slipped at little in it. I'm going to have him put down. He does this ALL THE TIME! He doesn't let you know when to let him out,so he pisses wherever he wants to. So much goddamn drama - so little time.....

[bwayne64]

No worries man, My Mom is having a hard time as well, so I can relate. I hope your Mom gets better, I'll say a prayer for her. That's one thing about modeling for me, It helps take my mind off all the stress in life. Hope every thing gets better for you soon, Cheers,


Joe

---

Had a small update on the tanker, not much, but chipping away,

Added some of the bottom Wostok parts.



   



From the back, added some Saturn V parts, and Wostok domes.



   



Added the Legg's egg nozzle, and the Harrier Parts.



   





Hope you guys like it, please critique any glaring errors, Cheers

Joe

[JAWS]

Really nice work Joe. I just picked up a wostok for $19! stoked. No you can't have it mate

Joe will you start a Kit List & possibley a Parts Map?

[bwayne64]

Thanks Jase, wow, 19 dollars, mine was over 50. You and Phil are two lucky Guys. I put a kit list up a while back on the tanker, and a parts map. The kit list is here,

http://www.studioscalemodelers.com/forum...hp?tid=333

Parts map here,

http://www.studioscalemodelers.com/forum...hp?tid=299

I thought you saw them, I hope to get working on the Bottom map soon, that's what the CG tanker is for. There's a lot of parts on the bottom of this sucker and I have to build them all. Now if I just had a 3D printer, I wouldn't have to cast anything, ah to dream, Cheers,

Joe

[JAWS]

Well if we can Id them & we've got the kits we will help out.

[bwayne64]

Thanks man, thats what it's all about. 100 heads are better than one. I've Id'ed all I know so far, I'm still getting kits together. The pictures are few and far between on this one too, not too many closeups. We'll get her though I'm sure. Now if Jim C would chime in, we'd be set, Cheers,

Joe

[JAWS]

Any updates on the rendering Joe. Yours & Richards 3D renders have blown me away. Im trying to tewach myself when Ive got time, which is never... I really need to learn how to make files for laser cutting. Anyone point me in the right direction?????

[bwayne64]

(04-09-2010, 06:38 PM)jasonwright.1972 Wrote: Any updates on the rendering Joe. Yours & Richards 3D renders have blown me away. Im trying to tewach myself when Ive got time, which is never... I really need to learn how to make files for laser cutting. Anyone point me in the right direction?????

Thanks Jase, I should have an update soon. I just got some glue and acyrlic tubing for the "Real" Cylon tanker, and my big girl the Galactica. So I'm gearing up for those two monsters. I hit a snag on the tanker. The guy who was helping me on the tanker ID's has fell off the map. I have most of the major ID's, but am missing a few parts. I PM'd the master Jim C, quite a while back. Haven't heard back yet. Oh well, thats why they call it scratch building, cause you have to beg and scratch for it, LOL. I want to finish the CG version of the Tanker for the parts maps. If I get the real one finished first I'll use those pics instead. As for the files for laser cutting, I think most people use a Cad program, like Autocad. You can also use a vector program like Corel Draw, if your cutter can use vector files. Unlike bitmap programs like Photoshop or some other paint program ,vectors contain the actual curve and dimension data of the shapes. They can be reduced or enlarged without losing quality. I'm looking at a cutter online, here, http://www.customlasercutting.com/ If you ck out their page, they have ton of helpful tutorials, and links to free software you can use. If you want them to convert your drawings they can do that also, For a price of course. I'm still looking for a local laser or waterjet company. I'm in the boondocks, so there aren't very many around. Hope this is helpful. If I find out a fool proof way to do this I'll post the info for everyone. I don't have a way to export my 3D cross sections yet. Lightwave can only output a few formats, and I don't have the latest version. So I'm in the boat right there with ya, Cheers,


Joe

[Apophis]

Oooo, laser cut bulkheads! sounds sexy! I would really love to build this one too!

[bwayne64]

(04-13-2010, 12:28 PM)Apophis Wrote: Oooo, laser cut bulkheads! sounds sexy! I would really love to build this one too!

Yea man, laser is the way to go. Unfortunately for now I'm going old school, and using the router template method. At least until I figure out how to output my drawing in the right format. I hope I can get the laser files going. Then everyone can benefit. Cheers,

Joe

Joe that sounds like your going to share what you got with us numbskulls. thats what this site is all about. Your a champion.

[bwayne64]

I did a little more work on the tanker bottom. Got a lot of parts yet to build. I still need to ID quite a few. It turns out that the models out there have the Saturn Five bodies backwards. No jab at anybody who's built them We have a lot better reference now. I was building mine by the pictures I had, but I turned the engines around. The ribbed band should be toward the back. Enjoy,

PS. Of course I'll share, people have helped me out a lot. Gotta spread the love,

Joe

   

   



Thought I'd throw in a wireframe, for any 3D geeks on the forum,



   

[JAWS]

wow I love this stuff! Its fantastic Joe. The wire frame looks tech mate. i gotta learn this stuff. Thanks for the update.

[bwayne64]

Thanks Man,
I love this too ! It's taking a while, but hey, I've got more time than money right now, Hopefully I'll have something to post on the real world version soon. Got my glue and plexi. Now I have to find a good respirator, so I don't die for my hobby, LOL. There's gotta be something that filters this stuff out. That's another benefit of the 3D versions, no fumes. Anyhoo, going back to virtual part factory, Cheers,

Joe

[dbhs]

Joe, This reference is new to me. Thought you might like to see it.

http://img252.imageshack.us/i/ga012ab2.jpg/

found it here with a bunch of other good reference shots.

http://www.byyourcommand.net/cylonforum/...f=21&t=763

[bwayne64]

Wow, thanks for those. New to me as well. See this is why I love this forum. Something new always popping up. I just started working on the front section, so this is very helpful. Thanks for posting, Cheers,

Joe

[JAWS]

Yep that ws kool article with some nice fresh ref. Good spot Doug!

[Wombat]

That is a good find Doug and also a reminder for me,thanks.

Here ya go Joe!

   

[erospawn]

[color=#FFFFFF][b]Thanks man. Since I don't have any pics of the bottom of this baby, this was the only thing I could think of. We didn't have a CG section here yet, so I just threw it in here. It's up to you guys if you want a special section, like at the RI. To me a model is a model. Whether it's pixels or plastic, As for the program, I use Lightwave 3d. I've used this since it came out in the early 90's. To me it's the most intuitive 3d app out there. Much easier than most others I've used. And you can't beat the render quality. The only hard thing about this model, or any SS one, is building all the darn kit part's in 3d, wow. The good thing is, you build it once, and then you can cut and paste those parts onto any model you build. Much cheaper than resin and rubber, LOL. Of course you can't hold it in you hands and stare at it. I'll always prefer the real thing. Just something about a big SS model.




I've got Lightwave as well.. but I haven't used it since a long time ago though..

[JAWS]

Is it just me that doesn't see the picture?

[dbhs]

(04-29-2010, 06:03 AM)jasonwright.1972 Wrote: Is it just me that doesn't see the picture?

If you're referring to those Phil and I posted, I can email them to you.

[JAWS]

No I think Ron posted a picture but I can't see it?

[bwayne64]

Phil, wow ! Great pictures. Do you know what issue of Sci- Fi Modeler that was. I have quite a few of them but not that one. Thats really gonna help with the nose section. I've been avoiding that part, cause of all the funky curves. Now I have no excuse, Thanks

Joe

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(04-29-2010, 01:41 AM)erospawn Wrote: I've got Lightwave as well.. but I haven't used it since a long time ago though..

I really like Lightwave. Spent alot of money on updates. Probably could have bought Maya, for what I've spent on it. But I can understand Lightwave, not so sure about Maya. I think the render engine is as good as anything out there. I don't even scratch the surface of what it can do. Like real world modeling, I don't have the patience for some things. The good thing is, if I get burned out on one thing, there are a million more I can start on, Cheers,

Joe

[dbhs]

(04-29-2010, 08:04 AM)jasonwright.1972 Wrote: No I think Ron posted a picture but I can't see it?

I don't see a picture either but doesn't look like it's missing. Ron?

[Wombat]

(04-29-2010, 08:44 AM)bwayne64 Wrote: Phil, wow ! Great pictures. Do you know what issue of Sci- Fi Modeler that was. I have quite a few of them but not that one. Thats really gonna help with the nose section. I've been avoiding that part, cause of all the funky curves. Now I have no excuse, Thanks

Joe

---

Sorry mate, i don't know which issue it came from unfortunately.I forgot i even had it on my lappy until Doug posted that link.Seeing what you've done so far i'm sure you'll get your head around the front section.It does have some intersting curves for sure,but from what you've shown you are more than capable of doing the same with this section.

So no excuses indeed,now get to it mate!!

[bwayne64]

Had a side view of the model so far. Still looks naked without it's nose. I'm plugging away at her. Added a few stars, just to see what she'll look like in space, Cheers,

Joe


   

[JAWS]

Really nice Joe. the work your doing is going to help me & anyone else that has this puppy planned. How many Wostoks are needed for this build?

[bwayne64]

(05-01-2010, 03:00 PM)jasonwright.1972 Wrote: Really nice Joe. the work your doing is going to help me & anyone else that has this puppy planned. How many Wostoks are needed for this build?

Thanks man,
It will definately come in handy for building the real deal. I don't think I could build one without it. I couldn't imagine trying to measure all those parts and do it with pencil and paper. Even though thats how I've always done it before. I've been spoiled by the Computer, As for the Wostoks. There are 2 upper panels and 2 lower panels per kit. The upper panels are the ones with slots at the top. There are 6 upper panels on the SS model, and 6 lower ones. So you need 3 kits for the panels, unless you cast copies like I'll be doing. The SS model also uses the round domes in the kit, these are just in front of the engines. I believe it uses a cut section of those same domes inside the rear bay. So short story long, 3 kits should do it, if you want to use original parts. I just have one, so I'll just cast any duplicate parts. Now if I can just finish this darned nose section, LOL. Cheers,

Joe

[JAWS]

Yeah well I'll take a casting of that when your done!

[dbhs]

I wish I was in a position to start collecting for this one (but I'm not) so I thought i'd help you guys out. Maybe you'll be kind enough to sell me casts when the time comes????

http://cgi.ebay.com/Model-CCCP-Gagarin-s...0211583823

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VEB-Plasticart-Mod...72422#shId

[bwayne64]

(05-02-2010, 02:13 AM)dbhs Wrote: I wish I was in a position to start collecting for this one (but I'm not) so I thought i'd help you guys out. Maybe you'll be kind enough to sell me casts when the time comes????

http://cgi.ebay.com/Model-CCCP-Gagarin-s...0211583823

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VEB-Plasticart-Mod...72422#shId

Wow, those suckers are still out there. Thats good to know. Hey when I finally get it done, I'll be glad to hook you up. It might be a while though. I still have a lot of I'ding of parts to do. There doesn't seem to be too much part info out there. Speaking of parts, do you know anyone that has a 1/400 Heller Strasbourg or Dunkerque. I need a couple of parts from that model. It's a very prominent part on the neck section. I'm working on the dimensions of that section, and those parts would help a lot. If you have one or know someone, let me know, Thanks for all the links, there helping a lot, cheers,

Joe

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(05-01-2010, 04:03 PM)jasonwright.1972 Wrote: Yeah well I'll take a casting of that when your done!

Hey got one with your name on it, when she's done,

[dbhs]

(05-02-2010, 04:05 AM)bwayne64 Wrote: Speaking of parts, do you know anyone that has a 1/400 Heller Strasbourg or Dunkerque.

Do you mean this?

http://www.oldmodelkits.com/index.php?de...cale=1/400

I bought 2 kits recently from OMK and they have a great selection of vintage kits. Service is a bit slow since it's snail mail only but it came through.

[JAWS]

Holy crap $285! Damn thats gonna hurt... oh well if its on the list its on the list....

[Apophis]

yeah, but thats why i cant build some of this crap. Shits too expensive!

[dbhs]

I've come to realize that you have to think of the overall cost of the project averaged out and not how much any single part costs.

Unless of course you lose or accidentally destroy that one part that cost $285 !!!!

[bwayne64]

(05-02-2010, 03:30 PM)dbhs Wrote:

(05-02-2010, 04:05 AM)bwayne64 Wrote: Speaking of parts, do you know anyone that has a 1/400 Heller Strasbourg or Dunkerque.

Do you mean this?

http://www.oldmodelkits.com/index.php?de...cale=1/400

I bought 2 kits recently from OMK and they have a great selection of vintage kits. Service is a bit slow since it's snail mail only but it came through.

Oh Sweet, $ 285. WOW ! Too rich for my blood, LOL. I saw them on Ebay recently going for 150 or so, that hurts my wallet too, I hope I can at least see a kit scan of that puppy. At least then I'll know what I'm looking for. Cheers,

Joe

[dbhs]

Any updates to share?

I love seeing progress on your 3D model.

[bwayne64]

(05-22-2010, 11:06 AM)dbhs Wrote: Any updates to share?

I love seeing progress on your 3D model.

Thanks Man, I'm glad you like it. Sorry but I got into Big G mode the last few weeks. I'm building a router table to cut my plexi. And doing stuff on the armature. I kinda bounce back and forth between projects. I haven't given up on the tanker. I started on the nose section, but those funny curves are kickin' my butt, LOL. I definitely need to get up an update. I hope to have some soon. So stay tuned, I'm still pluggin' away, Cheers,

Joe


PS. Here's a few wires on the in progress nose section. It's just some splines and the bottom plate. But it will give you an idea of what's going into it.


   




   

[JAWS]

Looks good keep em comin!

[Wombat]

Wow Joe,you are a man with many talents mate!
That is so cool how you can do that side of thing's,the practical piece will be killer going by you're creations on the computer.
Looking good bud,and i know you are torn between this and the Big G right now.This would make a great side project when that big girl starts given ya the burn i say but,hopefully that'll take some time to happen also.

[dbhs]

Looks great. Even a little progress is better than no progress.

[bwayne64]

Thanks Guys,
I always seem to be doin 4 things at once. I think I might have ADHD, LOL. Hard to stay focused on one thing at a time. You're right Phil, it's a good back up project. I'm definitely in Galactica mode at the minute. We had a big storm tonight, blew out my phone line and answering machine. I'm just lucky my DSL made it though, Something else to take time for. Oh well, that's life. I hope to figure out the funky nose on this soon. Then the hard part will be done. Cheers,

Joe