3D Modeling Development: Work in Progress Space Bus Model

One of the key aspects of our special FX sequence is the Space Bus that the actor catches in the video. The importance of this asset meant that the model had to be meticulously designed and constructed. In the development of the test models, I focused one the front fuselage cockpit and the side entrance. The development of these would lay the foundation for the construction of the rest of the model. I began with a simple box structure that I divided up into smaller polygons and extruded the front of, and then adjusted the vertices to create the coned front. The initial construction was a rough test to judge the effectiveness of this method. However it became clear that constructing the two parts together was not the best method.

The initial test model, although I was able to create the appropriate shape, it looks very square and boxed.

I applied a Turbo Smooth to this model to try and reduce the boxed look. This test showed it was possible construct but the initial method would need to be adjusted.

The second test I constructed in two different parts, the front cockpit and the side entrance pod. This proved to be much more successful, I had better definition of both pieces and a more appropriate shape. After the initial construction and brought the two parts together and Collapsed the model.

I applied the Turbo Smooth to this model, which looked more reflective of the designs. To further the aesthetics I added the front windshield and the white circles that were parallel on both side of the entrance pod.

This test made it clear that the best method would be to construct the model in segments and collapse that after. However it was also clear that I needed more geometry to the model to further remove the boxed look of the construction.

This test I added a lot more geometry for the construction. This gave me a lot greater control of the constructing and produced a much better model. I constructed both parts separately, and adjusted the size to create a better fit for the two pieces.

In a crude attempt to optimize, I removed several polygons that were unnecessary, and that wouldnt be seen.

As with the previous model I applied a Turbo Smooth to remove some of the boxed look from the model.

The next step, I began testing some simple combinations of texture to see how they would look on the model.

I applied a metal bump map to both the front and pod section, I also applied a blues metal texture to the pod, but just a greyed defuse to the front. I also blacked sections of the front for the front windscreen.

This is the final view of the test construction, I didnt add as much aesthetic to this model. But I do feel that this model is the most successful in creating the graphic design work. This development work has given me clear indicators on how to construct and texture the final product. The next step will probably be a final test construction but of the whole craft, this will allow me to do proper texture tests on the mode ad test how it will look in the final construction.