The first thing I do when working in 3D is start in 2D. In this case, I literally measured the parts to put them in the computer to exact scale. The advantage doing this allows me to test fit the parts in cyberspace before making molds, while at the same time creating the instructions for the kit. If fit problems are found, I can make the correction before production. I pasted the drawing (the red lines) into 3D and the program automatically converts it. Below, see the beginning of the 32lbr gun barrel. In DC3DMax v-20, I draw 1/2 of the profile of the barrel. Then using the "sweep" command, I set it to rotate the profile 360 degrees. And in less than a second, I have the gun barrel. The ball on the back was created by including half of it with the 360 degree rotation when I made the barrel. The lift ring and strike platform was drawn separately making a 2D drawing for the shapes, then using the "extrude" command, they were made the proper thickness and attached at the appropriate locations.
2D drawing of the profile used (red).
Cannon barrel drawn in "isometric view".
When drawings are made this way, they create their own "plane" (solid surface) as indicated by the many working lines. There was no need to create the barrel in the cannon (I may regret that later) since it was not to be seen. The heavy elevation axle was created using the "extrude" command on a circle I included in the drawing to the proper length. It was then inserted through the barrel. Note how the lines disappear when they pierce the plane of the barrel. The working lines will be cleaned up later after pasting the drawing into the instructions.
