lothar's folder

[lothar79]

Hi everybody!

I have just finished my new commercial project: "La Diligente" (1738):



(more here: http://www.modelarstwookretowe.pl/index.php?p=21 ). The new experience reached is planking the hull by creating and UV-mapping my own textures (prepared with Inkscape free software). Please do not be mislead with the "ZeKe" put in a picture. ZK are simply the first letters of my name

I decided to start with a new, simple project just to "stay tuned" with 3D modelling . It is going to be a small Polish salvage boat "R-35" (R=ratowniczy Eng. - salvage) built in 1960'.

It is a very uncomplicated boat, so I hope to build in a relatively short time. And it is also a good chance to make a break between the sailing ships which IMHO are much more complicated to construct, especially the rigging...

One more thing: I have created my "personal" (lothar's) folder to avoid a need to open a new thread whenever I decide to share something with you. I think you do not mind? How do you like my new project?

[DrPR]

Lothar (Zeke),

Nice work!

What CAD program are you using? Does it have an easy way to rotate the blocks to the proper angles between the lines?

Phil

[lothar79]

Thank you Phil!

I do not use any CAD software. All the soft I use is mentioned at the bottom of picture. These are: OS: Linux Mint 17, 3D: Blender 2.72b, 2D vector: Inkscape 0.48.4, 2D raster: GIMP 2.8.10. That's it. All the rigging I always do manually, which of course causes me a lot of trouble... A the moment I learn how to use the Physics options for Blender (i.e. Soft body, Collisions etc) to make the ropes more natural. The same problem I faced when it came to the sails. I am pretty sure my next sailing vessel model is going to show its sails. In fact preparing them is not as difficult as it may to seem. But like everything it needs time to be "discovered"

Now I decided to build just a small boat for one reason. I have been promising myself to learn a Cycles rendering engine but so far I did not have enough time to do it. Working under time pressure is very stressing So this boat is definitely to be rendered under Cycles.

I keep modelling the hull and first small parts of deck equipment:



Cheers - Zdzis?aw

[lothar79]

Today update: a liferaft:



I played with the Cycles settings to achieve a realistic view. Hmmm... I think somethig still goes wrong

[lothar79]

On the other forum I have received some tips form VanPelt, a guy from Buenos Aires. His idea was great! I played with the Cycles' sliders. And now you can see the effect which is more or less I was looking for (the shader resembles at least a real painting of the ship).
I modeled the superstructure aft doors and put some colour the way he suggested:



Next I applied the same shader to the raft. And now you can compare both views of the liferaft (never mind the orange area):



Everything I need more for this shader is a bump map. I tried different options, but with unsatisfying effect. I keep fighting. Thanks VanPelt!

[lothar79]

Happy day!!!
I made the next step on my way to get familiar with the Cycles. A small red stamp on the door cost me three days of exploration and testing how to put the texture with an alpha channel on... But now when I eventually know what's going on, everything seems to be so simple My conclusion: Cycles is a huge field to explore.

[lothar79]

Hi!

Next attempt to achieve a new material: this time it is a brass. I have prepared a basic porthole which is to be copied and used in several places on the superstructure:

//s26

[lothar79]

First approach to the hull. I am quite happy with the final object after I had assembled it using three different sources of drawings... Such a tiny boat...



Cheers!

[lothar79]

Hi!
Today: the hull - approach no 2
I received a next picture which allowed me to analyze the shape of hull once more. Unfortunately I had to rebuild its bow part... I did also some railings as well as the stern side holes. What I am trying to do now is the curvature of deck. I have already found a good texture for planking the deck.



Cheers!

[lothar79]

Small update. What do you think of the shaders and lighting?



Cheers!

[lothar79]

Hi!
The whole weekend of hard work behind. The effects visible. Of course, the model still not ready, a bit of work waiting for me. Waving ensign (trained Cloth effect), deck texturing (piece of work with good colors and their shades). And for dessert, a real rarity - the wake. Unfortunately weekend ended too quickly, so I could not "study" this effect. I am going to try during a week. I already have got an idea how to do it. Anyway, I am happy with the weekend work .



What do you think?

Cheers!

[DrPR]

You are making very good progress! It looks great.

Phil

[lothar79]

Because of my own stupidity I dismantled the operating system. I could not save anything from the disk. Among other things was part of the project files of the salvage boat. I have to go back a bit and do some elements once more... Hence downtime. But I slowly return

[lothar79]

I have recovered my model to the state as it used to look like before the disaster... Additionaly I put few more details. Unfortunaltey it still requires new textures I also learned how to achieve a clay render effect - I think with good result



Cheers

[lothar79]

End of modeling and texturing. Despite of the "failure" of the computer the model eventually came to life. Lesson "cycles" finished with success. I got addicted to it I need it only to be faster ... As for the model, I'll try again to insert it in some marine scene. However I regard the project called "R-33" to be finished. What is your opinion?



Cheers

[DrPR]

Zeke,

It looks really nice. And remember, all the hassles you had with the computer build character, or something like that.

What's next?

Phil

[lothar79]

Thanks Phil You are totally right.
What's next? Quite a simple thing: Soviet K-70 type 37 mm AA gun:



I am going to use it for next bigger project: Polish 902 class patrol boat (build in 1960'):



I have also an idea to build something older, I mean pre-war Polish Navy tug ORP "Smok" (Eng. "Dragon"):


As you see I prefere the specific shape small boats. Honesty speaking I always get bored reading or watching next "Yamatos", "Iowas" or other "Bismarcks" Everybody knows these beautiful combat ships. My idea is to bring to life some absolutely unknown vessels, especially small boat, tugs etc... I am pretty sure that for many hobbiest in the world the ships built in Poland must be very exotic. I want to show that we have always had good engineers

As usually I also want to build a least one sailing vessel (one a year ).
I hope you are going to support me with your comments.

Cheers

[lothar79]

First attempt to the final scene. How do you find it?



Cheers

[lothar79]

Hello!
This is my recent project, a 37 mm Soviet anti-aircraft gun (naval version):



How do you find it?

Cheers

[tea monster]

The ocean scene looks good, but the sunlight needs to be better realised. If you don't mind me asking, how are you setting up your sun/sky in Cycles?

The Navy Tug would be a gorgeous model when finished.

I know this is wayyyy too late, but in case of any further computer problems, burn yourself a Linux boot disk (Ubuntu is a good choice). If the machine crashes and you can't boot in to your PC, you can at least boot off of the DVD and rescue your files from the hard drive before formatting and reinstalling.