Been a low poly modeler using Milkshape for a number of years now and finally decided to move up. As I continued to experiment and learn more of 3d Max’s features (older version), I decided to give the Romulan Bird of Prey a go. I did this recently for the Star Trek gaming community but I thought I’d try it again and bounce some ideas off you folks in the process. Now according to the blueprints I am using (
www.cygnus-x1.net/links/lcars/romulan-bird-of-prey.php) there are some 34 space sensor arrays and 2 long range sensor arrays oriented on the top face of the hull. Unfortunately, the blueprints don’t provide much detail on them. I guess one could conclude they are recessed. Now I got to thinking about security cameras and how the ship might look with a series of dome shaped sensor arrays, mimicking the smoked-glass domes one sees around security cameras. I am assuming I’d make a series of spheres and then Boolean them into the hull. Now should one go this route, what pitfalls do I need to avoid in setting them up. Your insight would be appreciated.
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Oh, I agree. I have my eyes set on one of Altom's design...his version of the Romulan Bird of Prey as my next project.
Are you using GMAX, or other version? It will prevent us in help you by the wrong way.
My advice is: donAât use the boolean tool to join the spheres with the hull. ItAâisnAât really necessary. You can build one half sphere and later use the array tool to align all copies over the hull. The boolean tool can give you a headtache and let you with a big amount of verts and faces to correct, especially when using older versions of 3ds max. But... if youAâre planning to cut the hull and do the interiors, youAâll need other approach, using the boolean tool or manually cutting the holes in the hull.
If youAâre looking for great tuts too, I can suggest the ones posted bay Madkoifish and Grant Warwick.
I have taken a good look at the tutorials by Madkoifish and found them to be useful. I will investigate Grant Warwick's in short order.
Imagine the sphere cut into two halves. That said, is there a simple way to align that plane with the face it will get connected to.
its looking nice ! the TOS BOP is a great simple start for ya!
This video can help you: http://www.cgmeetup.net/home/using-the-align-tool-3ds-studio-max-general/?repeat=w3tc
You can also use a script (youAâll need to verify if itAâs compatible with max 5): http://www.itoosoft.com/freeplugins/glue.php
Also check Alejo GrigeraAâs site for usefull and general tuts about 3ds max.