I came to the realization a couple of weeks ago that as a sci-fi modeler I've never attempted a Constitution-class mesh. This, in some people's eyes, is a travesty. So, I decided I
must build my own.
This is going to be the first model I build from blueprints, texture and animate. Overall, I intend to learn a lot of other skills beyond my very basic modeling ability. I'm hoping for major constructive criticism, too.
I've found the secondary hull is rather complicated...at least more so than I originally thought. I'm kind of worried that the cutouts might not be deep enough, but I'd like everyone's thoughts on it. I'll post more pics later, but right now all I really have left to model are the nacelles and minute details. I'm hoping that what comments I receive won't mean a rebuild or major modification to what I have, but if it's meant to be...
So, without further ado...
UPDATED with current progress for thumbnail image.
Posts
I'm going to set up the scene for clay renders tomorrow possibly. I'm kind of irritated that some of the detail on the deflector arms isn't showing up.
some places
http://3dscifi.com/ericimages/enterprise/enterprisereference/
http://www.cygnus-x1.net/links/lcars/sinclair-enterprise.php
http://www.cygnus-x1.net/links/lcars/1701-33inch.php
http://home.earthlink.net/~casimiro/blueprints.html
If you want to "accurize", I think the Casimiro lower saucer hull curve is more accurate and the placement of the big squares on the TOP of the saucer hull is best on the Casimiro plans. The rest seems to be better demonstrated on Alan Sinclair's excellent plans.
And Shaw deserves a mention of his own for his terrific work on a MUCH less documented, but very important to TOS Trek fans, model
Per Scifi "Constitution" Eric
look forward to more!
I made an ortho and a couple of other renders so I can get more feedback. Enjoy!
She's looking great, Juvat. I think with the windows cut out she'll be tip top nigh on perfect.
Thank you! Some people say yes, and some say now. I believe it's a rite of passage for me. I think this is a great all around ship to use for all of my firsts...popping the cherry, so to speak.
Thanks a lot! That means a lot coming from a more experienced person around here.
Yeah... that will be a challenge. IMO, the trick will be to keep the look of the hull panel lines very subtle... a lot of people like to "over-expose" them, to get an effect similar to the restored Smithsonian model. IMO, the effect on that model looks like crap... it's like someone set the old gal's make-up to "whore". I'd go for a very subtle effect, IMO.
looking great sir!
Please, please let me know how this looks to your eyes. There's a minor bump map applied, too. I've tried to keep it really subtle because, like BolianAdmiral said, the redone Connie in the Smitshsonian looks like garbage and I'm trying to avoid that.
I REALLY like what you have so far... I would leave it at that level, and no further, in respect to the panel lines... once your final color and hull markings are applied, it'll look great, so I think you have it right as-is. You can go a bit lighter IF you want, but definitely don't go for more.
My best advice to gridlines and bump mapping is to always render multiple test shots from -different- distances... (its easy to just forget and test render up close a lot) If you can spot your gridlines when the ship is a dot in the distance - you've gone too far! hehe
I still can't find the frakkin' font I need either. :mad:
Juvat, please check your PM box.
There's a website out there that shows some progress shots of when the original 11ft Enterprise model was being restored for the Smithsonian Museum. As they were detailing paint chips for color, the closest IIRC was Concrete Grey. (color code #9FA8A3 or RGB 159, 168, 163) I'm not sure which shade of copper was used for the deflector dish though.
You can see a lot of detail shots a this page http://www.modelermagic.com/?p=8672
Started from scratch on the textures altogether. I wasn't happy with the way the weathering was working out and I'm not a fan of the paint job as it currently sits in the Smithsonian.
Anywho...right now there are only diffuse maps and the slight bump maps for the grid. I'm trying to get all of the important stuff lined up like registries and other miscellaneous details.
I'm torn right now about how to do the windows. Part of me wants to just add them to the textures, another part wants to model them in the existing mesh and yet another part is considering extruding them ever so slightly from the model so I can just apply a self illuminating material. Opinions on this would be greatly appreciated, but right now I'm leaning more toward option three.
As for hull markings... it depends on how you're going to use this. If you ever want to have a ship other than Enterprise represented, texture is the way to go.