Designs from Transformers Prime

[Neptune]

Originally Posted by ProjectKITT

Sure thing I'm going to create a new one; as far as I can tell there isn't a paper model of that version of the Bumblebee car yet.

Cool, can't wait to see you progress.

[Werner Smuts]

Awesome Job!!!! Nice big scale as well!!!! :-)

[ProjectKITT]

Thanks Werner. It probably looks bigger than it is It fits completely on my hand.

Here is how I'm making Bumblebee. Actually, I make most models this way

Prep/Design



First I collect reference photos, prepare blueprints, find dimensions, etc. Then I do some drawing (either on the computer or on paper) to help figure out a good way to put it all together. Overall this takes about an hour; the advantage of spending the time here is it makes the 3D modelling more straight-forward (at least usually).

Model in 3D



I'm still trying to learn Wings3D/Blender, but in the meantime I switch to an older Windows laptop and make a low-poly 3D mesh in ZModeler. The number of triangular polygons (faces) depends on the complexity of the model. The models for this series are designed to be relatively simple; Ratchet and Bumblebee are both between 600 and 800 polys and have around 30 parts on paper. The build time for each was about 2 hours.

Unfold



Dividing the parts seems intuitive enough, but I always find myself wondering which side should the tabs go on? First choice: where they look nice. Second choice: the only place they fit. Maybe I just over-think things... either way, a good portion of the time I spend unfolding a model is devoted to that question. The rest involves hiding lines, rotating parts, and trying to fit everything on the page in a somewhat-logical fashion; sometimes tedious but never really difficult (well, maybe except that last one)

Prototype



I just use plain paper for this. No textures yet, however I might scribble on some details. Anything that doesn't turn out right here (and there's usually something) will be tweaked. At least by this point, most adjustments are minor. On Bumblebee there is a problem with the front wheel wells that I need to fix before I can unfold it again.

Then it's Color, Test Build, and Finish!

[zeawolves77]

great paper model of TFP Ratchet.

[ThunderChild]

Nice BBee so far!

[mchale]

nice i cant wait for that model

[mchale]

could you do a 1/24th scale version of that bumblebee so that it is the same scale as the knight rider cars and firebirds

[ProjectKITT]

Thanks guys

Originally Posted by mchale

could you do a 1/24th scale version of that bumblebee so that it is the same scale as the knight rider cars and firebirds

I'd like to make a bunch, so I thought with a smaller size they wouldn't take up quite so much space... mchale, I'll get back to you on that but probably

[ProjectKITT]

A little more progress; Bumblebee is in Inkscape now

[clif52]

I'm amazed how you guys design in 3D. I've done graphic design in print for many years but its 2D. This looks great so far.

Clif