M48A3 Tank Design

[John Griffin]

So, it's been a while since I posted or worked on my tank. Sorry for dropping out. The forced job change took up most of my attention for a few weeks. Everything has worked out fine (new job is actually better than the old one).

I am settled in now, and I finally got back onto the tank yesterday, and I finally finished off all the 3D. It's ready to turn into lots and lots of 2D pieces. I did a count in Max and it lists 212 objects (that is with just one roadwheel represented, one sprocket, no track shoes (doing those separately), one set of suspension parts, only left side fender parts, etc... So I don't know how many parts it will end up with, but it will be MANY. I guess 500-700, not including track links.
I will get back on it tonight (one nice thing about the job switch is that I moved the new computer upstairs into our bedroom loft; now I can work on things more or less each evening, whenever I like. It's much more pleasant up here than having to go down to the basement).

Here are a few pics. They probably look alot like the previous ones I've posted, but all the parts are there (the ones that are replicated (ie wheels) appear only once.

John.

[Johnny]

W I'm watching with the greatest interest!!
We just loves a lot of parts,so don't hold back John!!

[CharlieC]

I'm glad the M48 project didn't die. I figure if Halinski can market a T-34 model with 7000 parts the number of parts isn't that important.

Regards,

Charlie

[B-Manic]

Glad the job thing worked out for the best.
The model is coming along very nicely.

[Stev0]

Looks to be polygon modeled. You have good curves in some areas but really crazy stepping in other areas (turret along the bottom). Are you porting to an unfolding program or pulling the parts straight from Max?

Ever consider NURB modeling?

[Clashster]

I am really looking forward to your progress, John! I need more armor!!!

[Golden Bear]

It will be a treat to see your coloring on this one, John. Thanks for the update.

[John Griffin]

Originally Posted by CharlieC

I'm glad the M48 project didn't die. I figure if Halinski can market a T-34 model with 7000 parts the number of parts isn't that important.

Regards,

Charlie

Far fomr dying Charlie! It was merely on hold. And now that my PC is in the bedroom loft, I am getting on alot more work on it lately (and some trouble over that from my wife...).
I am currently working on the textures... going for a well used look.

[John Griffin]

Originally Posted by Stev0

Looks to be polygon modeled. You have good curves in some areas but really crazy stepping in other areas (turret along the bottom). Are you porting to an unfolding program or pulling the parts straight from Max?

Ever consider NURB modeling?

No, no nurbs for me- I hate them. And since we're talking about paper, the surfaces can't normally be formed onto anything more than second (?) degree curves anyway, so why use nurbs? The 'stepping' you are seeing is from above, I presume.
Either I could've sliced the turret horizontally or radially (like a petal). I think that for the complex shape of the M48 turret the latter is the better choice. There will of course be seams. The bottom edges at the perimeter will be rounded a bit in production to alleviate the straight sectional look. That part can be adjusted at the front end of the process to get a different shape out the back end if I need to.

[John Griffin]

BTW SteveO, thanks for your critical eye... I have duly noted your critique of the turret perimter edge. I may go a step further than I was planning to with the rounding process thre. Comments like yours will help me make the model look as good as I want it to.

Thanks.

John.