New modeler here

[IndyJets]

I'm looking to build an accurate model of an airport passenger terminal in 1:400 scale. From what I've gathered so far, it seems that most of you tend to design your models in Blender then convert them to 2-D patterns to cut.

I do have a few questions for you...

How do you establish your scales and sizes in Blender? Do you have to convert everything to real units or would I be working in 1:400 scale dimensions (for example I set a dimension as 100 feet and it prints out at 3 inches)?

When converting a model to a paper pattern, how does it handle intersecting shapes? For instance, a dome intersecting with a sawtooth roof profile, as I will be dealing with on Concourse B. Is it able to figure out what's visible from the outside and get rid of the hidden parts or do you have to do that for yourself?

How does texture mapping work in Blender? Or do you just use Blender to establish the shapes then use another program (such as Inkscape) to put the colors on?

How about paper sizes? Are you able to split a model into pieces so that it can fit into a specific paper size?

I do have some familiarity with graphic design as well as 3-D modeling. I have made custom scenery objects for Microsoft Train Simulator, but I used a specialized program called Train Sim Modeler for that.

[THE DC]

Welcome!

I do not have a computer with such technical sophistication, but I wish you well. I have used basic paint programs to enlarge, reduce and even split models into pieces to transfer to different paper pieces. By doing that, I have been able to adjust to the paper size before printing.

[Dane]

You have such big questions that you need to pass a Blender course in university. Or you should read the book by Witold Jaworski..... This is not a joke. It is impossible to explain how to make models in Blender in a short post here on the forum.
You can start self learning, all the more so a major part of learning materials made in English. You even no need to translate them.... Do try.

[airdave]

Originally Posted by IndyJets

From what I've gathered so far, it seems that most of you tend to design your models in Blender then convert them to 2-D patterns to cut.

How many of these threads are you going to start? smh

Very few people here work in Blender....let alone offer tutorials.
Don't know why you assumed that.

Its been explained to you, more than once up to now, that you need to start with the basics,
learn the basics of Blender,
and eventually you will learn the more advanced steps you keep asking about.

Once again, I state, why not start with basic paper model design?
Pencil and paper...or simpler 2D design in a vector based graphics program?

And once again...I gave you a proper drawing of the airport building in question.
And I told, its not nearly as complicated as you are making it out to be.
There is no "dome" (ie hemispherical roof).
There is no "dome intersecting with sawtooth profile".

I've built the entire thing in Coreldraw...a 2D vector based art program.
Its all flat panels and very few elements.

I'll try to get the paper model built today to prove it to you.
I may not be able to get the whole thing built (I am working on other things)
but I'll prove it to you! lol

[IndyJets]

Originally Posted by airdave

How many of these threads are you going to start? smh

Very few people here work in Blender....let alone offer tutorials.
Don't know why you assumed that.

Its been explained to you, more than once up to now, that you need to start with the basics,
learn the basics of Blender,
and eventually you will learn the more advanced steps you keep asking about.

Once again, I state, why not start with basic paper model design?
Pencil and paper...or simpler 2D design in a vector based graphics program?

And once again...I gave you a proper drawing of the airport building in question.
And I told, its not nearly as complicated as you are making it out to be.
There is no "dome" (ie hemispherical roof).
There is no "dome intersecting with sawtooth profile".

I've built the entire thing in Coreldraw...a 2D vector based art program.
Its all flat panels and very few elements.

I'll try to get the paper model built today to prove it to you.
I may not be able to get the whole thing built (I am working on other things)
but I'll prove it to you! lol

How do you determine where the peaks intersect with the sloped roof panels? Do you just resort to old-fashioned trigonometry on the back of an envelope and solve triangles? I don't understand how to visualize 3D space when drawing in 2D. For instance to make those sloped roof panels I am going to have to know the actual dimensions of the panel itself, not just the apparent height and depth in elevation view.

I do not want to be a "general" designer selling stuff for profit. I just want to recreate this airport terminal.

I'm sick and tired of your condescending attitude. It's clear that you hate noobs and that you think I'm dumber than a bag of rocks. For crying out loud, I have a university degree in mathematics.

[Dane]

I thought this could only be in Russia ...

[rickstef]

Dave,

Next time look at the date of the original post, please!

[Tapcho]

Hi IndyJets,
Maybe you should study this and even build it. It could help you to understand what the esteemed gentlemen are trying to explain to you. Designing in one, breaking it to parts in an other and finally texturing, correcting the shapes or part order in a third software just throws you in an endless export/import swamp with new problems as what follows from the original design and what doesn't. That's why the suggestion is to design 2D model (and it is truly 2D until it's built) in a 2D software.

BR Tappi

[airdave]

Originally Posted by rickstef

Dave,
Next time look at the date of the original post, please!

lol sorry. Indeed this is an earlier post...it just popped up today in my New Post notifications.
I did not read the original date of the thread.
Apologies.

....................
I've constructed most of the Airport building...
but I don't have time to finish it today.
I rushed it, got a bit sloppy, and now I have to do other things.
I'll probably come back to it tomorrow.
Mainly just the rest of the roof extensions to add (there are 21 of them, and each is two parts)

But as I said, its all flat panels...basic measurement are taken from the drawings I made earlier.

One top view and one side view seems to be sufficient in this case,
but because there are an odd number of sides, you could create 2 different side views to get more measurements.
The drawing was made to scale (based on your original info: 4.5" diameter or thereabouts)

Its all math and looking at angles in the drawings for all the connections.
Sometimes a little trial and error is necessary, since what works on pthe screen doesn't always work in real life build.
...for example, where the little roof extensions meet the surface,
I would extend the side edges slightly to compensate for card thickness.
You lose a little when folding the card and they don't quite reach the roof panel now.

I'm ignoring your comments, since you've ignored the suggestions that questions about advanced Blender techniques are pointless for someone who has extremely limited (or no) experience with Blender.
I'm not the only one who has said this, I just say it more bluntly.
Its silly to keep asking the same questions.

I'm proving my point...this design is only as complicated as you to make it.
Forcing yourself to learn Blender to create this is self-inflicted pain.

If you want more help with it, I will gladly give it.
But I won't apologize for providing the supporting evidence and being honest.

[airdave]

Originally Posted by IndyJets

How do you determine where the peaks intersect with the sloped roof panels? Do you just resort to old-fashioned trigonometry on the back of an envelope and solve triangles? I don't understand how to visualize 3D space when drawing in 2D. For instance to make those sloped roof panels I am going to have to know the actual dimensions of the panel itself, not just the apparent height and depth in elevation view.

I do not want to be a "general" designer selling stuff for profit. I just want to recreate this airport terminal.

I'm sick and tired of your condescending attitude. It's clear that you hate noobs and that you think I'm dumber than a bag of rocks. For crying out loud, I have a university degree in mathematics.

This wasn't your original post...you've edited it.
(I checked the email notification of this post)

You edited out this (for your last sentence):

"...
Every 3D graphics program I have tried gives me fits... error, error, error when trying to do what should be the simplest most mundane task."

Its exactly why people have been telling you to drop the Blender and 3D modeling questions.
Its exactly why I have made my blunt comments to you...
the design is only as complicated as you to make it.
Forcing yourself to learn Blender to create this, is just self-inflicted pain.

Then you come here and ask us how to do things...
and we can't answer because either we don't know the answers, or we think you should put in the effort to learn the basics first.

We are actually trying to help you...
but I admit I get tired of hearing from people who are only seeking the easy path to get things done
and not put in the months/years of practice to fully learn the processes .
Specifically those that are looking for all the cheat ways to "design" paper models.
And I don't act favorably toward them, I admit it.
I use CorelDraw almost exclusively...I've been using it for over 20 years now.
And I still get lost every now and then. Its a learning process.