CJ1701's Current Project: U.S.S Pike

Perhaps I'm just spoiled by Lightwave, but it really shouldn't create such a mess nor should you have to turn a square into a circle - you simply cut a circle-shape into the geometry.

Judging by what you've accomplished with this model already this shouldn't be above your skills.

 

Yeah it's definitely doable in Maya, and I can definitely do it now.
It's just a question of time, If I were to fix the windows. I would have to do more then trace a circle or a very rounded square, In Maya the Interactive Split Tool is really finicky, there are also curves. There are tons of methods in Maya, it's just time.

Btw just looked up Lightwave, looks interesting. I may have to try it.

 

You are. It's been a while since I messed around with Maya's modeling tools, but the last time I did there was no function equivalent to Lightwave's stencil tool (The closest was the "project curves on NURBS surfaces" tool, which is useless for polygonal modeling). There were boolians and that's it. Doing something like carving in a bunch of windows would take a lot of work.

 

Now I understand why you hesitate to re-do the window.

You really should give Lightwave a try; it's a very nice programme, and not that hard to learn.

 

Since LightWave is basically dead in the professional VFX industry (sadness), if I may recommend: try The Foundry's Modo instead. It spun off from Lightwave when a number of the NewTek dev team members left to found their own company (later bought by The Foundry). It combines the best of Lightwave's tools and workflow with the best of Maya's tools and UI – plus the best of SoftImage XSI's UV uwrap functions.

And there are studios out there who are actually using it!

 

Just another preview, almost done. On the final stretch...



Just got to tweak, add lights, finish the little surprise, polish and do a proper comp.

@Gep: I saw Modo at SIGGRAPH this yeah, and Cinema 4D. I plan to get one of the two after I upgrade my rig/ do some research. MARI is a little higher on the priority list.

 

I ment to ask, does the saucer separate?

 

Awesome shot of the ship there could see this as Abrams verse Akira class or Section 31 ship in the 2270's

 

One of my favorite ships currently in the Fan Art section...even with the Vengenace-inspired nacelles. ;-)

 

A great design truly--right up there with Grandeur

 

Oh my goodness so many compliments! Stop it, you're making me blush!

Here's another picture to tide you over until the renders are done.



Then it will be a video.

 

Awesome

 

I would add at least one ventral Phaser Bank to her aft. Otherwise, she has certainly been improved!