Howdy all, I wanted to open a thread to document my progress on an Intrepid class starship. Of course, I'm using Voyager heavily for reference. Note that I'm not going for a 100% accurate reproduction, though I usually like to get as close as I can. Mostly I think it's a really interesting design, and I thought it would be fun to hone my skills with it. My weapon of choice is 3D Studio Max. I'm doing a game asset workflow, so I'll be making a high poly model that will be used for texture baking. Those textures will then be applied to a low poly version of the same model. For a little while there will be a very noticeable split down the middle, as I'm only working on one side and mirroring it. Here are a few renders. Only a few hours into it so far. http://bit.ly/SngdOp http://bit.ly/QH5VpV http://bit.ly/PVwmqh http://bit.ly/PtVsu7 http://bit.ly/U9FOvn Thanks for looking!
Interesting question - given that the end result is supposed to be a low-poly game asset, I don't expect it to hold up super well for close-ups. So it may not be worth the effort. Still, for the larger, detailed windows, I think I'll probably experiment with that and see if I can get some rooms in there. The typical smaller windows won't have rooms, even though I've found it pretty impossible to lend them any impression of depth by just painting them. I think the key there will be to experiment with subtle variations in color, and in the amount of output in the glow map, for each window.
The original Voyager model, that is, the actual physical production miniature, was treated similarly. The larger square shaped windows had slides behind them of the sets taken from where the windows were on set. The slides were mounted about 1/4" (IIRC) behind the window glazing. But the other narrower windows were just lit white. The windows are the best give-away to if you're watching the physical model Voyager or the CGI Voyager as every window had something behind it on the CGI ship. (Also, the windows on the stern of the ship are a dead give-away. They are dark on the practical ship as that was where the motor hardware was to raise and lower the nacelles, but lit on the CGI model, because, well, they could be.) --Alex
Thanks! The design is really pretty isn't it? Lots of nice, flowing lines. On this project I'm coming away with a greater appreciation for it, especially with all the little elements that carry through from other Federation designs. Excellent point... I don't think I knew that the filming model had those slides, and that's probably how I'll try it in 3D too, just a box behind the window with the appropriate texture.
Here are some updated screens - mostly small details, but roughing out the shuttle bay and deflector areas too. Hoping to move on to pylons/engines soon, then do another detail pass. Also, because the model is reflected across the center, you can see two cutouts in the dorsal area of the hull, when there should only be one on the port side - that will eventually be fixed when I merge the two sides together. http://bit.ly/RLRRJG http://bit.ly/WpbUBI http://bit.ly/WdjEIs http://bit.ly/WdjIrI
Excellent work so far, except for one small detail: There should only be one indentation above the rear torpedo launchers on the ship's spine, not two. Compare photos of the studio model here.
OK, I feel stupid now. Should have actually read the whole post instead of just going for the pretty pictures. Sorry about that.
@ Bell'Orso, still a good catch! Making slower progress than I'd like, but here are the warp nacelles going in... never really feels like a starship until the nacelles are there! http://bit.ly/QBDNBf
Sorry all, I started a new job last week, which derailed my progress quite a bit. But I did have a little time for work on the pylons and some general mesh cleanup. http://bit.ly/U8tBBp The nacelles and their part of the pylon, and the hinge, are separate pieces, with the remaining pylon built directly into the engineering hull. Hopefully this will allow me to easily rotate the nacelles for renders and animation, but I think it might make my texture bake a little janky. We'll see.
Some detailing progress; also spent some time rebuilding the bottom of the saucer for a smoother result. http://bitly.com/U8tBBp http://bit.ly/SOAdFr
First link was the wrong link... here ya go, bottom view https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-.../AAAAAAAAASU/ct9VaNx8M3A/s1000/Intrepid13.jpg