Tempest Class Starship

[Tarek71]

The non-Trek Tempest-Class starship of the Earth Defense Forces. 1650m in length, and aiming at 120 guns, of which only 64 have been placed. Ring like, alcubierre influenced warp drive structure.

 

[Kaiser]

Looks well thought out

 

[sojourner]

Try rounding some edges.

 

[Sgt_G]

Try rounding some edges.

I don't have a big problem with sharp edges. It's all the "extra" lines that are throwing me off.

 

[Tarek71]

Try rounding some edges.

I don't have a big problem with sharp edges. It's all the "extra" lines that are throwing me off.

The lines will all be deleted eventually. I draw them on to use for measuring. To make sure things are symmetrical.

 

[Tarek71]

Try rounding some edges.

I like the basic lines of it, but some edges will probably be rounded off.

 

[Tarek71]

Looks well thought out

Thanks, it's one of two hero ships so I am trying especially hard to get this one right.

 

[Kaiser]

Welcome

 

[sojourner]

A simple trick to building a ship "symmetrical" in Sketchup (and most other 3d design programs) is to just build half of the ship divided down the center, then copy and mirror the completed half to get the whole ship.

 

[BK613]

^^Agree.
Hopefully, this isn't one continuous model and layers, groups, and components are being used as well.

 

[Tarek71]

A simple trick to building a ship "symmetrical" in Sketchup (and most other 3d design programs) is to just build half of the ship divided down the center, then copy and mirror the completed half to get the whole ship.

I have heard that. I saw a nacelle for a Trek ship made that way. I have not tried that yet, but I plan on tinkering with that method.

 

[Tarek71]

^^Agree.
Hopefully, this isn't one continuous model and layers, groups, and components are being used as well.

Alas, it IS one continuous model. All of the designs I make are like that. I might save copies of many variants of it, including ones from before I made certain changes in case I decide to revisit an earlier stage of construction, but all of the variations are complete, continuous models.

 

[Sgt_G]

It seems you and I are at about the same level when it comes to using Sketchup. I know what groups and components are, though I haven't used them yet, but I guess I need to find out what layers are and how to use them.

 

[Tarek71]

It seems you and I are at about the same level when it comes to using Sketchup. I know what groups and components are, though I haven't used them yet, but I guess I need to find out what layers are and how to use them.

I used layers once when designing a logo for a short indie film. It's my only IMDB Art Department credit! They were handy dandy. I see how they migh be used for 3-D modeling. Maybe I will be thankful for it, once I master these things. But I dont mind starting with one line or box, and then slowly, through many steps of drawing and pushing and pulling sections, as my continuous model takes shape.

I am sure I will prefer the more advanced approach, though.

 

[sojourner]

You can do wonderous things when you start playing with curves.

 

[BK613]

^^Agree.
Hopefully, this isn't one continuous model...

Alas, it IS one continuous model. All of the designs I make are like that. I might save copies of many variants of it, including ones from before I made certain changes in case I decide to revisit an earlier stage of construction, but all of the variations are complete, continuous models.

But I dont mind starting with one line or box, and then slowly, through many steps of drawing and pushing and pulling sections, as my continuous model takes shape.

The approach mentioned in this latter statement is what I was referring to. The comment wasn't meant to be critical, condescending, pedantic or elitist; I've been futzing around with this program since version 6, and there is a ton of stuff I know now that I wish I knew when I started out.

... and layers, groups, and components are being used as well

... I know what groups and components are, though I haven't used them yet, but I guess I need to find out what layers are and how to use them.

I used layers once when designing a logo for a short indie film. It's my only IMDB Art Department credit! They were handy dandy. I see how they migh be used for 3-D modeling. Maybe I will be thankful for it, once I master these things.

The principles are generally the same, to organize and isolate elements so they can be dealt with in a modular fashion. Take layers for example. I typically have a layer for guides that I might use throughout the entire build (like floor/deck heights.) If I am using a reference image, that also is on its own layer. This makes toggling their visibility a snap.
Among other things, groups protect your work from having the geometry merge before you are ready. Sometimes, I work directly on a group's surfaces when building the next part. They can also make moving elements easier.
And components let you build reusable items, not only to be used in your current project but future projects as well. (Built that perfect Burke chair? Make and save it as a component and you can use it in all your future Kirk-era ships.) Components can also be linked, so that changes to one affects all the ones that are linked.

Anyway hope this helps...