(Although there were many versions of the bridge I created with various 3D rendering programs in the past, for the sake of clarification, we'll just simply say this is my third version of the bridge using the Unreal family of real-time rendering engines)
I've spent the last few months, in various bits of free-time, updating my previous build of the bridge of the TOS Enterprise. Version 1.0
(click here for images) was my first and only attempt at the bridge in Unreal Engine 3, and Version 2.0 (
click here for images) was my first attempt in the Unreal Engine 4. This, Version 3.0, is my second attempt in Unreal Engine 4, employing more complex yet cleaner geometry, more realistic and effective materials and textures, more accurate-to-the-show post-processsing, a working chronometer and a raising/lowering helm targeting scope.
I had originally planned to just update all the shader materials, but decided I wanted to go a little bit further and get a little more detailed than my last build. I ended up reconstructing all the geometry from scratch, using previous models as a template, making corrections here and there to provide more accuracy.
In the previous two builds, I paid very little attention to the various control panel setups at each of the different stations, and had such a limited knowledge of Unreal's shader/material setups that I didn't know how to achieve the look of the colored back-lit semi-transparent resin buttons that populated all the bridge control panels. After a few years more experience with creating my own shaders, I decided to try and get each of the unique panels looking as accurate as possible given all the references available to me (mostly blu-ray captures).
I also completely re-lit the bridge to give a more true-to-show look, and also achieved better results this time around emulating the trademarked shadows from the grating in the turbolift alcove. I substantially toned down the bloom post-process I used in Version 2.0 so that it better represents how the set looked through the cameras and film stock used on the show.
I added an actual working chronometer to the helm console, which consists of 3D dials actually rotating in real-time, and employed some basic animation skills to have the helm targeting scanner raise and lower when a keyboard button is pressed near the helm panel. You can see both of these details in action in the video.
A special thanks to
Trekbbs member feek61, whose research into the original sets has been an invaluable reference to me over the years when creating various bits of the bridge, including the console screens, control panel surfaces, and the entire helm console.
Anyway, as
Tallguy posted earlier, here's a video of the updated bridge in real-time:
And here's a plethora of screenshots for you
General Views:
https://flic.kr/p/VJFnze
The helm console was totally regenerated from scratch, using updated measurements from the actual prop:
The astrogator dial was also regenerated from scratch.
As well as the chronometer, which features actual rotating clock dial geometry.
Note the enhanced materials on the control panel buttons:
Note the ear receiver in it's clip next to the intercom station at the science station:
And an ear receiver in it's clip on the communications station as well, just below and left of the data card holder:
