Specialist Arms Forum

Specialist Games General Discussion => Modeling & painting => Topic started by: Zorcon on November 16, 2014, 10:02:29 AM

Title: [BFG] Replacement Launch Bay
Post by: Zorcon on November 16, 2014, 10:02:29 AM
Testing out a new side project! For the last week or so I have been muddling around with Autodesk's free web ap "Tinker Cad". It has been very easy to learn and use. I will probably move to a more sophisticated (free) program soon, as the control over the shapes/nodes are lacking.

Following is one of the 3D dodads I have been working on. I am also working on other pieces for the game such as variant torpedoes, variant fighter craft, and other accessories.

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/jWFa8iuAfr-FE33asyjcPBgGJjcY4VNO03Z8wLBUqz8=w1200-h800-no)

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xmQokur121s/VGGj7z1lNMI/AAAAAAAAJgs/xmZE0491F0k/w1200-h800-no/BFG%2Bfighter%2Bbay%2B2.jpg)

This is a launch bay. The motivation for this piece came from not liking the standard bit, and the inspiration came from the middle section of a transport ship (see below). I always liked the design although it never looked right to me as a transport ship.

I am curious if the limited-polygons are only display limitations in Tinker Cad, or WYSIWYG. If the later, will the small scale mitigate the low polygon count. Also, I don't have a clear grasp on scale yet--Both in printer resolution and physical 'smallness'.

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9nm8DUjZ16I/VFnMx3pnXPI/AAAAAAAAJcY/Hb0vBfhX-2Y/w1207-h905-no/IMG_20141104_225618.jpg)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_lW2HtDYS_8/VGZqw8wq9NI/AAAAAAAAJiY/jcwoTTPgC9U/w1207-h905-no/IMG_20141104_230359.jpg)

Here is a sketch for the component I am planning of a transport 'spine' midsection that will receive modular cargo components. It will be compatible with the weapon components from the original models allowing for merchant war ships. (ie escort carriers).
Title: Re: [BFG] Replacement Launch Bay
Post by: Jimmy Zimms on November 16, 2014, 07:31:37 PM
I have to say that stylistically that would work so much better than the Chaos and Imperial launch bays to Marine Strike Cruiser kitbashing. Really like that work.
Title: Re: [BFG] Replacement Launch Bay
Post by: Malika on November 16, 2014, 09:20:48 PM
Oooooooooh, very interesting! By the way, where are you gonna get the models printed?
Title: Re: [BFG] Replacement Launch Bay
Post by: Zorcon on November 17, 2014, 12:58:54 AM
Thanks guys!

I have a Shapeways account (https://www.shapeways.com/designer/zorcon (https://www.shapeways.com/designer/zorcon)). At the moment, everything there is set as Beta or not for sale.

Once I have ordered a piece and confirmed it works, I will remove the Beta status (although anyone is welcome to order them too! ;D ). I also have large torpedoes, and an early development transport. There is also Khorne and Aquamarine (my flavor of space marines) 'towers' in the ilk of the Inquisition tower on the FW GK strike cruiser, but these aren't for sale.
Title: Re: [BFG] Replacement Launch Bay
Post by: Zorcon on December 12, 2014, 04:11:43 AM
I received my first batch of 3D printed loot today. Unforunately, the launch bays weren't in the box--they will be here in a few days.

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fr-MtGe6OPo/VIpmvNgPMAI/AAAAAAAAKJw/VnRVqdfgVjc/w1357-h905-no/DSCN6960c.jpg)

This is a 'Khorne Tower" representing a MoK. Sorry for the poor image, with flash it was just a white blob.

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-118S9KYRiHQ/VIpmvdtbTCI/AAAAAAAAKJ0/JtmaGP5CMEg/w1358-h905-no/DSCN6965c.jpg)

This is an Aquamarine badge. They will be placed on all of my space marine ships.
Title: Re: [BFG] Replacement Launch Bay
Post by: AndrewChristlieb on December 12, 2014, 04:56:20 AM
Those both look really cool, as does your concepts for weapon parts.
Title: Re: [BFG] Replacement Launch Bay
Post by: Zorcon on December 22, 2014, 10:04:13 PM
The Launch Bays are in! I am super stoked how this turned out. It is exactly how I imagined it! The new launch bay creates a cleaner silhouette, and I am please with the simpler lines along the hull.

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IvqKrgltAJE/VJgXa8mArnI/AAAAAAAAKNw/M9mF1TZy3rE/w1358-h905-no/DSCN6976c.jpg)

There was a small hiccup in the design--They turned out just a hair wide, but it was easy to sand the edges to fit. I am not worried and do not plan to update the stl file.

This Mars Battlecruiser is in process of a repaint and a remodel. In addition to ripping out and replacing the launch bays, it has had some other new bits added. The original bridge was cut off and a chaos bridge added. I also added Wing Shields and a Bridge Dome. The latter two are from Shapeways. They came in a set of bits called Cruiser Upgrade Pack 1, created by contributor Armand.
Title: Re: [BFG] Replacement Launch Bay
Post by: Geep on December 22, 2014, 11:03:04 PM
Looks good, though it really needs painting to give the proper effect.
Title: Re: [BFG] Replacement Launch Bay
Post by: Zorcon on January 02, 2015, 10:50:38 AM
100% agree!

Can't wait to work on it!
Title: Re: [BFG] Replacement Launch Bay
Post by: Malika on January 02, 2015, 12:10:37 PM
So are these for sale?
Title: Re: [BFG] Replacement Launch Bay
Post by: Jimmy Zimms on January 02, 2015, 03:56:30 PM
Yeah time to share the goods methinks :)
Title: Re: [BFG] Replacement Launch Bay
Post by: Zorcon on January 02, 2015, 04:23:19 PM
Yes, its for sale and out of beta on Shapeways here: http://tinyurl.com/qxj34tl

Note: they turned out a fraction wide, and with a little bit of filing on both ends they fit nicely.

Unfortunately I have not had the chance to paint up a sample yet.
Title: Re: [BFG] Replacement Launch Bay
Post by: Malika on January 02, 2015, 05:53:08 PM
Cool! One thing to keep in mind when designing something for 3d printing, always try to leave about 0.1 to 0.2 leeway between different parts if they have to fit into one another. :)
Title: Re: [BFG] Replacement Launch Bay
Post by: Ole on January 03, 2015, 07:23:36 AM
Well done!

Ole
Title: Re: [BFG] Replacement Launch Bay
Post by: Jimmy Zimms on January 03, 2015, 12:15:46 PM
So wish that I still had a cruiser needing launch bays (or unglued) just for the various visual distinction. Going to have to use these on some Zues style or Helios style ships soon.