Textures and LOD

N35W · Post by **N35W** » 18 Jul 2009, 16:32

When do you guys apply your texures?

Do you texture each part as you build it, or do finnish the whole model then apply textures?

Do you do your poly reduction with textures applied, or apply textures after reduction?

Thanks

MIKE JG · Post by **MIKE JG** » 18 Jul 2009, 20:36

Jeff most guys will finish the model first and then make a texture map to apply textures. Usually some reworking of the various parts is in order to get the textures to apply correctly.

Then as you work down through the LODs you sometimes have to redefine the texture mapping for a given part to get it to look right.

N35W · Post by **N35W** » 25 Jul 2009, 02:10

Thank's Mike.

I'm getting jumpy. I need to build my first aircraft so I can get a rythm up.

I have been trying to get as much data as I can on the Blackhawk. I think this will be my first aircraft.

aerogator · Post by **aerogator** » 27 Jul 2009, 17:37

I have been trying to get as much data as I can on the Blackhawk. I think this will be my first aircraft.

I truly wish you luck

I would love to have an AI Blackhawk.

However, I would recommend starting with something that has a simpler shape and flies like an airplane. There are a lot of places in a helo that you can get tripped up. You may be the kind of person who enjoys the ultimate challenge, though!

If I were to recommend the type of aircraft to start with, I'd say a jet (no props to deal with), one that has one intake (preferably in the nose), and has straight wings. There are plenty of challenges there. (cockpit/canopy, landing gear, etc)

Whatever you do, just know that there are people here that will be glad to help. Keep us informed and as for the Blackhawk: go for it!

MIKE JG · Post by **MIKE JG** » 27 Jul 2009, 17:51

T-2C Buckeye would be cool.... Oh wait, we don't make "requests" around here, LOL.

Firebird · Post by **Firebird** » 27 Jul 2009, 18:09

Yeah if we did I might ask for the F-104.

petebramley · Post by **petebramley** » 27 Jul 2009, 19:58

is this a bandwaggon to be jumped on

Buff

Pete

N35W · Post by **N35W** » 01 Aug 2009, 02:11

Awh come on, A F104, that just a stinger missle.

Ok you guys, your starting a fire. This is one time offer. Vote for what you want me to to build as my first aircrat. The highest vote wins!

The catch is, you have to provide the blue prints and details.

MIKE JG · Post by **MIKE JG** » 01 Aug 2009, 04:41

You really don't want to go down that road.

Firebird · Post by **Firebird** » 01 Aug 2009, 07:15

*hehe* Mike is right, Jeff. If you ask for requests you will never hear the end of it.

Plus having worked with modelers for some time I would offer one very crucial piece of advice. Model want you want to do, not what somebody else wants.
The main reason for this is that you are just starting out. It will be hard at times. you will have to force yourself to finish the project. If you don't finish the first one you will never do any others. Therefore the best chance of finishing is if YOU want the model. It will get easier as you gain experience and you can take more input from others on subject matter, but the same premise holds true. You must want to finish it.

Also don't over do it and choose something complicated, shape wise, for the first time. The F-104 might seem too easy but it will have hard sections, blending the intakes into the body, and the undercarriage.
Also if you build a single-seater and there is a two seater, plan how you would alter the model to that version from the start. It sounds daft but it may change how you build it. I remember Nick had quite a torrid time doing his two seat Jaguar. Now he plans for such things from the start.

There is help here for bits an pieces on such things as xml coding, painting and FDE so you won't be alone.

You have one other advantage with something like the F-104, nobody has done one yet so you aren't constantly comparing your work to others.

As for drawings you can find them in various places, here is one that people here use http://richard.ferriere.free.fr/3vues/3vues.html.

N35W · Post by **N35W** » 02 Aug 2009, 00:11

Ok Mike and Steve,

I'm going to listen to you Guys. The one time request is canceled.

I'm sticking with the UH-60. I want that for myself really bad.

Looking for some last minute pics for help and I'm starting to build today.

This is going to be hard. Hopefully I won't run into bad complications.

Thanks Guys.