WIP of TheUnknown - The Akula (mk II)

[Captain_D]

There is some color detail there, which I remember seeing in TNG (not so much in DS9).  However, it looks more like camouflage that's been airbrushed on than any actual metalwork.  Most of the detail seems to be physical texturing, while what I was actually referring to is the ornate paneling ,,,,

Regardless, I'm glad you're going to keep it in mind.  The D'deridex design wasn't even completed when Andy Probert had to submit it (he specifically points out no impulse engines), so I'll be happy to see anything that brings it closer to the film appearance it should have at some point received.

Agreed. Would definitely be very cool to see a D'deridex textured as a Validor Class.

I would also agree about more contrast, but not by much. i think they're coming along nice so far, a good starting base.

[X_TheUnknown_X]

Requests heard, loud and clear. Generally increased the contrast on the textures, used a slighly different hull plating pattern, and made the panelling lines more vivid.
Here's how it looks with the alterations:

[Killallewoks]

Much better! 

[CyAn1d3]

 

[FarShot]

If I may make a suggestion, is it possible to have the squared paneling pattern so that it follows the contoured lines?

[eclipse74569]

If I may make a suggestion, is it possible to have the squared paneling pattern so that it follows the contoured lines?

[X_TheUnknown_X]

is it possible to have the squared paneling pattern so that it follows the contoured lines?

Possible? Maybe. But I'm not sure how I'd go about doing that, with the way I've set up the UV map and hull plating pattern. Do you mean distorting the pattern to match the contours (difficult), or just adding gaps between the plating where the lines are?

Started adding more texures and detailing to the upper wings. Also darkened her down a few shades, but increased the saturation to compensate - will look better ingame IMO. Still more to add, but I'm going to try and lay down all the basics as soon as possible.

[JamesTiberiusKirk]

just adding gaps between the plating where the lines are?

that would be much easier to and still enhance the quality!

[FarShot]

I know how to do it, but it's a bit hard to explain in writing.  Give me a few hours and I'll have a short pic tutorial.

[eclipse74569]

The way I did the Steamrunner was I shaped the panelling to the squares of the model until I hit each contour.  That's the best I can explain it, CG actually showed me a way to do it too.   Let me see if I can find it!

EDIT Here! This is the tutorial that CG Showed me, you'll have to scroll down to the very bottom of the page, but it explains in detail how you can make the contour of the hull lines.

Though the tutorial is about the Sovereign (which I still need to finish....), the same rules could apply here to your Warbird.

[X_TheUnknown_X]

More updates: I've managed to get the lower wings and nacelles textured - a lot more detailing still to complete, though. Next, I'll be moving into the front and aft-most sections, and then all the texture basics should be in place.
As for the hull plating; I read the tutorial, Eclipse, and I can see what was being suggested earlier. However, given the shape of the warbird's wings, and the complex 'feather' pattern on them - I can't see how I'm going to get the square tiles to line up without it being really distorted. Nevertheless, I will attempt another method - but the current pattern may have to stay as-is.

[Shadowknight1]

Haven't commented on this yet for one reason or another...mainly laziness lol.  Anyways, that is one good looking Warbird

[Saquist]

I know it's difficult to just make up but it would be nice if one of the enemy ships had cool specular hull plating...
Good work.

[FarShot]

Here's something I did really quickly.  The effect isn't really smooth but I think it's an improvement.  I can explain in more detail in PM or a little tutorial, if you want of course.

[Saquist]

Send me that PM if you don't mind.
And shouldnt the plating around the outside of the wings be radial pointing inward?

[X_TheUnknown_X]

Here's something I did really quickly.  The effect isn't really smooth but I think it's an improvement.  I can explain in more detail in PM or a little tutorial, if you want of course.

If I'm interpreting your example pictures properly, then I'd imagine you're using the 'Polar Coordinates' filter in Photoshop (or similar) to make a square image into a rounded one.
For a simple circular or oval shape, that method works really well (I've used it for the Spacedock). The problem with the Warbird's wings is that they have an odd 'double curvature' to them, and not a single, smooth curve as your examples suggest. This makes a circular pattern harder to apply. However, I have tried to get it right using a comination of the Polar Coordinates filter, the Distort and Warp transforms. The only problem is that it still doesn't line up perfectly with the shape of the wings, and there are areas where the pattern is stretched significantly.
I'll post a preview of the revised design below, but I'm not sure if it looks any better.

[FarShot]

Nope.  I'll just send you the PM.  I'm sure you'll be both a bit surprised and a bit disappointed.

[eclipse74569]

Well, the only reason I mentioned it was because I'm sure instead of a square you could use a triangle.  That could possibly eliminate that problem.  Anywhosits it looks good!  And I hope you get it figured out!

[X_TheUnknown_X]

Finally, all the base textures are now applied . There's still a lot more details to add (like windows), but I'm getting ever closer to completing the Warbird. As for the alternate hull plating idea, while I have tried, I still cannot get the plating to look 'right' without distorting the pattern. I may just leave it as the original . (Aligned plating is on the upper wings only ATM)
Also a notice to say I'll be away for the next few weeks, so while I may be able to catch a few hours to work on this, I won't be around here to post any updates. Still, I couldn't leave without showing what I've got up to this point, so here's a few renders of the model with all the basics in place:

[Shadowknight1]

She'll definitely be worth the wait.