Bridge Commander Central

BC Forums => BC Modding => Topic started by: laguardia528 on May 26, 2008, 07:28:12 PM

Title: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on May 26, 2008, 07:28:12 PM: I would have posted this sooner but for some reason i haven't been able to log into bc-central.com

this is a kitbash of the akira model, and the end product is to look something like my avatar.

i started with that as the concept drawing and after getting some help from mscott and others, came to this:

(http://img355.imageshack.us/my.php?image=alirawipkk5.png)
and this
(http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=alirawip3cn0.png)

this is my first real mod, and so i would like some feedback and/or suggestions if there are any.

EDIT: Not sure why, but the pics aren't showing up
DOUBLE EDIT: The site I took them from is down. sorry
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Ryles on May 26, 2008, 07:54:46 PM: I am unable to see the images you posted... however, I can see the avatar, and it looks interesting. Elements taken from the Vor'cha?
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Sean on May 26, 2008, 08:09:01 PM: try adding them as attachments. its under additional options when posting replys 8)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on May 26, 2008, 11:22:24 PM: i think it has to do with the site i attached them from. its down right now.

new pics from photobucket.
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP4.jpg)

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP5.jpg)

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP6.jpg)

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP7.jpg)

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP8.jpg)

I've started texturing, but am still open to suggestions. Yes, some elements were taken from the vorcha: the teeth. however, i've also added a secondary rollbar, changed the naccels, and scaled to comparativley to DJ's Century class. Currently sitting at 4688 polys
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: blaXXer on May 27, 2008, 06:06:47 AM: I do see some mesh-errors. Better rebuild those parts ;)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Shino Tenshi on May 27, 2008, 08:54:49 AM: The overall idea is quite nice.
A War-Akira or something ^^
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Technerd89 on May 27, 2008, 02:54:47 PM: interesting concept, although not quite my cup of tea. good luck on your project
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Aeries on May 27, 2008, 03:46:38 PM: Quote from: Technerd89 on May 27, 2008, 02:54:47 PM
interesting concept, although not quite my cup of tea. good luck on your project

We're in agreement.

Also, why not just upload your pics here? It would save you the effort...
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Voyager16 on May 27, 2008, 03:55:45 PM: Bit scorpion look..:)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on May 27, 2008, 09:48:43 PM: i put the model into a test run to get some errors to start with, including the mesh errors. I'm having a bit of trouble getting the teeth to stay meshed with the model, and the .vox file didn't help me any. im still a noob at modelling unfortunatley.

@aeries - did not know that you could upload pics here. don't you have to go through an image hoster like photobucket?
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Aeries on May 27, 2008, 09:58:36 PM: Quote from: laguardia528 on May 27, 2008, 09:48:43 PM
i put the model into a test run to get some errors to start with, including the mesh errors. I'm having a bit of trouble getting the teeth to stay meshed with the model, and the .vox file didn't help me any. im still a noob at modelling unfortunatley.

Just keep practicing. :]

Quote
@aeries - did not know that you could upload pics here. don't you have to go through an image hoster like photobucket?

when you type a post, type whatever you wanna type, then click "additional options" just below the text box, and in the "attach" area, select browse, and navigate to the image you want uploaded. Double click the image and poof, you're almost done. Best to be familiar with the particular file types that can be uploaded, too. Check the allowed file types and attach size just below the attach area. Also note, you may not attach anything over "4096" Kb (4Mb) and you may only make a maximum of six attachments per post. :]

anyways, once you've selected your images, typed your post, etc, just hit 'save' and the post and images will be submitted, assuming there aren't any issues. :]

Cheers,
-Aeries.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Kirk on May 28, 2008, 06:25:58 PM: Mmm my Star Trek: Starship Creator senses are tingling.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on May 28, 2008, 06:56:07 PM: lol. yeah, this was the akira model 4-3-3. For those of you who have never played ssc, you were given four different variants for seperate parts of the ship. this is close to one those designs, but I am adding some things I came up with when i fell asleep in physics last month.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on May 30, 2008, 09:34:58 PM: small update

fixed several mesh issues and smoothened the overall appearence of the ship.

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP10.jpg)

those two parallel lines on the naccels might be kept for cosmetic appeal, but i am thinking about construction entirely new nacceles
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Vanguard on May 31, 2008, 05:07:13 AM: Looks good :)

It's kinda like a vampire Akira =P
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Aeries on May 31, 2008, 12:19:28 PM: *Transylvanian accent*
I come to suck your antimatter!
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on May 31, 2008, 11:04:56 PM: nother update

completeley rebuilt the bridge to one that is lowered and more streamlined, fixed some smoothing errors on the nacceles, and lengthended (spelled right?) the teeth.

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP11.jpg)

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP12.jpg)

as for its vampirish looks....

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/VampireKitty.jpg)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on May 31, 2008, 11:54:48 PM: some more pics after i filled out the teeth a little more

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP12-1.jpg)

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP13.jpg)

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP14.jpg)

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP15.jpg)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Aeries on June 01, 2008, 12:04:01 AM: Quote from: laguardia528 on May 31, 2008, 11:04:56 PM
lengthended (spelled right?)

**lengthened

Also, I'm noticing a LOT of smoothing issues...
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on June 01, 2008, 12:22:32 AM: I'm having serious trouble with smoothing errors, especially on the underside of the saucer by the deflector. I've managed to fix the biggies: the ones that made the model look jumbled and makeshift, but its those nagging ones that I can't correct. :(
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on June 03, 2008, 12:20:35 AM: finally getting the hang of the smoothing issues. pics

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP16.jpg)

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP17.jpg)

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP18.jpg)

I noticed some people have expressed a disinterest in this model, so I am wondering if it could be made more aesthestically appealing.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: blaXXer on June 03, 2008, 06:07:58 AM: Well, for one, get rid of the mesh errors in the front teeth. they're appalling. As for more general suggestions: try to build a ship from scratch with some good modelling program (blender comes to mind) before trying to re-do already complete meshes, that never modes well for new modellers.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on June 03, 2008, 05:32:58 PM: My plan is to first attempt a kitbash, to get the hang of modeling, then start a second version from scratch.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on June 03, 2008, 07:05:08 PM: completely remade the teeth, and will be trimming them down a bit.

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP19.jpg)

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/alirawip21-2.jpg)

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/alirawip20.jpg)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Aeries on June 03, 2008, 08:12:53 PM: Sounds like a plan, dude. The new teeth look good. :]
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Kirk on June 03, 2008, 09:42:52 PM: Agreed, much better this time around.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on June 04, 2008, 10:52:47 PM: Trimmed and reshaped the teeth. Also lengthened the saucer section slightly and fixed some more nagging smoothing errors.

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP22.jpg)

a question to you guys: personally, i feel like this ship is missing something key. It just seems, i dunno, empty.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: MarkyD on June 05, 2008, 08:24:19 AM: as for ur question, i dont know... but the new teeth loook much better.. and keep in mind that everyone learns at their own pace, so if your going to start by kitbashing, then so be it, as at the moment this does not look to bad. But remember that the peeps you are showcasing your work too in here are used to very high quality, so if their suggestions sometimes feel harsh, their not... their just trying tom kick you along the learning progress.

good luck. good start. :)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: limey BSc. on June 05, 2008, 09:08:20 AM: One idea the springs to mind when I look at this is something resembling this 2 minute MS paint job!

(http://www.jl-studios.co.uk/aliraWIP222.jpg)

As in, extent the "fangs" round the saucer to smooth it out a little.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Aeries on June 05, 2008, 12:12:15 PM: Dude! Telepath alert! I was gonna suggest the same thing!
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: limey BSc. on June 05, 2008, 12:13:00 PM: Great minds think alike, my friend!
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Mustang on June 05, 2008, 02:47:23 PM: That's pretty darn awesome... I love the sharp teeth thing you have going.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Vortex on June 05, 2008, 02:53:53 PM: How about extending the platform and having it blend into the front like so:

(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x101/USS_Serenity_NX/aliraWIPextension.jpg)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Darkthunder on June 05, 2008, 02:58:28 PM: I extended the MS Paint job a bit further, cleaning up the pic a little bit and altering the phaser layout to something a little bit more appropriate. Also a more visible and defined "deflector structure" in the forward edge of the saucer, similar to the Akiraprise.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Kirk on June 05, 2008, 03:01:28 PM: Your pictures remind me of the mantis.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Aeries on June 05, 2008, 03:43:30 PM: I was thinking that, too, yeah. This is an improvement.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on June 05, 2008, 07:27:54 PM: that's scary, i came up with almost the exact same redesign after i posted. mine was a little more diamond shaped, but that one looks alot better. Will be posting the new model soon.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on June 05, 2008, 10:12:33 PM: so, something more like this:

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP23.jpg)

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP24.jpg)

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWIP25.jpg)

I'd add the phaser strips tonight but i don't have enough time, so i will finish this aspect tommorow.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Darkthunder on June 05, 2008, 10:26:44 PM: Better... but should probably be completely modelled from scratch instead of doing a kitbash. This model would need considerable work, mostly in the way of fixing the smoothing issues playing the model currently.

But the new model design looks better, for sure.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on June 05, 2008, 11:34:44 PM: that is my intention. now that im nixing the current model (and all its flaw) I can more easily put in the newer designs. should be ready within four days.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on June 06, 2008, 01:09:09 AM: have constructed the new frame. those are not smoothing issues on the model, because they were not there when I was making it, they showed up after i snapped the shot.

:deadimage
EDIT: I realize now it helps to look at the pics I upload. These were incorrect shots, the second one is the new frame. :oops:

so, now that I messed that part up....
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Aeries on June 06, 2008, 01:17:19 AM: Did you actually build those from scratch or did you manipulate them until they are as we see them now? Because when I first built the Mithra, WAAAYYYYY back then, it never had those issues...

-edit-

I'm also noticing the original textures are still present? If I'm not too mistaken.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on June 06, 2008, 02:30:58 AM: those aren't textures, its a blank model.
EDIT: Here's a pic of the newer frame piece

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWP.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraWP2.jpg)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on June 06, 2008, 02:40:06 PM: newer frame pics. these are the ones I intended to be showcased in the first post.

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraframe3.jpg)

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraframe2.jpg)

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/aliraframe.jpg)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on June 15, 2008, 02:56:23 PM: ADD has taken over for a while. completely scrapped everything i had to this point, it was turning out worse than the original.

new saucer frame pic:
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/saucer1.jpg)

edit: Just realized, it looks like the millenium falcon........ :shock:
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Aeries on June 15, 2008, 03:15:04 PM: haha, yeah it kinda does. Looks good so far.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on June 15, 2008, 04:57:40 PM: another update. added siding and a second face to the saucer. beginning to build the platform and the bridge modules.
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/saucer4.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/saucer3.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/saucer2.jpg)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Technerd89 on June 15, 2008, 07:35:47 PM: slow down, spend some more time smoothing out the edges until theyre nice and clean. im sure everyone in the community would prefer quality over a sooner release date, and its a good learning experience
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on June 16, 2008, 11:51:12 AM: spent 2 hours last night making sure there were no jagged areas, and was defeated by jpeg compression. :(

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/saucer5.jpg)

the actual model is smoother than that.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Kirk on June 17, 2008, 11:15:26 AM: What program are you using to save your jpegs? Don't use MSPaint, what ever you do. Use photoshop, or freebies like GIMP or Paint.net, then you can choose the amount of jpeg compression.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on June 17, 2008, 11:18:08 AM: can you change the default screenshot taker on milkshape?
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on June 18, 2008, 06:37:11 PM: another update. yes i realize there are some (several) smooting errors n the newer pieces, but i threw this together in 20 min. and will fix them when i get back from vegas next week.
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/saucer6.jpg)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on June 28, 2008, 08:10:44 PM: UPDATE: Finished the platform on the saucer dorsal seciton, and added a makeshift deflector for looks. also have begun mapping positions for phaser arrays.

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/saucer9.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/saucer8.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/saucer7.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/saucer10.jpg)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: **M23** on June 29, 2008, 03:44:19 AM: Starting to shape up, hope you come back from vegas with money left :)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on July 04, 2008, 09:51:03 PM: UPDATE: Back from Vegas with only losing $560 :lol:

added naccels and fixed some mesh errors. the deflector is going, no question, but its there for reference till i make a better one.

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/sn.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/sn4.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/sn3.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/sn2.jpg)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on July 04, 2008, 11:47:49 PM: adding the primary rollbar, haven't welded yet, as im going to watch some fireworks. :hurr

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/sn5.jpg)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: **M23** on July 05, 2008, 03:39:05 AM: Looks good... keep going
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Aeries on July 05, 2008, 11:42:46 AM: Keep her comin'!
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on July 12, 2008, 07:54:10 PM: Before leaving to raft the Snake River, I thought i would leave with what little i have updated on this project.

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/alira1.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/alira2.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/alira3.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/alira4.jpg)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Kirk on July 12, 2008, 08:40:06 PM: Not too bad, I like how this is shaping up.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: lint on July 12, 2008, 08:49:16 PM: i think the saucer should be a little thicker
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: Aeries on July 13, 2008, 02:12:20 AM: I agree, very nice progress dude. :] And yeah, the saucer could be a bit thicker, imo. :]
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on July 13, 2008, 02:15:08 AM: Thickening the saucer will be my next step then. :D

However, i cant decide between an Akira style deflector or a......different one.
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: lint on July 13, 2008, 02:48:00 AM: simple. try an akira style and then try something different, and then pick your fav :)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on July 15, 2008, 01:06:46 PM: decided against an akira style deflector, it makes it look like a pelican.

thickened the saucer and added the rear facing firing pod.

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/N1.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/N2.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/N3.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/N4.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/N5.jpg)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on July 16, 2008, 07:42:35 PM: did a bit of cleaning to the secondary hull.

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/x.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/xx.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/xxx.jpg)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on July 18, 2008, 01:03:51 PM: Added the deflector dish and housing, which is the final "big" piece.

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/Complete4.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/Complete3.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/Complete2.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/Complete1.jpg)
Title: Re: alira WIP
Post by: intrepid90 on July 18, 2008, 01:33:10 PM: this project has shaped up very nicely, congratulations.
me likey ;)
I can still remember your first steps, keep it up.
have a cookie
Title: Re: Rebirth of Alira WIP
Post by: laguardia528 on November 16, 2008, 12:42:05 AM: Been a while since I actually worked on this, but decided to start from scratch. New saucer pictures. Haven't smoothed everything out yet, but the big parts are modeled on.

(EDIT:Forgot pics.... :oops:)

(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/Saucer1-1.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/Saucer2-1.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk126/laguardia528/Saucer3-1.jpg)