This one's for Dan-San (SE5a Project WIP)

Long ago on the old AeroDrome forum I asked for assistance in building an SE5a model. *I got it, in spades.

I wish I remembered exactly who it was sent me the plans out of, what he said was a magazine from the 1950s, but it's come in very valuable... (it was Graeme of this forum!)

I dedicate this project to him and to Dan-San who's been most helpful...

Here's the beginning of the Fuselage.

http://poserforum.net/Grey/anse5001.jpg

(CURRENT IMAGE UPDATED SEPT 8)



I'm looking into how I'm going to scoop out the well for the vickers. *Getting that shape correct won't be all that easy...

Below is the original mockup I did. *Mainly I was experimenting with creating the wings. *The system worked.

http://poserforum.net/Grey/se5a004.jpg

[Dan_San_Abbott]

Grey:
I'll try to send you a drawing of the fuel tank from the parts catalog. It shows the depression on the top of the tank, etc.
Blue skies,
Dan-San

Dan-San, you RAWK!

grey@tempestuousarts.com

http://poserforum.net/Grey/anse5002.jpg

Managed to put some time in on hte Stabilizers...

http://poserforum.net/Grey/anse5003.jpg

Getting closer

[Mark_Miller]

Grey
The Se5a model is looking good!
This is a popular subject - I got one, Jay is working on one and now you. And we are all using different software.

I've never used Rhino, but I assume it's a 3-D modeler similar to 3DS and Lightwave. Jay's using 3Ds for modeling and another package for rendering. And I'm using Microstation - which is similar to Autocad.

Are you getting the surface deformations with bump maps or did you model it?

have you started in on maps yet? that's when the real fun begins *;D

I don't know what level of detail your going for but....
There's a shift in the rib structure on the top fuse aft of the cockpit - about half way back.
It's pretty noticible - even from a distance so you might consider modeling it

I've just started working on finishing the DVa - structure of the rear fuse, stab, and rudder, happily it's progressing faster than I had anticipated and I should be done soon. Wood parts are complete - just have to make the tubular metal constructed moving surfaces. Then seat belts, and some small stuff on the carb - AND THAT'S IT!! *(I think)

After that - it's back to the SE5a!
unless I just can't resist the N17 - I'm REALY looking forward to modeling the Le Rhone - so much return on so little work.

keep up the good work
Mark Miller

Mark, no maps yet, when the Model is Finished, I'll set the UVMap so I can map it properly... Being a CAD Guy you probably don't know about UVM, but you will

http://rhino3d.com

Everything is Modelled. It's in NURBS, Non Uniform Rational B-Splines.

It would be worth your time to check it out. It's the ultimate solution for Engineers who also do Artwork!

I'm not sure what you mean by "A Shift in the Rib. But I need to do some fine tuning on the fusilage anyway, so I'll get with you later on that issue.

[Mark_Miller]

Grey

"Being a CAD Guy you probably don't know about UVM, but you will "

Your right - I've never even heard of it, You 3D modeler guys have all sorts of features I'd love to get my hands on.
Maps are a weak point in Microsation - I have to use some nasty, time-consuming methods to get a surface that maps well

CAD has some serious drawbacks when it comes to illustration. Not very surprising when you consider that it was designed for engineering. But I've been using it for so long it's kinda grown on me.
Jay keeps telling me that I should switch over to 3DS or Lightwave, he's probably right

"Everything is Modelled. *It's in NURBS, Non Uniform Rational B-Splines. It would be worth your time to check it out. *It's the ultimate solution for Engineers who also do Artwork!"

B-splines I'm VERY well aquainted with
all complex surfaces need to be generated using b-splines.
It's a huge pain, and blows the file size up, and makes updates times annoying, but it's the only way to go.
most of my gentle surface deformation is achieved with bump maps
FAR more easy to define, control, and modify.
and it doesn't require as much resources.
If I modeled all the sag in the wings my file would probably triple in size, given that I'm already pushing 20 meg, I'd say that would kill my PC
BTW - I'm not an engineer - just a dumb illustrator
but I can do a pretty good imitation * :

"I'm not sure what you mean by "A Shift in the Rib. *But I need to do some fine tuning on the fusilage anyway, so I'll get with you later on that issue. "

sorry "rib" wasn't the right word
I should have said stringer or longeron not sure what the right term is
as the fuse narrows down toward the back they removed every other stringer - check your references - you'll see what i mean

Mark

Mark, you'll kill me:

But this model is only 3 megabytes now. It won't exceed 8.

Once I convert it to Wavefront OBJ (MAYA) format, it will probably be 2.5 megs at the most, completely animatable.

Get Rhino.

http://poserforum.net/Grey/anse5004.jpg