Hard Light Productions Forums
Modding, Mission Design, and Coding => The Modding Workshop => Topic started by: Jadehawk on March 23, 2011, 10:34:26 pm
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Hey all :D
Ok, so I was thinking of doing a Vasudan Advanced Interceptor because well, the Vasudans don't have one in quite sometime.
It's a WORK IN PROGRESS and as such, I have lots to do. :D
While I like the basic overall shape, the missile pods, and the gun placements, I need your comments before I continue on.
Notice the cockpit canopy is bulged out some as I finally figured out how to do that now. :yes:
The two guns on the wings are heavy cannons seen on a few new designs I seen in game made by some like Steve-O while the four under the cockpit are standard size fighter loadout guns.
In the one shot of the Missile pods, you see the large Missile tubes on top while the smaller Dog fighter missile tubs are on the bottom. I need to add some aperture shrouds to the guns so they blend into the wings and lower part under the cockpit.
So comment away...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Onyxwing2004USA/FreeSpace2/VasudanAdvancedInterceptor1.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Onyxwing2004USA/FreeSpace2/VasudanAdvancedInterceptor2.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Onyxwing2004USA/FreeSpace2/VasudanAdvancedInterceptor3.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Onyxwing2004USA/FreeSpace2/VasudanAdvancedInterceptor4.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Onyxwing2004USA/FreeSpace2/VasudanAdvancedInterceptor5.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Onyxwing2004USA/FreeSpace2/VasudanAdvancedInterceptor6.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Onyxwing2004USA/FreeSpace2/VasudanAdvancedInterceptor7.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Onyxwing2004USA/FreeSpace2/VasudanAdvancedInterceptor8.png)
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Nice... I really like it.
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Lookin' good. Are you planning to make this a bit bigger than usual intys? Because judging from where it is now, the design looks significantly longer than comparable craft.
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Should be somewhat about the same size as the Perseus if slightly longer.
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looks like the product of a union between a Horus and a Sobek, and it looks good
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The Horus' legacy really shows in this model. I love the shape of the hull, the wings and the blades up front. Looks pretty well-armed too -- Six gunbanks will help it dish some hurt. Better keep secondaries low in that case :P
Keep it up! I'd love to see more!
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I'm not sure that it feels entirely Vasudan. As for some specific details, I'm not sure that I approve of the main tail-fin. It might do better to make it into a broader crest, such as the tail of the afore-referenced Sobek. You may also want to beef-up the wing roots with similar formations to the "crests", then have them all curve back and terminate a bit behind the primary hull, similar to the Ptah or Bakha. The main wings could also use a bit more definition. I'd suggest you at least eliminate the wingtip-corner, and instead do a continuous curve in it's place. I'd also suggest you beef up the wing cannons, by adding some thicker bulges that extend back into the wing itself. The forward wings on the other hand need to blend in with the head a little better, and perhaps be a bit shorter. I'd also suggest that you change their shape so that they resemble more of right triangles, where the right angles are the outermost tip, then do a dish inward for the inner portions between the nose and the forward tips. When it comes to texturing the wings, I'd suggest you do something similar to the wings of the Serapis with overlaying straight lines, but then follow the curves.
Of course, these are just my suggestions. Follow your instincts.
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So basically you want me to redesign the whole thing? O.O
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I'd say it could be an inspiration for the next ship.
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I actually like the front part of the fighter. The part of the ship that could use a bit more consideration is how the front part meets up with the back part. Right now all it is is a cylinder, more or less. Maybe you could try squeezing it, make it flatter or narrower.
I like the interceptor feel to it. Stretching it out like that suggests speed, with little maneuverability.
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So, you think a "Coke bottle" shape would help? I like that idea now too, I'll give it a spin and see what happens. Thanks! :yes:
I just don't want to make it too skinny :) Also, making another one will have to wait based on earlier comments as trying to change this one now would end up in a mess.
I should have made it more clear by saying detail changes such as what bobbtmann suggested. Things like that I can deal with. ;7
In case anyone wants to know the front "tines" or wings edge and the large Central fin edge are the active electronic scanning arrays that not only are the ships Radar, but also can detect jump signatures much sooner and farther than standard Fighters/Bombers can. They are so sensitive, they can detect when the space in their scanning range starts to be disturbed by the Jump signature of any incoming ship before it's even visible and noticed on standard sensors. They work in both Active and Passive modes and are programed to vary their search pattern frequency and sequence so no two signatures are the same. Doing this reduces greatly the chance of them being jammed by current known Shivan jamming methods.
:yes:
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On the topic of the mid section. Would you consider shortening the mid section?
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The mid section's length is OK. I think by flatter bobbtmann meant changing the mid section's cross section from circular into an ellipse.
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Actually, the mid section is more like a rounded curved square. When I get home, I'll reduce this down some and see what it looks like. Personally, I think it's just fine as is, but I'm willing to listen to a different perspective from anyone :)
As for the length, it was once short as boewolf suggested and was OK at the time. But since this is a long range interceptor defending the fleet in it's main role, I lengthened the fuselage accordingly. As a Dog fighter, this would do well, but not as good as something like the GVF Shu which is the prime standard range Fleet defense fighter.
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I'd recommend doing a study of the Vasudan fighters. I like the direction, but their could be more hints in the design that say "Zod"
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LOL actually this could be used as a early Kilrathi fighter, all those dagger like wings.
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Details can easily make this exact model look 'more vasudan', like ridges along the wings and blades.
I REALLY like the model, just try to consider if those two gunbarrels on the wings are gonna be useless or not if they're too wide (you said it'd be about the size of a persie, so those ports are probably about the same as the uly's outer guns? they're kinda meh..)
I'll say it again
Sexy model is sexy.
How often does QD walk into a thread and say he loves it right away?!
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If it's an intie, having barrels far apart is more an annoyance than a real issue, since your targets are bombers. Also, the four other barrels are close enough for you to switch to that bank when engaging smaller targets.
Terrible primary placement is part of Zod design too !
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Actually that is true... nothing says "I'm a vasudan fighter" more than 3%)*$%^%$ £(%&£(%*£^W(&$%($%^*£( gun placement.
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Well, the Anubis' gun placement is quite good...
But that's because the Zods rock. Their pilot are so good that they don't need good fighters :p
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A bit too stretched IMO, but still amazing. I can't wait to see it ingame. :)
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The stretching looks quite nice IMHO. I worry a little bit about smacking into things with the spikes in front of the cockpit though.
For the guns I would probably stick a Kayser or Prometheus in the quad bank for dogfighting, and a Maxim or Morning Star in the outer guns for bomb interception, so the width shouldn't be an issue.
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Thanks fellas!
Both good and concerned comments are all welcomed! As for the details, I wont add them until get the final shape and dimensions set in stone. Both sets of wings will end up somewhat like the wings on the GVF Shu. It will also have the Blue Reactor glow too.
When it comes to the details, I'm looking at the time line after the Capella went Supernova when in my view, the Vasudans and Terrans realized they must completely put aside any and all differences once and for all or both races will face extinction if they try to go it alone. So this fighter incorporates advance technologies from both races even if it's designed by the Vasudans. The smooth curvy design is Vasudan, the front tines are too, the engine and mid section are influences form Terran designs.
As for the gun layout, keep in mind, when in combat, you do NOT want all your guns on one spot on your fighter. If you get hit by one lucky Shivan SOB hot shot, he or IT can take you out of combat real quick. So I took the new Heavy Cannons and placed them on the main wings for that reason. In combat, you would engage the enemy first with the four standard guns under the cockpit and these usually are enough firepower if equipped propertly. Once you start getting strikes on your opponent, then you engage them with the Heavy Cannons on the wings. because of their hitting power, 2 or 3 hits usually is all that's needed on fighters. Bombers (which is what this Interceptor is designed to go after with the heavy cannon) you can engage right away with all guns.
Surgical strikes on larger ships can be done for turrets and sub systems quite nicely with the heavy cannon.
Today is my 50th Birthday and I'm taking a break from anything serious in life and just gonna have F U N!
I picked up my brand new 2011 Mustang last Tuesday and this was my first weekend I spent driving it and man it's quite fun! Also bought myself a brand new Nikon 3100 camera and just got back from the Museum of Flight here in Seattle, Washington State USA. Camera works beautifully and made me one happy camper. :)
Life is good!
Jadehawk
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Happy Birthday, Jadehawk! :)
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Thanks for that :)
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A 5.0?
What color?
Also- Happy Birthday!
P.S. Happy 500 posts too.
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Mustang is a 3.7 V6 305 HP. Black with Saddle colored leather interior.
Thanks for the wishes!
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Manual or auto?
Sorry for hijacking the thread, I'm a car enthusiast, can't help it....:P
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Auto, I live and drive in the Citty and Suburbs. a Manual sucks in these conditions.
I wil get back to the Interceptor tomorrow and try to add in the fillets for the guns next. Then see about some details here and there.
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Any news? :)
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Umm yes I have been working on this. Fillets for the guns are in. Currently trying to round out the missile tubs and not doing so well. I took a cylinder object to represent the max missile size and tried to make the missile tubs area conform to it with no success. I'm not so sure Wings 3D has a feature for this yet? Or maybe I'm just not doing it right.
Regardless. I'll post some new screenies when I get home tonight. Stay tuned! :)
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OK so I'm a day late...OOPS! :D
This is where I am currently with this. As you can see, the fins and fuselage are pretty much plain. My next step would be to add in the staggered "steps" on the fins and wings pretty much like it is on the GVF Shu.
While working on Wings 3D, I could not really see the few problems I now do when I rendered this in Blender. Such as the area where the main wings meet the rear part of the fuselage, you can see the skin "wrinkle" I need to smooth out. The good news is I am happy with the cockpit area that gives you a wide open view from the far rear to between your feet.....err......whatever the Vasudans call their legs!
As for the cockpit details? I wanted at first to have an unobstructed view and the pilot would actually have a virtual heads up display beamed in front of himself.....or it's self? or...what? :eek2:
Are the Vasudan race made up of both Male and Female? :wtf:
Anyway, having said what I did about the cockpit, I'm open to suggestions here. What do YOU think the cockpit should be like? a Vasudan laying back in a chair like state? standing straight up somewhat like in the GVF Shu? Or what? :doubt:
Opinions PLEASE! :yes:
Any other suggestions please feel free to comment away.
And here are the latest screenies...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Onyxwing2004USA/FreeSpace2/VasudanAdvancedInterceptor15.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Onyxwing2004USA/FreeSpace2/VasudanAdvancedInterceptor16.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Onyxwing2004USA/FreeSpace2/VasudanAdvancedInterceptor17.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Onyxwing2004USA/FreeSpace2/VasudanAdvancedInterceptor18.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Onyxwing2004USA/FreeSpace2/VasudanAdvancedInterceptor19.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Onyxwing2004USA/FreeSpace2/VasudanAdvancedInterceptor20.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Onyxwing2004USA/FreeSpace2/VasudanAdvancedInterceptor21.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Onyxwing2004USA/FreeSpace2/VasudanAdvancedInterceptor22.png)
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You fubared those links pretty badly, I'm having a hard time getting them to work.
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I know...I was fixing them atm..they work fine now :D
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Are you using smoothing groups? I get the impression that your model is smooth because it just has a lot of polygons. Proper smoothing can make a lower poly ship look high poly.
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I'll admit I was skeptical at first but this is turning out to be quality.
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Yes it's been smoothed using the Wings 3D smoothing feature. I was concerned using this smoothing would cause problems down the line and I still do feel that way. While it really helps make this what I have visioned, I worry the Poly count is going too.....well shoot this down so to speak. Because of this, I have saved multiple copies of this and other projects in various stages if completion just in case. I do not know if Wings 3D has Smoothing groups?
Thanks for the replies and any help to make this a reality. :)
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You do know the difference between "mesh smoothing" and "edge smoothing" (edge hardness), right?
They're two completely different things, your model looks like it has hard edges and a lot of polygons (mesh was smoothed a couple of times).
If you set the hardness of some edges to "smooth" you'd get an even better effect, while being able to cut a lot of polygons.
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My opinion is that the forward wings are too pronounced.
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Thanks for the insight and the tip about smoothing Dragon :) I'll look into that asap.
Trivial, the way the perspective is shown makes the front tines look that way when in reality they are not as large. See the new top shot to see.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Onyxwing2004USA/FreeSpace2/VasudanAdvancedInterceptor24.png)
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Anyway, having said what I did about the cockpit, I'm open to suggestions here. What do YOU think the cockpit should be like? a Vasudan laying back in a chair like state? standing straight up somewhat like in the GVF Shu? Or what?
Judging from the canopy shape, a reclined pilot would make most sense IMHO.
And, dude, that's a ****load of polies you have there. Way more than needed, especially for a fighter. In order to make a model look smooth, like Dragon said, you should use shade smoothing instead of using more polies. See here (http://www.hard-light.net/wiki/index.php/Blender_to_POF_conversions#Smoothing:) for how to do it in Blender.