Extra 300 airplane WIP

Artwork Works in Progress
1

Hey all. I am new to modeling and to blender. I have always been into aviation and this is my first attempt at getting into CG modeling.

If I can continue to learn, and get good enough, I would like top start creating full aviation scenes, specifically WWII era. I have only been able to find a couple cg artists that specialize in aircraft, so it is difficult to learn some of the techniques specific to CG aircraft. I have watched a lot of tutorials on modeling other objects, but nothing specific to aircraft.

After I complete this model, I plan to texture it, and then composite it into a cloud scene. I wish there were more tutorials specific to aircraft. If anyone knows of any resources, or has any tips, specifically on composting 3d aircraft into cloud photos(i.e. proper lighting, etc), I would appreciate it.

Here is what I have so far. Not perfect by any means, but I have to start somewhere. Hopefully my skills will continue to improve.
http://ebs675.com/cg/wip.jpg

2

This looks a promising start:yes:, it looks like you blocked it out pretty well.

If you plan on rendering in blender internal, I would recommend using the smoke/cloud generator for the clouds.

However, if you plan on rendering in cycles, you will need to use cloud images:
(from cgtextures)http://cgtextures.com/login.php?&texid=11425&destination=texview.php?id=11425&PHPSESSID=j5ctt7k0l3vkdd55gc6j0690u5
Just brighten the image and fuzzy erase parts of it, then overlay it in front of (or behind) the plane.

You will probably also need to use some mist. Here’s a video to get you started: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZeO1Tx87wQ

Since you model an airplane with hard-modeling techniques, watching some tutorials on modeling a car or any kind of vehicle will help.

3

Your’e coming with a nice one!

Only problem so far could be that little bulge under the canopy and looks like vertical stabilizer’s front is a bit thick if i look on some pictures.
I’m not an expert there though.
Hope you’ve seen Witold Jaworski and his works here around. His website has a lot of material too. If not, i would highly recommend that.

Happy blending!

4

Good work, so far! It is obvious that you know how this machine works, and have the patience for the details. It is very important.

Thank you, eppo, for pointing my site! ebs675, I warmly welcome you there. Just ask me on this forum, if you need some advice related to this work.

About the sources - look also at this forum: http://military-meshes.com

5

Looking great so far .

6

Thanks Witold. Being a pilot myself and aviation enthusiast definitely does help with modeling. Your site and work is amazing! The p40 is one of my favorite WWII aircraft. For my next model, I am going to attempt an F4U Corsair.

Has anyone converted the PDF on your site to English? I have been trying to follow it with the pictures, but would love to be able to read the text.

Thanks all, for the feedback. Blender is addictive and maddening all at the same time :slight_smile: