Started on this a few days ago. I started off modeling the roll cage/frame. Not much of it will be visible but I think it will make a good base for all the other parts.
You look to be off to a good start, Ranger910! Did you choose to build the chassis exactly according to a blueprint of some kind, or go for a more freehand approach?
I would like to create a realistic tube chassis monster truck one day (maybe even a crazy spaceframe design!), so this project is very appealing to me. How have you chosen to model and connect all the tubes? Is it simple extruding and rotating and merging, or do you have any tips to help speed up the process?
Looking forward to seeing your progress!
I could not find any good blueprints with an orthographic perspective so I followed a pictures as best I could. I built it mainly off of these two.
However, some are just placed in position to appear as if they are connected. The first thing I did was create a couple basic joints like this
The joints, did you do that manually or did you use some kind of script? I’m working on a movie and i’m going to need someone to make a transport truck so I’ll need to do something very similar.
How are you going to make the shocks? If you are going into detail I suggest you make a copy of each of the parts so you can go back and change it if you mess up too bad.
Thanks, I try and keep a copy of things on another layer. I haven’t thought about the shocks but I imagine I’ll be using a screw modifier.
Took a few days off. Got back to it today and managed to get the front body and front lamps created. Here is a test of the lamps.
Got a few more things done today. Added the light rack up top, the nets in the windows, seats, and a bit of the rear end and driveshaft.
I like that…look forward to being that good.
Got a little burnt out with the modeling so I decided to start working out materials. Here’s how it is going so far.
Here is a shot on from the back. Added the panel between the cab and rear end as well as the spare driveshaft.
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Spent most of the day fiddling with the cab interior. Added some switches, steering wheel, a built-in GPS and some electronic dials. Hope to have it looking better soon.
Did a little more modeling, mostly materials and lighting though. I’m pretty happy with how it is coming along. There is some obvious flaws in this one (wanted to get something out before bed). If anyone has any ideas or questions I would like to hear them!
This is looking great. Very nice modelling ranger910 
Besides the ‘obvious flaws’ my first thought on the render was that the scale was wrong - it looks like a child’s version of a truck, I think because of the foreground shrubbery and that cactus would need to be huge.
My only other crit would be to add more detail to the inner parts of the wheel which you can see under the front lights…
kinobe
Thanks! I’ll def keep the bushes in mind. The cactus didn’t strike me as overly large as some sagauro can reach 70 feet tall.
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This fella is 5’11"
You could try decreasing the angle of the camera. The camera is probably a few feet taller than a person taking the picture? This makes the truck look smaller. If you reduce the angle you’ll make the truck look more imposing.
Cool. Thanks for the idea. I’ll give it a try.
