EC120B Colibri

[gamary]

Here's a quick non-glossy version:


I've made the third blade droop a bit more than the 2nd one, so its tip is slightly visible in the rear. However, given the lack of perspective in profiles and the blade angles (forward blade is in line of flight), the 3rd blade should not be visible at all.

I could redraw the rotor and change the angle (blades being offset by a few degrees to the left or the right), but would be too much work IMO.

I could also add some perspective, but that would be a bit weird as the rest of the drawing isn't like that.

So it seems to me that making the last blade droop a bit, as if it were heavier, is the best solution...

Another option is to make the rotor spin, but in that case I should also add a pilot. (Or call it a runaway chopper?)

[pkassak]

Gam, I do not think the back rotor blade would be seen the same length as the front one.
see my highly sophisticated 30 sec sketch but I may be wrong...

[Vacajun]

GM, For me adding that shadow quickly tells the eye I'm looking at a 3-bladed rotor.

Great job!!

[Ugo Crisponi]

it's just my opinion, but I think that sometimes forcing the perspective a bit won't be too bad. I mean even if the third blade is hidden behind the other one, it won't be too strange if somehow it could come out a bit and show itself...

[Baron]

GM, stupid question: If the blade is such curved because of the own weight - shouldn't be the shadow of it on the fuselage also be curved?

Cheers,

[GiantFlyingRobots]

Nice job so far.

I'd like to see you push the highlights a little more, looking at photo's of the Spanish 120's they look to be a semi-gloss, yours looks a little too matte for mine.

Hasn't encouraged me to try an eggbeater yet.

[gamary]

@Peter: you're using perspective on your sketch, so the rear blade would appear shorter than the forward one indeed. But my point is that there is no perspective on profiles, so "changing the rules" for the rotor head only would be weird...

With no perspective, the blades would appear exactly the same length (or rather, the rear blade would not appear at all, as it would be totally hidden by the forward one).

The client wants some changes, so I'll try a few mods. I think I'll turn the rotor by a few degrees, which should visually separate the rear blades and shouldn't involve too much extra work (hopefully).

[inkworm]

But my point is that there is no perspective on profiles, so "changing the rules" for the rotor head only would be weird...

Go on admit it, profile artists make it all up as we go along

And I agree that what you've drawn is accurate but changing the angle slightly if it doesn't make life too hard for you wouldn't be a bad idea.

[Jesters-Ink]

Ah the whole thing can tilt anyway, so really its up to the artist.
I would probably drop the back blade just a fraction as if the rotor was sending the copter to port. second option I would just cheat and add extra curve.
But I do agree, the shadow does look a bit of an afterthought.

[JMSmith]

"Go on admit it, profile artists make it all up as we go along"


now admit i am right about straight shadows