Viper MKI/MKII for fun.

[Rolex]

Here's a couple of profiles I did a while back in Lightwave 3d. The Viper MKI I built from scratch using a tutorial, I built the mesh, and skinned it (in my squadron colors of course).



The Viper MKII mesh came from a Kurv Video tutorial, and as usual I skinned it also in my squadrons markings.



It's good for me to "cheat" this way, because the 3d program does the shadows and lighting for me, so I can see and study the end result.

What do you guys think?

[inkworm]

I do like the MkII, never really been a fan of the later MkVII.

Nothing wrong with using models for lighting references either if it helps produce a really strong profile then why not?

What's next a Raptor?

[Clint Mitchell]

The Viper MkII's cowling looks a bit strange compared to the original factory blueprints I've got. Welcome aboard.

[GiantFlyingRobots]

I learnt to use Lightwave back in the day, saw that 3D wasn't going to be of much use to me going forward and dropped it at the first opportunity. Kinda regret it now, I'm beginning to think I prefer the flexibility of profiling in 3D.

Can't comment on the the vipers other than to say I watched the original Galactica when I was a kid, and I've never seen a frame of the new version.

Like my early adventures in 3D, my interest moved elsewhere.

[Rolex]

Like most other programs, I love doing anything aviation related. I too was a big fan of the original BSG back in the day. When the new series came out I watched every episode and loved what they did with it.

When I found out they made most if not all of the CG on Lightwave I had to dabble. A guy I know, who is a graphic artist was moving up to a newer version of Lightwave, so he sold me his version and dongle at a significantly reduced price so I was off and running.

Lightwave is a cool program, the thing for me, was I knew Photoshop, but Lightwave, to be completely autonomous with it, you need to learn how to Model, Skin and Animate.

For profiles, if you can get a really detailed (or make a really detailed mesh) you could pump out profiles in no time. It's good if people like your meshes and skinning.

Photoshop uses more artistic talent to produce profiles, (I think, I hope I didn't just open a can of worms)

Here's a Raptor mesh I have, as you can see not very high res...