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Hi all,

Not sure if I picked the right section, but here goes!

I recently started a new project: a 3D model of a Dreadnought! Only there are a few bumps along the road I'm currently on:

- I have no idea where to start
- All the pictures are found are too small/of Dreads in weird positions/blurry/etc.
- All the picture hide the important details

Because of these 'minor' bumps I would like to ask you the following:

- Rough dimensions (height from head to toe, width, depth), since real dimensions are 'frowned upon' (or so I've read here)
- Some detailed pictures (feet, legs front and back, 'hips' and pelvis)
- Maybe some close-ups of loose parts

Thanks in advance!

Dude.
Yes.

3D model of Dread would be siiiick.

I've pulled some of the Dread pics that I've found since I started trawling wargaming sites. Here are some decent ones that wouldn't be too hard to model.



I'ts a damn shame I don't have other angles of this guy. He's from here on Dakka, a Sons of Medusa Venerable Dread and he looks very awesome. I'm sure you can find him in the gallery.



You could also do the Contemptor Dread from ForgeWorld. Great photos, kickass model and could really use the 3D treatment.



As for proportions, I wouldn't worry about it too much. The important part of 3D modeling is that result looks right rather than matches whatever exactly. Especially if ou do a Venerable Dread, don't be afraid to go overboard with scrollwork, purity seals, skull motifs, Aquilas etc. Personally, I'd like to see Dreads with slightly longer arms and legs so they don't look like mobile washing machines (that's the Sisters of Battles' job ) I don't really like the Truescale ones some people make with freakishly long legs, but something less stubby would be very nice.

Good luck on this bro!

Yes. Do a 3-D of the Comtemptor Dread.

Thanks for the quick replies
The first attempt can now be viewed via my forum album!

I like this idea, perhaps the front plates could slope back a little more?

Also the GW website / Space marine codex have some clear, front on shots of several dreadnoughts. I would imagine they would be good references.

I'd agree that the front plates could slope back a bit more. Other than that it's a good start for the model.

What program are you using? 3DS Max, Blender, Maya, etc.?

A fellow 3D modeller!

I was toying with this same idea this morning when wondering what to use as my first forray into freehand modelling. I want to avoid using image planes, mostly.

It all comes down to form. Betty Edward's Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain poses some really interesting techniques when thinking about observing form -- you look at proportions, and objects, as shapes; don't name them, just see them as lines and geometric objects. I've got a Chaos Dread in pieces that I need to put together anyway, so I'll probably end up building it and using it as my reference while I digitize it.

As for modelling workflow, your best bet is to get the proportions right on all the pieces, so that the 'form' is 'right', then start shaping those pieces to conform with what the model actually looks like.

Cheers man!

Step 1: export model from DoWII

Step 2: this is the last step

ph34r wrote:Step 1: export model from DoWII

Step 2: this is the last step

Where's the fun in that?!

@ TheMumm: No fun indeed

@ all: Check my gallery for an updated version!

I do believe one of these people could help you out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnCXftk_joA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSzEEs69MpE&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEITyJ0DVrE&NR=1

All done, for now:

Final result:

Looks good overall but I still think the front plates of the sarcophagus and torso aren't slanted enough. They're too vertical.

Also it may be just me but that asscannon looks a little too high on the arm.

Is this Sketchup, perchance? Only familiar with Maya and 3DS (and that I know nothing in practice)

@ Joshh: I will edit the details, after starting with a new project

@ TheMumm: It is SketchUp, indeed

Is the assault cannon on the left arm on purpose? It does look like the angels in the front do look a shade off. The eye slit for the sarcophagus seems to high as well. Also the cross on the right front panel seems out of place on an Omega marine Dreaddie.

That should help, its from the Imperial armour volume 2

zedarkangel wrote:
That should help, its from the Imperial armour volume 2

That should help me a lot! Too bad there isn't a side view :(

why not pic up some of the componants from bits sites that your having problems with and study how the actual model looks and works?

Well, I started a new model

Wow that's so much better than what you started with. Kudos to you, I can't make anything look like anything with sketchup.

mullet_steve wrote:Wow that's so much better than what you started with. Kudos to you, I can't make anything look like anything with sketchup.

Cheers mate

Here's another (small) update:

You should make an account over at the CGSociety. They're all about 3D. Take your stuff to the next level man!

Thats Looking very nice. Though the shoulders are a little high up top in my opinion.

Done for today (don't mind the legs )

Niiiice.
what do you do this on?

I made it using Google's SketchUp

Here's some post-processing testing:

That looks very nice however the arms shouldn't come above the shoulders

Already lowered them, thanks for the heads-up