I started using a new 3D modeler named Silo for the videogame 3D modeling contract I mentioned a while back, and in order to familiarize myself with its tools, I worked through them one at a time, almost literally with the mouse in one hand and a copy of “3D Modeling in Silo” by Antony Ward in the other. I thought old-school Ebbles Miniatures fans might get a chuckle out of the subject I chose for my in-progress scratchpad build: the torso of a re-imagined Murphy.
(Click to see full size version.)
It’s an unfinished work in progress. I started out scaling, extruding, and beveling a box into the body’s base shape, and from there, I figured out how to use the rest of Silo’s tools to greeble the body with raised panels, insets, bolts, grills, vents, and flush panels. You know, the usual stuff I texture into my paper models, except in actual 3D.
I’ve just about got my head around Silo’s toolset now. When the video game modeling contract’s over, I’d like to revisit and finish the Murphy so it can be 3D printed.
LOVE that re-imagined Murph! I made quite a few of those in the day. Some still survive and continue to be played with by my lads. I would enjoy building a re-textured, up-to-date version.
Me too. 😀
Damn nice! You’re a heck of a lot better at silo that I’ve been able to get. I need to find some books, the youtube feeds just don’t do it for me.
That looks awesome. I too would build the updated version. Either way, rock on for the new gig.
Darby–I bought a copy of “3D Modeling In Silo” by Antony Ward. That book is invaluable. Even though it’s mostly a giant “How To Model Chesty McBreasts, Adventure Girl” tutorial and doesn’t really say much about hard surface modeling, what matters is knowing the tools and what they’re good for. The extrude, inset scale, bevel, cut, slide, and merge tools are very handy, as is the snap manipulator and the various snapping options. Also, lots of practice helps.
AoM: Thanks! 🙂
I would love to see a 3D print of Murphy in 28mm, failing that it would be fun to print and build one in cardstock.
If there’s enough interest after the model is completed, I’m going to shop around for quotes on getting it printed, molded, and cast. If it costs an arm and a leg, I might do some sort of Kickstarter or similar fund pooling campaign so everybody who wants a plastic or resin Murphy can get one at a reasonable price.
If that works out, I’d like to follow up with the Type 18 and the Wiking. 😀