Renault FT-17 - First time modeling tank

[Seydlitz]

Hello again guys,

Lately I've been lurking in this forum...and you guys are very impressive in modeling. I hope I can learn something from you if you allow it of course hehe.

Now this is my current progress of modeling one of the most famous and very historic tank, the Renault FT-17. Well I might not be able to match one of your works now but I'll try. :)

http://i46.tinypic.com/2wdxag1.jpg

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/1043/43164298.jpg

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/3015/71222794.jpg

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/2218/79751042.jpg

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6051/47401262.jpg

I have some question here regarding how to model some parts,

The first thing is the rear gear, I have been trying to find a good solution on how to model the rear gear but until now I'm still stuck in modeling that particular part. I also..in my own opinion do not completely model the track correctly. Please share me your thought.

Secondly I would like to inquire you guys technique in modeling tank. Do you guys usually start to model from box/cube? Or from other part and which one is better and why? I think software is not a big problem here so I won't bother you with that...(I'm using Autodesk Maya)

Other than that I would like also to know if you guys use triangle or n-gons instead of quads when you're modeling tank, is that a good practice or not? I personally try never to use n-gons and tris..please correct me if what I'm doing is wrong.

Please forgive me if I bother you with too much question...just want to know.

Comments, Critiques, Suggestions, Advise are most welcome and most appreciated.

[killakanz]

Very nice start.
I tend to model from basic primitives, editable mesh (I use 3DS Max), using extrude on faces and chamfer on edges. Lots of fine tuning at the vertex level.

I wrote this tutorial (http://www.derelictstudios.net/site/killasmods/tut1.php) for C&C3 modders, but it has lots of handy modeling tips in it, but again it's based in 3DS Max.

[Seydlitz]

Very nice start.
I tend to model from basic primitives, editable mesh (I use 3DS Max), using extrude on faces and chamfer on edges. Lots of fine tuning at the vertex level.

I wrote this tutorial (http://www.derelictstudios.net/site/killasmods/tut1.php) for C&C3 modders, but it has lots of handy modeling tips in it, but again it's based in 3DS Max.

Thank you for your suggestion.

Latest progress after I added several major details.

http://i46.tinypic.com/2wdxag1.jpg

[Seydlitz]

May I ask for some constructive criticism so I can make a better model in the future which may will make you even happier guys? :)

[cobra6]

I think it is looking good as a model. Although when looking at photos I get the impression the tank should be wider than this...Or at least, the tracks placed a little bit more outwards.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Renault-FT17-Saumur.0004gw9y.jpg

http://hobbyport.ru/mkmagazin/armor/renault_ft_17_1.gif

But as I said, the model itself looks good Seydlitz!

Cobra 6

[ZBrisk]

The driver's upper door (with the vision port) should cover downwards completely. When both doors are open, there should be nothing in between. The above wiki image shows this well.