B-17 Instrument Panel

[zarroun]

Here's my latest render of the B-17 Instrument panel. It'll go into the F model. I hope I got the layout right. There are so many different panels and instrument layouts that I just had to take a shot in the dark. Hope you like it.

http://images5.theimagehosting.com/panel.f5b.jpg

[cobra6]

Kind of reminds me of my Heinkel panel Im still working on:)

Cobra 6

[kevjon]

Looks cool zarroun, you must be planning to do some cockpit renders or animations with this level of detail. Sadly none of it would be seen when rendering external views of the B17.

[zarroun]

the end product of the second part of this class is a (at least) 30 sec. animation. Most people are doing fly throughs. I'm planning on making an instuctional piece for the B-17, like the ones on zenoswarbirdvideos.com. The cockpit will be visible.

Didn't you start a B-17 as well, kevjon? How is that one coming?

[kevjon]

Posted by Zarroun
Didn't you start a B-17 as well, kevjon? How is that one coming?

I did, but put it hold at the moment as I can't get the waviness out of the fuselage mesh above the wing. One of the major hassles with sub-d modelling. Decided to pursue aviation art via 2D means instead.

[zarroun]

That's really sad to hear, and it was looking so good! I'm interested to see some 2D art of yours though. What medium do you like to use? Are you going the digital or traditional path?

[kevjon]

In the past I did two types of art, oils and gray lead pencils via traditional means.

I am currently learning to paint again (except digitally) with Painter IX and a wacom. I see huge potential with these tools and am really enjoying it. If I manage to produce anything worth posting, then will do but as I have just started, it will be some time.

Probably come back to the B17 at some stage and have a go at fixing the mesh and doing more work on it. But for the moment we will watch your progress. Good luck, its a big project and a difficult one.

[zarroun]

Sweet! I've alsways wanted to learn Painter, never had the time though. I don't want to double post my image, but I have my latest render on this thread:
http://www.military-meshes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75
Let me know what you think. To prevent cross threading, just post your comment on it here, please.

[Andyf]

Hi zarroun! Any progress to show us?
PS I could help by instruments...

[zarroun]

Thanks for asking. I'm stuck at the labels for the insturments. It will get done, but first I need to finish the required school projects, which I need to have by next week.

Reference material is not the problem, thank you though. I have contated a guy who builds those panels from scratch and he was able to help me out big time with CAD files and pictures. It will be a while until I can back to the panel, but it will get done. Spent too much time already to not finish it.

[krazycolin]

IGood luck, its a big project and a difficult one.

i don't think it's all that difficult... except maybe because of commentary and crits from rivet counters....

[zarroun]

not hard, just don't have the time right now. there's this weird gradumation or something coming up that i have to prepare for for some strange reason. but one of these days...

[kevjon]

Yep, I'll have to get back to my fortress one day too.

about the rivet counting... I got the impression from Skyraiders thread that most users here at MM want that feedback.....but your right...trying to get your every nuance of curve on a aircraft to look correct is a lot of work and a lot of research.

[Skyraider3D]

Yep, I'll have to get back to my fortress one day too.

about the rivet counting... I got the impression from Skyraiders thread that most users here at MM want that feedback.....but your right...trying to get your every nuance of curve on a aircraft to look correct is a lot of work and a lot of research.Yup, it does take lots of time, research and skill to get an aircraft right in full 3D (opposed to maching up to side and topview drawings). If you're happy to settle for a rough approximation of the subject you're modelling, you might as well post on "the other forum" :p
There are indeed rivet counters on this forum and I personally think that's a great thing. A free service to serious aviation modellers that you don't find anywhere else on the web! ;)