Trouble with smoothing complex objects (3dMAX)

[Caman0]

ok, ive started modelling a flak cannon (like ThePhobos did). I tried my hand at the breech (called a breech yes?) of the gun, but i stumbled upon some errors.

Can anyone tell me how you would model a complex object like that, making it with smooth edges and stuff? I mean what technique would you use (splinecage, poly mesh, using boleans, or whatnot), how would you go about doing it? a short description should work i guess. Or a tutorial about modelling this kind of mechanical shapes?

what im trying to model (see attachement)

thank you in advance!

Caman0

[kiwi123]

Hoi CamanO,

I would say that normal poly modelling is fine for this, it's not that complex. Build up the shape as if it doesn't have any round edges. Once that's done, select the edges and chamfer them or whatever it is called in max, then a polysmooth modifier on top of that (if that's the right one, haven't used max in ages)

[krazycolin]

Kiwi's right... if you start with a box and then chop it up using cut/slice/quickslice/chamfer, you should be able to model that breechblcok in no time.

[cobra6]

Model from a box. Use some chamfers (both small (sharp edge) and big (round edges). Finally apply nurms or meshsmooth (modifier!) et voila

Cobra 6