Modular 3d platforms and buildings

[gecko]

So, while I won't have pics for the start of this till tomorrow, I figured I'd start up this thread with a rundown of where I'm planning on going with it and blog progress and pics as I go along. Here's the pitch.

I want to make a modular, customizable set of terrain, (starting with sci-fi but with the ability to be easily adapted) that is simple to build, easy to make what you want out of it, with an immense amount of freedom without requiring a similarly immense amount of work on the modeler's part. The core idea of this set will be somewhat along the lines of the old plastic/card Necromunda sets.

-Numerous shapes, sizes and textures of platforms and walkways.
-Interchangeable bulkheads to support platforms and walkways.
-Option to either permanently mount bulkheads to platforms (simple) or build sockets/pegs into the platforms and bulkheads for modular building options (modular).
-Optional railings for platforms and walkways.
-Walls that can either be permanently mounted to platforms to create buildings (simple) or may be built with the socket/peg system (modular).
-Connectors to allow free-standing walls, or to reinforce buildings made with the modular system.
-Extra ladders and stairs.
-Non-gridded, 1 inch, 1.5 inch and 2 inch compatibility.

I have working models of the basic bulkheads, 6 inch walkways and a few platforms, and should be posting pics tomorrow. Let me know what ya think!

[djlittle]

This sounds very promising! Can't wait to see the pics!

[onemonkeybeau]

Yeah, sounds very cool!

Looking forward to those pics!

onemonkeybeau

[stevelortz]

You might want to make sure your imagery isn't actionably close to GW's

Have fun!
Steve

[gecko]

new pics up! not much time atm, so short and sweet:

s807.photobucket.com/albums/yy359/the_gecko_photo/

And @ Steve, no worries! I meant like necromunda style by way of it being modular, is all.

Post more laters!

-Geck

[gecko]

So, here's some pics of what I have as working test models so far. The square platform still needs detail, like the bridge section has, but ATM I'm not worried about any of the parts having completely finished textures. I'm more concerned with the pieces fitting like I want them too.

As I had mentioned before, I want to make this set as modular as is possible, but I want it to remain simple for the user to build. For modularity, I basically want to implement an optional tab-and-socket set that can be built onto bulkheads and the undersides of buildings/platforms/walkways. That I have not yet put into effect though, as I want to design the platforms and such first.

While the GW-style landing pad is not technically part of this project (and due to printing errors is actually 1/4 inch shorter than planned lol) it is similar enough to show how the platforms work together.

Pic 1


Pic 2


And amping the project up


Next on the immediate list;
Another platform or two
New bulkhead textures
Different walkway sizes
L walkways
Possibly 2d ladders or bulkheads with ladders
And testing of the tab-and-socket plan

Any thoughts, comments or suggestions thus far?

-Gecko out

[Slick]

Awesome Stuff! Everything looks spot on. Nice list of parts that should make for a fun gaming environment! You might be planing on it already but I would suggest a little bit more detail on the supports. But everything is looking Great!

Nate

[squirmydad]

They look pretty good for basic pieces. Try spending some time and digging up some reference on building structures like that. There are a ton of details you can add to these to give them more character.

I'd also suggest experimenting with layered textures, and learning to shade with an airbrush tool. This will give lots of depth to the parts.

Your on the right track, you just need to keep practicing and developing your skillz.
JIM

[gecko]

Regrettably, I have had little time to work on projects lately due to work. Okay, the new space hulk may have had an effect on it too, but hey.

While keeping busy with work though, I have sketched out some new ideas I should be able to flesh out in the near future. New bulkheads with non-generic textures, and some more detailed platforms as well.

And again, thanks to all for the continued feedback and support. Y'all rock!

[Vermin King]

You know, you and highland piper ought to share some ideas back and forth

[highlandpiper]

Nice work! How did I miss this thread

[Dominic]

Maybe because it's two years old... did this ever get close to completion?

[Vermin King]

I actually posted my last post because I had seen him on the forum a while back and thought it was appropriate.

I was hoping he would see it and give us an update