|
|
Post by Dave on Jan 28, 2012 23:14:47 GMT -9
Here's something I whipped up today. Looks a little plain here, and I'd like to be able to stick more 3D details on it, but they're very fiddly at this size so I'm going to let the textures do a lot of the work of creating depth and panelization. Paper tests are going well so far. It's an easy build, so you can get two of these up and dogfighting quickly. Overall length is 7.25", width 7", height 2.25". The nose guns will be optional. Instead of retractable/optional landing gear, there are simple skids on the bottoms of the thrusters.  |
|
|
|
Post by Vermin King on Jan 29, 2012 18:12:23 GMT -9
Texture details are fine, Dave. You are excellent at them.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave on Jan 29, 2012 19:37:19 GMT -9
I tried some small 3D detailing and it just wasn't worth it. But I'm getting spoiled by SketchUp. The basic shape of this model is far more complex than anything I would've attempted without 3D software.
I'm going to include optional thruster cowlings/nozzles that are flat-fronted instead of empty, and the gun pod can be configured for one or two barrels. These'll give you some customization and quicker-build options.
I'm also including some simple reinforcement pieces that worked really well in my test.
Because it's a symmetrical model, I've only paper-tested half of it using the complex thrusters. I'm going to try out the flat-fronted thrusters on the other half and post some pics if it goes well.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave on Jan 30, 2012 18:03:29 GMT -9
Eh, no pics. I'm just going to start texturing this.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave on Jan 31, 2012 1:27:08 GMT -9
 So here are some rough color tests and configuration suggestions. With the multi-layered PDFs, you'll have control over all of the gun positions and little add-on bits, and a variety of color schemes to choose from. These three models might be used as the ready-to-print skins that I usually include with the PDF sets. Progress-wise, I'm nearly finished laying out the pages for texturing. Along the way I decided to add a power generator and diagnostic computer for when this thing is on the ground. Might look nice with some space tiles... whenever I get around to designing those. At least now I have a place to start: spaceport hangars. Pagewise, you can build the simplified version with flat-faced cowlings and nozzles using 5 pages (which includes 1 sheet of reinforcer pieces that can be printed as simple black lines, no color). The more complex version with hollow thruster cowlings/nozzles takes 7 pages (including the 1 sheet of reinforcers). There are also 2 pages of spares and extras. |
|
|
|
Post by Dave on Jan 31, 2012 4:43:44 GMT -9
Definitely needs a heavy cannon option.
|
|
|
|
Post by uptrainfan89 on Jan 31, 2012 6:46:16 GMT -9
Definitely needs a heavy cannon option. Wow this model looks really good and an amazing concept! ;D I agree on the heavy cannon option, it would definitly be a welcome add-on. I also agree with Vermin King, texture details will work great. It's definitly an area you've mastered!  If you don't mind if I can add some imput, It would be really neat if not amazing to see other attachments and options included to customize it further since I dont think its really ever been done before and it would make a more customizable model to offer. Like maybe optional fins to attach to the body or thrusters (Helpes with atmosperic travel), sensors, or rockets and weapons systems, maybe even cockpit styles (since I noticed different thruster styles, which looks excelent) and other attachable electronics (like the power generator and diagnostic computer you planned), all maybe offered on an additional page/pages (like you mentioned with your spares and extras pages), that way I think as you figured someone could print them if wanted or not. Lol all-in-all it's just my 2 cents, but would defintily be worth the extra! (I know I'd definitly pay more for something like that.)  Either way I think I'm going to have to pick this up, it really does look amazing! Do you have more plans for sci-fi stuff/vehicles like this in the future, your definitly really good at designing it? ;D |
|
|
|
Post by Dave on Jan 31, 2012 12:44:44 GMT -9
It would be really neat if not amazing to see other attachments and options included to customize it further All good ideas. Hypothetically, say I did include all of those options with this model. What would you expect the price to be on a kit like that? Do you have more plans for sci-fi stuff/vehicles like this in the future I wouldn't call them "plans" but I'd love to design more sci-fi vehicles and structures. I just work on whatever I'm excited about at the time, and when it's done I look for a new project that gives me the same feeling. My next project will probably be the completion of the Floating Kitchen fantasy medieval boat model, and then who knows? By the end of that project I might be tired of working on vehicles and try something else entirely, so staying flexible works best for me. |
|
|
|
Post by Vermin King on Jan 31, 2012 13:13:12 GMT -9
Options should up the ante on the price point. Options allow for many more builds without additional purchases. By having the layered options already, you are already cutting into future purchases.
I think I would go for an Upgrade Package, sold separately.
As mentioned, have fins, the cannon, a more robust cabin for hauling freight or troops. I would imagine that 75% of those buying the model will also get the upgrade pack. Just look at Topo's models to get an idea for things to include in the pack. You wouldn't need to go as crazy as he does on say the Samsara, but some of the options for the Chickenhawk really would add to this model.
|
|
|
|
Post by uptrainfan89 on Jan 31, 2012 13:48:22 GMT -9
All good ideas. Hypothetically, say I did include all of those options with this model. What would you expect the price to be on a kit like that? I'd say if it were the base model, with different color options, and then with a good assortment of attachments to customize the model even more, then I could easily see myself paying between $6 - $8 for a the whole model kit. My reasoning is because anything less than $6 or so just feels to cheap for the work, ammount, and quality put in to the model, but anything more than $8 will probably be getting to high for budgets. Hope this helps. I wouldn't call them "plans" but I'd love to design more sci-fi vehicles and structures. I just work on whatever I'm excited about at the time, and when it's done I look for a new project that gives me the same feeling. My next project will probably be the completion of the Floating Kitchen fantasy medieval boat model, and then who knows? By the end of that project I might be tired of working on vehicles and try something else entirely, so staying flexible works best for me. I think that's the way to go. That way you never really get that "burned out" felling or you don't feel like you have to do it. I also think that's why you do really great work on your models and they look amazing is because your building what you want to and what makes you excited about the hobby. ;D |
|
|
|
Post by Dave on Jan 31, 2012 15:33:54 GMT -9
Here's another test showing the power station and diagnostic computer (two separate pieces). There's a heavy cannon mounted on the right side of this Skimmer.  |
|
|
|
Post by stevelortz on Jan 31, 2012 16:07:34 GMT -9
I like this machine. I've always (five decades or so) been a fan of the original Buck Rogers newspaper comic strips from the 1930s, and it wouldn't take much modification to give this puppy an appropriate retro look. I'm fiddling around with Dave Okum's retro-sci-fi figures, and this would make a great ship for them, too.
Having a wide range of different vessels would also be very good, even if for nothing more than dressing up the scenery. Think of all those ships sitting around Mos Eisley!
Have fun!
Steve
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave on Jan 31, 2012 16:38:06 GMT -9
Well, I would've taken a different approach if I had intended to make this a modular fleet-building set. I've never released a scifi vehicle and I don't know what people are going to think. Right now my price point on this is about $4. I want it to be affordable enough for skeptics to give it a shot.
I think this kit has a lot of configuration options as it is, and part of its personality is just that it wasn't designed to be radically modified. It's just a groovy little ship that should look cool in your spaceport battle scene or whatever.
|
|
|
|
Post by uptrainfan89 on Jan 31, 2012 17:36:26 GMT -9
Well, I would've taken a different approach if I had intended to make this a modular fleet-building set. I've never released a scifi vehicle and I don't know what people are going to think. Right now my price point on this is about $4. I want it to be affordable enough for skeptics to give it a shot. I think this kit has a lot of configuration options as it is, and part of its personality is just that it wasn't designed to be radically modified. It's just a groovy little ship that should look cool in your spaceport battle scene or whatever. That's completly understandable. Also I guess that would be a good starting price range for vehicles and go from there. That way you can test the market. Lol my estimate was a little high, but I guess that's just me, Lol. It's still a sweet looking model and I'm still definitly up for getting it when it comes out! I think the only thing I would like to try and mod on it is a set of rocket pods (if it's not an add-on that is), just for a little extra fire power/boom, Lol.  I definitly think the power station and diagnostic computer will be a really good addition. Also, not sure if it was mentioned, but what will the dimentions of the two pieces be? Reason I ask is the game I play is all on 1" grid. |
|
|
|
Post by Dave on Jan 31, 2012 18:30:53 GMT -9
For the Skimmer: overall length is 7.25", width 7", height 2.25".
The footprint of the computer is about 1" x 0.75" and it's 1.25" high.
The power station is about 2.2" x 2.6", stands 2.25" high.
No rocket pods. The configuration options include:
2 types of thruster cowlings
2 types of thruster nozzles
8 gun positions
3 gun types
6 heat sink positions
4 coolant module positions
|
|
|
|
Post by stevelortz on Jan 31, 2012 19:25:25 GMT -9
I'm perfectly happy with the way you're planning it, Dave. I can certainly kit-bash a few fins to give it some of the idiosyncratic looks I'd like it to have! I'm looking forward to the release!
Have fun!
Steve
|
|
|
|
Post by golem101 on Feb 1, 2012 8:49:12 GMT -9
Could you please add a different cowling/texture for the cockpit glass, to be used with the combat type?
After all it makes sense to have a high-visibility version for the commuter/escort config and a sturdier, more protection-focused one for the combat type.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave on Feb 1, 2012 9:05:20 GMT -9
For all versions, the actual glass area will be much smaller than the 3D concept model, if that's what you're concerned about.
|
|
|
|
Post by uptrainfan89 on Feb 1, 2012 10:56:32 GMT -9
Personally I like how the cockpit looks, it's a neat and unique design. Also cockpits usually are not to big a deal with me as even tho it can be used for commuter and combat, most space ships (that I use in games anyways) have shields so that helps to take the damage directed at the ship in general. So you could say that the combat version just had an upgraded shield. Really once I think about it once the shield is drained, hitting any part of the skimmer will turn it into a ball of flame, Lol. I'd say the cockpit is slightly harder to hit than the thrusters, Lol. When it comes down to cockpits really the main thing I usually want to find out is how many people is it designed to carry, Lol cause lets face it when your trying to get off a planet and half its military is after you, the last thing I want to do is play rock, paper, scissors, to see who gets left to deal with the locals, Lol. Edit: Lol also how's the design comming along so far? ;D 2nd Edit: Also I was wandering will the power station and diagnostic computer be on there own pages and the wepons and add-on parts on there own pages, that way parts could be printed seperate then added to the Skimmer? |
|
|
|
Post by Dave on Feb 2, 2012 11:33:25 GMT -9
I'm thinking of this as a one-man vehicle, with a small cargo area that can be converted to carry a passenger. Also I was wandering will the power station and diagnostic computer be on there own pages and the wepons and add-on parts on there own pages, that way parts could be printed seperate then added to the Skimmer? I'm going to use the same approach to laying out the parts on this kit that I do with my other kits that have optional configurations. (Check out my free Coach House model and how I handled the optional dormers.) There are a few main components that you must have, and these require a certain number of sheets. As you print those main components, you can also choose to print (or hide) smaller optional components (which I place wherever there's extra room on a page). As you print off the pages, you can use the PDF layers to hide any of the components you don't want. You'll have to plan things a little bit to make sure you get all the components you want, but that's the fun of multi-layered PDFs. And if that's not fun for you, that's the fun of the ready-to-print prepared skins PDFs. For some components, you may have to dip into the "spares and extras" pages in case you can't find everything you need on the other pages. Those pages also include the diagnostic computer and the power station, so you can easily print those separately from the main model. |
|
|
|
Post by uptrainfan89 on Feb 2, 2012 15:58:04 GMT -9
I'm thinking of this as a one-man vehicle, with a small cargo area that can be converted to carry a passenger. Definitly sounds awesome, and looks like it fits the role perfectly for a 1-2 man fighter/commuter. I'm going to use the same approach to laying out the parts on this kit that I do with my other kits that have optional configurations. (Check out my free Coach House model and how I handled the optional dormers.) There are a few main components that you must have, and these require a certain number of sheets. As you print those main components, you can also choose to print (or hide) smaller optional components (which I place wherever there's extra room on a page). As you print off the pages, you can use the PDF layers to hide any of the components you don't want. You'll have to plan things a little bit to make sure you get all the components you want, but that's the fun of multi-layered PDFs. And if that's not fun for you, that's the fun of the ready-to-print prepared skins PDFs. For some components, you may have to dip into the "spares and extras" pages in case you can't find everything you need on the other pages. Those pages also include the diagnostic computer and the power station, so you can easily print those separately from the main model. PDF Layers are definitly the way to go and make customizing and printing what you need all the more easy! I really like the way this model is comming along. Definitly can't wait till it's ready to hit star fighter dealerships everywhere, Lol! ;D |
|
|
|
Post by Dave on Feb 2, 2012 16:22:41 GMT -9
Some initial texture work.  |
|
|
|
Post by hackbarth on Feb 3, 2012 2:36:50 GMT -9
That's some fiddly weapons.
Maybe a 2.5D option for the barrels, for the less dexterous of us are a good suggestion? Like Mel Ebbles does?
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave on Feb 3, 2012 5:48:27 GMT -9
If the standard guns are too fiddly, the heavy cannon is about twice the size.
|
|
|
|
Post by uptrainfan89 on Feb 3, 2012 16:33:21 GMT -9
The texturing looks like it's comming along nicely and it looks really great! How many colors do you have planned? ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave on Feb 3, 2012 18:10:33 GMT -9
I usually do at least 3 base colors or styles, and then lots of optional stuff that you can lay over it.
|
|
|
|
Post by uptrainfan89 on Feb 4, 2012 6:41:49 GMT -9
I usually do at least 3 base colors or styles, and then lots of optional stuff that you can lay over it. Awesome, Definitly can't wait to see it all! ;D Will the colors be the basic ones in your test photos? I really like the white/red one and the orange/white one in your test photos, even the yellow/gray one. (Actually a white/any color would be cool. I like lighter colors, Lol.) |
|
|
|
Post by Dave on Feb 5, 2012 12:08:47 GMT -9
For the base colors, I'll probably use white, beige, light gray and gunmetal gray.
There'll be paint patterns that can be laid over these, but I'm not sure which colors those will be yet. Red, blue and yellow are the obvious choices there, but that orange/white combo really works for me too.
Color-picking is one of the last things I'll decide, since it's one of the easiest things to change in Photoshop.
|
|
|
|
Post by uptrainfan89 on Feb 6, 2012 6:07:14 GMT -9
Those sound like some excelent color choices, Lol! Can't wait to see how they look on the Skimmer! ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by kiladecus on Feb 6, 2012 9:43:28 GMT -9
Since it is a skimmer, and NOT an aerospace fighter, I for one would like to see a version of it oxydized (and/or rusted) and optional bullet holes/ combat damage (as well as the "clean" versions). I am sure with your texturing abilities, this thing will have so many options that you could use texturing to eliminate many of the "true 3D" elements, and it would STILL look AMAZING! (I am thinking of small gun barrels on the sides of the main fuselage, under the cockpit to give the illusion that there are "guns" mounted in the "nose" without having to cut small fiddly pieces, but that is just me). You asked about price... I would be willing to pay something similar to your PATROL BOAT. I think that at that price, these will be "flying" of the shelves, so to speak. I have some credit from my contributions of Encounter Lairs 4 laying in my RPGnow account... and I plan on using it for THIS! ;D Looks great... git 'er done! |
|
