Mass Effect 2 Hammerhead: WIP

ThunderChild

Active Member
I finally got back to doing some work on my massive to-do list.
Eventually we'll get to the build pics, but first I think some might benefit from seeing a brief overview of my design process when working with game-ripped models.

First up, the actual model from the game. I absolutely loath game models for conversion to paper. The most awful aspect is overlapping parts:

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Again, this is just my opinion and personal preference, if you are comfortable spending time correcting such a model, I truly am happy for you. I have actually come across the odd ripped model that was fun to build, but for me that's the exception, not the rule.
What I do is create my own mesh using the original as a reference. Not only is it much quicker, but it also allows me to know exactly what my model does, that the faces/verts/edges are aligned and that I won't get any funky surprises during the unfold process.
It also allows me to bypass some of those nasty excess detail that, unless you are building a model that's measured in meters or yards, will make the model nigh impossible to build. Here's what I mean:

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Dont worry about the missing detail, it get's added in the textures.
Because after the new mesh is ready and textured, it gets unfolded in pepa. Unfortunately another problem with game-ripped textures is low resolution some of the time, so after exporting the unfolded pages from pepakura, the actual hard work begins. in Photoshop I do the cleaning up, texture correction, part placement guides, adding extra details etc:

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Here's a comparison pic between the game mesh and my own mesh:

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That's it for now, only thing left on the parts pages are adding part numbers. Next up: The dreaded instructions!
 

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Rhaven Blaack

!!!THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN!!!
Staff member
Administrator
Moderator
Unfortunately, I am one of teh few that have never played any of the ME games but I really like all of the ships, planes, and other vehicles that have come from this franchise. This one is no exception as well. It looks like something that I would like to learn how to fly. Of course I will have to settle for just building the model (and pretending to fly it:p).

You are doing a FANTASTIC job on the design of this model. I will be following this thread. I am looking forward to seeing how this turns out.

Keep up teh GREAT work.
 

blaar

Member
I knew you were up to something .......... this is going to be yet another great addition to the already impressive kits you have already released.

As for creating your own mesh, you are spot on. Cleaning up game ripped meshes is hard work. Lots and lots of intersecting faces usually makes for a tough job.
 

ThunderChild

Active Member
Using screen grabs from the 3D model, screen grabs from the pepakura view and some generous photoshop work, the instructions and cover page are done.

Next up the test build!
 

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Z

Zathros

Using screen grabs from the 3D model, screen grabs from the pepakura view and some generous photoshop work, the instructions and cover page are done.

Next up the test build!

My Hero too! Your Instructions look awesome!!

@spawntan, Leas estos puestos en este hilo para encontrar los otros modelos disenado por Thunderchild (Read these posts in this thread to find other models designed by Thunderchild)
:) :

http://www.zealot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=172195&highlight=thunderchild+normandy
 

Rhaven Blaack

!!!THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN!!!
Staff member
Administrator
Moderator
You have done a FANTASTIC job on this model.
This instructions look professional.
 

DanBKing

Dan the Man
That ship looks well cool...
I really need to get a console and check out this game........
I'm not much of a gamer really.....
But I like the hardware depicted in it...
 

ThunderChild

Active Member
Thanks for the kind words guys! :thumb:

Ok, so the test build is complete, and all the problems identified. The biggest issue is that the mountings for the tail wings. They are much too small for the normal builder. I'm going to leave them in as alternate parts for those who want a challenge and prefer to have their models as close to the game as possible, but I'm going to make larger/sturdier easier-to-build mountings too.
The rest of the problems are minor- a missing fold line here, stupid tab there...

Anyway, on with the pics!
(I apologize in advance for the text on the pics, but as we know there's a certain idiot out there selling other peoples models and even using the original pics to do so... my Mako model among them)
 

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Rhaven Blaack

!!!THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN!!!
Staff member
Administrator
Moderator
That looks FANTASTIC!!!
Thank you for sharing your WONDERFUL work with us.
 

Psyscape

Member
@Thunderchild...

Now that's looking very cool indeed.

I've not taken the time yet to do something I should have done when I built the first one. I've managed to get my clumsy fingers around the Mako, Kodiak and two of the Normandy models which you offer on your Deviant Art section. Thank you. Just thanks, so much.

Aside from looking cool, they were fun to build and the plans were easy to follow and clear - something that was much appreciated.

Love the models and I can honestly say I'm really looking forward to this one getting out into the wide world so I can get my grubby little paws on it. I have no doubt it will be every bit as excellent as your other ones.
 

NeoThyrrus

New Member
Wow ^^ that's really a nice model ^^ you've done a outstanding work, and the instructions looks as clear as for the other models ! ^^

Can't wait to get my hands on it ^^

Will it be available soon for download ?
 
Z

Zathros

The professional nature of your illustrations would be a good basis for a book. I would read it! :)
 

ThunderChild

Active Member
Thanks for all the kind words guys, it really inspires me to continue all the projects!
I've had a rough couple of weeks and haven't gotten around to finalizing this as I would have liked. I was aiming for a xmas release on both the Hammerhead and Alliance Shuttle but alas, I'll only be able to finish them end of January.
Luckily Goku and the rest of the DBZ team saved the earth from the Mayans, so it looks like I'll be able to finish these up! :p

Happy holidays everyone! And I hope you all have a splendid new year!
 
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