Model Aeroplane Engine WIP

[Vazza]

Well, I've been away from 3dsMax for about 5 months and decided it was high time I got back into it. It's been a bit of a struggle as my modelling skills seem to be a bit rusty

I was planning on making a model of a one of the old Control Line models that we used to fly in the 70's and decided to make the engine first as I'm having real difficulty in tracking down the plans for the aircraft (I don't suppose anyone here knows where I can get hold of some plans for a KielKraft "Firefly"?)

This is probably going to be quite slow progress, so please bear with me. Also, please note that the materials are just temporary as I'm still really concentrating on the modelling

[metabadger]

I remember having a control line model when I was ten or eleven. I ended up giving it to one of my brothers. I just couldn't handle spinning around without getting dizzy. The block looks really good so far

[Dalith]

From what I can see.. uhm, I guess it's ok

[gent_k]

I don't know what this is supposed to look like, but it looks smooth(no artifacts).

[Vazza]

Thanks for the comments everyone

Well, I've done a little bit more this morning, adding the cylinder head. Still quite a few parts to model, a couple of which are screw threads, one coarse and one fine. I'll probably do those last

Dalith & gent_k, basically what it's meant to look like is a small 2 stroke diesel engine; the upright part if the cylinder is where the piston goes up and down inside and the horizontal part contains the drive shaft that will, eventually, have a propeller attached.

metabadger, I remember that dizzy feeling well and there were a couple of occasions where we just got too dizzy and fell over with the inevitable crunch as the aircraft hit the floor. I think that's why we eventually moved on to Radio Control

[tommydaz]

Originally posted by Vazza
metabadger, I remember that dizzy feeling well and there were a couple of occasions where we just got too dizzy and fell over with the inevitable crunch as the aircraft hit the floor. I think that's why we eventually moved on to Radio Control [/B]

Rofl Seems to me thats what its all about you spend months of time building these things then you go and trash them on there first flight .

[arnel555]

I like it, I don’t know what u are going to use it for but looks nice and smooth

[Vazza]

Well, I've added a few bits and pieces and thought I'd post an update. The drive shaft thread was a bit of a nightmare, but I got there in the end, even if it did double the polygon count of the entire model

It's not destined for any animation, just a still, so the heavy poly count isn't really too much of a problem.

Still quite a few details to add and I need to rebuild or tweak the exhasut port ring.

Right then, better get back to it

[metabadger]

OK, so by my guess-timate this entire block assembly as it sits is no more than 8 cm. long, and the threaded part is around 1 cm. or less. You sat and actually modelled the ATF thread. You have no idea how cool that is. Now when people call me crazy ,nuts, or insane for doing what I do, I can point them your way ( he says with a contented grin ). Right on dude. The model is looking great so far. I do have a couple of "observations". The head cap, cover, thingy looks a minute bit off center. The blue head in your last update gave the model a little more interest. The front prop retainer washer center hole needs to be enlarged to fit over the thread. I hope these things help.

P.S. Would you like my shrink's name?

[Vazza]

Hi metabadger,

Thanks for taking an interesting in my model, I really appreciate having an extra pair of eyes to go over it and spot the parts that aren't quite right. Sometimes, when I'm sitting in front of my monitor for hours, I miss some of the stuff that an onlooker can see. You're right about the top of the Cylinder being slightly off centre and thanks for the pointer about the prop retainers needing a bigger hole. That was a really big error that I hadn't spotted and I very much appreciate your letting me know about that

When I've done a bit more tweaking and put right those problem areas, I'll post an update and I'll put the original textures back on again

Regarding the shrink, it might be a good idea as I'm itching to start modelling all the moving parts inside too, even though they probably won't be seen.....then again, I could do a cutaway version, wheyhey!