Starting in March 2020, I began a large stream project to model a comprehensive, highly-detailed Caterpillar 434E backhoe. Please watch the first stream (first 3 minutes of abridged version at least) for an overview.
It's a straight-forward project of building a complex model over an extended period of time. The spin on the project is that I want your help to accomplish it! If I build some parts and you build some parts, we will finish this thing much quicker. Plus the contribution format will include reviews, the potential of having your piece(s) assimilated into the final model. Not to mention large quantities of XP are at stake 🤑
NOTE: This is an involved project reserved for Citizen members.
The general idea is that I kickoff stages of the project via live stream, which is typically once per month. For the time in between streams, you choose a piece of the backhoe and apply what you learned from the stream to that piece. For example, the first stream covered initial block out. So between stream 1 and stream 2, your job is to pick a piece and block it out.
This is the repeating protocol for each Assignment Period (between-streams):
I will reply to this thread after each stream with a [big] assignment post denoted by a 📣 emoji in the title. There I will clarify instructions about each Assignment Period.
We will centralize our collaborative communication between the streams and this thread. Ask any and all questions pertaining to the Backhoe project here.
Maybe they are secretly planning for the DOG to be the Epic Summer Render!
ketre and @adrian2301, I was looking at some images and I made some observations that might be relevant to you both:
I caught this on the stream yesterday, but ketre it seems to be that the visible back corner of bottom of the cab in this photo comes out all the way to almost even with the edge of that top step, maybe not quite. @adrian2301 I also notice that the front edge of the fender - which overlaps that back "wall" of the step section - is exactly even with the bottom of the cab there. And also notice that the outer edge of the fender where the plastic trim starts is also even with edge of the step-wall.
When looking at our models, I noticed this notch on the back of that step wall:
The step section bolts directly to the frame so I think we can assume it's in the right place and is the correct shape. My suggestion to you both Karen and Adrian is that your cab and fender would ideally make a junction where I've drawn the green "T". I think the front bottom edge of the fender definitely needs to be moved and maybe widened inwards, and the cab could then be adjusted to meet that edge. I GUESSTIMATE that the top "apex" of the fender is PROBABLY in the right place, and that it's only the front that needs to be shifted; but the outer edge might need to be adjusted too after this is done - you'll have to experiment.
Karen I also think the front "facet" of that cab is narrower than the middle - at least I'm getting that impression from photos. I see this curve at the top of the cab from this angle:
We know that, Z-wise, the top of the cab should be completely flat. So it seems to me this curve must be purely X-wise. What do you think?
Thanks jakeblended , this should help enormously. Where did you get the image of the model, is the new file available?
@adrian2301 yes I just downloaded the file from yesterday's stream page.
...come to think of it, didn't Kent say he wanted to update the file in some way before anybody downloaded it? I don't know if he's done that update yet...
jakeblended I just downloaded it, he messed up my fenders. The boolean are all out of wack. Oh well one of the points I need to address anyway.
didn't Kent say he wanted to update the file in some way before anybody downloaded it
Yes! I wanted to update the scale of all the objects before officially kicking off assignment #3. I updated the file on the stream page and either today or tomorrow will post the official assignment 3 prompt.
@theluthier No worries , They are the utilities that were hidden I think, Haven't really looked yet. I'm busy learning animation bootcamp so I get my licence to drive this Dog when it's ready. I can walk now. Hahaha
I -think- it has not been decided yet whether we will do the interior; but if we do, I was under the impression that perhaps the interior would be divided into different "jobs", in the same way as the exterior.
ketre I agree with jakeblended , I think you are on the outside of the cab, the interior is far to big and complex job for one person.
rryzen7 I think Kent said earlier he would make more space on the sheet for you, check again later.
Actually jakeblended the top of the cab most likely has a slight curve to it. This would help water roll off rather than pool up when it rains.
I think this picture, that was posted on the previous page, shows it well.
blanchsb I think jakeblended is right that image does appear to show a slight curve however this one from the collage shows otherwise
How can I get with those working on the cab to collaborate. lol Im not so sure I want everyone to know how goofy I really https://imgur.com/gallery/wredLl0
I couldnt get this gif to post lol
Yes I agree with Jake...I believe it can be easily fixed ummm fitted... help!
I too agree; I believe the curve evident in blanchsb's image is the x-wise curve around the edge of the roof, and only makes it look like the roof is "domed" due to the camera perspective.
In @adrian2301's photo, the top of the roof has channels molded into it, which could be the design solution to the rain problem.
May 14, 2020 - June 7, 2020
For the assignment period between stream 3 and stream 4 the focus is finalizing aspects of our chosen backhoe parts. We all know by now that this level of complex modeling is slow and tedius. Therefore my expectation for assignment #2 submissions is to complete at least 50% of your chosen part. You can of course go further than 50% if you're able but 50% is the minimum goal.
I still think this approach is best. After each stream I will upload a .blend for everyone to the corresponding stream page. For example, on the stream 3 page you will find the MASTER_caterpillar-434e_model_03.blend file available to download.
*Note that the scale of all objects (including reference images) has been increased slightly as I mentioned in the 3rd stream. Everything *should* be accurate for measurement checks.
I've added a new tab to the Google Sheet labeled: #3: Finalize 50%
The names of contributors are carried over from the second assignment. To submit for assignment #3, contributors just need to make a comment containing a link to their .blend file in the Attempt cell beside their name
The DUE DATE for assignment #3 submissions is JUNE 5, 2020**
We've outgrown this main thread. Every day it's more difficult to make sense of our communication. So we decided in stream 3 to create individual threads for each contributing artist. The idea is for all communication regarding specific parts to take place within individual threads. Still check the main thread for general communication, questions, assignment prompts, etc.
Calling all contributors of the Dog Pound: Please create a new forum thread (as a homework submission) with a title following this naming convention:
Backhoe Contribution - Username - Part Name
I've created one for my part as well if you want to see an example.
If you missed the premier, here's the wicked cool trailer pfbourassa is working on. Imagine how cool the final cut will be when we're done modeling 🤩
spikeyxxx Don't miss the chance to hear the voice of a legendary CGC member! Spikey has taken the time to record a quick demo of his clever tire-modeling approach. Spoiler: It's way better than the one I showed on stream.
