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.
@adrian2301 I've added the curve down towards the window. See highlighted area below. You can open up the WIP folder and have a look through the file as well.
It seems to match up pretty well with @theluthier 's frame so it might require 
spikeyxxx to adjust the steering column down a bit if you all agree that this is the way to go. I've just done a rough block to check the shape so topology is messy. If we're all in agreement, I'll go ahead and create the final clean mesh.
I had a look aartifact , looks exactly right.
I couldn't help myself while I was there, I did some house work. There was a lot of errors when I opened the file, broken links etc.
There was a lot going on in the outliner. Best if you link in the MASTER collection from the MASTER PARTS folder and when you have finished delete hierarchy and this will delete all objects in the collection and the collection itself. (but not necessary, as long as it is not linked in your MASTER collection). May have given you some of your issues when opening the file.
What was:
What is now:
I also cleaned up the mesh a little. Straightened out some edges mainly to better see the shapes.
Hope you don't mind.
It is looking good.
@theluthier I think you will need to scale down the frame. It looks like that maybe the inside of the vertical edge should line up with the inside edge of the chassis.
Yikes yes, I forgot to delete the cables. They are deleted now. But no there's no step missing, the two cylinders I don't know what they are for but they were in the reference so I put them there.
WHEW what a thread! Sorry I'm late to the party but I think I'm all caught up now.
First off, major props to @adrian2301 for being an exceptional MOLE in tying up this loose end with aartifact. It's easy for attitudes to go awry in this kind of text-only-online situation and you both handled it like absolute pros. Teamwork like this is what makes dreams work 🤝
I agree with @adrian2301 that I should alter the front window of my frame to align with the engine enclosure. I'll add that to the MOLE list now.
My heart is very full at this moment.
PS: I forgot to address the 2.9 question. I don't think it's a problem to save your MASTER files with pre 2.9 versions of Blender. Forward compatibility is usually less concerning than backward compatibility. If MASTER files were saved with 2.9 and the assembly was 2.8 then I would be worried.
Will this project ever end? 🤔
It all sounded so easy in @theluthier's initial description for this project. "Something for the kids", I thought and decided to participate. If I had only known what would come up to me ... 🙄😉
But read yourself, what @theluthier wrote here:
Buckle up for a LONG project.
My kids absolutely love "diggers" and as a 3D modeler I certainly appreciate them too. All the complex shapes, hard edges, bolts, hydraulics, tire treads, etc. It's a modelers playground and labyrinth rolled into one.
I'm going to start building a digger - a Caterpillar 434E specifically - as accurately and detailed as I can. The name of the game here is organization, perseverance, and efficiency because most of the shapes are not difficult to build. There's just. so. many. of. them. Which gave me an idea...
Stop! Collaborate and Listen
Why don't we build this thing together? For those interested in following the project, I'm hoping at least a few will participate by modeling certain pieces of the backhoe themselves to be submitted to me for review and incorporation into the final model.
Hey Omar dostovel The dash is looking really good. Just wanted to point out that the sub-d looks like it is turned off for a part of it. Notice the gauge outline circles. Everything else is super crisp but that section looks like sub-d wasn't applied or forgotten about. I'm sure you are probably aware though.
Just a friendly side note: I opened the master file tonight to MOLE around a bit and noticed a 2.9 message and possible data loss (I'm running 2.83). Just be aware........ and I'm not saving anything.
✋🤚 I hold my hands up to this one.
I accidently saved in 2.9 when fixing some errors.
@theluthier 's response to this...
I don't think it's a problem to save your MASTER files with pre 2.9 versions of Blender. Forward compatibility is usually less concerning than backward compatibility. If MASTER files were saved with 2.9 and the assembly was 2.8 then I would be worried.
But DON'T save the MASTER ASSEMBLY in 2.8 now it is a 2.9 file.
Come on blanchsb keep up, stop sitting on your chair and get with it.
Just jesting 😄, your chair is looking outstanding.
Well lookey there! I admit I was a little tired when MOLE-ing around last night. Yup that totally fixed the issue. My bad dostovel and thanks for the catch @adrian2301
Don't think I didn't notice that awesome new profile pic!
