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.
When I'm not mistaken, @jlampel also mentions the difference between the Normal outputs of the Texture Coordinates an the Geometry nodes in his shading course.
Greetings DOG POUND! It's been a long time but I'm happy to announce that the DOG showreel is underway. Admittedly I got a little overwhelmed immediately following the streams last year but I enlisted the help of @jlampel to make this showreel happen first thing in 2021. Here's a previs blocking out camera movement and part assembly timing:
While it's still a long way from being final, I for one am pretty jazzed about the previs! The first time getting a solid grasp is a big step.
The fade-in is a temporary way to establish timing of each part's assembly animation.If you're wondering what the flickering is at the beginning, I'm not going to tell you yet - don't want to ruin a small surprise 😎
The environment is likely going to be a dark, hazy, concrete garage with spotlights on our dear 'ol DOG. In the vein of this artwork we discussed on stream.
I intend to post updates like this as we go. Feel free to comment with feedback!
That looks awesome!
Are we going to crowd-source the rendering at all?
Thanks Parker! Almost certainly we will need to crowd-source the render. Especially if we have to use Cycles. I have a memory of trying Eevee with this scene only to have it crash. Maybe that's not the case anymore 🤞
I plan to use SheepIt where CGC members of the "CG Cookie Render Monster Team" can contribute their PC for rendering backhoe scenes.
This is looking excellent so far, I'm excited to see the progress reports and the final result.
This project is in the safe hands of two legends @theluthier and @jlampel. 👍
This is looking great already at that early stage 👍! Thank you @theluthier and @jlampel for your work so far 🤝!
No need for the small surprise, I'm willing to bet the flickering at the beginning is Blender finally gaining consciousness, rapidly opening and closing its eyes for the first time. The human world was fun while it lasted, we had a good run.
I was just thinking about this project this week it is looking killer! I’m excited to continue watching the progress.
spikeyxxx I'm finally into the interior portion of the assembly animations and your steering column + port console are up next. Did you want to finish polishing those models? If you don't have the time I can 👌
I'm on to it ;)
Been testing and experimenting on how to get things done...think I've got it now...Give me 2 more days max, please.
Funny how a lot of the 3D/CG work is done, at least for me, when I'm not at the computer...trying to figure out how to do something for days, without success and then going for a walk and suddenly 'know' how to 'do it' ;)
2 days is perfect! I can start applying materials + lighting in the mean time.
trying to figure out how to do something for days, without success and then going for a walk and suddenly 'know' how to 'do it' ;)
I know what you mean. Sometimes it's figuring out a problem / process but for me it's mostly losing objective eyes on the project. Commonly I've looked at what I'm working on too long and can't tell if it's good or what needs improvement. Taking a break like a walk or a weekend away can drastically improve my decision making going forward.
This looks so good. I hope you are recording this @theluthier , not that we need a tutorial, but we are in awe when we watch you work. Pick up a few tips and tricks along the way also. 👍
Awesome 👍! And @theluthier I agree with @adrian2301 that you please let us know if you have some tips concerning how to make the shading look that excellent 😀.
Looks sooo sweet. Am I the only one who sees that part as two horses pulling a chariot?
I can't wait to see those mammoth wheels pull that hoss!
And plus 1 for teaser video on the metal and painted metal materials creation. We always love watching @theluthier work. I don't even care if you kids are playing in the background. Or just share the node tree.
Place your bets... Eevee or Cycles render?
I say it's a Cycles render. I can see the noise, some chromatic aberration and bloom and I can see the two horses pulling the chariot and a guy with a dark helmet in the middle with all the ropes and the whip.
