So. I've never modeled a vehicle before except for an old Willy's WWII Jeep, which I lofted (the body) more than anything else. Anyway, I have this new project I'd like to do and it involves modeling an old van. I've watched a view videos on modeling vehicles. This is how I am starting so far. Have I already made a mistake by starting with a cube and using edge loops? See image attached.
Hi Declan. Well, vehicles are notoriously difficult, but don't let this discourage you!
There are several ways to approach this and it's hard to tell what is the best method ( depends among other things on the model and on the modeller...), but if you already feel that you might be on the wrong track, then you probably are...
What I do in a case like this is save this .blend file and start again with an incremental save (so you don't have to re-set up your modelling sheets and workspace with reference pictures and so on). And start from scratch using a different method.
What works for me, for instance is edge by edge modelling. Defining major edge loops and keeping separate parts separate from the beginning (like doors and different metal plates that make up the 'car')...
If you feel after a bit, that there should be an easier way, make another incremental save and start over.
I think you're dead on, Spikeyxxx. I think the "box method" makes things really cumbersome, so I have abandoned that idea for the "edge by edge method." I am watching this old CG Cookie tutorial as sort of a guide (https://youtu.be/g_qiE07sfF8 ), and it's been very helpful so far. It is far a beyond my comfort level, but that's how I learn by pushing my boundaries so... game on!
Thanks for your reply!
That is a great tutorial indeed.There is also this Vehicle Modelling CLASS: https://cgcookie.com/categories/3d/live_streams?page=5
Edge-to-edge method so far... Way better than the block method, in my humble opinion... Felt like I actually built the darn thing! :)
I've got some geometry to clean up. Saw a cool thing called Mesh Analysis in Edit mode. Not sure what it does yet, but it showed some areas that I think are problems. So, I'll have to revisit that later.
