Approach to modelling
 

Hi all

Just wanting opinions on an approach to modelling. I noticed that Nail is currently creating the Pulse Rifle from the film Aliens in the WIP section, so I'm having a go at the motion detector. The thing is progress so far has been incredibly slow as I'm trying to spline model it and there are an awful lot of rounded edges to create.

With that in mind I was wondering would it be better if I started off with some basic primitive shapes and added bits to them or am I better off going my slow route?

If I remember correctly, the motion detector was basically a box with a handle, horn (detector) and screen right?

In that case I'd opt for starting with a box, subpatch it and then bandsaw/knife to get the shapes you need. You can then start smooth shifting/bevelling patches to get the other shapes you need.

In the cases where you need hard edges, either increase the subpatch weights, or model as a separate mesh then cut & paste into the correct areas of the base mesh.

That's pretty much how I went about modelling the Marshall - not a spline in sight even for the logo...

Thanks, Mark - it might well be start again time. Yes, the motion tracker was simply a box with one or two bits hanging off it, but most of the corners and edges were rounded hence my first attempt with splines. I'm not really used to inorganic modelling so I'm not sure what I can or cannot get away with - the use of a polygon with more than four points makes me cringe but it seems that I can get away with it a lot more readily with an inorganic model. Cheers again, I'll post my updates when I've got something substantial to show in the WIP.