[TowerFan]

Hey All! Thought I'd post the project I'm working on and get some C & C!

I shot an air show in HD and wanted an F-16 for an element to make an intro, some transitions, DVD menus, etc. I looked for a free model on the web and couldn't find anything I liked so I decided to build it myself. At some point it turned into a project in itself, taking it beyond what the camera needs. I was just having so much fun and I wanted to push my skills a bit.

Here's some of the model.

[TowerFan]

And I built the thrust nozzle with a morph to control the opening diameter.

[TowerFan]

These were done after I finished the top color images but not the bottom or the bump.

[TowerFan]

And in these I completed the nose and bottom colors, and some minor details.

[TowerFan]

And two more...

[TowerFan]

So then I did the bump channel. On these white and HIGHLY maintained jets the panels are really hard to see. But just a bit in the bump and diffuse channels does the trick. I also rendered the bump in the color channel so I can show it.

[TowerFan]

And the bottom...

[TowerFan]

And a couple wires...

[TowerFan]

At this point I had decided, and as suggested by others, that the dark canopy just doesn't look right. The canopy needs to be clear, but if it is then you can see inside... so... I started on the pilot and the cockpit!

Here's the "completed" pilot. I'll add the oxygen hose and com wire after I fit him in the plane.

[TowerFan]

And two more...

[TowerFan]

So at this point I'm working on the cockpit. Here's my start on it...

[Fallenswordsman]

Some very nice modelling here, Mr.TowerFan. I'm not familiar with this particular aircraft so I can't really offer any critique in terms of what it looks like - and what the base material should be. I'm assuming the pilot will have a mask covering the bottom part of his face. As you say yourself, for the needs of the dvd menu, you probably don't necessarily need too fine a detail but what are your ideas as to how you're going to be using this in the final bits?

[rwhunt99]

That's really great !!, what model is that, where did you get your references? I like the pilot too, very good clean textures.

:beer:

[TowerFan]

Thanks for the compliments and interest. I appreciate it!!

When I began the project I intended to mostly use the plane as an element for an opening title sequence. Maybe some camera fly-bys like the 6-Ship Delta and the Thunderbird Arrowhead formations. Then intercut those shots with quick clips of the entire show. I shot a lot of WWII stuff and a bunch of current stuff too. Put some pumpin’ music behind it, include a flying logo for the show, etc. I’d like to make it 45-60 seconds. Then maybe use camera fly-bys as transitions between the different acts in the show.

In addition to the video shots I’ll also make some high quality stills. I want to do some shots that aren’t easily possible in the real world like in-flight nose-on close-ups and different POVs.

“What model is that?” Not sure what you mean RW. The 3D models, plane and pilot, are originals created entirely by myself. If you mean the real plane it’s based on the F-16C Fighting Falcon. I found a website called F-16.net which has tons of images and a three-view diagram I used.

The pilot design is based on the image below. Major Nicole Malachowski is the first female pilot to fly with the Thunderbirds. She was with the team in 2006 and 2007. I saw her, and the second female to fly with the ‘Birds named Major Samantha Weeks, perform at the 2007 Miramar Air Show.

[TowerFan]

Here's an update on the cockpit. Obviously not going for realism but it looks good from a distance. I need to learn how to age stuff.