[dapor]

Hey! Does anyone know how to make a model of a "jet thruster" just like those in Star Wars' 'Star Destroyers'? I have no idea how to do it and how it works. Thanks!

[jedimasta]

That's kind of an open ended question, don't you think? Get some images and begin to model them. I recommend using the blueprints as reference if you can get your hands on them. SWMA has some good pics: http://mitglied.lycos.de/STARWARS_Bl...imperialsd.jpg
and there are several books on the market with simiar illustrations.

[dapor]

Ugh... Sorry dude! I guess it wasn't much of a question. hehe... I just wanted to know how to make those blue jet flames that come out of the thrusters. They seem difficult to do. I'm sorry if wasn't clear the last time. Thanks anyway!

[jedimasta]

Ah yes, well... THATS a whole different kettle of fish. Actually, they aren't that difficult to do. You go could the hypervoxel route, which might look the best, but is a beeyotch to set up. There's the polygon route that's easier.

Create a rough rounded cone or extruded disc with a bit of a bulge and add a blue gradient texture with a high transparency. At least that's what I'd do. I'll give it a shot later today to give you an example.

[jedimasta]

Something like this?

[jedimasta]

And a quicky anim with the flames burnin high.

[dapor]

Haha...yea that's it! Great! Thanks a lot... looks pretty easy, considering that you were able to do it in a jiffy. I'll go try it myself when I get the time... Anyway, thanks for the help. Might be a little more difficult animating it though. I guess we'll reserve that for another time. I'll try to post it on the site once I'm able to create a pretty decent model of a jet with flames. Thanks again!

[jedimasta]

Au contraire, animating it was a matter of placing 1 key each in the Z position axis on the transparency texture for the inside and outside flame objects. tutorial for another time perhaps, but you're welcome to play with my LWO.

[asha_hardwire]

dapor! glad to see you in this forum finally! good luck on your thrusters! were those the one's we were working on for the orca and baracuda?

on the topic, can parenting particles to the thrusters suffice as blue flame effect?

[jedimasta]

Originally posted by asha_hardwire on the topic, can parenting particles to the thrusters suffice as blue flame effect?

.

It's an acceptable technique, but not the most effective and certainly one of the most difficult to work with. Not to mention what they do to render times.

With a scene like this, you are trying to simulate fire, which isn't a particle system in nature. If you wanted to add embers, smoke or a heat distortion effect, then particles would have some benefit to the scene, otherwise stick with the animated texture techniques.

That's just one novices opinion though. YMMV.

[StefanC]

heey i am downloading lightwave 3D and downloading the video tutorials but i got a problem if i wanne download a movie he says:
u need more parts or points ( something like that) :S:S

[jedimasta]

Originally posted by StefanC heey i am downloading lightwave 3D and downloading the video tutorials but i got a problem if i wanne download a movie he says...

Umm...what? What are you downloading? What are you trying to run. I'm confused.

[StefanC]

well look i am downloading lightwave 3D but untill i download lightwave i donwload tutorial movie's too but i got a problem when i wanne download a tutorial he says u need more points

question is why do i need point

now i can't download tutorials and will stay just u guy that can't handle with lightwave :S

[jedimasta]

I think I understand. Certain tutorials here require points. A small amount of points are given to new users to 'spend' on models and tutorials, but additional points have to be purchased. It's how the site and the authors make money.

As far as Lightwave goes, I wasn't aware there was a demo or limited version available for download. Lightwave is NOT a free program. If you are downloading an illegal copy, don't expect to find assistance here. Nothing personal, just giving you fair warning.

[StefanC]

mmh thank u and i think i gonna buy it and that for the warning