Daniel Defense M4 V5 3d model WIP

Stevebot-7

Stevebot-7

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Because I love my rifle so much I want to share it with the world. I also want to work on my portfolio at the same time, so I have set out on an epic quest to make a properly scaled, technically accurate, ground up 3d model of my DDm4v5...using Google Sketchup. :rockOn:

I am trying to work as close to actual scale as I can, which creates some problems since by my measure certain details involve working on a scale small enough to make Sketchup hallucinate.

I am also trying my level best to model each and every piece, down to individual pins and springs, and have them compatible with each other so that they can be assembled in-engine. The springs will have to be modeled in separate compressed and relaxed states, as I'm pretty sure my computer would light on fire if I tried to get any sort of collision or animation on a model like this.

The projected end goal of this endeavor will involve me screaming at my computer, throwing it out the window, guzzling a bottle of vodka, and buying a copy of AutoCAD in a drunken haze while I cradle DD and cry deeply.

I'm posting larger resolution progress shots available for download on my DeviantArt account. See it here , mature content warning if you navigate away from that page. Here be art#### http://stevebot-7.deviantart.com/art/Daniel-Defense-M4-V3-WIP-1-322630096
daniel_defense_m4_v3_wip_1_by_stevebot_7-d5c32z4.jpg


So far I have maybe 70% of a stripped lower receiver, the front takedown pin, and an incomplete charging handle.

Sketchup really doesn't like DD's curves, I tells you what.
Program: Google SketchUp
Time: a handful of hours.

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Cheer me on, I accept vodka, cash, and bullets. I'd also appreciate a stripped rifle so I can really get accurate without removing the parts that Daniel Defense put in. Or any miscellaneous parts you want to send me...for reference purposes. Maybe Daniel Defense will send me a wheelbarrow of free parts to use for science and advertisement.
 
DaveMachine said:
Cool. I eagerly await the end result.

Quick question - Can SketchUp export to other model formats?
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SketchUp can export as Google Earth file .kmz or COLLADA .dae. As well as the native .skp, and a pile of 2d formats. I'm tempted to see how many ARs I can sneak onto the Google Earth maps.


hbean said:
Good effort :)

But you do know 3D AR model can be found in many file formats on the 'net right? :p
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Quiet you, ten points from Gryffendor. I'm trying to get something that I can use as part of my artistic portfolio to hopefully one day get some freelance work. Also it's very helpful as I'm going into a career in machining, so understanding how things fit together and function is essential.
 
Stevebot-7 said:
I'm trying to get something that I can use as part of my artistic portfolio to hopefully one day get some freelance work.
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If this is the case, then you'll probably want to do some hi-poly models and then do a low-poly model and show them side by side, along with poly counts... Also you'll probably want to texture your models, presentation is everything in this industry. Simple textures are ok... but if you can realistically portray dirt and wear, then you'll be good.

SketchUp is ok, but maybe blender might work? Autodesk does have an "educational" version of Maya and I think 3DMax... best to get your hands on either one of those if you want to freelance.

hbean said:
But you do know 3D AR model can be found in many file formats on the 'net right?
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Don't worry about this too much... if there's something you want to model, then there are likely multiple versions floating around the net. Model something you really want to, that way it keeps your interest high. Also, check out blueprints.com they have (as their name states) a ton of blueprints available for reference
 
justinchow said:
SketchUp is ok, but maybe blender might work? Autodesk does have an "educational" version of Maya and I think 3DMax... best to get your hands on either one of those if you want to freelance.
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Sooner or later I'll man up and get a copy of Mudbox or ZBrush, but right now SketchUP works for me. Of all of the programs I've tried(Maya, Blender, Softimage) SketchUp is by far the easiest to use on a casual basis with precision. It's not optimized for modeling things like this rifle, or anything organic with curves, but I primarily use it for architecture as it was designed. I haven't had anywhere near the same luck with other programs.
I mainly want to get work on a conceptual basis providing rough ideas for others to develop, as I'm already working a full time job and don't have the time to devote eight hours a day, or thousands of dollars, on top shelf software.
Pretty much everything I'd be doing will be painted over anyways I mostly use the 3d elements to provide scale and accuracy.

It's years off anyways.
 
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