Started using ZModeler...

[kaz6120]

Hi all digi-masters,

I just started using ZModeler of ZBrush, I think this is really amazing additional function.

I think we need to share more tips & tricks related to creating Historical & Military figures we do to have Digi sculpted works more, especially I want to share tips on creating weapons & equipments.
Let's share your secrets hiding on your screen!

---

As a kickstart, here's my first try on building equipments with ZModeler. I'm using techniques I learned from "ZModeler Binocular" tutorial I found on Youtube.

 

[kaz6120]

Shame, nobody seems interested in what I concern...but I finished my first try anyway.

 

[Mark Dollery]

Hi Kaz, great work for you techno phobes & I can see (have bought) some quality 3D working sculptures. It's all fansinating to see it come together, but would I try it... ha ha! I don't thimk so!
So keep up the good work as I like to see it to the finish...
Mark D

 

[ellie]

Hi Kaz don't think that it's people not interested, I think it's that a lot of people are scared of the new tec and don't understand it ( Me included ). I don't know enough about it. I have watched with great interest the threds on it and think it's a great new peice of kit. as a manufacture i'm always interested in new ways of getting a product that will interest the market.

I have always liked the equpmeant and weapons in this format as they seem more refind in some ways. I'm still watching with interest I my not comment but I am taking on board the skill involved. and meany more people my just be doing the same. so please keep posting.

Ian

www.elliesminiatures.com

 

[kaz6120]

Hi Mark and Ian, thanks a lot for your comments.

Sorry if I sounded a bit emotional but I didn't mean it, I just think we need to share info and secrets behind the new tech.

I think there's still a big wall between old-school sculptors / painters and digital sculptors.
I think all of our worries, suspicions, mis-understandings come from lack of our knowledge and know-hows.
I even didn't tell the difference of 3D scan and Digital sculpting first when it appears.

That's why I posted this thread, not to showing off my skills and my works, but I want to share the secrets to make it into production to fit our hobby.

For example, in my country, Japan, a lot of manga-anime traditional sculptors are moving to digital. And they're producing excellent results with it.
I think they are taking the best of both worlds, They are way ahead in this field, Military & Historical sculptors in my country are a bit left behind.

 

[ellie]

Hi Kaz PM sent

Ian

www.elliesminiatures.com

 

[Dan Morton]

Kaz - Even us completely incompetent computer users are watching with interest. More please! For the M24, don't forget the little string and ball at the bottom.

Are you going to add a clip?

How about some German rifle grenades? French grenades? British?

All the best,
Dan

 

[kaz6120]

Thanks a lot Dan, for nice references!

Good thing about digital is you can add / delete parts anytime you want.
But we have to consider it will be scale down and casting-ready shape, so I haven't decided whether add a ball or not yet.

 

[Dan Morton]

Happy to help, Kaz! If you are looking for anything else in particular, let me know.

All the best,
Dan

 

[mandreas]

Hello Kaz6120,
Here in Italy we are on vacation and sun and sea are my current priorities so I answer only now,
Your latest work is excellent in all respects, time ago I modeled Wehrmacht equipment for Panzergrenadier, but personally for the mechanical parts I am more comfortable with Rhino 3D, I use Zbrush for everything that appears "organic" then, a round of applause, for full use you make of such software

 

[mash3d]

That is a great gas mask case. I made one in Zbursh in, I think January of 2014.
I think it was before Zmodeler was added.
I ended up having to do it with a really dense mesh and the radial function. Your geometry is much, much cleaner than mine.
I need to get used to using Zmodeler. I'm so used to just doing plain poly modeling in Modo I just default to doing that instead.


I'm having an internal debate with myself right now as to whether it's faster to sculpt something traditionally . Ie. Clay, mold resin cast etc. or digitally ie, Sculpt in z brush, re mesh, wait 11 hours for a 3d print to be done, clean up print etc. I'm doing a series of test right now at printing at various scales. As soon as I get everything done I'll post the results.

 

[kaz6120]

Hi mandreas,
Your Wehrmacht looks really great, all equipments are beautifully done!
I love the parts separation, did you do that with ZBrush? and what's the scale of printed figure?


mash3d,
I'd like to share with you tips&tricks for producing better equipments, glad you can share your work with Modo / Zbrush works.
and lookin' forward to see your printed result too!


OK, here's next try on ZModeler. Some of you may remember I tried to "sculpt" German WW2 helmets with Zbrush move brushes, but i ended up "organic helmet".... lacks feels of steel.
so I'm trying it again with Zmodeler.

Start by initialze it into primitive cylinder, x=2 y=30, z=30, then pile up, scale the surface, until it look like 'bowl', then added edges poly (green polys)

 

[mandreas]

Your Wehrmacht looks really great, all equipments are beautifully done!
I love the parts separation, did you do that with ZBrush? and what's the scale of printed figure?

Thank you Kaz6120,
the model measure 19 cm from head to foot, so I think it's 1/9 scale, all modeled with ZBrush, apart MP38, a stick grenade, gas mask container and shovel, I did it in 2013 and seeing now I would like to change some details ...
The model of your helmet is fantastic and follows the line of the original, I think it is the M42 model , which differed from the M35 due to the fold flap sharp edges, not folded inside (to reduce production costs and strengthen the structure)

 

[mandreas]

an image that best explains...

 

[Dan Morton]

I don't want to hijack the digital thread, but the same thing with the rolled vs. razor edge rims happened with the British Brodie helmets, except in 'reverse' time-wise. The first versions were sharp-edged and the later war versions had rolled edges.

All the best,
Dan

 

[kaz6120]

mandreas,
yes you're right, this is M42. I didn't know how to add flap edge with Zbrush before Zmodeler added, so that's one of the thing I wanted to try.

This is how I did it. insert the line on the edge and bevel it, then pulled out the line block.



and thanks for the info of your figure, 3d printing 1/9 must be expensive, doesn't it?

Dan,
No you're not hijacking, this is good reference for future project, thanks!

 

[mandreas]

and thanks for the info of your figure, 3d printing 1/9 will be expensive, doesn't it?

Yes Kaz, in fact at that time was very expensive , because I was addressed to a 3d print service, but I had sold the model to a collector (i 'd colored it personally, although I realize that I'm not good as many are here ) so it was a good experience to learn how to model with ZBrush in function of 3d printing, now I possess a 3d printer that allows me to cut costs and experiment more freely.

 

[kaz6120]

mandreas, which 3d printer do you have? What do you recommend for producing scale model master use?

 

[mandreas]

mandreas, which 3d printer do you have? What do you recommend for producing scale model master use?

I have a MakeX M-one, DLP technology, i'm satisfied and get excellent results (see post "Panzer Commander" in the forum), considering the relatively low cost if compared to the most renowned brands; in recent months I have learned a lot about 3D printing, types of resins, exposure parameters, etc. if I can say something, if you need a printer to produce prototypes for proffessional use, you should take a look at DWS (is used in jewelery where detail is critical), or my secret dream, the Project 3000 HD, but you can imagine that they cost a leg

 

[kaz6120]

mandreas,

thanks a lot for your info, sorry I've missed the printed out part of your thread, and checked it now, and....your result is AMAZING!!

This is the one you use, right?
http://www.amazon.com/M-one-Desktop-Printer-Resolution-Building/dp/B00P1NTT1C

how it works on 1/16 scales or smaller? My favourite scales are 1/16 and 1/9.

Hmm, I need to learn 3d printing....