Military Robotic Mech Modelling 2

In this blog entry I will show further 3D modelling work done for the robotic mech.

I started by deciding to create a modular system for my RM. These will be made up largely of external pieces that I can stick onto the main model pieces. Below shows some of the pieces already used in the model, some modified from previous models, such as the screws, and some new parts made recently, including the tank treads and smoke grenade launcher, which I will talk about in this post.

Modular pieces kit. 

With the the tank grenade launcher, I found an excellent reference diagram online to 3D model from. I started by following the basic shape, using the chamfer tool to create the extra edges and the circles to extrude the tubes from, and edited out any topology issues. I constantly switched between the low poly model and the turbosmooth modifier to see how it would look in high poly.

Smoke Grenade Launcher Diagram.

Modelling progression of the first launcher. 

However, I found that I didn't really like the design I had created, and instead went on to create my own version based of other internet reference and my own ideas.

I elongated and added extra launching tubes, and made them all face the same direction. I was a lot happier with this design, and once finished, added it on to my model in progress, as shown below.

Modelling Progression of the second launcher.

Launcher on the tank in progress.

With this out of the way, I decided to finally tackle the tank treads, which I knew would be  a challenge to model. Before and during this process, I found a lot of useful online references to help me with my modelling, as you can see below, I focused on making use of the
Abrams tank as it was a key reference that I used when I originally designed my concepts.

For my first attempt, I modeled the main tread piece. I used the original placeholder piece, made it smaller, and then duplicated it. I then edited the topology to make it match up with the online referencing, and used 3 cylinders to punch in the 3 holes needed for the other pieces. I then created the outer pieces, which hold the tread pieces in place, and finally the hook part which runs along the tanks wheels.

Modelling part 1.

Modelling part 2.

Modelling part 3.

However after my first attempt I realised that the pieces were too wide, and that the actual shape of the parts were different from what I had modelled. So I went through the process again and created tank tread pieces that I was happier with.

Redesigned tank tread.

With these done I tested out lining them up and creating a curve. Additionally I tested out different shapes that could be used for the top part of the tread. I discovered a few more issues/things that needed to be changed, and eventually settled on a new design in its 3rd iteration. Once finished, I added the treads to the tanks wheels, also changing the size and number of said wheels, and placed them on the model in progress.

Testing of curvature and different piece styles. 

Tank treads and wheels combined together. 

Also, same as last time, renders of the model in full have been provided to give you an idea of the overall progression thus far. Note the red pieces represent external parts not created directly on the main parts of the model.

I happy with the progress that has been made in this entry,with the base and torso sections getting closer to being completed modelling wise.

The next blog entry will contain further 3D work will be shown and potentially a brief exploration into texturing with the test head model as well.