Introduction to Modelling and Basic Techniques

This is the first week for 3D modelling and animation. We are using the program 3ds Max from Autodesk to create three dimensional models and to create animations. We was briefed on the assignment, which stated that we would be required to create a short animated clip, of no longer than 30 seconds, that is to be based on a scene from either one of the star wars films, animated series or books.

First of all we looked at the interface of 3ds Max and looked at some basic techniques. We looked at the viewports and the different views in which you can use. We also have been introduced to using basic primitives such as Cubes, Cylinders and Spheres.

The first excercise is to create a boat steering wheel. Here is my first attempt at creating a model in 3ds Max;

To create the verticle poles, I used the Cylinder tool and rotated them around to form the 'star' shape. To create the centre circle, I used the donut tool to create a 2D primitive. I then edited it and used extrude to bring the shape up and create a 3D shape. I then rotated it by 90 degrees to be alligned with the verticle poles.

The second Excercise was to create a house. To do this I created a cube and added the poly sections to create a good template for the windows and door to be taken out of it. Once I created the cube I then converted it into a Editable Poly by right clicking on the primitive, Convert to > Editable Poly. This now will allow me to edit the primitive by adapting the polygons, vertices, edges, boarder and elements. Once I selected the polygon where I wanted to put a window/door space, I selected Extrude and then extruded the face inside of the house.

Thats the base done, now I need to create the roof. To create the roof, I created a Pyramid and set the height, width and depth to the required size;

Lower the Roof onto the base to complete the house;

The final excercise is to create a castle. This will use a range of primitives and also will require various editing effects and techniques to create the castle.

 Here is the castle:

Firstly, I created the walls by making some lines then extruding them upwards to create 3D walls.
To create the four towers on each corner of the castle, I made a cylinder and then edited the top two polygons to bring it outwards then to point back in at the top.

To create the moat around the castle, I created a plane and then selected a row of polygons around the created walls and moved the polygons downwards. This then adjusts the polygons attatched to the moved polygons to create slopes for the moat.
Lastly, to create the drawbridge, I created it by making a plane and then I rotated it slightly to make it slightly angled and to give it a bridge like characteristic.