 CURVING
THE TOP FABRIC PANEL
Convert the top panel into an Editable poly. We will edit only one side
of the panel, and use the Mirror tool to do the other side.
Using Vertex mode, move vertices and edges vertically (Z-axis) to clear
the bulkheads (just as was done for the side ribs) (SCREENSHOT).
At this point, don't worry about the opening for the pilot or cockpit, that
can
be done later.
Work your way back along the tail, noting that the very end of the tail is flat
(this is where the tail fin will go) (SCREENSHOT).
Try to keep the slope of the upper edge of
the tail straight (SCREENSHOT).
MIRROR THE TOP
To Mirror the top panel, you will need to delete the side that was not edited.
Switch to Polygonal editing mode (SCREENSHOT).
Select only those polygons that will be deleted (SCREENSHOT).
Delete them. (SCREENSHOT).
Select the polygons you want mirrored, and use the Mirror tool (SCREENSHOT).
Note that this creates a polygonal object that is not attached to the rest of
the fuselage skin. Use the Attach tool to make 1 object out of the two sides (SCREENSHOT).
CLEAN
UP AND FINISH
With the attachment of the mirrored top, there are a few extra vertices we don't
need. Enter vertex mode, selct all the vertices of the "skin" and use the
Weld
tool on them to eliminate the extra vertices (SCREENSHOT).
And that's it. This part of the fuselage is done, though there is much left to
be done on the aircraft itself. Many of these techniques will be used on the
wings and tail sections, and the cowling and cockpit will be done as separate
units.
If you would like slightly softer edges to the fuselage, you can always add a
Turbosmooth modifier (SCREENSHOT).
Don't forget to test your model with a final render (SCREENSHOT).
Thanks for sticking around until the end!
Textures used in this tutorial:
textures.zip
Textures Copyright High Concept Media
Reference photos used developing this tutorial:
lerhone.zip
All photographs in this archive were found on the web, and are copyright and
owned by their respective creators.
We claim no ownership of any of these images, and we would like to thank the
generous photographers
who made these materials available to all. Please keep history alive!
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