United3dArtists Archive

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 02 Feb 2010, 04:31

I've got several projects running at once. Whenever I hit a block on one, I move to the next one so the creativity flows. In order to keep it all together and trackable, I'll put all my WIPs from the same theme under this thread. This includes the rifle and armor suit I've been working on. Current addition is what I call Marine Hall; meant to be the Marine area of a space-borne vessel. At current this only includes a ready/briefing room and two section gear rooms. It will be expanded to be a full living area complete with locker room/head (bathroom), lounge, mess room, bunks and sighting range. At some point soon a few training areas will be devised so as to let the Marines keep up-to-date.

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 02 Feb 2010, 04:33

One more, this one with a basic model rifle included as a prop.

theuns · Post by **theuns** » 02 Feb 2010, 15:03

looking good so far scout :)

reminds me of the interior I did for a "marine" dropship long ago... ;)

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 02 Feb 2010, 23:10

Thanks. I think I'd seen those somewhere, can't remember where, but from a different view. They look pretty good!

theuns · Post by **theuns** » 04 Feb 2010, 07:55

haven't worked on it for years but you recent work has inspired me, might revisit those scenes ;)

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 07 May 2010, 15:01

Sorry for the long amount of time between updates, hadn't had time to work on this due to some military and college obligations. I was unhappy with the direction the rifles were going, I'm not a big fan of the curvy, smooth look and I lack knowledge to work with them in Truespace at this time. I left it in its current blocky kind of shape but did some work to the overall design. I added an extension between the handguards and upper receiver, reduced the width of the top of the handguards for a more triangular shape, shortened the buttstock and added a height-adjustable cheek rest, put up an early stage EOTech (they probably won't have EOTechs in the time my story-line is, but a start is a start) and a "broom-handle" foregrip to improve user handling. Goals for the near future are a folding stock (variant dependent), and a start to detailing the receiver section. With the folding stock I'm considering the best way to make a connection between the armor/helmet and the optic so that if one was in the vacuum suit they would still be able to use the optics regardless of a full-faced helmet.

theuns · Post by **theuns** » 26 May 2010, 05:42

looking good ghost-scout

keep it coming...

bitkar · Post by **bitkar** » 26 May 2010, 12:59

this reminds me the 3Dmark06 :)

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 05 Jun 2010, 02:54

As I worked tonight I came to an educational moment: instead of trying to model the rifle in big pieces I should have made several sections, such as the pistol grip, the lower receiver, upper receiver, handguards, buttstock and so on. In the plus side all I have to do is get a side snap-shot, put that on a plane and trace back over my original work, this time separating the sections. In any event here are the current changes: the addition of a push-button safety, minor sculpting of the pistol grip, edited the color scheme for metal parts and rubber-padded parts and some thoughts (which I will record here.) I'm approaching the design behind the push-button safety and some other ideas and thinking of the rifle itself as a "smart rifle" in the sense that the wearer's gloves will be a type of transmitter and receiver to the rifle, which will have an internal computer and several functions independent of the rifle's computer. An example would be if the user removes his/her gloved hands from the rifle a magnetic lock system will activate in an attempt to pull the rifle towards the user's armor in an attempt to effect weapons retention, which could be a user changeable setting; the presence of the owner's gloved hands could activate the rifle's targeting modules to include future additions such as a laser designator/range finder, illumination (visible and IR), visual sighting devices (optical, NV, thermal) and data from these devices and functions can be sent either wireless, or with a hard cable connection. I've considered the use of nano-technology in the gloves and rifle, requiring neither wireless or hard connection but I don't want to make my project too advanced and leave no room to grow; I want my project to have strong support of existing or very practical theoretic science.

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 05 Jun 2010, 03:07

As an addition I thought I might post a bit about what influences my thought process on how I design and what I want to do. I am a big sci-fi fan and an even bigger military sci-fi fan. At this point everything must have a function because of the military sci-fi nature of my project. I give an object functions long before it is given form and if I believe the form cannot perform the function(s) I scrap it and start over. I draw my weapon design influence from:
Knives-Cold Steel, SOG Knives, Ka-Bar
Rifles-Ruger SR-556, H&K G36, FN Scar-L, Scar-H, FN series light and medium machineguns, McMillan stocks, HS Precision Stocks
Pistols-Springfield Armory, FNH-USA (FNP series, Five Seven), Sig Sauer (P220R), Beretta (I am a HUGE fan of the 92FS/M9 series)
Optical devices-Trijicon ACOG, EOTech 552, TOW Thermal sight, PVS-7B (military issue night vision), Tribes/Tribes 2 (game) zoomed vision modes w/ crosshair
Individual Load Bearing Equipment-Blackhawk, Tactical Assault Gear, Eagle Industries
For the last 7.75 years I've been a Marine Corps Infantryman and have two combat deployments worth of experience to bring to the project, so I don't always go with popular trends in equipment/gear, weapons or sights. I know what has worked for me and I will bring that in to this project, along with a fairly genuine feel for what I think military equipment would be designed to do and the standard for which it will perform to at that time. I've got three separate parts of this project in build right now and those are the rifle that has been featured on this thread extensively, the section area that has been seen a little, and a bladed weapon for use in multiple types of environments and atmospheres.

theuns · Post by **theuns** » 05 Jun 2010, 10:42

ghost--scout wrote:instead of trying to model the rifle in big pieces I should have made several sections

This is also what I like to do, but you must just remember that if you are going to "melt" (sub devision) your model for a smooth look, you will need to boolean union them to make them fit properly...

At this point everything must have a function because of the military sci-fi nature of my project

I feel the same way but I tend not to do a lot of reference research though but come up with totally new designs of weapons and vehicles that influenced by what I know about modern military hardware. I always keep thinking, "how will this work in real life" when I start a new model, it has to be practical...

Nice to know there are some like-minded modellers out there

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 05 Jun 2010, 15:12

I think a functional/practical feature of the weapons and armor should be the ability to function without the high tech stuff. I think you are doing that. For example, the rifle could work mechanically like an old fashioned firearm with no power, no computer, no gloves, etc. Sure it wouldn't have the benefits of the high tech stuff but it would still be useful even in a failure of the sophisticated equipment.

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 05 Jun 2010, 16:57

You are exactly right, and this is something I've been keeping in the back of my mind as I design. I've seen plenty of really awesome stuff fail at the wrong moment due to bad batteries or sensitivity to the environment and be worth nothing. Similar to the user being able to disable the auto mag-lock feature, I just have to figure out how the user will be able to enable/disable certain features, and whether the rifle will function if the cpu shuts down/loses power automatically or if the user will need to do something to effect the mechanical function of the rifle. The general idea is to have the sear set similar to a three round burst, so that the rifle can fire so many rounds before the user has to do something, or if a timer could be setup to allow the rifle to function for "X" amount of seconds/minutes before the user needs to do something to continue mechanical/non-powered operation. This would allow a user to stay in combat and have enough time to fire off a full magazine, and set the rifle for mechanical operation while taking cover for reload. The last thing I've been considering is how to set the rifle for non-powered: have a security feature that requires an unlock code or not?

marcel · Post by **marcel** » 05 Jun 2010, 18:34

Imagine that you lose the world war because Windows has crashed or you forgot your pw!

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 05 Jun 2010, 21:03

You're the expert on this stuff but I would want mechanical/old fashioned mode to be the default. Like having the battery run out for a laser sight. It was cool while it lasted but you don't have to do anything to activate the old fashioned metal sights.

When fully or mostly functional, I'd think that the wielder could turn each feature on or off according to his own preference, or to best configure for the mission, including turning them all off. Unless enemy hackers could get into the wielder/weapon communications I don't see the purpose of a security code or such.

"The general idea is to have the sear set similar to a three round burst" You mean it is semi/burst/full select fire and burst would be the default if it goes to mechanical?

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 06 Jun 2010, 01:10

Even with the selector switch set to fire three round burst on an M16, if you only fire two rounds out of the possible three, the next trigger pull will only fire one round because of the way the sear is designed. I will do the most to pair auto-functions with a manual setting, sadly some will not make the cut. A selector switch will definitely be a manual setting regardless of what the rifle is doing/connected to, as will the magazine release (magazine could be anything: ammo magazine, power magazine, etc.) I've toyed with the idea of having an auto-fire capability, but this would not be widespread and generally restricted to sniper roles (auto fire meaning being able to fire at command without pulling the trigger so as not to disturb the alignment of the rifle with the target.) The idea is to have a completely modular system with accessories to be added or taken away, with automatic integration when attached, or manual use based on user preference. For sighting systems I'm taking a page from Trijicon and their self illuminating reticules; iron sights will be made too but I haven't put the time into designing that accessory just yet. Additionally, I have not designed the torso, or helmet of someone in vacuum (or a hostile/non-breathable by humans environment) so I cannot comment on how those systems will be used, either as data transferred to a heads up display or if the user will be able to get their head to the sight. The point of a security code is so that your weapon cannot be taken away and used against friendly forces right after it is captured; the time or round count setting would be in place so that if the rifle was operating as an integrated component of the battle suite I have envisioned, and loses it's connection or power from the suite the user can still operate the weapon for a certain number of rounds or time before they must perform some function (has not been decided what) to keep the rifle functioning as an individual part of the suite. Think of it as erasing the crypto fill out of one of our radios: if they have the radio containing the crypto fill they can hear everything we say and are capable of transmitting on our radio nets; if you think you are endangered of being captured or killed and your radio could fall into enemy hands you turn the switch to erase all the crypto fills and preset nets/frequencies so that they have the radio, but cannot do anything with it. I'm really enjoying all of the comments and input, it helps me so much chisel out finer detail!

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 06 Jun 2010, 03:04

"... if you only fire two rounds ..." I did not know that. This is an educational thread.

That makes sense for the security feature. Thoughts:
-- Mechanically disables so enemies can't use mechanical mode.
-- Wielder reactivate it if it is recovered after the reset time/shots?
-- Friendlies use each others weapons? Security interfere?

It could be adjustable for use with helmet/armor or without. How about sticking the weapon around a corner and firing by heads up display minimizing exposure?

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 06 Jun 2010, 12:47

Finis, all those were the intent behind system integration (firing around corner, or not being able to use sights because of headgear or other problem) and security (enemy cannot use the rifle in non-connected/mechanical mode). Think of the three round burst sear as being similar to one on full auto: just because you can fire all of the rounds off does not mean you want to, so if you pull the trigger on a machine-gun it will fire until you release; if you know your weapon or if you just lose your grip you can pull off one or two rounds while its on three round burst, but you will have to pull and hold the trigger two more times before you get a full three round burst if you do it like that. The sears on the M16A4's and M4's I have fired have been like this, so I cannot comment on an HK or other burst variant.

theuns · Post by **theuns** » 07 Jun 2010, 07:38

very interesting indeed, ghost-scout... i've only fired the R4 assault rifle that is based on the Israeli Galil ARM (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R4_assault_rifle" ) and it only had single shot or automatic so I don't know about the burst option. It was a very efficient and well designed weapon though...

I haven't tried to design a detailed weapon in 3D yet (except a scifi electronic-ignition barebones SI-AR weapon below), but you have inspired me to think about it and perhaps try one

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 16 Sep 2010, 01:28

Sp I finally got some time and motivation to work on it again. What we see here is the opening attempt at a plate carrier. Obviously I need to do some UV mapping, though I may export to Carrara for mapping and try to bring it back in. The pattern is the new A-TACS pattern, spearheaded by Tactical Assault Gear. The idea behind the plate carrier is to accommodate front, back and side hard-plate ballistic protection in an atmospheric environment, or as a lighter and more agile (but significantly more vulnerable) alternative to flak/fragmentation damage in a vacuum environment. From personal experience a plate carrier with all sides protection is so much easier to deal with than a piece of body armor with soft-armor inserts in.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 16 Sep 2010, 03:18

ghost--scout wrote:a plate carrier with all sides protection is so much easier to deal with than a piece of body armor with soft-armor inserts in.

Why is that?

theuns · Post by **theuns** » 16 Sep 2010, 08:38

Looking good, ghost-scout

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 16 Sep 2010, 09:19

Finis wrote:
ghost--scout wrote:a plate carrier with all sides protection is so much easier to deal with than a piece of body armor with soft-armor inserts in.
Why is that?

There are small gaps between the plates, the soft armor inserts are designed to provide coverage for the entire torso. Plates can provide almost the same amount of coverage with a bit more agility involved. Inserts also add size to you, making it more difficult to squeeze between things or crawl over a wall. It doesn't really look like much but when you've got pouches all over and you try to crawl over a wall and get stuck, you really start to think about what goes where and what you could do without.

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 16 Sep 2010, 09:58

theuns wrote:Looking good, ghost-scout

Ya know, I do have something in mind. Let me get a few sketches done and I'll send them your way with an idea of what it's supposed to do.

theuns · Post by **theuns** » 16 Sep 2010, 12:56

excellent! thanks ghost-scout, appreciate it

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 31 Oct 2010, 18:55

Sorry for the long delay, here's a basic sketch. Feel free to add some stuff as you see fit. I was finalizing my discharge and had some medical issues that came up during screening that kept me down and out for a little while, but I'm out of the Corps now and working a government job so I have infinitely more time to work now.

theuns · Post by **theuns** » 01 Nov 2010, 08:23

tnx scout... does the boarding vehicle / craft exist already to figure out what shape the payload module should have to fit into it?

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 01 Nov 2010, 09:44

Good question, not yet. I was thinking the payload could be rectangular or boxy in shape but I'll adjust to whatever you come up with.

theuns · Post by **theuns** » 01 Nov 2010, 10:25

let me see what I can come up with...

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 05 Feb 2011, 03:13

Updates to the plate carrier. Made some adjustments to the cummerbund to make it look like it overlapped a plate in front, and added the back piece to the plate carrier. Multiple pouches added, what will eventually become magazine pouches for rifle, pistol on the front, two grenade pouches on the front, two utility and/or belt ammo pouch, or first aid kit.

On the back is where the hydration carrier (think Camelbak) and the buttpack will be. Working on where to place field knife/bayonet.

Working slowly but surely.

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 12 Feb 2011, 20:27

Started sculpting the pouches. The large ammo/1st aid/utility pouch, buttpack and hydration carrier have been modded a bit, with a few more fixes + textures to come. Next task is texturing the male model, I'm tired of looking at a dude in underwear while I'm working on my project.

Finis · Post by **Finis** » 13 Feb 2011, 02:06

We're all tired of that guy's undies. Give him a uniform.

Is this for your sci-fi type project. So far these pouches don't look very sci-fi.

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 13 Feb 2011, 22:14

Yes, but those are for the ground based equipment set.

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 24 Feb 2011, 04:05

Ok I gave him board shorts until I can finish the pants, and eventually a shirt and some boots.

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 15 Mar 2011, 20:58

New pistol I'm working on for the project. Constructed in Blender.

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 05 Sep 2011, 02:44

Found some spare time in my schedule to do a little work. I'm taking 4 classes in a 16 week format, in addition to working full time and being a father to three kids. Tonight I started a rough transport model based/inspired by the transport from Space:Above and Beyond. So far its got a modular, and detachable, pod made for personnel, the top part w/ the wings is the permanent superstructure of the craft and contains the two rotating maneuver and propulsion thrusters. The aft section will contain the primary engines. I've got to finish the cockpit by adding digital displays, a pilot's chair and glass. Some thoughts about the control system: decided against joystick and for the wheel-type. My idea is that many more functions will need to be on hand during motionless flight, and with maneuverable thrusters, that a joystick would be a little awkward. With the wheel present the pilot can use either hand to fly while accessing displays or controls on either the left or right. Additionally the intent of the wheel is that it is a push/pull for nose down/up, turn left/right for roll and using a set of rudder pedals for turning the craft left and right around it's center. Push or pull the wheel to the left or right to move the craft laterally.

: transport_00003.jpg (11.46 KiB) Viewed 4832 times

ghost--scout · Post by **ghost--scout** » 07 Sep 2011, 02:26

Layout of the team's pod. Enough bunks for 8. 4 side gunners, 2 electric turret gunners and two can run between the guns to assist with reloading or malfunctions, and a locked in the back to hold extra mission essential equipment. Side doors in front of the bunks on both sides.

Steinie · Post by **Steinie** » 07 Sep 2011, 11:58

I always liked your projects you post here. (I can relate to the "work/ school/and 3 kids")(Off subject for one moment...
4 kids...car insurance $6000 a year)tissue please

Looking forward to your next update ghost--scout.

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