Russian battleship "Poltava"

# 1 25-08-2007 , 02:49 PM

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My original intention here was to add an example of water with a boat on it (ie the "create ocean" feature and the "boat locator" feature in the dynamics module). I was surprised how relatively easy it was to create an ocean, and I suppose I could have made a simple rowboat to float on it, but I tend to bite off more than I can eat at one sitting. Hence this model in progress!

I like WWI era dreadnought type battleships, but was too lazy to dig out my copy of "Jane's Fighting Ships" to scan the plans. I was able to get side and top view plans for this ship (a "pre-dreadnought" battleship). I have since found many others online, but I had already started this one.

This is the "Poltava", an Imperial Russian Battleship of the "Petropavlovsk" class. The ship was built in 1897, captured by the Japanese during the Russo-Japanese war of 1904-5 and became the IJN Tango. Returned to Russia during WWI, the ship was damaged during the Russian Revolution and was scrapped in 1923. The next "Poltava" was a Russian Dreadnought launched in 1909.

Here's the model so far. There are a few small details missing, particularly on the lifeboat davits as well as the anchor, associated chains, and various deck clutter. I may also add extra rigging. I am currently playing with the textures, and my first impression is that a patina of more rust and filth is called for. Any other suggestions are welcome. I left out the screws and rudders, as that part of the ship won't be visible (unless I decide to have it sink by the bows, in which case I will add them).

Here's a picture (sans ocean)! Enjoy!

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# 2 25-08-2007 , 02:50 PM

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Here's another shot. I've alredy determined that the red on the ship's launches has to be toned down, but any and all other suggestions are most welcome!

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# 3 26-08-2007 , 01:24 AM

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I spent the afternoon messing around with the texture and (mostly, as this was time-consuming) adding details such as the railings, ropes, anchors, &c. Those nearly impossible to see objects DO make a difference, however, as does the more grungy texture.

To get this "salt/rust patina" effect, I added transparent noise layers over the base color in photoshop. Not the utmost in life-like, but it will work for now (anyone have any ideas, do please let me know!)

Here's a picture of the latest edition. Hope you like it!

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# 4 26-08-2007 , 01:26 AM

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And here's a stern view. When I've created the ocean and floated this boat, I will put a link to the finished animation in the "Finished Work" section. Thanks for your indulgence! :-)

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# 5 26-08-2007 , 06:59 AM

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Hey Jim,

Nice to see someone modeling a boat as it is rarely done, from my point of view anyway ...

Only suggestions are to, texture them thingson deck/board to give it that feel if you catch my drift. Also to put this in the water and see how it looks as youved mentioned already i think ...

Cheers,

Marlon

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# 6 26-08-2007 , 09:14 AM

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Thanks, Marlon! I'm not quite sure what it is you suggest I texture, but I do have to give the lifeboats and pretty much everything else a second going-over! Part of the problem with texturing is that you're never really finished!

One problem I anticipate when I "float" it is getting all the parameters right. I did an experiment, and yes, the boat locator feature works as advertised. However, my ship bobbed up and down on the "waves" (relatively calm seas, unless I got my scaling wrong) like a cork and not like a 12,000 ton ship! I'm going to have to figure out all of that!

:-)

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# 7 26-08-2007 , 09:32 AM

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Hey Jim

This looks really good, be good to see the animation, any chance of a wireframe?

"No pressure, no diamonds" Thomas Carlyle

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# 8 26-08-2007 , 10:39 AM

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Here are a couple of rather crummy wireframes. I will provide more detailed ones when the Mrs. and I return from church! :-)

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# 9 26-08-2007 , 10:40 AM

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Here's another:

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# 10 26-08-2007 , 10:41 AM

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And one more just for the helluvit! :-)

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# 11 26-08-2007 , 11:06 AM

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Cheers Jim

Looks nice and clean.

"No pressure, no diamonds" Thomas Carlyle

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# 12 26-08-2007 , 12:35 PM

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Jim,

your work has really a nice feel to it.

I know what you mean about getting carried away and making what could be a simple scene into a major project but why not push yourself, it's a sure fire way of improving your skills.

Looking forward to seeing the animation/simulation.

Take it easy,

Mat.

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