Harris bipod

[Earl 0]

PS: Earl, how do you make those bipods? what technique do you use? and can you post or e-mail me the ref pics you use for them (matthewbubbers@canoemail.com). i've been tyring for soooo long and mine still look like ######!

Didn't want to sidetrack ReconSnake's thread. This was a pretty difficult unit to figure out. It took a while to decide how to start doing it, then a few deletions and a few more starts. Lots of staring at reference photos. Another great technique that I'd have to recommend is drawing out the item first, and consider how you want to model each part during this stage. I like sketching, so it's usually a fun break from modeling for me. I've found it's a really important step to work through tough models because it forces me to pay attention to every line and shape before start in 3dsmax.

You can download a pack of harris bipod reference images that I collected here:

http://www.baconbomb.com/img/harris.zip

The basic technique behind the bracket was to start with a flattened box and extrude the faces around the edges until I had the number of segments I wanted, then I adjusted the vertices. Hard to expain, easier to do. Think of how the real thing was made - get the shape, then fold it into place. Another tip is to avoid modeling and texturing symmetrical parts. I waited to mirror the other leg until it was fully modeled and textured (on my Standard Upgrade M24 - for this new M40A3, I mirrored the bipod leg just for the public renders)

And since we're on the subject, here's a bunch of planning sketches that I've done for modeling work:

Edited April 16, 2003 by Earl

[Ruin 17]

And he's an artist too... go figure.

Nice technique indeed Earl. That's they way my nifty book on character modeling says to start. Sketch it, and use your images as refernece.

[ReconSnake 0]

Nice work indeed. Did you get my email yesterday Earl?

[supasniper 0]

Earl you are a man of many talents, awesome weapon modeler and a good artist1

Edited April 16, 2003 by supasniper86

[Suicide Commando 0]

Earl you are a man of many talents, awesome weapon modeler and a good artist1

Yes, he is indeed all those and a great guy to boot. Some excellent reference pics there.

[JTF-2 0]

THANK YOU!!!!!!!

you've been such a big help and, unknowingly, taught be almost everything i know about modeling...i know you're REALLY busy now, and you still took the time to answer my questions.

ty for all that info about the bipods, this has cleared up everything. i'll post a render of the finished product so you can see later.

Edited April 16, 2003 by JTF-2