Subject: SMML Vol 3142 Date: 13 May 2006 09:48:11 -0000 The Ship Modelling Mailing List (SMML) is proudly sponsored by SANDLE http//sandlehobbies.com For infomation on how to Post to SMML and Unsubscribe from SMML http//smmlonline.com/aboutsmml/rules.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS INDEX 1: 3D models 2: Re 3D models ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From "Harold Stockton" snolep@texas.net Subject 3D models I have never been that keen toward ANY 3D models of aircraft or ships as they leave very much to be desired as far as to the lack of detail or to perspective, that is until now. I have just discovered a very accomplished computer-artist who have brought this form of modeling into a real artform. Even James Cameron is using this man's work in his productions. This man uses the latest and most up to date official drawings and plans for each of his subjects, along with using the scans of the side-scan sonar of the actual subject to accomplish his magic. While visiting the H.M.S. Hood Association's website I came across the work of Thomas Schmid http//www.hmshood.com/photos/HoodPhotos3.html , this last site showing examples of his handiwork of the H.M.S. Hood, and it is quite impressive. On Mr. Schmid's own site of http//www.3dhistory.de/ , one can see further examples of his artwork on such subjects as the Bismarck, H.M.S. Hood, Prinz Eugen, Admiral Graf Spee, Prince of Wales (coming soon), and the Ar-196 and the PBY floatplane and flying boat respectively. And if this very talented man can get an airplane to look right, which he does most admirably, then you can rest assured that the ships will be that even more impressive. I have not dragged out all of my plans on the Arado, but it does look right. My own memories of the exact shades of the RLM greens that naval aircraft wore is off, so I will not comment on the two shades of green that Mr. Schmid has used. The PBY comes across quite convincingly, with his Schemes Two and Three really bringing out the FAA colors of the original a/c, number AH545, coded WQ*Z. It is here that the LightWave software lets down in its renderings of compound curves. On the PBY Catalina the rear area of the wing was fabric covered, thus showing a very subtle scalloped effect of the wing ribs showing through the taught fabric covering. The software limitations come across as very pronounced stepped effect, but this is the fault of the subtleties of ALL software, and not the artist using it. I am unsure of this very small detail, but I think that the Hamilton Standard propeller decals were only on the front face of each one that they produced. If such a small detail as this is truly wrong, then Mr. Schmid can be fully excused for getting everything else wrong. Besides, this is not a 3D modeling contest for the "rivet-counters". All of Mr. Schmid's work is worth collecting in its entirety, or as singular additions to one's models of the specific subjects of interest. One could only hope to finish off one's own models to the level of detail that these 3D renderings show. These are almost as valuable as close-up and detailed color photographs of the real subjects, which just do not exist in singular form. I am going to order at least one or two of this man's prints to go along with the Trumpeter H.M.S. Hood that I must order and build. One wonders what other subjects that Mr. Schmid could be asked to consider besides the ones that he already has? The Battle of Midway is something to consider with both sides carriers as a possibility, and the Battle of the Coral Sea another. The Yamato/Mushashi and a number of other BB's could also be sure fire winners in my suggestions. Though the Titanic, USS Constitution, H.M.S. Victory and other significant historical ships of other eras beg for such consideration. It must finally be mentioned that all of Mr. Thomas Schmid's artwork is just that, ARTWORK, and it is priced accordingly. These are in some cases Limited Editions or Artist Proofs, and are not for the faint of heart; but reasonable considering what one is receiving in exchange. But, what better way to get that very last detail right and as a backdrop to that museum piece that you have just finished? Besides, where else could you get a signed print with signatures of Karl Kuhn, Walter Weintz, Thomas Schmid and James Cameron? Harold Stockton ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From "Norman Samish" ncsamish@ptera.net Subject Re 3D models Thanks, Mr. Stockton, for these URL's. Thomas Schmid's renditions of Hood in action are fascinating. Norman Samish ----- Original Message ----- From Harold Stockton Subject [SMML] 3D models I have never been that keen toward ANY 3D models of aircraft or ships as they leave very much to be desired as far as to the lack of detail or to perspective, that is until now. I have just discovered a very accomplished computer-artist who have brought this form of modeling into a real artform. Even James Cameron is using this man's work in his productions. This man uses the latest and most up to date official drawings and plans for each of his subjects, along with using the scans of the side-scan sonar of the actual subject to accomplish his magic. While visiting the H.M.S. Hood Association's website I came across the work of Thomas Schmid http//www.hmshood.com/photos/HoodPhotos3.html , this last site showing examples of his handiwork of the H.M.S. Hood, and it is quite impressive. On Mr. Schmid's own site of http//www.3dhistory.de/ , one can see further examples of his artwork on such subjects as the Bismarck, H.M.S. Hood, Prinz Eugen, Admiral Graf Spee, Prince of Wales (coming soon), and the Ar-196 and the PBY floatplane and flying boat respectively. And if this very talented man can get an airplane to look right, which he does most admirably, then you can rest assured that the ships will be that even more impressive. I have not dragged out all of my plans on the Arado, but it does look right. My own memories of the exact shades of the RLM greens that naval aircraft wore is off, so I will not comment on the two shades of green that Mr. Schmid has used. The PBY comes across quite convincingly, with his Schemes Two and Three really bringing out the FAA colors of the original a/c, number AH545, coded WQ*Z. It is here that the LightWave software lets down in its renderings of compound curves. On the PBY Catalina the rear area of the wing was fabric covered, thus showing a very subtle scalloped effect of the wing ribs showing through the taught fabric covering. The software limitations come across as very pronounced stepped effect, but this is the fault of the subtleties of ALL software, and not the artist using it. I am unsure of this very small detail, but I think that the Hamilton Standard propeller decals were only on the front face of each one that they produced. If such a small detail as this is truly wrong, then Mr. Schmid can be fully excused for getting everything else wrong. Besides, this is not a 3D modeling contest for the "rivet-counters". All of Mr. Schmid's work is worth collecting in its entirety, or as singular additions to one's models of the specific subjects of interest. One could only hope to finish off one's own models to the level of detail that these 3D renderings show. These are almost as valuable as close-up and detailed color photographs of the real subjects, which just do not exist in singular form. I am going to order at least one or two of this man's prints to go along with the Trumpeter H.M.S. Hood that I must order and build. One wonders what other subjects that Mr. Schmid could be asked to consider besides the ones that he already has? The Battle of Midway is something to consider with both sides carriers as a possibility, and the Battle of the Coral Sea another. The Yamato/Mushashi and a number of other BB's could also be sure fire winners in my suggestions. Though the Titanic, USS Constitution, H.M.S. Victory and other significant historical ships of other eras beg for such consideration. It must finally be mentioned that all of Mr. Thomas Schmid's artwork is just that, ARTWORK, and it is priced accordingly. These are in some cases Limited Editions or Artist Proofs, and are not for the faint of heart; but reasonable considering what one is receiving in exchange. But, what better way to get that very last detail right and as a backdrop to that museum piece that you have just finished? Besides, where else could you get a signed print with signatures of Karl Kuhn, Walter Weintz, Thomas Schmid and James Cameron? Harold Stockton ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Check out the SMML site for the List Rules, Reviews, Articles, Backissues, Member's models & Reference Pictures at http//smmlonline.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume