Some modeling tips needed: Shrink a V&W to oblivion...

[VonHelsching]

To all modeling gurus:

I've just downloaded pack3d and wing3d, and I admit that I am a helpless case...

What I am trying to do is a) Clone a V&W and b) Shrink it to almost oblivion (just to be barely visible when really close). I need this for testing purposes for a mod I am thinking...(no spoilers yet; fingers crossed)

If this is feasible, can someone provide me some really basic instructions how to do this? I would really appreciate it.

I read part of http://www.subsim.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=43777 , but I admit that I am lost...

Thanks in advance,

VonHelsching

[VonHelsching]

Anyone?

At least can someone tell me if this is doable or not?

[Der Teddy Bar]

Why not use a small boat?

I have no graphic ability, even my stick men need to be explained...

[VonHelsching]

Teddy,

If this is doable, I need to make a full DD in miniarure size. It doesn't have to be V&W specifically. It can be a Somers, or something else (not an armed trawler, BB, carrier or aux cruiser). The deadlier DD, the better. It's for a mod I'm thinking Thanks anyway.

Hmm, if you dont actually need the boat but are after all the nodes only, revert model to 1 single vert. That way there is no model basicly.

[VonHelsching]

Thanks for the reply, Cdre

You are right. I do not need the actual boat to be visible (actually I don't want it to be visible by the u-boat crew).

[BTW, I am such a helpless case, that I do not even know what a "node" is, but I suspect it is the point on the model that you "hang" / attach components, like a hydrophone / radar. deck gun etc.]

Anyway, I don't want it either visible or large in size, in order not to collide on it. So a very small vertical line that_once_was_a_Somers would do the trick. How do I do this is the million dollar question.

I have downloaded Wing 3d and Pack 3d and if required I'll buy 3d max.

Ummm, I think you missunderstood me. A Vert is sora short hand for us model ppl meaning a vertice.:

A model is made up of polys (polygons). Each poly is made with 3 side's (poly edge). Each side join's at a point (Vertice). Every model has many vertices that may number in the millions. Reducing a model to 1 single Vert basicaly means that the only thing left is 1 little point (vert) where once 2 sides of a poly joined.

To do this select the vertice tool. select all verts bar 1 (easiest method is to select all verts then deselect 1 vert [Ctl + Left mouse click]). Then click delete. This is how I do it in Max. I dont use wings3D (horrible program).

Node :
A Node is either a 3D or None 3D attachment point in a SH3 Model.
3D - Weapon mounts, flags, lifeboats ect.
None3D - Sound, Sensor's, particles ect.

[VonHelsching]

Damn!

I'm a complete moron in 3d modelling!

I cannot even clone the damn thing! I put on my desktop a folder with a V&W. I "get" the dat with pack3d and then I press "clone"; I wait for 10 seconds and all I get is a "3d" folder with a single .mtl file. I import this file to 3dsmax and all I get is 9 joined shperes!

If I do not clone first and use the "Export All" option, I get a lot of files I can use in 3dsmax (don't know which ones, though). I just want an invisible, weaponless, stationary DD (with hydrophones)...

Cdre Gibbs, check your PM.

Help...

I just got home from the Commissioning Service, been a long day (Day started @ 06:00H, Finished @ unit 16:30H, arrived home @ 17:45H)

I have some thoughts on the matter, but untill my minds a bit better than mush, I'll refrain from replying to the PM till later, if thats ok.

[VonHelsching]

No worries. Thanks!