Source Vehicle Tutorial

[clarky003]

I'll put the thread up already because the model is practically ready for the tutorial and also so I don't forget about doing this :P. The thread will be dedicated to anyone equipped with a version of 3Ds max (6 to 8 preferably) to developed their own vehicle in entirety if need be.

So over the next month I'll go through the basic rig, and then quite quickly onto more complex things like working angled suspension that happens to be a part of the example I'm working on.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/Clarky003/BajaBuggy4.jpg

To kick it off you may want to get into designing and making a model to follow this, mines upper limits of the amount of model detail you can get away with, so really I would recommend 6'000 polygons as a good target for the mod.

To start If you want to create a more complex model like the Baja buggy it's always a good idea to split everything down, make the parts that don't move first and have a good think about how your car works, then go onto making the moving parts so you can fit them around your chassis and not vice versa.

I'll post up a video tutorial of how to setup the basic rig later this week, then onto suspension, animations and finally compiling.

[Rapstah]

You can model for Source with 3DS Max?

Why haven't I been told earlier? D:

[clarky003]

The basics are the same with any 3D package. Some find XSI easier, but you can accomplish the same results with 3DS or Maya and you should beable to translate any tutorial in a specific package for use in any program providing your familiar with the tools.

3DS 6 to 8 have all the plugin support needed anyway, I'm using 7 for this tutorial.

[Krynn72]

This is going to be EPIC. Im gunna have to make a cart to follow along with the rigging stuff.

[97AndyMacK]

THIS! IS! GONNA! BE! THE! BOMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS. Much love and hugs for doing this

[clarky003]

First parts are done. Anything that isn't included or clear in terms of bone rigging in these will be cleared up in the next batch of tutorials when attaching the bones to the mesh. Oh and don't forget to scale your car to how you want it before you start rigging it, you can tweak the size of the game model in the QC file in the end, but that's a bad habit to get into.

VehicleTutorial_Part1(Bones) (http://files.filefront.com/VehicleTutorial+Part1Bonesrar/;8264093;;/fileinfo.html) - 37 mb

Includes:

1.BuggyTutorialBasic.avi - length 8:56

2.BuggyTutorialSuspension.avi - length 3:45

[Ennui]

This is awesome. I love you already for it, and I'll love you that much more if you finish it.

[TollBooth Willie]

Finish it finish it finish it finish it.

[Krynn72]

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

I was away in San Diego until this morning, im stoked that you released part of it already.

[clarky003]

VehicleTutorial_Part2(Weighting) (http://files.filefront.com/VehicleTutorial+Part2Weighrar/;8330767;;/fileinfo.html) - 116 mb

Includes:

1.BuggySkinningTutorial1.avi - length 14:51

2.BuggySkinningTutorial2.avi - length 10:30

1st video is for attaching your bones to the mesh, second part is if you decide to use a spring with your suspension, Have fun chaps.

[clarky003]

Bump, Is everyone finding this easy going to understand? If there's any issues, questions let me know before I continue.

[Krynn72]

Oh, I thought I had commented. I think they have been awesome. Its really sweet timing too, since im using Max in class this month. The only thing I would like would be if you could talk a little louder. You're pretty much whispering, which makes me have to turn up my speakers, which makes my ears explode when I play music afterwards :)

But yes. These are awesome awesome tutorials. Please continue.

[97AndyMacK]

These are really good m8. I hope you continue to sneak downstairs after your parents have gone to bed to make these :P

[clarky003]

lol :P, I don't sneak anywhere though, sound travels over from my room easily so I have to keep hush hush. I'd do it in the day but I'm always working.

[Krynn72]

Updatesssssssss?

[Koola Mena]

****! WOW! That's great! :D:D:D

[clarky003]

Updatesssssssss?

On zee way, busy last two weeks unfortunately. I'll provide the whole list of animations next while I go through them in the next video.

[Krynn72]

Sweet. I am eagerly awaiting the next videos.

[TerryTibbs]

Alryt ow much ya selling it 4?

[clarky003]

Nothing for sale here, the purpose of the model is for helping the community create their own content.

Rest of the tutorial should be online tomorrow night folks.

[TerryTibbs]

Doh hes a fisty 1 , ill give ya 50 for the whole thing.

[CyberPitz]

Looking nice Clarky. I just got my first copy of 3dsMax. I'm going to install it and play with it. I'm sure it's going to be COMPLETELY overwhelming, since I've never done anything like that before....well, I guess wish me luck . :p

[clarky003]

Wishing you luck Pitzy.

Really sorry about the delay, I'll post the next part up when I get some free time to record it. If you wish to go ahead I'll upload a list of the animations for the vehicle and include a brief description of the animations.

In the mean time decompiling the HL2 buggy and loading the smd files into Max would be a good self help method of looking at how the animations are done.

[Krynn72]

Oh snap! Pitzys going 3D!

Looking forward to the next part.

[97AndyMacK]

I dont wish to sound impatient, or even ignorant, but will the next part come soon? Or has it dissappeared into the ether?

[clarky003]

It hasn't disappeared :). I am sorry about the wait, but university and some other mod work is taking priority at the moment, and it's just a case of simply not finding the time.

I will finish this off over the Christmas period at the latest ;) so don't worry. I still would like to play with my buggy in game as well so I need to finish it :P.

[97AndyMacK]

I understand. Well, actually thats a complete fabrication, considering I have never been to Uni, but I think I get the idea. Just glad to see that your still alive :)