Major Project: Exterior Concept development 1

Starting with the cannon car, now that I have a basic block-out model.

I'm going with the twin-barreled artillery turret with spaced barrels, so I can copy battleship turrets and have the guns elevate separately (since it looks cool)

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I may have gone a bit nuts with the rivets...

Major Project: Modelling 4

Progress update on the locomotive

Major Project: Modelling 3

I've worked out the layout of the senior crew's cabins, and it turns out there's a little more room than I thought; so a sort of table has been added at the end of the bed

And the view from the doorway

This has allowed me to finish blocking out the interior layout of the crew carriage

The empty area in the middle of the upper floor is the wardroom, for relaxing etc

Major Project: Modelling 2

Experimenting with different designs for the artillery turret on the cannon carriages; using the image below as inspiration for the "retrofitted" look I want:

Also, trying out spaced armour on the tank turret to complement the "modified" aesthetic.

Which artillery turret do people prefer?

Major Project: Interior Concept development 5

Phil suggested that I change the walls from white paint to something more colourful.

Major Project: Interior Concept development 4

Tweaks based on feedback

Major Project: Interior Concept development 3

Made a few changes based on Alan's feedback

Major Project: Interior Concept development 2

First attempt at the Chief Gunner's room.  Unfortunately, after talking to Justin, it seems it's not particularly good and needs revising, so that's why it's unfinished.

Major Project: Interior Concept Sketches 2

Major Project: Modelling 1

In between developing the interior concepts, I'm also working on the outside of the train.  The first object to be modelled is the bogie, because it's repeated 12 times.  The final model is based on an american design from the 1930s, so it's accurate to the period of the animation (it's not a real design, but an amalgam of several sources)

And as to why I've spent so much effort on what might seem a minor thing; it will let me take advantage of dramatic shots such as

Major Project: Interior Concept development

After talking to Alan, he suggested that I look at set design for films to get an idea of how to develop my interior concepts.

Major Project: Maya Block-out

First, a side view of the entire train:

The Locomotive:

The Cannon Cars:

The Carriage:

And finally, the whole reason for the block out, the interior of the carriage: