Le Mans Racecar Modeling, Texturing and Rendering
Training Video
The Le Mans race track in France is one of the world’s most famous and demanding courses. And one of the most famous of all race cars to tackle it was based on the fabled C9 chassis from Sauber that was supercharged with a Mercedes Benz powerplant and debuted in the 1987 World Sportscar Championship (the C9 had numerous wins in 1988, 1989).
In this Luxology Video Training series, we will be paying tribute to this amazing race car by showing how to model, texture and render it. Completion of this series will give you significant insight into how to model, texture and render shapes that are common to many man-made shapes and products.
“Andy’s C9 tutorials are a great viewing for those with a bit of modo under their belt and are ready to leap into something meaty. It was very cool to see Andy resurrect an old school patch modeling technique which veterans will enjoy and will be a good learning experience for those used to edge modeling. The C9 tutorial series will undoubtedly be a foundation learning kit.”
–Jason Clark
subdivisionmodeling.com
This video tutorial was developed for modo 202. Basic knowledge of 3D is helpful but not necessary. modo 401 users will find the tutorial useful, but will have to adapt some instructions to new techniques found in modo 401. Narrated in English.
Detailed Descriptions of Videos in Album
This is a seventeen part series that builds up the race car from reference images to final model and clay render. In addition to movies files, the series includes partially completed model files for use with modo. The first eight videos build up the basic (not fully detailed) shape of the C9 including wheels, tires and bodywork. The final nine videos build up the racecar to a final model and clay render.
Video Part 01 – Reference Images and Project Set-up
In this video, Andy shows how to approach the project organizationally and specifically how to utilize reference images to accurately scale and place the resulting model in space.
Video Part 02 – Alloy Wheel and Tire
Andy employs standard modeling tools like Bevel, Loop Slice, Extrude, Mirror, Radial Sweep, BG Snapping and Radial Falloff to quickly construct a subdivision surface model of an alloy wheel and tire. Particularly useful for showing how to model radially symmetric objects with beveled edges.
Video Part 03 – Brake Disc and Caliper
Here, Andy shows you how to model the wheel nut, the perforated brake disc, and then how to model the brake calipers that had the unenviable job of converting forward motion of the C9 to heat in what is known as a ‘stop’. As well as dealing with a number of common tools this video incorporates some SubD theory, and also looks at regular poly modeling techniques like Boolean Operations and the creation of coplaner polygons.
Video Part 04 – Bodywork (Phase 1)
The gorgeous bodywork of the C9 is the subject of the next five videos in the modeling series. In Phase 1 Andy looks at creating the engine cover. He starts by mapping key tools to aid workflow, and then takes you through the creation of a spline cage and the use of the Patch Tool. This video looks closely at the theoretical underpinnings of this fundamental yet sometimes challenging technique.
Video Part 05 – Bodywork (Phase 2)
In this second video where the bodywork is being modeled, Andy builds upon the techniques in Video 04 by accomodating the door of the car. This highlights a number of more complex issues that need to be dealt with when creating the cage.
Video Part 06 – Bodywork (Phase 3)
In this third video dealing with the C9’s bodywork, Andy creates the windscreen and side panels. He also pays special attention to how the different bodywork pieces flow into each other with continuity by utilizing some fundamental SubD principles.
Video Part 07 – Bodywork (Phase 4)
In this fourth video looking at the C9’s bodywork, Andy tackles the most challenging piece of the geometry so far, the hood (bonnet). This very sculptural object requires the skills developed in the previous videos combined with some SubD modeling tricks incorporating the Bridge and Thicken tools.
Video Part 08 – Bodywork (Phase 5)
In this fifth and final video looking at building the skin of the C9, Andy travels back to review the basic form of the bodywork and make adjustments to form and proportions. He pays special attention to the accuracy of curves and seams and starts to add some finer details. This concludes the first half of the tutorial.
Video Part 09 – Undertray
Continuing the modeling phase, Andy models the undertray and the front wing/elevator of the C9. A largely unseen part of the car, this is a critical aerodynamic component of the car that also adds contributes greatly to the classic look of the C9.
Video Part 10 – Bonnet Details
In this video Andy starts to detail the C9 by adding vents and lights to the bonnet/hood. Many tools in modo are utilized including the Bridge, Thicken and Tack tools. Macros are employed to speed modeling workflow.
Video Part 11 – Roof Details
In this video, Andy addresses the roof of the C9 and focuses on different methods of applying details to a curved surface. He utilizes the Edge Slide tools, the Tack tool, the use of Falloffs and also begins to utilise the workplane for proper orientation to the task at hand.
Video Part 12 – Door Details
In this video Andy uses a variety of tools to add more details to the C9, including window vents, hinges, lights and mirrors. The C9 is really taking shape now!
Video Part 13 – Windscreen Wiper
Building on his use of the workplane in Video 11, Andy focuses on one part of the model and demonstrates how to build an object entirely on a custom workplane for proper alignment with the rest of the model.
Video Part 14 – Wings, Lights and Vents
In this video Andy adds the signature rear wing to give the C9 its distinctive look. He also adds the rear lights and demonstrates another method of punching holes through a SubDivision surface to construct the C9’s recessed air intakes.
Video Part 15 – Interior Geometry
In this video Andy uses a variety of common modeling tools to block in the objects inside the C9’s driver compartment. He demonstrates how some areas can be suggested rather than being fully modeled.
Video Part 16 – Engine
Continuing on from Video 15 Andy blocks in the engine compartment, suggesting the main engine parts and detailing key areas where required.
Video Part 17 – Clay Render
In this final video, Andy finishes up the modeling phase by carrying out some important housekeeping on the model in preparation for texturing. He also demonstrates two techniques for producing a clay render of your model by utilizing Ambient Occlusion and Global Illumination. The modeling phase is completed.
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