Le Mans Modeling

Training Video for modo 203

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 power plant and debuted in the 1987 World Sportscar Championship (the C9 had numerous wins in 1988, 1989).

In this video tutorial, we pay 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.

Basic knowledge of 3D is helpful but not necessary. This video tutorial was developed for modo 202. Users of later versions of modo will find the tutorial useful, but will have to adapt some instructions to new techniques found in more recent versions of modo. Narrated in English.

Purchase the Le Mans Modeling Video Tutorial

Detailed Descriptions of Video Tutorial Segments

This video tutorial comprises seventeen segments that builds up the race car from reference images to final model and clay render. In addition to video segments, the series includes partially completed model files for use with modo. The first eight videos segments build up the basic (not fully detailed) shape of the C9, including wheels, tires and bodywork. The final nine video segments build up the racecar to a final model and clay render.

Video Segment 1

Reference Images and Project Set-up

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 Segment 2

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 Segment 3

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 coplanar polygons.

Video Segment 4

Bodywork (Phase 1)

The gorgeous bodywork of the C9 is the subject of the next five segments 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 Segment 5

Bodywork (Phase 2)

In this segment where the bodywork is being modeled, Andy builds upon the techniques in segment 04 by accommodating the door of the car. This highlights a number of more complex issues that need to be dealt with when creating the cage.

Video Segment 6

Bodywork (Phase 3)

In this third segment 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 Segment 7

Bodywork (Phase 4)

In this fourth segment 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 Segment 8

Bodywork (Phase 5)

This segment concludes 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 Segment 9

Undertray

Continuing the modeling phase, Andy models the undertray and the front wing/elevator of the C9. A largely overlooked part of the car, this critical aerodynamic component contributes greatly to the classic look of the C9.

Video Segment 10

Bonnet Details

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 Segment 11

Roof Details

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 Segment 12

Door Details

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 Segment 13

Windscreen Wiper

Building on his use of the workplane in segment 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 Segment 14

Wings, Lights and Vents

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 Segment 15

Interior Geometry

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 Segment 16

Engine

Continuing on from segment 15, Andy blocks in the engine compartment, suggesting the main engine parts and detailing key areas where required.

Video Segment 17

Clay Render

In this final video segment, 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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