Welcome to the first of many in-depth examples of how 3D animation works and how it can be useful to you. This project will look at the creation of the basic frame of an ROV and show the elements involved in making a detailed computer model.
As I was modelling a working-class ROV, the frame is particularly sturdy, especially at the front where it is reinforced with steel side bracing for rigidity and to allow a high level of equipment to be affixed.
Working from photographic reference, I started off by getting the overall scale and proportion correct. If working from drawings, this can be done down to the smallest detail, as the frames for ROVs are varied and often tailored to the application. The following are a few steps of this process.
This is the result. As you can see, the level of detail is high, even down to the types of fixings and bolts. The model will be useful for a multitude of uses, from general simulation and animation within a scene, to close-up shots or even photorealistic images from different views.
Until next time,
Jamie C. Cameron