We're working on a map that uses a Railgun as the central theme. One of my clan members has designed it, but he is unable to texture it and compile it for Source.

Here is a link to our forum thread that contains pictures of the Railgun:

http://www.unitedpaintball1.netfirms.com//forums/nfphpbb/viewtopic.php?t=284


If anyone can finish the job for public release, it would be greatly appreciated. I have the .mb file for any interested parties.

Thank you in advance!


EDIT: The link to our forums shows the first page of threads. The final pictures of the Railgun are on Page 2, about 1/3 down the page.

Yeah I know... stop showing off.. :rolleyes:

Haha. If you're making one, then there's no need for us to do so. We don't know how to make a finished product, though I'm sure you do.

No bad taste intended. I had a specific idea in mind for the map, and we started the model without doing a search here. I was in a rush of excitement to see what we could do, so that's my bad for not checking first. We'll gladly use your finished model for the map once you complete it, if you don't mind.

All apologies.

Don't worry, im not making one - that model is an old one based on a friends plastic kit model and its 110,000 polys so its not of any actual use in a game without a LOT of optimisation.

Our is based on a plastic model, too. So I guess I'll leave it out there and see if anyone is able to texture it and make it playable for Source.

And it's too bad yours can't be completed. The detail is really solid.

Jed, just how many models did your roommate have? And just how many did you 3D model??????

It's getting kinda funny! Everytime somebody attempts a model, you've already got one in storage! ROFL I woulda thought a Rail Gun model would be pretty unique until I saw this post.

As usual Trp. Jed, that really just dampens people's spirits when you show them things that you've done that are 10 times better, so it'd be great if you could stop that.

Originally posted by Wile E Coyote
Jed, just how many models did your roommate have? And just how many did you 3D model??????

It's getting kinda funny! Everytime somebody attempts a model, you've already got one in storage! ROFL I woulda thought a Rail Gun model would be pretty unique until I saw this post.

I've got loads. I've been making 3D models for ages, 10 years at least, certainly long before DoD every existed.

My friend (wasn't a roommate) had like 500+ models. He used to build and compete with them in various competitions and would either use kits or scratch build them with plasticard and filler. He and his father had a garage full of them.

As I said before, none of these are useable in a game as their all way too high polywise so I'm only posting them as reference.

Originally posted by Scooty Puff Senior
As usual Trp. Jed, that really just dampens people's spirits when you show them things that you've done that are 10 times better, so it'd be great if you could stop that.

i found it very useful as reference...
if you can't stand the fact that someones better than you, you're doomed :)

jed: did you ever try to use one of those hipoly models as the basis for a normal map? i once saw an article about generating normalmaps from hipoly models...

Yeah, I've done it a couple of times. The human model on my website is a 14k poly model with a normal map rendered from 65k model. I used nVidia's Melody which gave better results than the 3DS Max plug-in.

wow that original pic of the railgun model is crazy jed!

Originally posted by Trp. Jed
Yeah, I've done it a couple of times. The human model on my website is a 14k poly model with a normal map rendered from 65k model. I used nVidia's Melody which gave better results than the 3DS Max plug-in.

so then, get those hipoly models down to lowpoly and rock the house :)

Jed, even though that model has alot of polygons, couldn't it be used in a 3D skybox still?

I dunno much about source's 3D skyboxes, but it shouldn't render like everything that's inside the level, right?

But yes, that is teh schex. I would love to see that in a map sometime, even if it's only in the skybox.

Originally posted by {GL}DoubleD
Jed, even though that model has alot of polygons, couldn't it be used in a 3D skybox still?

I dunno much about source's 3D skyboxes, but it shouldn't render like everything that's inside the level, right?

But yes, that is teh schex. I would love to see that in a map sometime, even if it's only in the skybox.

i thought skybox models should be even more lowpoly??

JED, i dont see why you just optimize these totally awesome models. I seriously dont understand your logic. You are an awesome modeller. I dont see why you dont want to put your work out there. It really is a shame considering people need these awesome models you got and i am sure the players woulndt mind seeing some new material.

From what I've read on other threads, he doesn't want to put them out, because Valve will probably make them for future DoDS maps and it would be a waste of his time if he did so while the guys from Valve are getting paid for their 20+hrs working on the model.

And like he said, he didn't make those models having a game in mind.

Am I wrong Jed?

Originally posted by TheMiede
JED, i dont see why you just optimize these totally awesome models. I seriously dont understand your logic. You are an awesome modeller. I dont see why you dont want to put your work out there. It really is a shame considering people need these awesome models you got and i am sure the players woulndt mind seeing some new material.

Honestly? If I had a job right now and had an income I might do it and give them away but given my current situation, I'm reluctant to do it for no reward. Nice though it is, 3 "thank you's" and a $5 paypal donation doesn't pay my rent. Some of these models have taken 30-40 hours of work and I'm not just going to hand them out as freebies. Sorry, but thats the way it is...

I'm more interested in making models that will get used a lot, that makes it more worthwhile and things like a railgun are pretty limited in use. Likewise, I don't want to make obvious models which Valve are bound to make, like a Sherman tank.

I want to see the Brits back so I can make British map models. We didn't have many in 1.3 and I think a decent selection of models might encourage more Brit maps to be made.

I can think of 5 maps that I'd like to make, and all would utilize a Railgun.

So if ANYONE can make a workable model from what we've started, I'd be your best friend.

_____________________

Originally posted by Trp. Jed
Honestly? If I had a job right now and had an income I might do it and give them away but given my current situation, I'm reluctant to do it for no reward. Nice though it is, 3 "thank you's" and a $5 paypal donation doesn't pay my rent. Some of these models have taken 30-40 hours of work and I'm not just going to hand them out as freebies. Sorry, but thats the way it is...

I'm more interested in making models that will get used a lot, that makes it more worthwhile and things like a railgun are pretty limited in use. Likewise, I don't want to make obvious models which Valve are bound to make, like a Sherman tank.

I want to see the Brits back so I can make British map models. We didn't have many in 1.3 and I think a decent selection of models might encourage more Brit maps to be made.

Wouldnt it be in your best interests to see if you could get a job at Valve then? Then you could make your models and not have to worry about Valve making the same thing, and get paid for it.

I suppose that seems pretty improbable though, but from what you said it looks like the best solution.

Originally posted by Bocasean
I can think of 5 maps that I'd like to make, and all would utilize a Railgun.

So if ANYONE can make a workable model from what we've started, I'd be your best friend.

I'll make a note to stick it on my "possible projects" list - no promises but if theres that much of a desire for one it might be worth it.

As for you model, I was suprised to read it 623142 triangles - thats about 6 times MORE than mine! :eek:

Originally posted by
[eF]Rommel

Wouldnt it be in your best interests to see if you could get a job at Valve then? Then you could make your models and not have to worry about Valve making the same thing, and get paid for it.

I suppose that seems pretty improbable though, but from what you said it looks like the best solution.[/B]

Lord this is getting off topic...

I don't think Valve would have much interest in me. This 3D stuff is just a hobby and my lack of experience and ability is a problem. That and I think I've burned too many bridges at Valve. Their in the US anyway and I'm in Sweden and don't want to relocate.