Spectacular 3D Entry: Johan Hiemstra

#1

Johan Hiemstra is entered in the “Spectacular Challenge” update: View Challenge Page

Latest Update: Modeling: Dogfight Modeling WIP 2 - P-51D

#2

Initial concept sketch

#3

Finally a good excuse to model that plane. I wanted to do a P-51D Mustang for a long long time but never got to it. I’m going for a spectecular shot of a dogfight between a US P-51D Mustang and Nazi Messerschmitt BF109. Apart from these two plane models, nothing is set in stone yet. I’ll probably go for a dark cloudy background to make the fire stand out. Maybe I’ll have the entire BF109 explode into pieces, dunno yet. The sketch lacks perspective as the BF109 will be flying more towards the viewer, like it’s about to fly out of the picture.

The biggest challenge for me will be the texturing of the BF109 (lots of detail because it’s in close-up) and getting the image finished. Something else I want to look into is having CG coulds rather than a photo. Since there’s will be only two main models (something I can afford on my PC), I’ll try to create them as detailed as possible.

I’ll start on the P-51D and hope to post som wips in a day or so. I’ll add a short story to go with the concept soon.

Good luck everyone! I’ve seen some great WIPs already, this challenge’s theme makes the entries very diverse. :thumbsup:

#4

I started with modeling the Mustang. Not much to show for yet, although I already spent quite some time on it trying to get the “curved shapes right” :wink:

#5

Hey Mike,

I always like dogfight images and the P51 is a great plane, its nice to see you have the P51 winning the fight . The model is looking good so far and I look forward to more.

#6

Hey Mike,

Thanks for the reply. I agree, the P-51 is a great plane. I’m not a real plane-freak or anything, but to me the P-51 is like the Porsche 911 of planes, a combination of beauty and power. I went to a couple of toy shops today to buy a Revell model of a P-15D Mustang but found only the P-15B and C models. I ended up buying a P-51D of some weird brand, with Japanese instructions. I got plenty of references (blueprints and photos) but it’s nice to ‘feel’ the actual model. Choosing its opponent, the Messerschmitt BF109, was an easy decision considering it’s the most produced fighter ever (plus shooting down a Nazi plane is inherently spectecular to me ;)).

#7

Added the tail and an airhole at the bottom. I’m working on the cockpit and canopy right now, after that the propellor and than I’ll get into the details. A fairly simple job for many of you but texturing will be a real challenge for me. I’m not sure yet but I may end up modeling all the creases between the panels. Since I won’t have that many models in my scene I can afford to use some extra polygons.

I noticed many of the p-51 mustangs 2d, 3d, as well as real scale models, have a paint design and decals that match a real P-51 (like Glamarous Glenn, Alabama Rammer Jammer, Detroit Miss). I’m having some doubts whether I will honor a real fighter/pilot or create my own. Spectecular Sam or something.

Comments welcome

#8

Hey mike!, long time…
I like the idea that you have, i contemplated something similar also. Planes are pretty cool and spectacular.

I hope you get on well with the competition.
As for how your modeling goes… well it’s still quite early. The modeling looks clean and tidy, so no crits such far.
Keep it up!

#9

Hi Stripe :slight_smile:

Thanks for the encouragment and good luck to you too!

i contemplated something similar also.
Cool, I’ll check it out in sec.

#10

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