[WIP] Hogwarts Express for University

#1

Here are the beginnings of yet another university project… My aim for this module is to keep my topology clean and to follow the reference images very closely.

I wanted to model a steam train due to the complex mechanics and the many moving components, and I opted for the Hogwarts Express as I knew there would be an abundance of reference images online. The train used as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies is the 5972 Olton Hall, which is the locomotive I’m basing my model on.

Bellow are some really early screenshots from where I’ve been blocking out the scene.

#2

Here’s some progress on the Hogwarts Express, I’ve not done too much as I’ve been away the last few days.

Stuff done:

  • Fixed the reference camera for a better match
  • Started work on the walkway platform and wheel arches
  • Added more rivets and bolts

#3

Some more progress and wireframes…

Stuff done:

  • Slight model tweaks for better lineup with reference
  • Rivets and small details added to walkway
  • Front buffers have been added
  • Started to model the driver’s cabin (exterior)

#4

Now with the wheels in place and the piston mechanics blocked out, it’s starting to look more like a train.

Stuff done:

  • Driving wheels have been modelled
  • Pistons & Connecting Rods mechanics have been blocked out
  • Smokebox lock handles have been modelled
  • More detail has been added to the front bumper

#5

joshoantonio, nice job on the train model. I think you’ve done a great job with providing references and work as you’ve gone along. One thing that did stick out to me on your latest post, which you probably know, is the detailing on the spokes of each wheel as it goes towards the center. Right now they sit flush with the middle section, but based on the reference, each spoke seem to divot in a bit before connecting to the main middle section (apologies if I’m totally screwing up the correct terminology).

Honestly, apart from that, I think everything is completely spot on. Keep up the good work and I’m excited to see how this turns out!

#6

Hey JDiggyDawg, yeah you’re right the spokes are different in the references. I’ll definitely change them when I go back over the train doing the finishing touches.

Thanks for the feedback it’s always useful to have someones fresh opinion on something. :slight_smile:

#7

Okay, it’s been a bit of a slow week for this project…

Tasks Done:

  • Train nameplate has been modelled (excluding text)
  • Firebox support plating has been created
  • Top feed things have been started
  • Front lamps and lamp clamps have been added
  • Outside cylinders on the wheels have been started

My next task is going to be actually finishing the wheels, adding all the driving mechanics.

#8

Okay, it’s been a bit of a slow week for this project…

Tasks Done:

  • Side pipes have been added to the second chimney
  • Main wheel mechanics have been added
  • Started to retopologize the text for the ‘Hogwarts Castle’ name tag
  • Washout Plugs have been added to the Water Tank
  • Smaller adjustments and details have been added here and there

My next task is going to be the whistle, before then moving onto the underneath chassis.

WIREFRAME UPDATE

#9

Not too much more to get done on the exterior, probably another day and then I’ll start on the interior of the cabin.

Tasks Done:

  • More details have been added to the front part of the walkway
  • The front pipe has been added to the front bumper
  • The train now has a whistle
  • Some more details have been added to the front door
  • Bumper now has some clamps attached to the hook
  • “Hogwarts Castle” sign has been added to the side
  • Underneath part of the front wheels have been blocked out in detail
  • The cabin steps have been added too

My next task is going to be finishing the front wheel section and the wheels.

#10

Tasks Done:

  • Finished modelling the front wheels
  • Breaks have been added
  • All driving mechanisms have been finished
  • Hooks have been added to the front bumper
  • Chassis has now been fully completed

My next task is to add some steam release things to the piston boxes and to also add some smaller details to the overall train. Then it’s time to start to block out the interior.

#11

Okay… so I started to explore some options for a nice lighting and shader setup for the final renders.

I don’t want to have a boring ambient occlusion in my reel with some wireframes, so I’m really going to push a more colourful style, as I feel it’s much more appealing.

I’m probably going to do some more of these renders, but if you feel any of these so far look good, feel free to let me know :slight_smile:

#12

Starting to block out the cabin interior…

#13

Just a few more bits on the inside of the cabin to finish.

#14

Calling this done now.






#15

Your last post orange is very saturated. If you are going to use it on any sort of presentation tone it down to be more pastel and less saturated like the orange in the 4 choises (the one from last post borderline blinded me ^^’).
Regarding those color choises, I actually like the color scheme of the cabin from three days ago (dark blue gradien bg and pastel orange train). It had this warm evening feel to it. Kinda hit that aww spot :slight_smile:

Other than that, congrats on finishing, hope to see the textured version soon :wink: