Enterprising Images

[scifidude79]

I made some new textures for my TOS Enterprise model. When I first built the ship, I didn't want to do any paneling or weathering on the textures. Well, I've changed my stance on that and I've done both paneling and weathering. The paneling is subtle, it's only in the specular channel and I used small variations in shades of gray to make it subtle. The weathering, on the other hand, is more prominent. It's in both the color and specular maps. I didn't bother trying to recreate the weathering on the 11-foot model, instead I just did my own thing. I also tweaked my bussard collectors further and finally got them looking how I want them to look. After that was done, I decided to render some images.





I originally planned to do more than two images, but I wound up spending some time converting some of my older models to Lightwave 2018. This basically entails changing from the old style materials to Principled BSDF materials. Principled BSDF works much better with the rendering engine in Lightwave 2018. Unfortunately, when I change the materials, I have to reapply my textures. And, for materials where I didn't UV unwrap the objects, I have to redo the mapping as well. So, it takes some time, to say the least. But, it was worthwhile as I was able to use my Starbase and Reliant-style ship for the second image.

[Tralfaz]

I really like your first image with the very subtle texturing.

[Freak]

Agreed that first pictures is really nice.

[scifidude79]

Thanks guys.

Yeah, one thing about doing the hull panels the way I did is that it requires indirect lighting for them to be visible. I wrestled with the idea of putting the panels very lightly onto the color maps, so they're not just visible in indirect lighting. But, I didn't do that (yet.) It's a simple matter to do so, though, if I change my mind.

[scifidude79]

Here's a quick one I did when I got home from work this morning.

[Freak]

Very nice!

[scifidude79]

Thanks Dean.

[scifieric]

Man, that is just PRETTY!

[scifidude79]

Thanks Eric.

[scifieric]

You've earned it, my friend.

[scifidude79]

I decided to do another render with the Starbase 15 scene, but with different ship and camera positions and different lighting.

[scifieric]

Ah!  This is lovely!  Well done, Chris!

[scifidude79]

Thanks again, Eric.

[scifieric]

Thanks again, Eric.

You have totally earned it, Chris!