by Didik Wijaya

Let's continue AGAIN with Gundam RX-78-2 modeling in 3dsmax tutorial. In this tutorial section, I will show you how to create arm. If you have successfully followed previous tutorial like Gundam RX-78-2 Modeling: Head tutorial.or Gundam RX-78-2 Modeling: Body tutorial, I'm sure you can follow this tutorial easily. This tutorial will use the same Box Modeling technique.

This is what you are going to create:

Creating Shoulder

1. To follow this tutorial, you need to download two files, 3dsmax file (3dsmax ver 8, zipped) and bitmap images for blueprint (JPG, zipped). I will create arm in separate file, different from head and body. First, create a closed line like image below. Use Initial Type=Corner and Drag Type=Corner. When finished, apply Extrude Modifier with amount=8. After that, convert this object into Editable Poly.

2. In Perspective viewport, (1) Select both sides of polygons. (2) Apply Inset. (3) Move two selected polygons up a little bit. (4) Select polygon in one side only (front side) and in Left viewport move to the right. (5) Rotate view in Perspective viewport until you can see the back side. Select several polygons like image below. (6). Extrude. Make sure you extrude long enough. (7) Delete extruded polygons.

3. Turn off all sub-object selection. Apply transparent material. Then, apply Symmetry Modifier with Mirror Axis=Z. In Modifier Stack, click plus sign (+) right next to Symmetry. Highlight Mirror. In Left viewport, move mirror axis to the center of arm based on blueprint behind.

4. Right click shoulder object and convert into Editable Poly. Rotate view in Perspective viewport. (1) Select 4 polygons like image below. (2) Apply Bevel. (3) Use Inset. (4). Use Bevel again, this time inward.

5. Next, you are going to create some detail on top of shoulder. Go to Create>Shapes tab. In Left viewport create a line like a letter "n". Tips: Hold Shift while creating line to make straight line. Then create small circle. Select letter "n" line, Go to Modify tab. Activate Vertex selection. Select 2 vertices on top of line. In Edit Geometry rollout increase Fillet value to 3. You'll have rounded corner. When finished, turn off all sub-object selection.

6. Go to Create>Geometry tab. Choose Compound Objects from drop down list. Make sure letter "n" line is selected. Click Loft button. In Creation Method rollout, click Get Shape button and click circle in viewport. You'll have pipe with letter "n" shape. In Skin Parameters rollout enter Shape Steps=1 and Path Steps=2 to reduce polygons in pipe object.

7. Finally, move pipe object into its position on shoulder object. You need to rotate in Front viewport also.

Download 3dsmax lesson file up to this point

Gundam RX-78-2 Modeling: Arm Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Go to Mecha Modeling: Gundam RX-78-2 Main Menu. This is where you can browse all tutorials about Gundam RX-78-2

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Didik Wijaya, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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