by Didik Wijaya
This tutorial needs you to understand basic use of 3dsmax.

This tutorial will guide you to create low poly Apache AH-64 helicopter. This helicopter type is my favourite. You may knew, I used Apache model in several tutorial. But, Apache model you are going to model is far more complex. Divided into 8 parts, I don't expect this tutorial would be this long. But, I have to keep it this way in order to show lots of detail in modeling. So, this is a step-by-step tutorial. Suitable for you who begin a ride on 3dsmax modeling. If you are new to modeling in 3dsmax, visit my previous tutorial first, like Modeling A Cartoon Pig. A lot of similar technique will be used here.

1. Before you begin, download this exercise file. This file contains Apache blueprint. If you want to know how to create this file, maybe you want to look at previous tutorial: Modeling Using Blueprint. In that tutorial I explained how to create and use an Apache blueprint. Now, we are going to model it. Unfortunately this blueprint is not quite clear and detail. Sometimes we have to be creative and model using our imagination. First, open your Apache blueprint. If you don't follow that tutorial, you can download Apache blueprint finished file here. You can start with this file.

This is Apache model you are going to create in this tutorial.

We will begin with a box. Sometimes this technique is called Box Modeling. Using a box to create more complex objects. Create a box in Top viewport, with parameters like image below. Apply material with 50% Opacity to the box. You can position the box to fit blueprint in each viewport.

Then, set all viewport display to Smooth And Highlights and Edged Faces (right click in viewport and press F3 or F4 in keyboard). Using Edged Faces, you can see all edges, vertices and polygons clearly. Change Left viewport to Right (right click on Viewport's name and choose Views>Right).

Shortcut F3 = Smooth And Hightlight on/off
Shortcut F4 = Edged Faces on/off

2. Right click on box, and choose Convert to>Convert to Editable Poly. While object is selected, In Command Panel click Modify tab. Activate Vertex selection. Move vertices in box. Use image below as reference. When you look at image below, you should be able to understand why I use 7 segments box. Now, you have basic shape of helicopter.

3. Next, we will create a cockpit area. Activate Edge selection. In Right viewport select all vertical edges. In Edit Edges rollout, click Connect button to create horizontal edges. Change selection to Vertex. Move vertices to match cockpit image in blueprint.

4. Select three edges in the rear area of cockpit (look at image below). In Edit Edges rollout, click Chamfer button. Click edges in viewport to give slight chamfering.

5. Change selection to Vertex. Select 4 vertices in upper part of cockpit. Using Select And Non-Uniform Scale, decrease their distance along Y axis.

6. In this step, we will create cockpit glass.Change selection to Polygon. Select one polygon in cockpit area. In Edit Polygons rollout, click Settings button right of Inset. When small window appear, fill in 3.0 in Inset Amount, then click OK. Repeat this process to other cockpit area (marked with white arrow). In total, you need to apply Inset to 5 more polygons. Don't forget to use the same amount.

7. In Right viewport, move vertices to fit blueprint. And select other vertices and give Chamfer until you get triangle shaped polygon like blueprint behind. To fix double vertices in the corner, select vertices in that area and click Weld button in Edit Vertices rollout.

8. Change selection to Edge. Select all sloped edges in the cockpit front area. There are 6 edges you need to select. Use Connect Settings window. Fill in values like image below.

9. Front area in cockpit is now divided. In Right viewport, select newly created edges up a little bit. Use blueprint behind for reference. Part 1 of Modeling Apache tutorial is finished.

Modeling Apache Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8

Any question or comments regarding this tutorial should be sent to:
Didik Wijaya, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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