Learning how to model an XM8....

Mr_Paris

I've started working on a model of an XM8 but there are a lot of modeling techniques I'm still very shaky on.

My first problem is this internal curve. I know I could use a boolean but that's hardly the cleanest way to create this. I would appreciate any suggestions. I'm currently using Maya 2011

throttlekitty

Are you talking about the curve behind the hand grip?

Cheese_Shinobi

Try to make two separate meshes of the shapes. One for the upper part and one for the down part, and then you wont have to model the line itself. Am I making myself clear? :P I suck at explaining...

sltrOlsson

He already have them split up.

I think you just got to figure out what edge flow you want and then start append. I would just "Fill hole" And then split it up and with as few vertices as possible try to get the basic curve in.

Otherwise you could try to take a 1/8 of a sphere, in the right resolution and size, flip the normals and then try to split that in :P

Try a boolean. It's not that messy if you do it right and clean it up afterwards.

Mr_Paris

Righto, thanks Olsson. Sorry if it wasn't super clear.

The more I look at the reference the more uniform the curve seems to my eye, seems like a standard curve + bend modifier might work as well.

Shogun3d

You might have more success creating an edge loops at that section, bevel in and then add a supporting edge.

Dylan Brady

looks like ur making it too complicated.
IMO just use a cylinder matched up with the reff and either use olssons method or use vertice snaps to match your edge loops.
then take that whole cut out polygon and bevel, then cut out the profile and target weld it all together!

whipSwitch

Kinda seems like you are over complicating the shape from the get go. The curve you are talking about looks more like the bottom half of an inset. I would try modeling the entire block under the scope, add the inset, then if need be, split the top half of the block at the seam.

Mr_Paris

I agree with all of you, I realized the reference photo i was originally looking at had some weird shadows on it. Will try modeling the whole piece. Thank you!

Mr_Paris

Alright final result on that piece. Saving the top half that was generated for when i tackle the scope. Thanks for the help.