you can inset, bevel , extrude. I forget if there is a function that lets you bridge, and it just has a different name. They updated the tools a little in version 4. I don't remember shift drag being possible in patches before that version.
Downloaded and have fun messing with it, still unsure exactly how the ui works, but I'm able to get a box created and start extruding. I'd like some solid snapping to grid options, I might just be missing the options for it though.
@Danielmn - I agree that the colors are not great, ill work on adding in some colors @Cheese - There is going to be a display panel at the top, the extruded part, i forgot to put that in the paint over. I will work on the colors and post again. Thx for the tips guys
this is what I meant by defining the knee(check the flow line of the image.). there is a bone which is always visible and little extruded or bumpy. you can bring that using texture or you can change the topology which will give you better silhouette.
the handguard looks wrong, i think its down to the RIS rails. you have the whole hexagonal section extruded by itself where they should be joined like this; its a little too thin looking as well overall, but im not sure if thats true to life or not. materials look good though :D
Red: Thanks for the feedback, I had noticed that and there will eventually be an inset there to allow for that. In the meantime, I'm having a debate with my self between whether I should make the plate holding the turret in place flush with the side of the tank or extruded like I have it is now. That's why I hadn't added…
a wireframe shot would help, as you could have the worst edgeflow in the world while still having remodeled the shape... we got a "how you model dem shapes" stickie in the technical talk forum, maybe some of the techniques described there will inspire you? but i think extruding isnt THAT off....
I suppose you could, but you may be overthinking. Just start extruding edges and play around with the positioning until you get the general shape. It will give you a better idea of what you want to do. here's some examples showing what you're looking for. http://wiki.polycount.com/HairTechnique
Tweaked the master vertex painting material so that I'm using a height control to paint the moss, looks a lot better now. Still need to make a new brick wall material, as well as a few other modular props like extruding bricks etc to give the flat surfaces more variation.
It seems like with a model like that you could, use a spline as a path and then, sweep, loft or extrude along path. You could also use path deform(wsm). Those are all pretty common techniques for roads and the things that flow along them.