Modeling an Airplane

In this tutorial, you explore Editable Poly surfaces further by building a model of a fighter airplane.

The aircraft is a Republic Aviation P-47 Thunderbolt, a heavy-duty fighter used extensively by the Allied forces in World War II. For information about the history and technical details of this aircraft, do a Web search for “P-47”.

Note: Unlike the irregular meshes used in the tutorial Using Photos to Model Façades, the mesh you create in this tutorial has consistent quadrangular faces. Although the airplane is not meant to be deformed, this is the kind of mesh you should create when you model a deformable character.

Skill level: Advanced

Time to complete: 5 to 6 hours

Preparation for This Tutorial

• If you have not already downloaded the tutorial files (MAX scenes and other assets), download them now and unzip them into a project folder called \Autodesk 3ds Max 2015 tutorials. See Where to Find Tutorial Files.
• On the Quick Access toolbar, click (Project Folder) and set your current project to Autodesk 3ds Max 2015 Tutorials.
  

Topics in this section

• Pointers on Setting Up a “Virtual Studio”
  When you build a 3D model from scratch, often it helps to set up reference or “blueprint” images to use as a guide to the 3D geometry. Typically these images are plans that show the side, front, and top of the object to model.
• Creating the Fuselage
  The fuselage begins as a geometric primitive. You modify the shape of the primitive, and then convert it to an Editable Poly object. For most of this section, and the remainder of the tutorial, you will use Edit Poly tools to shape the airplane.
• Completing the Tail
  To complete the tail, you add horizontal stabilizers on either side of the vertical stabilizer.
• Adding the Wings
  The wings are shaped extrusions as are the horizontal stabilizers. Once more, the wing on the right side is provided by the Symmetry modifier.
• Creating the Cockpit
  The cockpit includes a canopy, which becomes a separate object. It also includes part of the hollow interior of the aircraft.
• Refining the Aircraft
  To complete the aircraft, you make various adjustments to both the fuselage and the cockpit canopy.

Parent topic: Modeling Tutorials