29 replies to this topic

[Sparks Murphey]

Alright, I'm going to try to take on the Phoenix Hawk. Not sure how well this'll turn out, especially since I'm going to try to walk the fine line between the unseen and reseen versions, with a twist of MWO.

So, here's where I'm at so far:

[BlackWidow]

Awesome start so far! I can hardly wait to see the final product.

Even though it's "unseen" and more "Anime" style that I normally prefer my Battlemechs, I have always loved the Phoenix Hawk.

[Nathan Foxbane]

Looks like you took a page from the Dark Age Jade Falcon totem 'Mechs too.

[Sparks Murphey]

Quick update, finishing off the lower parts of the torso. Also made it a little less deep. Points for anyone who recognises the part I borrowed from an earlier project.

[Sparks Murphey]

Waist and upper legs in place.

[Gnatter]

Liking it so far. This is one of my favs and it is nice to see it getting some love.

[Sparks Murphey]

It's been a long while, as other projects have been getting in the way, but I've finally returned to the P-Hawk. The pipe organ on the back has been toned down a little, and the upper arms are coming along.

[Brenden]

Looks great at the moment! Those antenne at the top remind of the Wasp, and since the Phoenix hawk is just the Wasp on a larger frame, that serves to be amazing. Or at least, in some word I can't describe at the moment, a nice little thing you put there.

[Grendel408]

Nathan Foxbane, on 14 June 2013 - 10:27 AM, said:

Looks like you took a page from the Dark Age Jade Falcon totem 'Mechs too.

Sparks... nice work so far! I can't 3D model (yet) so all I can offer is an opinion... but Nathan has a point. It does look like a mesh between old, mwo... and MWDA Jade Falcon 'Mechs: http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Shrike , http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Eyrie , http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Gyrfalcon

And the Sarna Phoenix Hawk link... Now, think of the design this way... what you've got now is a beefed up version of what you're trying to design... think more slender like a woman's body with a military-esque armored suit It's tough designing something iconic cause it's bound to ****-off someone, remember you can't please everyone, but keep up the hard work dude!

[Sparks Murphey]

Thanks for the feedback, guys!

@Grendel: Yeah, the similarity to the MWDA Jade Falcon 'Mechs was part of the reason I ditched the pseudo-wings at the back in favour of the current backpack shape, which is more like the pylons seen on the original P-Hawk. I didn't comment on it at the time, but Nathan's comment was what led me in that direction, so kudos to him too. I've been trying to indicate the unseen Phoenix Hawk's triangular upper body, but until the arms get in place, it's a little bit guesswork. Fortunately, that shouldn't be too far away, and you might get to see a more wasp-waisted Phoenix Hawk soon.

@Brenden: Thanks! The antenna were put there as a direct reference to the head antenna on the unseen Wasp and Phoenix Hawk, so I'm glad it's working for you! It may be going for a bit of a redesign, too, though. The shape was meant to evoke both the unseen and reseen Phoenix Hawk heads, with the large cheek panels completing the wrap-over-the-top shape of the reseen canopy. Originally, those were glass too, but they stole too much focus from the row of panels above, so I turned them into a simple recessed area. With the head more recessed into the body, I may revisit that.

[Sparks Murphey]

Sneak peak of the hands. I've gone with the two-thumb style used in the MWO Shadow Hawk, both as a reference to that 'Mech (which I know has never borne much similarity to the Phoenix Hawk, but I've always thought they should) and because I like the talon feel it gives outstretched.

[BlueFly17]

Looks great! What software are you modeling in? Just curious.

[Sparks Murphey]

BlueFly17, on 05 September 2013 - 05:59 PM, said:

Looks great! What software are you modeling in? Just curious.

Thanks! I'm modelling primarily in 3DS Max, though I'll be using 3D-Coat to do texturing.

Lower arms and weapons are in place now, along with some tweaks to the torso and cockpit.

[Sparks Murphey]

Barring any criticism I take to heart and decide to implement, the modelling is done.


Desktop-sized image behind the spoiler:

Spoiler

Stand-in textures for the moment, courtesy Cloud Imperium Games. Next job: unwrapping these 53,480 triangles.

[Johnny Z]

First of all this is coming from a guy that cant do a stick of modeling, but looks like the modeling is amazing to me. Other than dabbling in nifscope i cant even guess how long this took.

The style isnt my speed on the down side, although the cockpit area look good.

I wouldnt even think of doing a critique of this, but wanted to give some feedback. Also the texturing might change the look significantly so its hard to say how the final product will look.

[Heffay]

Looks great, Sparks! He does seem a bit narrow from the side though. He seems more sized to the Commando than a 55 ton mech. Put some guns on that guy!

[MavRCK]

Nice! I would increasethe volume of his lower leg by 20%.

[Sparks Murphey]

MavRCK, on 30 September 2013 - 04:18 PM, said:

Nice! I would increasethe volume of his lower leg by 20%.

Thanks! I've scaled up the calf by 25% sideways, may do a little more to bulk it out further.

Heffay, on 30 September 2013 - 11:39 AM, said:

Looks great, Sparks! He does seem a bit narrow from the side though. He seems more sized to the Commando than a 55 ton mech. Put some guns on that guy!

Well, the Phoenix Hawk is only a 45 tonner, not a 55, so that might be a bit of your problem right there.

It's funny you should mention the Commando, because MWO's Commando, Jenner, and Hunchback stood by in the scene for scale comparison. Some sizing shots:

[Iqfish]

Wish I could model in 3D

Amazing work, keep it up!

[Hitman85]

Oh please, can't understand what people see in this mech, too much japanese style for me. And I hate the feets, looks like high heels