How to model complex curved shapes?

Jon Kunatz · Post by **Jon Kunatz** » Thu May 26, 2011 10:51 am

Ok most everyone knows im a bit of a cartoon nut. So my question is this. Ive thought about building one of Invader Zims Irkan Voot cruisers, or a ship similar to that style seen on the show. But how do you model those complex shapes apart from using easter egg shapes, which only go so far.

Any advice appreciated.

Umi_Ryuzuki · Post by **Umi_Ryuzuki** » Thu May 26, 2011 12:52 pm

Start with framed cross sections...
Fill between with foam, or sheet over the frames
Sand, Fill and finish the shape.

Where did that old ship tutorial go... here...
Sort of like this except 360 round.
http://modelerhobbyforum.multiply.com/p ... nstruction

Or more like this smoke stack...
http://modelerhobbyforum.multiply.com/p ... p#photo=31
http://modelerhobbyforum.multiply.com/p ... p#photo=32
http://modelerhobbyforum.multiply.com/p ... p#photo=33

Jon Kunatz · Post by **Jon Kunatz** » Thu May 26, 2011 3:12 pm

Ok the Voot cruiser doesnt look "too" complex, but my skills are still lacking a bit. Who knows, If I complete the Voot, I may attempt The Massive.

http://zim.wikia.com/wiki/Voot_Cruiser
http://zim.wikia.com/wiki/The_Massive

Mr. Badwrench · Post by **Mr. Badwrench** » Fri May 27, 2011 3:30 am

The Voot ought to be easy enough. As Umi says, sketch it out, then build styrene bulkheads that match the curves of all the round sections. Fill these in with foam, (pink or blue insulation foam), and cover with a thin sheet of Aves. Sand smooth, prime, and repeat as necessary.

Or you can skip the bulkheads and just carve it directly from foam. Depending on the scale this might work just as well. Still cover the foam with Aves, and sand, sand, sand.

Fustercluck · Post by **Fustercluck** » Sat May 28, 2011 12:30 pm

I think the hardest part of the Voot is the canopy, it is a huge odd shape. If you plan to make it clear, you will have to vacform it or find some odd clear shape so think about that. The rest of it should be fairly simple, do what they said above.

I have kicked around the idea of doing a Voot or Massive for years. I keep hoping somebody will do a paper model of them.

Jon Kunatz · Post by **Jon Kunatz** » Sat May 28, 2011 3:50 pm

Well I do know plastic easter eggs will work for the upper pods, the canopy could be a clear bubblegum machine container, but the main fuselage is the stickler, and the weapon ports and thrusters may be a bit of a challenge as well.

AbsoluteSciFi · Post by **AbsoluteSciFi** » Wed Jun 01, 2011 7:41 pm

Complex shape construction is some of the most elusive building experience out there. Often a modeler will turn away from dealing with a part or an area for the simple reason that he/she is afraid to tackle the problem head on. The task looks impossible unless you break it down into parts, and know how to simplify the whole build.

Making parts is easy when you take a look at an object from two views, top and side, or front and top, or back and bottom... how ever you look at it, find the simplest way to look at the object. Make cross-sections and put them together then fill, skin, wrap, what every you have to do.

In your case I would break the object up into several simple parts, then make the egg-like shapes, and put them together to form your widget. If you have a carpenter's shape guide, you can trace the inverse shapes easily, and make a form fitting shape to cut from the "ears" coming off the main egg. A shape guild allows you to do a "Boolean" operation like in 3D, only for real... Its very handy! Here is a pic of the one I got at Sears:

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad27 ... rm-51a.jpg

Jon Kunatz · Post by **Jon Kunatz** » Fri Jun 03, 2011 2:31 am

Thanks folks...

Ok I have a general idea how to do this, but dont yet know when it shall be complete. Gotta get me some easter eggs and stuff.