Modeling a High-Resolution Tank in 3ds Max
In this 3ds Max tutorial, we are going to model a Panzer III WW2 German tank. Software required: 3ds Max 2013 and Photoshop CS6.
What you'll learn
In this 3ds Max tutorial, we are going to model a Panzer III WW2 German tank. Some of the key takeaways from watching this training include learning how to build a high-polygon model tank with hard surface modeling techniques using TurboSmooth, cutting round holes in polygons, and how to make the tank tread, twisted towing cable, tool mesh, bolts, turrets, hatches, wheels, and lights. We will also create a presentation material designed to display the model's detail, set up a Sky Portal Light, and render our model's edge loops as wires to show off our modeling skills. Finally, we will render out passes in mental ray, including ambient occlusion, specular, and alpha. Then we will wrap things up by compositing our render passes to create a final image in Photoshop. Software required: 3ds Max 2013 and Photoshop CS6.
Table of contents
- Modeling the Main Body 7m
- Building the Main Cannon 12m
- Modeling the Turret 6m
- Setting up the Fenders 13m
- Creating the Main Hatch and the Cog Wheels 7m
- Modeling the Wheels and Hubs 11m
- Making Treads That Fit Together 6m
- Constraining the Tread to a Path 5m
- Fender Hardware Mesh 2m
- Creating a Towing Cable 3m
- Building the Escape Hatch 2m
- Putting Hardware on the Side Carriage 5m
- Creating the Back Hatch Doors 4m
- Making Spare Treads and Wheel 5m
- Creating Lamps and Tow Bars 7m
- Building the Gun Portal, Window, and Shade 4m
- Overview of Other Parts to Model 4m
- Bolts and Positioning on a Wheel 4m
- Turbosmoothing Objects 5m
- Turbosmooth Corrections and Attaching 6m
- Presentation Material and Environment Maps 3m
- Lighting with Warm and Cool Lights and Rendering 4m
- Compositing in Photoshop and Rendering Wires 5m
About the author
Steve graduated with a BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. The program was integrative studies, so he was able to earn a teaching certificate for New York State as well as study fine art. He worked in the fashion district in Manhattan creating fabric designs, then moved to California where he worked as a graphic designer, art director, and multimedia designer. He incorporated as Trever Connor, Inc. and provided creative services for various corporations in Silicon Valley. In Austin, TX he ... more