Considering the size of the rifles in
terms of how it scales with the characters, the rifles are overly detailed. To
stylize the weapons more various changes have been made that reflect the rifles
characteristics and makes the ergonomics fit the characters better. The
defining characteristics of the SMLE are that it is a compact fire for the time
with a magazine and rugged nature. To bring this out the model has been made
deeper increasing the overall size.
New model
Other details that have been changed include the rifle band
that has been greatly emphasized in terms of how wide it stretches and its overall
band thickness which has been done to both rifles.
Model from behind
Reasons on emphasizing the magazine is that it is a unique feature to the SMLE and was not a common feature for other service rifles of the time.
Exaggerated trigger guard and magazine along with larger bolt handle
Original model alongside new model
Above the new model is at the back with the new model in the front. Below the new model is in from with the original behind. It is apparent that specific features have been made more noticeable with shape of the stock being slightly changes to have a flat butt. The bolt handle has also been remodeled to consist of a single piece of geometry rather than two (the bolt handle and bolt) which will make it easier to animate in the future and simplify the pipeline.
Old model on the left, new on the right
The Gewehr has undergone the same process being changed to reflect the characteristics of the weapon. The rifle was renown for being a precision accuracy rifle with great range. Reflecting this is the length of the rifle and its far less chunky and streamlined design with prominent sights. An enlarged bore has been given for intimidation highlighting the deadly nature of the gun.
Before the character models can be skinned and rigged the UVs have to be layed out first. This was completed with little issues although it was noticed that the repeats of the UV texture was higher for the RHA soldier resulting in more squares but overal this does not pose a future problem. Soon enough the other models will also be layed out.
RHA soldier with UVs layed out
Model smoothed
Back of model
Textures for the hair, hat and bandolier layed out
With the next update are a number of models that have been completed which should mark the end of the modelling process. This should cover the more important models as smaller details such as binoculars, matches and cigarettes are to be created at a later date. The first of which is the British service rifle at the time the 'SMLE (Short magazine Lee Enfield) no.1 mk.3'. It is without doubt that there are people who have a basis towards these series of rifles, referring to them as the ‘best rifle’ of WW1 and possibly WW2. I cannot say that I am not without basis. Sometimes called the ‘Smelly’ the rifle is steeped with history and has been used by most if not all British common wealth factions of the two World Wars. In terms of modelling it was kept relatively simple with the most distinct feature being the flat front of the gun.
SMLE model
Side view
Handle for the action on the right side
Right side view
With
the 13 pounder comes the need to supply ammunition. The ammunition was carried
with a limber that had various versions carrying various numbers of shells and
equipment required for the gun itself. In essence the model is a box on wheels
with circular slots for the shells. The shells themselves were also modelled
alongside the spent casing that will play an important part in the animation.
Ammunition limber model with shells
Underside
Back (or front?) of limber with a pole to be attachted to the carriage
Open limber revealing shells
The
final model is the counterpart to the British gun being the German 7.7cm field
gun. When compared to its model counterpart it appears far simpler with a lot less
details.
7.7cm FK (N.A) German gun
View from behind
Side view
Notice the enlarged cannon
While these models appear finish there is some way as changes are still to be made.
With the completion of the bolt and breech the model has been finished. The bullets can be seen beside the weapon to get an idea of size. As the bullet has remained a consistent size it will help properly scale all the other props and characters.
Finished model
Left side
Model from behind
One feature that is not necessary but is there due to the nature of the model is that the weapon can be cycled via its bolt.
Continuing with the modelling of the rifle, further process
has been made complete more details on the weapon. This includes the grip in
the side of the wood, band, muzzle and the start of the breech and action. The
model is nearly complete and only needs to have the remaining action and rear
sights modelled.
The next
model is going to be the ‘Mauser 1898’ which is the small arm that Germany went
into the war with. At the start with the new innovations of the fire arms it
was thought that wars would be fought at great ranges with new high powered cartridges
and longer rifles. However as the war progressed rifles and their accompanying bayonets
got shorter to adapt to the closer encounters. This was also expressed in the
sights as with the adaption of new, pointed ammunition by the Germans
meant that the lowest settings on the sights were for 400m meaning shots would
go well over the target. In terms of the model it is an interesting task as it
involves the more organic curves of the wooden furnishing and metal components.
Modeling has started with the rear lower end of the gun. The parts that are
present are very much complete and now the rest simply have to be modeled.
Mause reciever with trigger guard and bottom mag plate
I hope that everyone has had a good black Friday and bought a Centiq 13 HD so that I could possibly try it out. Either way the MG 08 or ‘Maschinengewehr 08’ has been completely modelled in a simplified rendition. As stated before the model will not be in the lime light for long and so has been made with this in mind.
Finished MG 08 model
Front view
Side view
Changes from the previous update include details on the sled mount, the structure supporting the gun, the receiver itself and a belt. Starting with the belt, it is planned to have this simulate the action of bullets being fed into the gun by having the belt wave around without actually being pulled through. Of course to complete this illusion the end of the belt has to be out of shot and just in case a box that would be holding the fresh cartridges has been modelled but hopefully will not be needed. The receiver itself has had details added such as an extrusion on the left side, a charging handle on the right, sights on top and dual handles at the back. Several spent cases have been left so that they can be ejected from the weapon.
Mauser 8mm (7.92mm) ammo with serveral spent cartidges for the animation
This illusion is quite commonly used in games to save space but is also used now and again for airsoft models. Of course it is obvious the belt is not being fed as the end can be clearly seen not moving.
Gunsight with dual grip below
Charging handle with belt
Underside of the mount
Ejection port of the gun (shot for the animation)
Front legs with fixed feet
As stated before the mount could be used in a sled configuration for easy transport as seen below.
Sled mount folded into the sled position for transport
The MG 08 used at the battle was very likely include a sled mount. Despite looking large it was actually very light weight being made of stamped steel. For the crew who used it the sled would contain all the equipment needed to keep the gun running at an optimal rate. The reason why it is referred to as a sled mount is because the front legs could be swung over the top of the weapon locking at the back (I am planning to demonstrate this at a later date). This turned the mount into a sled for transport.
Model with added sled mount
In terms of modelling alot of these features are unnecessary, in fact the only parts that do have to move is the gun's horizontal axis. The way the mount can be turned into a sled just happens to work due it bring the easiest way to model. Never the less as this is not going to be a fully detailed model certain features have been left out. Two examples include the cut outs along the point which the front legs pivot and the stands at the rear legs. This is because they are not really seen during the animatic.
