Major - reflective statement

It has been three years and if I am honest I do not know how I feel. From a technical standpoint I found almost all aspects of using Maya and Photoshop an incredibly challenging yet enjoyable task to be completed from texturing, rigging to animation. I feel that I have managed to acquire some skill and work flow around these areas. However there are still large gaps in the work that I have made in terms of design and animation. This was down to poor management of time, something which I regret. There were many features that I wanted to implement such as swaying grass that reacted to the explosion, extra particle effects for dust, smoke and debris, fluid smoke being vented from the gun when the breach was opened leaving a trail from the ejected casing and so much more.
By choosing this project and narrative it was important to me that I gave the story and its people the respect and justice it deserved. To me the tone, emotions and ending note had to be correct. One aspect that was central to joining the animation course was the ability to tell a story and I am more than glad that I have been given the opportunity and resources to do so. Around the minor project I had left a large amount of work that had to be completed which arguably is still not complete. My tutors have imparted invaluable knowledge, messages and morals. I regret not spending more time to communicate and develop further as a student alongside my peers.
The project overall has proven difficult and stressful. It has shown that I still have a long way to go before I reach a 'professional' standard be it in time management, communication, graphic design or technical know-how.
If I were to restart this project I would make myself transparent, and communicate more regularly alongside coming in more often. I would address the issue of design and ensure more time could be devoted to the 'art of' and animation.

Major Submission 13/05/19

Minor Project - Submission

2nd pass with minor changes to text and frames

Minor Project - Rifle Models, 08/12/18

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.

New Gewehr 1898 model

Model from the side

Minor Project - Character UV, 08/12/18

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 

German soldier layed out

Front of model

Back of model

Minor Project - Model Update 28/11/18

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.

Minor Project - Mauser 1898 Model, 19/11/18

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.

Breech group

Side view

Minor Project - Mauser 1898 Model, 18/11/18

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.

Gewehr 1898 model

Model from behind

Model's muzzle and band

Uncomplete action and breech