Jadz928

I've been talking about modelling the exterior of the 928 for some time, and finally got some real drive to do it. I'm going to do the later body style for now.

The end mission is to be create renderings and animations with a high level of photorealism.

Could you fine folks help me pull together pertinent documentation?

First, here's what I have:
A real S4
All primary dimensions, ie wheel base etc.
Project 928 Book
The CAD model Andrew Olson found
And this,


What I need is:
As much profile data as I can find. Similar to the side profile pic above. Or front views, top views... pics are good too, but they have to be straight on shots.

If anyone with CAD experience is interested in helping out, there are alot of detail parts to be modeled. Wheels and tires, headlamps, fog/driving lamp, windshield wipers, etc. If you have interest, PM me so we can discuss terms.

I'll be modeling it in native Solidworks 2007. I have no problem importing parts from other CAD.

Let's see if this project can grow legs.... thanks!

testarossa_td

The phonies have been modeled(I know you are doing a later model).
There have been a few 44 models done, so probably have flag mirrors as well.

Try here:Link
Here

And many more out there I am sure...just not the later model.

86'928S MeteorGrey

I would like to help. How detailed are you going to go? Working doors? Working *****, handles, and switches? Are you intending these models for photos only, or do you have animation in mind? When you model the body, model it without the bumper covers. This way I can work on the bumper covers for the OB... I'm using SW 2009, but I can save my models as an IGES or a parasolid, and you can convert them to a swpart file. I currently have the bumper cover off the front of my car, so I could take some side profile photos if you want them.

Jadz928

I'm thinking a more modern wheel which looks good and is easy to model. Something like the 18" CIII.

Thanks for the link. Ultimately, would like to model the GTS mirrors, but the flags would work well as a placeholder for the time being.

Detailed enough for exterior 360 images to be very realistic. Wheels, tires, brakes calipers, rotors, wipers, mirrors, exhaust tips, spoilers, glass and trim, door handles, right down to the Porsche crest. I may omit the headlight squirters...

As to what will work re doors etc... time will tell. For the doors to look right open will require to model the door panels. I'm going to consider the interior as a seperate project, and if someone wants to take that on, have at it.

When I say animation, I referring more to moving a camera around the car, and maybe making the headlamps pop up and light.

I'd say the level of quality will be very high. Knowing that I can cut some corners and use a little visual trickery where applicable. And some aspects won't require as much details as others, similar to a 1:18 scale model.

Regarding working in conjunction to do the OB, no problem. Everything between the front and rear facias is basically the same, so that should work.
I more than likely will make sense to model the rocker sill covers seperately, so that shouldn't be a problem.

I can consider SW2009, but am concerned it may be a pig. Plus, I don't have it at home yet. In the meantime, parasolid, STEP, IGES would work. We can get into those details via PM or phone.

Thanks for considering helping. I understand how many other priorities will take precedent. I consider this a really on-the-side type project and intend to whittle away at it. Just got to get it started....

Jadz928

Just to give an idea of photrealistic.
I did that semi on a really low budget so the level of detail is so so.
I modeled the wheel for a '57 Belair concept car while working for DOD (read sleep or model, lots of time)

Kore928

Nice work, Jim. I'm a newbie to CAD. Just draw 2-D rite now.

Jadz928

FWIW, I'll be able to get the basic body shape roughed in easily. The real work is in the details. That is why I'm asking for your help. If we split everything into smaller details and bring it all together... the whole piece will be much better and easier.

I will manage the project and coordinate with everyone involved.

Ultimately, everyone involved will has access to all native and/or import data.

Hopefully, everyone will benefit. If someone needs a color study done. See what their 928 would look t=like with this or that. We'll just model it up and send them a rendering. Cool possibilities here.

Jadz928

3D CAD is often 2D based. There is alot of work on the front end with 2D. I need help in laying out profile and taking ALOT of measurements.

Anyone with a napkin, pen, and tape measure could lend a hand. LOTS of measurements!

sty3x

What software are you using I used make 3d models with 3d Studio max

Jadz928

My choices were Solidworks and ProEngineer. I chose SW because it's a little more forgiving when free-form is desire with less emphasis on engineering.

This is a "reverse engineering" in a sense. It's not necessary for the geometry to absolutely accurate, and once it's done, no reason to make major changes.

Could you tell me more about the basis of 3Dstudio max? What's it's Kernel... is it mesh or nurb?

sty3x

I wasn't a high end animator or nothing I worked on a mod for a game called Battlefield 1942

S4ordie

Jim et.al, - this is a really great thing. Never an engineer or designer, I worked in the CAD industry for many years, PTC, SDRC, Dassault, on the data management side (Windchill, Metaphase, MatrixOne, respectively). I no longer work in that realm but I have an appreciation for what can be done with some general modeling. This holds much promise and benefit.

Please be sure to model the interior as well as there are many of us who would love to be able to do some interior color design work. At present Paul Champagne and I are trying to design a new interior for my S4 (currently all black). It is hard to see in my mind some of the things (colors combinations) Paul is suggesting. Considering the cost of a full redo of the interior I would gladly pay someone a couple of hundred bucks if they could mock up several different color/texture combos so I could see them now during the design phase instead of possibly having regrets about it later.

Sounds like a sweet little side business to me if you could do this - if not through CAD perhaps some Photoshop capabilities. Regardless, I think this is something others would be interested in.

Jadz928

Word. The reason I can't consider the interior as primary is because the shapes and textures would be far too time consuming to me.
The texture of "soft goods" is difficult to replicate by me. Not to say it cannot be done, or incorporated into the "whole package".
I agree it would serve of value, similar to seeing your paint colour, or wheel choice on the car before "ripping the cord" (old 13B term).
I would like to get it there someday, but for now am suffice to just get it started. Lets see where it goes....

Did I mention it would help to take some measurements, lay them down on a piece of paper, scan it and send to me... anything really.
Just a relative arc or line here and there. Save me from running down to the car in the garage.

86'928S MeteorGrey

I started out long ago with Lightwave 3D on an Amiga computer. Then went to TrueSpace3D on the PC. I also messed with 3D studio Max, and Maya. It was all animation at first. Then I got into modeling parts and drawings for manufacturing and production. At first I was using my animation software, and finally got my hands on Solidworks. I had my choice of ordering a seat of Pro Engineer or Solidworks. I got demo versions of both, and Solidworks was an easy choice due to feature integration and intuitive use. I've done work for lots of different clients, and have been in the Research & Development field for almost 20 years. I've mostly designed and developed products for the military, security, and firearms markets.

testarossa_td

That's the problem. I would have loved to play more with the 3d.....spent the money and then got married...there went the time. Then I got solidworks LOVED IT went to some classes in Dallas...no time.

Maybe one day. Maybe one day...