A Sci-Fi project of mine.

[LouisTH]

Greetings. I am new to this place and have joined because I'm working on a project based on a show that was on when I was a kid. Don't worry, this is not just child's play. There will be some interesting designs I have created that I need your help with.

What I plan to do is to put it up on youtube, newgrounds, and other places that can accept it. And what I need from anyone here is help with creating the animated renderings of the aerospace craft. Now keep in mind that this is a science-fiction tale that takes place 1200 years from now. These vehicles are equally adept inside and outside an atmosphere. So we need to consider that with respect to physics. Also, most of the spacecraft/spaceplanes use nuclear engines rather than chemical ones. Don't worry, these are fusion engines, they are not radioactive. Other than that, there are a lot of other advances similar to aerospace engineering today.

I've never done this before, but at least I drew up the designs for what I want rendered and animated. And a few other people have helped me make them look more realistic.

I do not presently own any of the microsoft flight simulators, but I can change that if it helps. And who knows? I might pick up some of your tricks myself. So if anyone here is interested, please let me know and I'll send more information.

[Travis]

Well, if you're just looking to do some animating and such, you could just pick up Gmax and start working with it.  But I warn you, the learning curve is steep.  And this probably wouldn't be the best place to get advice on something if it doesn't involve FS, since that is the focus.  We generally don't get into the design criteria for other games, let alone stuff that isn't going to enter a sim or game.  I would suggest the forums over at www.turbosquid.com, since they have taken up the torch for Gmax since Autodesk abandoned it some years ago.

Although I'm sure a few of us would be interested to at least see some drawings of what you're planning.  You can post them on here by uploading to the server via the "Upload Images" link near the top of the page.

[LouisTH]

Good to see that the post is a friendly one. And I will keep your advice in mind.

And here are a few pictures.
The origional.
http://louis-the-hedgehog.deviantart.com/art/MAI-F-70-Snake-Eye-37131483
And here is a flash file created by someone else who agreed to be involved in the project.
http://jackroberts.deviantart.com/art/F-70-and-F-50-73668228
Right next to it you can see its rival.

And here is another flash file by the same person.
http://jackroberts.deviantart.com/art/F-70-3-point-view-73181948

Also, what simulators would you recommend that can both include environments that include conditions with and without gravity and airflows?

[Travis]

I don

[LouisTH]

Again, your helpfulness has commanded my respect. But I am looking for something that is substancially realistic in appearance. I'd guess no earlier than 2004 would do. And I'd prefer a high frame rate.

I also want to factor in effects like how there is no flame coming out of a tailpipe in space, but just a glow. I also want to take into effect the weapon systems that can be used inside and outside of an atmosphere as well.

Also, is it possible that digital editing could add in customized backgrounds to enhance realism? Can each frame be touched up in the orbit program?

Again, thanks for the help. I'll see those places you recommended.

[HarvesteR]

from what i gather it appears you're planning on making some type of machinima project, right?

well, if you're looking to have weapons effects, Orbiter or FS will be lacking in that respect...

maybe if you get a game like Tabula Rasa and mod it? (IDK if Tabula Rasa has atmospheres, but you could then mod another game for the atmospheric parts of your project)

but, indeed, SimV might not be the best place to find this kind of help, since we deal with getting models into FS for flightsimming purposes mostly

but good luck with your project, anyhow...

Cheers

[MeekRN]

if you are in space, a brick will fly just as well as a F-22, why make it aerodynamic?

[Travis]

if you are in space, a brick will fly just as well as a F-22, why make it aerodynamic?

What if you want to fly in both space and atmosphere?  IE - SpaceShip One.