Model steam engine
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Thanks to all for the constructive comments. My Projects folder is littered with models that became too complex and unwieldy because I always end up putting in more than is needed. Hence the inclusion of the lamp. L i am's suggestion for further modelling is very tempting but would I end up with a de-luxe virtual Meccano set?
Attached renders (two posts) with only the engine and, I hope, a simpler presentation.
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Two more renders
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A short animation of the steam engine using the SU native Scenes and Export animation to image set. A little post processing in Photoshop and saved as a GIF. I did try using Fredo6's Animator and although I could get all the parts to move as required I could not get them to work together in sequence, I think the math involved is a bit beyond me! Anyhow, here it is.
Click on the GIF to view.
A very Happy New Year to all.
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Cool animation and a very nostalgia-inducing model!
I spent many childhood hours constructing various Meccano models, so your SU steam engine invokes a lot of pleasant memories.
Well done! Oh, and Happy New Year!
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Thank you db11, I did try a rendered version but the NVR worked better. I too remember playing with Meccano and realise that it had given me a great start for when I entered the world of work.
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Very cool!
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Thank you Bryan K, maybe this year's project should be improving my maths as well as SU.
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@shawb said:
'Meccano' was, and still is, a very popular construction toy with a large following on the web today. The model shown is based on a design from the 1960/70s. I added a generic oil lamp for illumination. I hope you will enjoy these renders.
Regards to all
Sketchup Pro 2018
SU Podium Pro
Sketchup Texture ClubIf I wanna help pushing your renders to next level I'd add these comments:
Metal part of the lamp need more attention/ reflection ...
Wood bump map is somehow strong.
Glass part of the lamp could be better in 2 ways: A- if you are going to use a thick glass material, then the modle must be based on real world: A thin thickness glass.
B- If you are not going to consider the thickness then apply "thin/architectural" glass template to it.
Fine bevels of the engine model also will rocket up the realism. -
Cool animation!
Curious there is not a builder online like Lego Designer
(who seems also not more existing online)...
http://www.meccano.com -
Majid & Pilou, thank you both for your comments. Yes, the wood texture bump map was a bit too strong and I will try some experimentation with the chimney glass texture.
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Taking on board Majid's suggestions I have done some work on the oil lamp and hope it shows some improvement!
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Very nice, I think you need a dirt map and reduced shine on the lamp body.
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Thanks Mike but I have spent hours with rag and tin of 'Brasso' making it that clean and shiny!
A bit of dirt would be a good next step I agree and, to my mind, the harder look to achieve. I will give it a go when I can.
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Earlier, L i am suggested something 'Meccano' for the steam engine to drive. Here are some rough renders of the stamping press (what I would call it anyway) along with the engine. No driving band as yet or animation.
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Some NPR images of a different engine model with line shaft, stamping press and trip hammer.
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prima! I love it ! 
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Thank you HornOxx. Also, a big 'thank you' to all the contributors to the Forum who provide so much inspiration and sharing of knowledge. I am often humbled by the shear excellence that they produce.
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A fascinating and wonderful piece, nice one.
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Thanks Mike, although I grew up with basic Meccano the steam engines and machines were definitely way out of my reach but I suppose I can have as many as I want now with a bit of Sketchup!
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Those turned out great!
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