Hi everyone -

I've run into a dilemma that I could sure use some help with. I'm modeling an airplane and I'm working on the texture maps now. All is gooing good except for the engines. They're cylindrical, slightly tapered at the leading end where the propellers will go. Unfortunately, the computer I'm typing on right now doesn't have the model, so I can't do a screen capture, but I made a drawing in paint that shows the shape of the engine. Ideally, I'd like to map it so that it looks like a scroll that's been unrolled and is lying flat. But I can't seem to get the map right...

The part of the engine where the diameter is uniform, I have mapped just fine. But it's the leading end of the engine, where it tapers slightly, that i can't get the map right. It's stretched and messy looking. I'm not sure what settings I should apply to get the map correct. I've done this before on a different model, and I got it right.... but completely by accident! I can't remember if I mapped it cylindrically, or planar and from what axis, and ..... well, I'm sure you get the picture. I messed with different settings for hours and still couldn't get it right.                                                            If anyone else has ever mapped something like this, and can clue me in, as to what settings I need to apply to get it right, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks -

Steve

Here's the link to my freebies:   https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/?uid=493127

"I can't stand it when people pointlessly repeat themselves. I can't stand it. I really can't!!"

Can you send the engine to me at uvdan@renderosity.com?  I think interactive mapping mode is what you need.  Both parts mapped separately.  I will check it out and get back to you if you send me the model.  Are you still working in Wings3D?

If mapped separately you can pull the map to eliminate stretching while using the color texture checker.  You will easily see how the two pieces line up and can match them up.

Free men do not ask permission to bear arms!!

Yes, still working in Wings. I followed the tutorial you created last year that discussed cylindrical mapping, and I couldn't get it to map correctly. I'll send you the model later this morning when I can get on my home computer (I'm at work right now).

One thing I should mention, is the layout of the model, and it may or may not be relevant to the issue. The plane is a twin boom design - see the picture here - and when I made the model, I only created one material zone called "Engines", and  assigned it to both of the engines. On a similar model I made earlier this year of the same type of plane, I made two material zones called "RightEngine" and "LeftEngine" and assigned them accordingly. Like I said, I don't know if that has anything to do with it, although I suspect it might.

Like I said, I'll get the model to you a couple hours after I get home. 

Thanks for the help,

Steve

Here's the link to my freebies:   https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/?uid=493127

"I can't stand it when people pointlessly repeat themselves. I can't stand it. I really can't!!"

Is that the model from ShareCg pictured here?  I have the engines and will get back to you later.

Free men do not ask permission to bear arms!!

Sounds good - No, that's just a photo of a plastic model of one I found on the internet. I use it for reference for scale, paint scheme, etc.

Here's the link to my freebies:   https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/?uid=493127

"I can't stand it when people pointlessly repeat themselves. I can't stand it. I really can't!!"

Is this the sort of thing you're talking about?  I created a quick-and-dirty model in Nendo, and then mapped in using a new version of UVMapper Pro.

Note: I'm sorry it's taking me so long to get the new version released, my regular job (and life in general) has been keeping me very busy.  The code is mostly comlpete but I need to update the documentation, etc.  I'll try and make the time to get this done soon.

Steve

That looks real sweet Steve.  Nice to have you back.  That is very similar to what is going on.  I look forward to the new version and hope it will be compatable with XP Pro 64 bit.

Arrowhead42 I am going to do a video tutorial starting tonight on mapping the major components of the airplane.  There are many opportunities on this model for me to show people how to isolate and select and group parts.  I will probably end up making several videos as I am anticipating this being too big of an undertaking to just put on one.

Free men do not ask permission to bear arms!!

Sounds good Dan - I'm flattered that you want to use my model!

Steve, that's way I want the map to look.... like an unrolled scroll. Very easy to create quality textures with a map like that!

Here's the link to my freebies:   https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/?uid=493127

"I can't stand it when people pointlessly repeat themselves. I can't stand it. I really can't!!"

Here is the tut.  Please download to your hd in 720P to watch.

Free men do not ask permission to bear arms!!

Is this the same model you have as a freebie download?

Free men do not ask permission to bear arms!!

No, this one is an updated version. It's actually all brand new. I was never completely happy with that one, so I built a brand new one from the ground up.

Thanks for the tut, by the way. Downloading now, and I'll take a look later today. Right now I have to go and start picking up hurricane supplies.... forecast says that Tropical Storm Isaac will be a hurricane by late weekend, and it will likely move right into my area. In fact last night's outlook had it coming ashore Wednesday, right in my hometown! I hope it changes direction before then!

Thanks again, Dan! You're the best!

Steve

Here's the link to my freebies:   https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/?uid=493127

"I can't stand it when people pointlessly repeat themselves. I can't stand it. I really can't!!"

Stay safe and good luck!

You're welcome and good luck.

Free men do not ask permission to bear arms!!

Hi there Dan - Well, I finally had the chance to watch the tutorial and it's awesome! What I worked on a few days ago for several hours - unsuccessfully, I might add - I had done in 20 minutes watching the video you put together. I can't say thanks, enough! This is without a doubt my most ambitious model yet, and without being able to get the textures mapped correctly, it wouldn't be worth anything. So I spent a few hours today getting all the other maps for it laid out as well, and now I can get to work on the actual textures. Very cool!

Oh, and I have to ask.... I'm assuming that's your voice on the video, correct? If so, your voice is an exact match, to my ear anyway, of a local talk radio show host who does a morning show in my small town. You don't moonlight as a talk radio show host in northwest Florida do you? I doubt it, but when I say the voice is a match, I'm not kidding! Wow!

Take care and I'm very much obliged for the tutorial!

Steve

P.S. The tropical storm/hurricane missed us, but we still had a windy day yesterday... slight damage to the fence at my house, which I have to fix up after work today. And a few inches of rain. Could have been much worse here, but I sure feel bad for the folks in the Biloxi and new Orleans areas.

Here's the link to my freebies:   https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/?uid=493127

"I can't stand it when people pointlessly repeat themselves. I can't stand it. I really can't!!"

You're welcome. No I do not moonlight on the radio.  I hate the sound of my voice and cannot imagine it coming out of a radio at people.  I intend to finish the rest of the tutorial, but have been busy with Real Life®.  I am glad the hurricane missed you, but too bad about the fence.  Did you run down to the beach and see if any doubloons washed up?

Free men do not ask permission to bear arms!!

No, the beaches are all but closed. They're probably open again by now, but I'll have to go down there sometime soon and see I can find of those doubloons! You never know what you'll find washed up after a storm around here....

Here's the link to my freebies:   https://www.renderosity.com/mod/freestuff/?uid=493127

"I can't stand it when people pointlessly repeat themselves. I can't stand it. I really can't!!"