3D Transport Model (Report)

3D Transport Model - What I Did.
To be able to make a 3D model, I needed to use an application that had this functionality. Google Sketchup is a 3D modelling application and is also very easy to use. The layout is very easy to work in and the functions of the application are also very understandable.


Above, you can see the Toolbar that can be found inside the Google Sketchup Application. From left to right, the functions are, draw, create square/rectangle, create circle, create arc, create component, eraser, guide/measuring tape, fill/colour, push/pull face, move object, rotate object, Offset Tool, Orbit around Object, Pan, Zoom and zoom extents. The next three are linked to Google Earth and the last two are for retreiving and sharing 3D models with the 3DWarehouse.

I used the majority of these tools for various parts of my Model, I started out first by making the Train Track. For this, I used the rectangle Tool, drew out the base of the track, then I used the Guide tool to measure accurate spaces between each Wooden Track supports which was made into a 3D shape with the Push/Pull Tool. After the track was laid out the way I wanted it, I used the colour tool to make the tracks looks like normal tracks and convert them into a 3D component using the Component Tool.

Next, I began the structure of the Train by measuring out, with the guide tool, accurate spaces for the wheels. I then used the Push/Pull Tool to extrude the wheels for the 3D effect. After i made my wheels, I began to make the basic box structure of my Model with the rectangle tool. I then got the Arc Tool and started to make the arc-like roof. I then used a combination of tools, line, arc and rectangle tools to create the outside design complete with a door and windows. I then used the colour Tool to colour the inside and outside of the train before i proceded to making the interior.

On the Google Sketchup Website, there are a number of bonus packs available for download in addition to the application, these bonus packs give you more components and textures than the standard version of Sketchup. These bonus packs are also in addition to the large number of other models on the 3DWarehouse Website.

To be able to add various components, I needed to use a number of tools, especially for making the objects the correct size and placed in the correct location facing the correct way. Firstly, I would add a component by either;

A) Choosing a component from the 3Dwarehouse using the Get Models Function.
B) Going to the Window Menu and then clicking on Components, this then opens a dialog box from which you can navigate through all your installed Models/Components.

Then I would place the object inside the train, use the guide tool to position it accurately, rotate tool to rotate it in the correct direction, move tool to move it into the final position and possibly scale each component if it is too small by going to the Tools Menu and selecting Scale.

After I have placed all my pre-assembled components in place, I now need to custom make my engine room using the rectangle tool, guide tool, push/pull tool and colour tool. After all that is done, I have a finished Model. Also, for the see through door and windows, etc, I used the transparent colour scheme from the textures available in the Colour Tool.