During that time i thought back on what i love. Then i remembered my passion for steam trains and the railway in general. While i want to use this subject along with skills as a compositor i realised i will need to build not only a 3d model of a train but the carriages, rails, etc.
While this does seem daunting i feel it could be a challenge that could truly expand my skills and give me a better understanding of my workflow and how to effectively make a scene look as high quality as possible.
Because i will be working with a Train i am hoping to incorporate its construction and animation into my 3D Computer Techonolgies Modual while also using any research from Research Practice to work out the engineering and look of any of the models.
So far i have decided on the Engine that I want to use, which is an LNER Gresley V2 2-6-2 Prairie Class "Green Arrow" 60800. Here it is pictured below:
This model will be very complex but it will be one of the most ambitious models i have ever created. I have also been able to get hold of the original blueprints and a lot of reference material about the history of the green arrow and its workings. Also the train itself is still around at the National Railway Museam in York. So if i required i can go take a closer look at the actual train and get an idea of size, look, texture and even what angle it would look best at.
The train itself has also been made into a 1:76 scale model by the minatures company Bachmann, who make several model railway trains, track, etc. Using a model of the Green Arrow i will also be able to look at details from every angle. This is the model i have to help with construction and animation of the train:
Since i also want to use the CGI engine for my final project this model train will also be used for Minature set Sequences which will allow me judge the lighting and color of the engine much easier.
The final aim i have for this model is to have it made to a cinematic level and also have it rigged so it can be animated for the final project i intend to use it for.
So far the main problems i have run into have been getting the original blueprints of the locomotive but i was able to see the microfilm of its design at the NRM. Also using a book I found recently "Green Arrow a Profile" I was able to find every technical detail i needed on the 60800. Also the following link goes through the history of the green arrow and its technical specifications: http://www.lner.info/locos/V/v2.shtml
A new problem that i have been facing is animation of the locomotives wheel motion. While researching i discovered that the wheels move via the "Walshaerts" motion. This is still being researched in depth but i was able to find a few examples of this gear in motion:
The A1 "Tornado" Train (The green arrow was used as a base design for this engine): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0w06rSXTYg&feature=related
A model of the Walschaerts Gear in motion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kk9nbmrKXbI
A 3ds max Simulation of a Walschaerts Gear: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7B-gb0hQ8A&feature=related
The last problem I will be facing for this model is making any steam elements for the train. This is gonna be researched for the next 2 weeks and will also be part of my Research Practice modual. Hopefully once i understand the train i'm working with it will become much more easier. Next update will be in a Week on the 10th October.
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