How do I use Bryce to make Models (not animations)

[sum_aar_jam]

Okay I have been having issues here using Bryce and Open FX in creating 3D models so I can make units. All the tutorials here on the forums deal with using existing models and placing animations on them (such as Wyrmshadow's and Polyphemus'). I have read the help menus of those programs and they are of no help.

What I need to know is how to create 3D models. I have the bare minimum basics down by just exploring the programs and I have created the Muffin Tank using Polyphemus's Tutorial. But I need some advanced help like making angles, texturing, etc. I have spent the last week searching for some kind of newbe outline to aid me in the use of these programs so that I can make 3D Models. Can anyone assist? I desire to move past Mod Creations and get into Unit Creation's.

 

[Wyrmshadow]

Look for Bjornlo's Bryce tutorial.
Bryce is NOT a strong modeling program.

 

[Ogedei_the_Mad]

Hikaro also posted a good, straightforward Bryce tutorial for making units.

As Wyrm said, Bryce is not particularly effective for moddeling. It's user-friendly, but it's very limited.

 

[Wyrmshadow]

Or just Google a tutorial elsewhere.

 

[sum_aar_jam]

Okay I'm getting more info on using Bryce. I was just wondering if there was a way on Bryce to change part of the shapes. For example, I am wanting to take the top two points of a 3D cube and slant them inward to create a 45 degree slope on one side of the cube. I'm also wondering how to create curves in Bryce, like how to bend objects like you can in Open FX. To give an idea of what I'm wanting to do, I am trying to create an Asgard O'Neill Class starship, but I am getting stuck on creating the curved wings and the vertical stabilizers.

I know someone will say "Look in the tutorials" Believe, if my eyes could bleed for reading too much, they would and I wouldn't be wasting anyone's time by asking if I hadn't looked in the Tutorial. Its just I'm completely frustrated to the point of giving up unit creation.

And I know that Bryce isn't the first choice, but hey Its free and I can't afford a newer, better program.

 

[Wyrmshadow]

Okay I'm getting more info on using Bryce. I was just wondering if there was a way on Bryce to change part of the shapes. For example, I am wanting to take the top two points of a 3D cube and slant them inward to create a 45 degree slope on one side of the cube. I'm also wondering how to create curves in Bryce, like how to bend objects like you can in Open FX. To give an idea of what I'm wanting to do, I am trying to create an Asgard O'Neill Class starship, but I am getting stuck on creating the curved wings and the vertical stabilizers.

I know someone will say "Look in the tutorials" Believe, if my eyes could bleed for reading too much, they would and I wouldn't be wasting anyone's time by asking if I hadn't looked in the Tutorial. Its just I'm completely frustrated to the point of giving up unit creation.

And I know that Bryce isn't the first choice, but hey Its free and I can't afford a newer, better program.

You can't use Bryce like other modeling programs. The best way you can.. is to use boolean subtraction. Think of a complex shape.... now try to break it apart in your mind into multiple simple shapes... cubes, pyramids, spheres, cylinders.... think of which parts you can take away.. where you can add... all in terms of simple shapes. THAT is the only way to model within the program.

OR... you can go to scifimeshes.com and download an Asgard model.

 

[sum_aar_jam]

Ahhhhh. I was so afraid you were going to say that. I was hoping that I just overlooked it in the Tutorials. Well the way you put it gave me a renewed idea on how to go about modeling. Hopefully I can make it work. Thank you for all your help and advice, Wyrmshadow

 

[Micaelus]

Both Blender and trueSpace are free programs, and, to the best of my knowledge, provide more competent modeling tools. ...Other things to toy around with for what it's worth...

 

[Wyrmshadow]

Yes, I didn't show anything in my videos about actual modeling... its too crude to look at and too tedious to watch. There have been some amazing thing's I've seen online.. but these guys are pros.

Hikaro did a good tutorial on how to use booleans to make a simple cannon model.

 

[TopGun]

Truespace is, once you get acquainted with the non-intuitive graphic interface and iconic menus, a very capable modeling program. I am using it for making various props for my infantry unit projects.