3D or not to 3D
I simply couldn't resist chiming in on this post. My newfound hobby is model railroading and I have for the past 6 months watched, read, and collected everything I can get my hands on. Yes, I am a newbie and no, I am not a master modeler. However I am observant and one thing glaringly apparent is the fantastic skills, knowledge of, and talent for modeling some people have. Many are represented on this very forum. What you do is by any definition an art form and, unfortunately for me, demonstrates far greater artistic capability than I know I will ever achieve. I can have only the utmost respect for you and what you create. Thus it is no surprise you so vehemently defend your turf when a radical departure from the long established norm is introduced such as in the case of computer train modeling.
But... to say computer modeling is not modeling is simply not a valid statement. No, it isn't brass and styrene but rather it is keystrokes and mouse points. And just like traditional modeling the raw materials, be them sheets of brass or sequences of keystrokes, are of little value until a talented artist forms them into something amazing.
Last year in my day job I was asked by the company to familiarize myself with 3D modeling. The suits had seen it used effectively in sales and marketing communications elsewhere and wanted to have the ability to do the same in our company. They investigated the cost of using an outside vendor and decided it was way too expensive. I work in the marketing department and have for years produced creative content for our company communications - videos, print, presentations, etc. So, they figured let's get Alan to do it and save some money. After all, he knows Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere and After Effects like the back of his hand so how difficult could it possibly be for him to learn 3D? Being naive I thought the same when they asked it of me. Sure I said. How tough can it be?
Fast forward to today. Gentlemen, take a look at the web page for Autodesk 3DS Max. It is a professional computer modeling program. For over 18 months I have labored away trying to become proficient with it. I am being paid to do so. From a complexity standpoint compared to say Photoshop, 3DS Max is like comparing an Athearn BB to a scratch built brass Challenger. I am well past the "this keystroke does this" and "this button does that" stage and have reached a point where creative artistic ability has come into play. As I stated before, I am no master modeler. I now realize my lack of artistic ability is impeding my ability to create convincing 3D models.
So, if computer modeling is not modeling then why is my lack of modeling skills slowing my 3D advancement? Take a look:
. Over a hundred hours to produce what in the professional 3D world is equivilent to a Tyco triple dome tank car! Just as you start with basic materials I start with a blank screen. Unlike you, I know the technical specifics but lack the "knack".I grant you that Trainz is relatively amateur 3D modeling. It is supposed to be. It is designed to have fun with without a steep learning curve. In fact it can be enjoyed with no 3D modeling work at all thanks to downloads (someone else's modeling work). But, it is modeling nonetheless. Perhaps one day a Trainz "modeler" inspired on by your comments will evolve their skills into a fantastic professional 3D modeling career and find work creating the next generation of hyper-real model railroad components that you yourself will assemble into something amazing.
It may not be your style of train modeling but it surely is train modeling. At least they aren't frittering away their time playing Legend of Zelda!
Thanks for allowing me time on my soapbox,
-a
