North American Aviation X-15 - 3D model of X-15 Pilot

I can create planes, spacecraft and cars and other object, however I'm crap at creating 3D models of 'natural' objects such as humans, animals, trees. It just something that I've struggled with, even drawing them. Guess I don't have the 'natural' draw gene.

However, I've created a *very* basic 3D model of a pilot for the X-15 project. Details such as harness and hands need to be added. Hands could be important ;)

I've also managed to model the Vertical Stabliser pedals in the cockpit, based upon two photos. They are very crude, however it's better than nothing and I'll refine the shape at a later date.

UD-4L Cheyenne Dropship from Aliens, available for download :)

I've uploaded a basic 3D Model of the UD-4L Cheyenne Dropship to my Downloadable Resources page. It's in Wings3D format, which is a free application and can be downloaded from www.wings3d.com.

It is not an exact 3D model, and I've omitted a lot of detail components.

North American Aviation X-15A-2 -Texture space (part 3)

My next problem is I would like to use the existing texture file of the X-15 for the X-15A-2. However I have to add a extra section to the main fuselage. I don't want to re-create or make a new texture file, I just need to alter it.

Draft Texture file

It's a bit like a jigsaw, without the finished picture. I think, for now, I'll move the Wings over to the left and move the landing gear and small details over the the right. However I can take out the other Aircraft number out

North American Aviation X-15A-2 - External Tanks (part 2a)

A 360° movie of the External Tanks for the X-15A-2 3D Model. It would be great if I could add the full 3D model in an embedded browser viewer so you can all rotate,  pan and zoom.

North American Aviation X-15A-2 - External Tanks (part 2)

The riveting process on the X-15 is taking a lot longer then I expected. Meanwhile in the paint booth (Texturing), I've completed the first texture graphic for the 3D Models of the external tanks for the North American Aviation X-15A-2.

I've identified a possible two other 'paint schemes' for the external tanks. Please can anyone else confirm that there are 3 paint schemes or more: The paint schemes I know of are the 'test tanks' (above), the external tanks without the 'colourful' markings (plain metal)  and the one below.

Thanks in advance for any help you provide. :)

North American Aviation X-15 - Riveting

I've now got to a stage were I'm happy with the 3D model and texture of the X-15. Now for the 'Devil in the detail' part, adding the rivets and other surface details. When I've added all these on the texture file, as a separate layer, I'll create the Bump/Normal Map to give an added effect to the 3D model.

I've been looking for a way I can easily add the rivets and surface details on to the texture file. The best way I have found so far, is to use Inkscape to add lines where the rivets are, then change the style of the line to dotted. Then import the texture file in Wings3D, check it, and then return to Inkscape to make any changes and re import if required. So I've been swapping between Inkscape and Wings3D all morning. Multi Monitors are very useful. think I get two large widescreens monitor after this is done!