Modeling Vehicles in Maya

Model a fully detailed Shelby Cobra automobile using both polygon and NURBS techniques.

Introduction

• Welcome
• Using the exercise files

1. Preparing Maya for Modeling

• Setting up Maya for modeling
• Using Blinn materials for modeling
• Understanding surface normal direction

2. Modeling Based on Scan Data or a Digital Sculpt

• Importing a scanned or sculpted model
• Preparing the mesh for remodeling
• Snapping polygon vertices to the concept car
• Extruding polygons

3. Modeling Based on Reference Images

• Gathering reference images
• Setting up image planes
• Modeling with image planes
• Blocking out the basic shape
• Using a photo reference to complement blueprints
• Adding a back image plane
• Blocking out the back end
• Finishing the front-end blockout

4. Modeling Complex Curvature

• Tweaking the model
• Using Smooth Mesh Preview
• Making sharp creases

5. Refining the Body Shapes

• Cutting out the hood, door, and trunk
• Adjusting the separate panels
• Forming the hood air intake
• Mirroring a model
• Making vent holes

6. Modeling the Wheels

• Making one section of tire tread
• Duplicating the tire tread
• Bending the tread into a circle
• Beveling the edges of tread detail
• Making the rims
• Blocking out the rims
• Detailing the rims
• Finishing the rims
• Modeling the hub
• Referencing the wheel in the car scene

7. Modeling the Interior

• Modeling the seats
• Creating curves for the piping
• Extruding the piping
• Editing the NURBS curves
• Creating the dashboard
• Blocking out the steering wheel
• Duplicating steering wheel parts
• Combining the steering wheel parts
• Finishing the steering wheel
• Modeling the shifter
• Making the flexible shifter guard
• Modeling the screw head

8. Modeling the Finishing Touches

• Making the roll bars
• Using bump maps to create headlight detail
• Starting the exhaust pipes
• Making the curved exhaust pipes
• Modeling the windshield
• Making the windshield frame
• Cutting out the gas cap indentation
• Making the gas cap
• Making rivets
• Duplicating rivets along a path
• Mirroring models: Advanced tips
• Examining the finished Shelby Cobra

Conclusion

• Next steps