To build a scale model in the computer, I try to build the major components using very simple primitives in order to get the scale for all the detailed parts correct faster and easier. I've only done the main tread tops so far (and will be doing a little more work on them). Major components will be first, details will be second, paint job will be last. Lighting was done with skylight set to white, 80% and one bulb light set off to the side with GI Rendering, 8 pixel accuracy on indirect lighting. 1280X1024 render was 40 minutes. The final image will be lit similarly but using a light sphere and environmental lighting to get the shadows correct. I'm donating a full computer day or two to rendering studies on that one. -Kix

-Kix