The Modular sci-fi truck, aka The Overlander. 

Obviously these are only quick and dirty screen grabs, but hopefully you can make out some of the details this model will be featuring...

On the inside...
A equipment rack with fire extingusher, first aid kit, comms pack, super-sat nav, books.
Opening Doors plus a middle console and dashboard with lots of knobs and switchy things. 

On the outside...
Opening hatch, number and TIR/Hazchem plates, smoke stack, lights, steps, indicators, grab-up handles and towing hooks. Plus optional emergency lightbar and windscreen grill props.
 
On the back...
Is the clever bit - you get to choose!

This is where the modular payloads will go. You'll load the figure, slap on a MAT pose, and choose a smart prop parented payload.

Basic payloads will include container, tanker style thingy and whatever looks the coolest.
Additional payloads and MAT pose packs will avaliable seperately.

This one won't be free (will be sold here) but the forthcoming 5 or 6 house French Village set will be. 
 

oh and the truck will include furry dice :)

Q1: What software did you use to make this?

Q2: Does it transform into a badass robot? :3

*Q1: What software did you use to make this?
*Carrea 5 pro and an old version of AC3D.  

*Q2: Does it transform into a badass robot?

• Nope. *

As you can see the modelling and mapping of the base truck is now complete.
So while my rigger takes a well earned breather before making the doors/wheel useable, I've created some seam guides.

It does look rather plain and dull right now, or as a friend described tonight something British from the decade fashion forget aka the 1970's:)

But once it has some textures, extra external props like the window cages/racks and most importantly the payloads bunged on it'll be hotter than a personal lapdance from George Bush. 

Though you can see some of the interior cab detail in the 2nd shot.

Also if anyone is up for a small challenge I could do with a little help. I've also got another nice freebie lined, but the truck is packed with stuff and taking a lot of time. So if anyone fancys making some payloads which will be given away free in return for a copy of the final truck and a couple of products, please post and I can provide a base for you to work on.

Starts looking good.

Curently I am working on a freebie myself wich could work as payload.
It is a small tank instalation wich fits on a Dystopia carrie robot but also works as a stand alone.
Maybe I can model a rack where 4 tank instalations can be fit on and conected to create a fuel tanker or fire truck.

Some picture to get a idea.

Sorry for the poor quality of the pictures.

Still busy UV mapping and I found a few glitches in the mesh.
But hey, its all new to me and am still learning

I am also considering to create some attachments for it.

Jesterjuuh - something that would be spot on -actually thats perfect
It's going to be a few days at least before the full model is rigged so keep posting those WIPS and I'll IM you when the truck is ready. sort out swapping files etc etc.

 *"to create a fuel tanker or fire truck".
*Great minds think alike :)

Now I've finished some add on props - stuff like window bars for the "end of the world" version - tonight I'm actually making a start on some payloads. Literally on the back on a envelope - I have sketched out...

• airport style fire truck,

• fuel type tank with windows and pipes so you can hold a monster inside of it.

• shipping container,

-big cage for beasties,     

-a collection of drain type pipes strapped down.

*But hey, its all new to me and am still learning

• I know that feeling :)*

*I've only been 'modelling' modelling for about a month/6 weeks. Started learning about a year ago, then put everything to one side for uni, had the odd play but nothing serious. Now during the looooooog wait  for the results I've started again.  

No problem, I keep the WIP updated here.

Looking over the pictures a few times, I want to add some more details and I can make some fire department textures.

Since I have the base mesh ready, I can start to make a rack for the truck.

I also started modeling for a few months.
I usualy have idea's for images but cant find the right props.
So only one thing is left, making them self  

No problem, I keep the WIP updated here.

Cool.

*Looking over the pictures a few times, I want to add some more details ..

I find a good way of making the detail look good is look at something from the real word - say like a piece of machinery to see how the pipes go or how extra wires have been added overtime. Where the rust is etc etc.

*and I can make some fire department textures.
*Try here for good roylaty free maps..
http://www.cgtextures.com/

Since I have the base mesh ready, I can start to make a rack for the truck.

sounds good
I also started modeling for a few months.
What software ?

*I usualy have idea's for images but cant find the right props. So only one thing is left, making them self  *

LOL

Thanks for the link, looks great 

I use Blender for modeling, its a bit steap to learn at start.
But getting the hang of it a bit, its a great prog to work with.

Ok, here is the first rough render.
Overall it starts to look good, but I have the feeling that the Pump area on the sides of the tanks are a bit bulky.
So I see if I can make them a bit smaller.

Ok, next update..hehe, I think I am getting caried away with the idea :biggrin:

I changed the tank brackets and moved the pump to the back.
I think it looks better now, now the bulky side is gone.

Still a lot of details need to be added, but it gives a rough idea.

Very Nice - that will fit perfectly.

So far at this end today I have completed ...
6  "backs" - where things can sit in/on, 9 assorted boxes for puttng in the backs, 10 add on details like the window side bars and 2 payloads.

Sounds excelent.

I am curently working on the pump area details.
Most things are in now and I changed a few things for a more "industrial" look.

Need to do the wiring, controls and than tidying up for mapping.

Almost finished the detailing.

Added bolts, nuts, lights and flenges.
Last parts that needs to be added are the wiring and main controls and than to next stage.

UPDATE

Finished modeling now.

Curently I am cleaning up the mesh a bit and started on asigning materials.

I think the UV mapping will take a while.

*..started on asigning materials.I think the UV mapping will take a while.

*Tip - learnt the hard way :) - if you name all your objects with logical names like ..front_left_tank or big_pipe_2... you'll find it much easier when you come to mapping it.

Espically if you want some maps to be bigger than others. Figuring out if Pipe14 is a large part or not can be a pain :)*

Ah, good tip  :biggrin:

Especialy for instalations like this...a lot of pipes.

Starting with grouping and naming the parts first than.

And mapping in Blender is a tidious work.
I think I do the rough mapping in Blender and straighten them in LithUnwrap.

At least making BMP maps in LU is easyer.

Theres probably a way to map things in carrea, but I do know it does odd things with material names and groups whern exporting .OBJ's.   

So I give instances and objects the same name, delete all the materials in UV mapper then use a combination of  Lithunwrap and UVmaper to map things correctly.

Works well and even quite complex stuff can be mapped very quickly.   
 

I have both UV mapper and LithUnwrap, so I might look into that and give it a go.

Blender handels groups and materials very well and export it good.

But the UV maping itself is a bit of a task, When unwraping the UV you can get odd results and the map needs straightening out.
It is probably my lack of knowledge so far, but found on the forums that more people have trouble with it.

Well I have mapped the first parts and make some textures for it to see how it looks.

I thought I post a litle update.

I did some first mapping and texturing..but it needs tweaking though.
Asigned most of the materials now.

Still a lot of work needs to be done, but its starting to get shape now

Looking good!

All the modelling and mapping is finally done on the truck, addons and payloads - now texturing over the next few days.   

Quote - heres another WIP - this time a postworked cutaway showing the cabin. 

This is  looking really good!!! .... but ... ummmm..... the steering wheel is on the wrong side:)

Ed

*This is  looking really good!!! ....

• Thanks - taking ageeeees - but good fun.

b*ut ... ummmm..... the steering wheel is on the wrong side:)
Only for those living in the colonys :) LOL

Looks real good.

WIP update.

Finaly finished mapping, Blender gave me a hard time on it but I managed

Curently busy with texturing.
I was thinking to make 3 versions, A comercial, a military and a fire department version.

I found a few glitches wich I can straihgten out later.
No biggy's.

I think that will really make this model work.
 
*A comercial, a military and a fire department version
*So far I have 5 texture sets done - army green, desert yellow, cop, fire and 'dirty'.

My preference when making sci-fi stuff is to towards the more distressed side of things, but I'm hoping John from VP will make some clean shiny highly reflective P6/P7 MAT's, he's better at making those than me :)

At this end. Really under estimated given all the details the time this would take.
John has kindly rigged the figure, all 5 main map sets are complete. 
today I'm turning the addons like window bars into props and hopefully the 'payloads' as well. 

I'm hoping for a weekendish release, but nothing set in stone so far.
when the model is complete I'll IM you so you can download a copy.

They'll be a small competion as before plus if anyone is interested I'm considering doing a 'buy one get one free' offer as well. 

Sounds excelent.

I finish the textures I am working on for now and wait untill the release.

When the truck is released, I can scale and smart prop the tanker for the truck and making matching textures for the ones you have.

I have a full weekend of work so I think I can finish the last bits begin next week.

Sounds like a plan to me :)

At this end everything is now finished, except for the promotional images, so it's been sent for testing. I'm not saying my tester is tough but when a model comes back it usually squeals for mercy :)
 
Once it comes back and I fix any bugs I'll IM you with a download link.

Assuming the promos get finished by today I plan to release the model this weekend.

There'll be a another contest and a BOGOFF offer as well.
But more details on that in the product posting later on today or tommorow.

Jesterjuuh - check  your IM's.

Hello MrSparky,

Thanks for the model, I will try to match, scale and smart prop the tanker today and release it.

Sorry for the late reaction, I had to leave for work and they dont have internet on that location.

I release the tanker with the base texture and wil update the textures later.

I have one day leave and than heading back for another six weeks.

This is one of those moment that I wish that I have a laptop :sad:

I've replied to your IM - and please no rush here. 
Real life is hectic enough :) 

Received the IM, and thanks

Well I found some time to scale and smartprop the tank system and made a quick render.

A few glitches to solve, nothing major and as it looks now I can release it this evening.

Here is the teaser  :biggrin:

Jester - that looks even better now it's on the back of the truck!

Whazizname - thats one idea behind this set using the parts on different models or even as set dressing.

Cool!
Played with the truck yesterday (thank you Mr. Sparky) and can see those excellant tanks are going to make a great addition.
tnt

Thanks for the kind words.

Well I uploaded the prop at ShareCG, so it is ready for download.

I hope I did not make any mistakes becouse I can only corect them in six weeks :blushing:

It is smart proped to the truck and contains the basic textures and shaders.

I will also put it up here on Rosity.

Here is the download link,

[**Tank System

**](http://www.sharecg.com/v/27287/poser/Tank-System)Enjoy :biggrin:

I will update the textures when I get back and release them as a addon.

Hey, great prop for the truck!  Already un-aced the contents to my vehicles runtime.

The only suggestion I'll make is the folder structure.

Right now you've got:
Tank System ->

• Textures
• Libraries

Its not really any issue or inconveniance to unzip the archive into my "E:RuntimeVehicles" folder and then goto the new Tank System folder to move the textures & libraries folders into the actual "E:RuntimeVehiclesruntime" folder.

It just makes it one less step if the structure in the archive is:
runtime ->

• textures
• libraries

then all I do is point winrar to my "E:RuntimeVehicles" folder and it extracts everything into the folder's existing runtime.

Great addon item for the truck!