I think a negative terrain is a terrain-mesh with the model set to negative in the object-attributes (the model is neutral/normal at default setting). But when using terrains for boolean actions be sure to set it to 'solid' or 'volume' (or however it's called) in the terrain editor.

Hi Maygen, If you mean that after some passes (I think 4) the time is not put on screen when using a high-quality AA-setting, than I think there's nothing wrong. I often have the same happening to my images. My rule of thumb usually is to multiply the last given time (if the clock stops after the 4th pass) with 5 or 6 and you've got the total rendertime of your image most of the time (give or take 15%). But I haven't had any problems because of the clock stopping so I think you will not encounter them either. Bye, Rayraz

Oh I almost forgot to show of the facts around my Meta-alien model. :) Here they are: The alien has +/- 4300 metaballs and 4 spheres. It has a file-size of 81,8 MB. The rendertime on this image was 7:58 hours at normal AA mode on my AthlonXP 1800+. Saving the model takes 15 minutes(!). I think I modelled this alien 2.5 times, because my computer often crashed before I could save. Metaballs seem to be an instable element of Bryce 5 when usen in large numbers. Now let's hope I'll win this challenge :)

Hi, I already thought someone would ask for some facts on this model. :) The alien has +/- 4300 metaballs and 4 spheres. It has a file-size of 81,8 MB. The rendertime on this image was 7:58 hours at normal AA mode on my AthlonXP 1800+. Saving the model takes 15 minutes(!). I think I modelled this alien 2.5 times, because my computer often crashed before I could save. Metaballs seem to be an instable element of Bryce 5 when usen in large numbers. Thanks for your positive response on my work, Rayraz

Hi, Here are some tips: The key-thing in animated explosions is using the 3d-disperse-size-rotate option in the randomizer, but use this several times at different kayframes to add a bit of turbulence. Also if you make just one big slide(with the mouse) at randomizer/3d-disperse-size-rotate makes a very random result. If you make a few little slides in a row before making a keyframe you can create more realistic looking explosions. If it's an explosion in space then using a few hundred to thousands of real tiny sparks according to the size of the explosion can add a really great feeling to the animtation. But make sure to make the spark's movement not too turbulent. As for textures, just keep tying. For firey explosions you should look volumetric random-mapped textures. And for gas-explosions you shouldn't make the textures too complex. I can mail you some textures and even sample-scenes too. If you're making a tunnel-explosion then I'm not able too help you, because I haven't figured out yet how to make that good-looking. I hope this message helps you out. Bye, Rayraz

Hi, looks like a nice image already, is it the final scene? If you mail me the scene I might be able to render it and mail the image back to you. I've had problems like these once with bryce 2 and now I can open the scene without any problems in Byce 5. So there might just be a chance at fixing your scene. Oh, I just think about what the problem can be. Maybe you don't have enough memory left over on your system to load all the terrainmaps. I've had that problem with textures once (I lost textures, because there wasn't enough storagespace on my sysem to store the whole scene. bye, Rayraz my e-mail adress is: rayraz.rv@hccnet.nl

Yeah, great idea, I like fractals! A fractal-forum is the first thing I'd like to see. And a gallery is a great idea too.

Nice idea, a pick-and-choose option. I've thought of that too. I've not posted it in the Community Improvement Ideas Forum, but I think it is a great idea. Maybe it would be nice if there would be other more complex sorts too, like sorting a gallery of a specific artist by rating and comments too. As for your question; I think I saw a picture from the product showcase gallery in the 'all galleries-what's new' yesterday. So if you ask me I think the 'all galleries' show the new product showcase gallery too.

Hi Lyrra, I've seen some nice plants at: http://3dmodelworld.com/3dsmodels4.asp I've got some plants I made myself too, if you give me your e-mail adress I can mail you some plants. bye, Rayraz

My vote goes to "2001 - Centrifuge". It's a nice looking image.