Simply Lightwave - Mastering Hard Surface Modeling - M4 Tank

In this 29 hour long project we build a realistic replica of an M4 Sherman tank. Using both polygon and subpatch modeling techniques we create all the different parts of the tank, such as the turret, guns, hatches, wheels and tank treads that can be animated. As it's one of the longest tutorial ever produced in LightWave, and the model is so highly detailed, we recommend it to artists with some prior modeling experience.

Lesson 1: Cutting up reference images and modeling begins

Lesson 2: Blocking out the base model

Lesson 3: Blocking out the base model continues

Lesson 4: Creating the first piece for the tank treads

Lesson 5: Creating the linkage piece for the tank tread

Lesson 6: Continuing on the modeling of the tread link and tread

Lesson 7: Modeling the sprocket

Lesson 8: Modeling the wheels

Lesson 9: Creating the wheel bracket

Lesson 10: Continuing to add details to the wheel bracket

Lesson 11: Adding bolts and other details for wheel support

Lesson 12: Continuing to add parts for wheel support

Lesson 13: Finishing the wheel support components and mirroring

Lesson 14: Creating the transmission cover bracket and back wheel

Lesson 15: Making adjustments to the wheel area to align surfaces

Lesson 16: Adding detail to the lower front body of the tank

Lesson 17: Adding detail to the lower front body continues

Lesson 18: Rounding out edges and creating quads

Lesson 19: Modeling the upper body of the tank begins

Lesson 20: Adding detail to the upper body of the tank

Lesson 21: Creating the two box pieces and cutting holes for guns

Lesson 22: Cutting out more details and rounding out edges

Lesson 23: Creating additional parts for the front of the tank

Lesson 24: Modeling the port doors

Lesson 25: Adding details and fitting the doors on the tank

Lesson 26: Creating the flaps and main light at the front

Lesson 27: Detailing the light bracket and gun barrel

Lesson 28: Modeling the loop around the gun barrel

Lesson 29: Modeling the turret and surrounding railing

Lesson 30: Adding detail to the turret and starting to cut out the door

Lesson 31: Adding detail to the turret continues

Lesson 32: Creating the rectangular shape at the front of the turret

Lesson 33: Cutting out the other shapes at the top of the turret

Lesson 34: Cleaning up poles and edges to get quads

Lesson 35: Cleaning up poles and edges continues

Lesson 36: Smoothing surfaces and sharpening edges

Lesson 37: Adding viewports and hatchet door to the turret

Lesson 38: Detailing the hatchet door

Lesson 39: Finishing the details on the hatchet door and viewports

Lesson 40: Rounding out edges of the tank body

Lesson 41: Rounding out edges and adding small parts to the tank

Lesson 42: Adding rivets, brackets and hinges

Lesson 43: Modeling the machine gun port and canon inset piece

Lesson 44: Creating the window hatchet on the side of the turret

Lesson 45: Starting to create the parts for the back of the tank

Lesson 46: Continuing on the back of the tank

Lesson 47: Continuing on the back and adding more parts

Lesson 48: Welding edges and rounding out corners

Lesson 49: Final tweaks and finishing off the tank

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