using moray

[Atraikius]

Taera - Only the inner coppy of the model is black to block the light from the point source inside the object, with the cut outs matching the ones on the main model so it looks like lights are comming from inside the ship without messing up the texturing of the outer model.

[ZeroAdunn]

Also, another helpfull hint: You can put CGS's (mainly differences) inside of other Differences.

[Taera]

Atrakius: never used a black inner copy.
ZA: correct, i often have an intersection in a difference in a difference in a difference in a difference in a merge

[ZeroAdunn]

Really? The most I have ever used is four differences inside eachother....

[Atraikius]

Taera - it was idea I got from the Star Fleet Command 2 models - since POV considers models hollow unless you give them a material instead of texture, I tried using a glass for windows with a light point source in the middle of the model - except that the light inside lights up more than just the windows. Had to place a duplicate of the model at something like .999 scale that was just black to block the light from going where I didn't want it. It gives the model some neat lighting effects - like how the Enterprise has the light shining on its hull number - and can make some interesting effects by using odd colors. Pain and too time consuming - easier to just make a window object the same way and just put the light source in the object - haven't had it look as nice though. My biggest problem has been that I don't want to go back and redo all of the models I already made, leaving me three more partially completed shipsets without the lights before I get around to finishing the first one with them (first one will probably be the BFG Imperials, unless I get sidetracked by the Necrons)

[Chronon]

Taera, ZA, and Atraikius - Thanks for a fascinating discussion of the possibilities of Moray.

I was just going through the basic tutorial with the sphere, floor and basic marble texture Last night. I have to admit it all seems very complex to this newbie. How long have you all been working with Moray? I'm just trying to figure out how long it might take an artistically challenged person like me to create something that looks remotely like a ship (forget the windows!)...

[Atraikius]

I really don't use Moray all that much, every time I try to learn how to use it better, I end up going back to POV-ray because its easier for me to do what I want. Only thing I really use Moray for anymore is making textures (then I still end up going back to POV-ray when I start working out texture maps that are made of other texture maps).

[tokche]

thanks for all this discussion this is great for us moray newbies!

[Taera]

Your welcome. i glad to be of any help to beginner artists, because i've seen far too many people saying "i cant draw a &#%$" only to create good races.

i have been using Moray for the past five years.
I have learned to create good ships during the second year, but this is only because i didnt have almost any information sources and didnt think to look into the tutorials.

Atraikius: are you familiar with the option known as "Interior" for textures? it can create some interesting things.
I also use duplicated with different textures than the top ones to make windows have "glass".
I can drop you a mail with two variations of windows on ships, or you can go to http://universalshipyards.tripod.com and look at TechnoLogic and Taera racestyles.

[ October 31, 2002, 20:33: Message edited by: Taera ]

[Atraikius]

Only a little familiar with interior - mostly have used it on glass objects and for smoke.