This is my first ever 3D model I've made so constructive critisism is greatly appreciated.

Latest (very large) Images and videos:

View YouTUBE video http://youtube.com/watch?v=xwuO6MiKV-w

I am hoping to have this released on the 18th of november. This car will be drivable when it's done and will have a range of colours which you will be able to switch between with the skin changer tool.

Colour List:

Red
Orange
Black
White
Silver
Blue
Purple
Yellow with green stripes (EP2 car replacement)

I have a range of sounds I could use for it when it's drivable, here are some samples:

First: Download it here.
Second: Download it here
Third: Download it here

Also when this model is complete i'm thinking that i will make a 500 version and a Daytona version as well, there may also be a custom version.

I have also made a list of vehicles that I would like to model if everything goes well with the Dodge Charger. I probably won't make all of these vehicles so just bear that in mind, it depends on whether I can find blueprints and good reference pictures. I will only model cars which I have a need for, I won't just model one for the fun of it or because it was requested. Any models I do make will be made because I want them for a film or other project.

I am not taking any more requests, so don't ask any more.

Car models:

TVR Sagaris
Ferrari 355
Ferrari 430
Ferrari 550
Ferrari 599
Jaguar XK or XKR
E-Type Jaguar
Ford Bronco
Dodge Ram
Dodge Ramcharger
Dodge Challenger
Plymouth Barracuda
Pontiac GTO
Porsche 997
AC Cobra
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Chevrolet Bel Air
Chevrolet El Camino
Bugatti Royale
Cadillac Eldorado
Buick Grand National
Hummer H3T
1935 Auburn Speedster
Mustang Boss 429
Plymouth Fury
Plymouth Road Runner
Dodge Magnum
Hudson Hornet
Wiesmann Roadster
Lincoln Continental (One of the old ones)
GM 'Fishbowl' Bus
Rolls-Royce Phantom
Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé
I may also do an older Rolls-Royce but I haven't decided on a specific model yet
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204)
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Mercedes-Benz C216
Mercedes-Benz W463
Mercedes-Benz W221
BMW Z8
BMW M3
BMW M5
BMW 8 Series
BMW X5
Audi R8
Audi RS4
Pagani Zonda
Ascari A10
Koenigsegg CCX
Ford GT
Nissan GTR
Aston Martin DB9
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Land Rover Range Rover
Ford Thunderbird
AMC AMX
AMC Javelin
Chevrolet Chevelle
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Non car related models:

Aérospatiale Gazelle
Westland Lynx
Bell 407
Bell 412
Bell 427
Bell 429
Bell 430
Eurocopter EC120 Colibri
Eurocopter EC130
AgustaWestland AW119
SH-3 Sea King
MD Helicopters MD 600
Southern Pacific Lima Works GS-4 '4449'
London North Eastern Railway Doncaster Works Class A3 '4472 Flying Scotsman'
Union Pacific Alco FEF-3 '844'
Union Pacific Alco Challenger '3985'
Union Pacific Alco BigBoy
New York Central Alco Niagara
New York Central Alco Hudson
Santa Fe Baldwin Northern '3751'
Santa Fe Baldwin Texas '5000 Madame Queen'
Norfolk and Western Roanoke J-1 '611'
I may also do an assortment of rolling stock including 'Heavyweight' and 'Streamline' coaches.

Cars that have been requested:

Chrysler PT cruiser
Aston Martin DB5
Mercedes McLaren SLR Stirling Moss
Aston Martin One-77
Winnebago or another type of RV
Jaguar XF-R
Ford F-series Pickup 3rd or 12th Generation
2008 Shelby Mustang GT500KR
Ford XR Falcon
Holden SS Commodore
Ford Falcon ute
Holden Ute
Volkswagen Transporter "Hippie Van"
Undecided Model - "Party Van with a bed in the back"
Ferrari California
1974 Dodge Monaco
1967-1968 Mercury Cougar
1965 Buick Wildcat
Phantom Corsair
1973 Ford Falcon XB 'V8 Interceptor' from Mad Max
1971 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1970 Plymouth Duster
1972 pontiac grand prix
1961 DeSoto
1960 Pontiac Star Chief
Dune Buggy or Baja Bug
Nissan Skyline GT-R Possibly a Tuner version
Mitsubushi Mighty Max
Ginetta G50
DeLorean DMC-12
Police version of 1969 Dodge Charger
Lowrider Version of 1969 Dodge Charger with Rocket Racing wheels
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
1969 Plymouth Belvedere GTX Police Cruiser
Starsky's 1974 Ford Gran Torino, The 'Striped Tomato'
Saleen S281 Police Car

Non car related models that have been requested:

V-22 Osprey
Pennsylvania Railroad S1

I must also make clear that I might not do all these cars but these are all possibilities.

Also you can request other cars but that doesn't necesarily mean that I will do all of them, it depends if I can find good blueprints and if I have the time.

Well car models are pretty hard, and this is looking good, so well done!

Replacement for HL2:EP2 car please. :ahaw:

As long as it has a burnout button :D


Lookin' awesome man.

Do you mean a turbo boost to make you go faster or an actual modelled button inside the car?
That's a possibility.

EDIT: Can someone tell me where to find the polygon count for the model. I want to try and keep a tab on it so I don't go over source's limit, speaking of which does anyone know exactly how many it is, I heard it was 12,000.

There's no real limit that I know of, just a set limit by modelers to what will run well on most comps, I'm not sure how many the EP2 car was but keeping it under 12,000 sounds good. I also don't know how to poly count on XSI, sorry.

Pfft source can handle a million. Compiling gets iffy after the first 30,000 triangles.

In XSI for the polycount, hit Shift + S, then go to the Stats (info?) tab. Then click the middle three boxes.

Really nice. I own a B-Body mopar.. so naturally I love them. And of course having one in game would be nice too! Keep up the good work!

Thanks, that will be really helpful.

But on a side note, how do you know source can handle a one million polygon model if it can't be compiled for use in the game?

I'm saying when you hit the turbo button, it simply roasts the back tires and allows you to cut a donut and do epic burnouts when combined with the handbrake key. :P

He means source can handle at least a million polygons on screen at once.

master chris you have made my year,i am the biggest fan of dodge chargers! (and challengers)

btw if you finish the car by chirstmas it could have a posablity of featureing in a film me and my clan are dealing with,you did post about it : Highway 12 ?

Mopar sure had their shit together when they were making cars late 60's and early 70s... Everything was awesome about them.

Yeah it will have enough power to do that but the only way I can see of doing a burnout would be to weld the car in place, use the turbo and then undo the weld because the handbrake would lock the rear wheels and then nothing would happen.

You could edit the handling script to make the handbrake only affect the front wheels but then you couldn't do handbrake turns and power slides. In my vehicle tutorial I will be showing how to edit vehicle scripts so people can make their own custom versions of their cars.

Yeah, how is that going? Anyway I'm hoping the car will be out before Christmas but since it's my first model I can't make a absolute guarantee, but I doubt it would be much later than that.

I found that applying a small amount of forward thrust from the rear of the car while trying to go in reverse creates a nice burn out effect.

I will get the exact numbers later when I recreate it. You can also for fun add some 0 thrust invisible thrusters by the wheels to emit smoke when you are also pressing the burnout key. The Shelby GT is the best car to do this in.

I usually use particle emitters because you can edit them to make a lot more smoke and it can give a more realistic effect. This is another thing I cover in the vehicle tutorial, along with a load of other special effects and stunts.

Edit:

I have a range of sounds I could use for it when it's drivable, I may post some samples for people to hear and I may do a vote as to which one goes into the final product.

Also when this model is complete i'm thinking that i will make a 500 version and a Daytona version as well.

I have also made a list of vehicles that I would like to model if everything goes well with the Dodge Charger:

TVR Sagaris
Ferrari 355
Ferrari 430
Ferrari 550
Ferrari 599
Jaguar XK or XKR
E-Type Jaguar
Ford Bronco
Dodge Ram
Dodge Ramcharger
Dodge Challenger
Plymouth Barracuda
Pontiac GTO
Porsche 997
AC Cobra
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Chevrolet Bel Air
Chevrolet El Camino
Bugatti Royale
Cadillac Eldorado
Buick Grand National
Hummer H3T
1935 Auburn Speedster
Mustang Boss 429
Plymouth Fury
Plymouth Road Runner
Dodge Magnum
Hudson Hornet
Wiesmann Roadster
Lincoln Continental (One of the old ones)
GM 'Fishbowl' Bus
Rolls-Royce Phantom
Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé
I may also do an older Rolls-Royce but I haven't decided on a specific model yet
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204)
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
Mercedes-Benz C216
Mercedes-Benz W463
Mercedes-Benz W221
BMW Z8
BMW M3
BMW M5
BMW 8 Series
BMW X5
Audi R8
Audi RS4
Pagani Zonda
Ascari A10
Koenigsegg CCX
Ford GT
Nissan GTR
Aston Martin DB9
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Land Rover Range Rover

Cars That have been requested:
Chrysler PT cruiser

I must also make clear that I might not do all these cars but these are all possibilities.

Also you can request other cars but that doesn't necesarily mean that I will do all of them, it depends if I can find good blueprints.

I've edited vehicle scripts before. Ever seen an HL2 buggy ride a wheelie clean across Flatgrass while hitting the Source speed limit, kept from doing barrel rolls by a pole welded to the back? :P It's bloody hilarious. But I do see why you don't want to use the handbrake, as you would have to insanely overpower the engine to get any decent slides out of it...

Well I just did some tests in gmod and I have found for some bizarre reason whenever you turn on the handbrake, even if you've set it to only affect the front wheels, it will actually stop all power to any of the wheels so you just stand still and nothing happens. Basically it disengages the virtual clutch as soon as you use the handbrake. The only way I can see of being able to fix that would be to edit the source code of gmod/hl2 to change this feature or do something really hacky with lua to do the same.

So I guess there isn't going to be any of this in gmod any time soon.

View YouTUBE video http://youtube.com/watch?v=fV1jF68913E

But I guess we can still do this.

View YouTUBE video http://youtube.com/watch?v=cQjViQT__YY

oh sweet thnx chris, look on your fueled forum to see what i said, and pm me on here can i add u to steam?

Challenger and 'Cuda should be easy since they are both E bodies, they have really similar body styles, and I think there's a 1970 'Cuda model out there. But I'm afraid it's got monster truck wheels or something stupid like that.

Hell yes to Boss 429. I think it's the fastest Mustang ever made
And I actually have a Roadrunner, so I'd be VERY happy to see that.

Yeah, I have that and Shiban once tried to make it into a normal version aswell but he gave up on it before it was released, in fact you posted on that thread numerous times. Overall it seems like a fairly good idea to re-use the existing body so it's a possibility.

I was looking forward to him bringing out that car, I was like and then the whole thing just died :(

Haha. I remember that now. Yes, it was a tragic disappointment.

Ok sorry for the lack of actual progress on the model over the last week but I've had a HUGE amount of homework to do, however I think I should have some time to spend on this over the weekend so there should be some new pictures in a few days.

Don't apologize. Homework's a bitch.

Ok, the main grill, front fender and the bottom lights are just about done now, just got to finish the lower grill and the main lights (I don't know if it's possible to animate them in-game but I could look in to it). I will put up pictures tomorrow.

Edit:

Here is a test render showing the front end:


Some more hopefully soon, imageshack is being stupid and uncooperative right now.

all i would say is to lower the front a bit and make a bit wider

That's the aspect ratio of that photo, it's been messed up :(
The actual model is perfectly in proportion, I will need to do another screen capture.

If that's true, then this looks pretty good.

Here is a better image:

This is actually a shot from yesterday, i've added more detail to the fender since then.

That's really neat, especially for your first model.

Well you can tell by the grill that it's a Charger so.... Good work!

Latest pictures:











Also I have a few questions:

Is it ok to have open edges (light blue) in the model or will this prevent it from compiling properly later on?

Also when I performed a bevel on the front of the hood it changed the edited edges to dark blue, is that ok or does it mean that there is something wrong and I need to redo the bevel? It hasn't done that on any of the other beveled edges.

EDIT: I found out why the bevelled edges were dark blue, I managed to turn on hard edges while performing that particular bevel but I've managed to fix that and the front of the hood looks much smoother now.

I don't know about your modelling questions sorry. BUT

MY LORD, it looks a lot better. Keep up the good work!

The highest I've been able to compile without my compiler crashing is 35,000, any higher and I need to do polygon reduction.

:fap:

can't wait

i love dodges

Holy shit. How did you pull that off, since XSI has to be the worst modeling program I know.

Well thanks, but IMO I think XSI is right up there with 3D Studio max, plus autodesk don't offer completely full featured programs for free and XSI is the primary 3D software used by valve so it comes with loads of support for modding half life 2. It was the best option for me.

Dude, i love you. Muscle cars are like the best type of cars out there :)

do the Audi RS4 next and i will come to your house and jack you off.
i have an older a6 which are pretty similar to the older rs4's cept the grills, badges, and rims are different. i can provide you with all the reference pics in the world.

...

Well I like the enthusiasm but I would prefer money, money would be nice.
In fact it would be a lot cheaper for you because you wouldn't have to fly to britain.

I think I can get the pictures I need through google but thanks anyway.

Not sure on your bevel question, but open edges shouldn't cause any problems, but in game you'd be able to see into the model through the holes.

I managed to find why the edges were blue after the bevel so don't worry but thanks for telling me about the open edges, also I am going to do an interior so there's no problem with seeing into it.

Also what does everyone think of my edited avatar, it's my first ever GIMP edit.

So you're getting into the holiday spirit, nice job.

I GIMPed my avatar also, although I messed up one of the edges on the hat, it's not hugely noticeable on mine though.

Thanks.

Also I made a car key:



I'm going to try and get this into Gmod now.

Dude I love Chargers. This looks awesome, I can't wait to download this.

Edit:

That is a great list of cars. So far my favorite has to be the Barracuda

ahh ok looks a-ok now! ;)

The key is finished and ready for gmod:



I will release this if people want me to.

Edit:

Ok so perhaps not quite finished...



I will just need to rescale it.

Edit:

Ok, it is finally finished.

looks good, is that the charger? cause the skin looks a lil flat.

No, that's my fueled mod shelby. It looks flat because for some reason gm_construct doesn't have any cubemaps so I don't get any reflections, I think I need to rebuild them.

By the way does anyone want me to release the key model. I may also add a keyring to it.

Progress on the charger is now continuing, i've added the wheel wells and i'm going to start on the rear end soon, after i've worked a bit on smoothing the sides a bit.

Also if anyone has any infomation or tutorials on making drivable vehicle models (animating, rigging and so on) then I would be glad to hear it, I have the basic idea but I would like a solid tutorial to follow to make sure i'm not missing out on any major details. I've already read the one on HL2World but that is more focused at milkshape users, however I was able to get most of my understanding from that tutorial. I would still prefer an XSI tutorial if there are any, I've searched all day on google but the only other tutorial I was able to find was deleted.

I fucking love Charger's, nice job.

kant wait for it!

Looking good so far, keep up the good work.

Latest Pictures:

The hood is now completely finished and detailed.



The bottom lights have been improved, I may add a mini bull bar to the fender afterwards.



The front wheel arches are done, the side panels need a bit more smoothing but are otherwise OK.



Another front view.



I'm also thinking of making a simple test vehicle for practicing rigging and animation on so that when I do the Dodge Charger it doesn't turn into a buggy mess.

:O OH MY LORD

My key model has been released

Also what do people think of the practice vehicle idea? Also I will be posting some possible sounds for the charger in the next week or so.

Mopar!

I'm just deciding whether to do two wing mirrors or just one on the drivers side, so far madmax wants just one, personally I would prefer having two.

Have your say.

EDIT: Honkers101 wants two
Matt Cruse wants two

ONE,DAMN IT ONE I SAY! , ONE!

I have an idea, how about I use bodygroups, like with the fueled mod vehicles: The car spawns in bodygroup 1 with 1 wing mirror, bodygroup 2 adds the second wing mirror. That way everyone is happy :D

I love the Key Chris, The charger is my faveriote from all dodges, and I'd love to see any luxury vehicle on ur list as far as a SINGLE BMW or RR

I would like to do the cars which are rarer first so I will most likely do the Rolls-Royce before the BMW, especialy since there is already a BMW M3 available. It's not very detailed which is why I would like to do another one but for me it's a low priority.

However I would really like to the 1935 Auburn Speedster after the charger.




A custom version:




Or possibly the TVR Sagaris:




And yes that is me in the picture.

The Rolls-Royce is my favorite, very stylish!

lol 007,and yeah,TVR Personely but i would do a pick up really for a second,that would be pure awesome!

EDIT: or one of my R/C Cars :)

That's your first?

I'm ashamed of myself.

why be ashamed,you just got to try harder!

EDIT: by the way,the key fits the fastback!

Ok I've been busy with a lot of things, christmas preparation mostly but I have recorded the sounds and I will post some samples fairly soon.

:D yay!

I wish I was a good vehicle modeler, because I would totally make myself Eleanor from the original Gone In 60 Seconds, a 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1.

yeah,i would just reskin the mustang that chris has done,that's basically the origin of the mustang in GI60S.

Yeah but there are a lot of subtle and not so subtle differences in the design.

It's a start...





I did this by copying the black material and renaming it stripes, just remember to back up your original stripes texture.

that's pretty sweet!! good job chris!

EDIT: i think i will mess around with the scripts a bit,see if i can get it to handle better.

Thanks, it was only a five minute job. For the Fueled Mod update I was planning to edit the Shelby model to more closely resemble the Eleanor Shelby GT500 from Gone in sixty seconds, as Rodwy said there are differences between that and the existing model:

I'm planning to lower the ride hight and increase suspension travel to improve grip while going over bumpy roads (there is only about two inches of travel at the moment, it needs more) and the wheels will be moved outwards a bit.

The tires textures will (hopefully) be made more realistic and so will the rims and finally the car may be very slightly widened and the wheels made slightly larger. Also the radiator grill will be made more detailed.

Similar changes will also be made to the other vehicles, especially the mini which is way too big at the moment. The caterham and the lamborghini are just about right model wise but the textures may be improved and suspension travel will be edited for every one.

do you mind if i messaround with the scripts a bit?? i am pretty good when it comes to that kind of thing. :)

Sure, there's nothing stopping you. Just remember that if you do release anything then credit me.

Well the Eleanor from the 2000 version of Gone in 60 Seconds was actually a 67 fastback they modified to look like a Shelby GT500, and on top of that they further modified with side exhausts and other things.


When I mentioned Eleanor I had this baby in mind.

Too bad they had to crash her up.

Dude, two things.

One, do a plymouth superbird. I needs it.

And Two, I am practically hallucinating a use for that key model, stick it into the side of the car, and you can then use it. It gets parented into the key position. Once you get out, the key is ejected. When you spawn a car, it should spawn a key with it. and you can't use the car without the key that spawned with it, and no other key, even from the same kind of car.

[/hallucinations]

chris i am having problems editing the script,i edit a little bit and the car refuse's to load on gmod,i am not sure what kind of fail-safe you have on it but its working.

I've not put any fail safe or protection on the scripts, I didn't even know that was possible.

Are you changing the name of the performance script? If so then you need to change the spawning script to load the different performance script. What exactly is it you've changed and to what values? If you've added any lines to the script that's likely to break it.

Edit:

1) The Dodge Charger Daytona is almost exactly the same, plus it means I don't have to model a new car from scratch.

2) That method seems a bit complex, even for an experienced coder. There is a simpler method which I think has already been done and that is to make a swep that you aim at the car and it unlocks and locks it, you can even do that with console commands: ent_fire !picker unlock/lock, it also works on doors.