FR B-24J Liberator WIP

[mike_cyul]

Just in case anyone's interested, a few screenshots of the exterior model of the B-24 as it is today. This is still heavily a Work In Progress, with a lot left to do. No bump maps, for example, and as the VC model hasn't been started yet the cockpit is empty except for the crew. Panel lines and rivets are in basic black, as they're there just for positioning, and the overall grey colour scheme is just for use as texturing goes on. But it's looking like a B-24, so felt brave enough to post some pics.

The model is a real challenge, as the B-24 isn't ideal for conserving the number of polygons needed, to put it mildly, and even with maximum optimization the model is very, very close to the limits. The last available are being saved for the exterior cockpit and if possible for bomb bay details. Doing the Halifax, North Star and DC-4 previously have really helped with this one.

Hope you like it so far, and just remember these are very early shots. More to come.



Must have been really cold in those waist gun positions at 23,000 ft:



Fully bombed up, full tanks and ready to go:

[modelr]

Looking REALLY good from here, Mike. Will definitely be watching this one.

[Taco]

Real nice so far, looking forward to it. Will there be a D model?

[mike_cyul]

Real nice so far, looking forward to it. Will there be a D model?

Yes, there will be a D model.

[Duckie]

Count me in!

[b24_witchcraft]

Really nice work so far. I have some pics of "Witchcraft" if you need them.

[stovall]

Finally a fantastic looking B-24 Liberator. Great work Mike, really appreciate the update.

[jankees]

It looks very nice already, Mike!
My paintbrushes are ready...

[stansdds]

Must have been really cold in those waist gun positions at 23,000 ft:

It was. Crews had to wear oxygen masks, kept goggles over their eyes and wore leather boots, gloves, pants, coat, and cap, often wool lined, over an electrically heated suit. On top of all of that, a flak jacket, a parachute, and maybe even a steel helmet.

[stovall]

Great picture stansdds, The aviator shown is a fantastic picture. I would only hope that such a person with the same equipment and clothing would show up at the upcoming Area 51 stamped by the public. If that could happen you would need to be careful to not get run over by fleeing alien enthusiasts. LOL

[MustangL2W]

Very anxious for this Liberator. Exciting to see the progress!

[Sundog]

As usual, it looks great already.

I'm sure the curves on the vertical tail edges, wing tips, and the engine cowls eat a lot of polys by themselves.

[docjohnson]

Loved the Alphasim/Virtavia aircraft. Looking forward to seeing this one!

[Paul K]

Looking at this particular shot, Mike, you've perfectly replicated that rather curious convex curve along the top of the fuselage, from the front of the windscreen to the forward turret. To me, it's one of those things that define the shape of the B-24. Very well done !

[b24_witchcraft]

Great work so far mike_cyul.
Took these pics the other day of the Collings Foundation's "Witchcraft".