Conjectural Trek XI Enterprise

[Vektor]

Originally Posted by PixelMagic

How did you get the metal plates in the hull to reflect? Is it just a raytrace material, or did you come up with a trick of some sort?

Again, Mental Ray gets the credit. All of hull pieces use what are called Architecture and Design materials, which are special materials optimized for use with Mental Ray. Among other things, they let you achieve nice, glossy reflections without requiring days to render. They are also quite useful for things like hardwood floors, highly realistic metals, and true frosted glass materials.

Of course, the texture maps are also a big part of the effect. I made a whole bunch of them for this model including diffuse, specular and self-illumination maps, all at pretty hi-res.

[StangCody]

would you mind sharing some of your settings? mainly final gather settings and maybe one of your basic material setups? I would like to experiment and see if I can't get a similar atmosphere to your shots with the big project I'm working on right now.

I've been using mental ray almost exclusively since I learned max a couple years back, but I only started using the arch&design materials a few months ago. It's always helpful to see what someone else did to achieve a certain look.

Either way, masterfully done!

[deg3D]

Very nice scenography shots dude, she's a beaut'.

deg

[CrimsonLine]

I was on vacation last week, and sorted through my hard drive's pictures, and I spent almost a whole day drooling over Vek's redesigned E. This is a model that rewards close inspection, and repeated viewings. Thanks for these renders, Vek!

[theCommander]

Still getting up off the floor...

[Bravus]

looking at your renders makes me wish they had hired you for Star Trek remastered, because your work is putting theirs to shame!
most awesome!!!

[CrimsonLine]

Not to go overboard on the compliments (then again, how could I? This is an awesome model) but one thing that strikes me as I look and re-look at this ship is how much attention there is to flow of the parts and repeated design elements. A shape on one part is echoed on another part, making the whole a visually-connected masterpiece.

I think that's one thing that is characteristic of Vektor's work that is lacking in mine and in so many other amateur modelers. Vek works hard on design, and what comes from that is a well-planned, seamless whole.

[Phaser]

I've seen quite a few "re-imagined" versions of the Enterprise in the last few years, but I have to say, this is the only one that truly respects the original design and retains the feel of the original. Well done!!

Also, I really like the fact that there are no references to the non-canon design from the monstrosity known as 'ENTERPRISE'.

Though I'm confident they'll screw it up, if the ship in Star Trek XI looked like this, I'd be very, very pleased.

Again, well done!!

[ChiefBrex]

Vektor, I must applaud you on your redesign of the Enterprise. There are a few minor elements I personally do not like, but that's just a matter of taste. What you've done with this design is nothing short of amazing.

I have been inspired by this model where my own ingame models are concerned. I've been looking for a way to make the ships look more realistic, more modern, and you've helped me with that.

I'm also intrigued by Mental Ray. I've never used it before, but then again, no one in the modding world has ever used mental ray to my knowledge. I intend to learn it now, seeing the awesome effects that result from it.

Kudos to you sir!

[Tallguy]

Any more renders? Something from the front?