♥ PosetteForever ♥

Seeing Futura (which I think really *is* the name of a car by Ford, but oh, well) got me to thinking that it's all very well having a robot... but what about the lab? <br /> <br /> So I decided to whip up a few items in 3D MAX and (hopefully) convert them for Poser use. <br /> <br /> I have the tools. I have the technology. (I don't have six million dollars, but I'm pretty sure I can build 'em better, faster, stronger...) <br /> <br /> This is a really quick prototype of what I mean. Forgive the roughness, it's just put out here to gain some ideas from you all before I start serious meddling... er.. modelling. <br /> <br /> I may need help when texturing, but the neat part about going all Art Deco is that it's mostly chrome and plastics anyway! <br /> <br /> (I hope to add a bunch of Strickfaden devices if I can model then as well. Good thing I own "Young Frankeinstein" on DVD...) <br /> <br /> Any comments... or am I as mad as the scientests? <br /> <br /> GrouchoC.

Hey your family and sick minds have to stay together. <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/thumb.gif" alt="" /> The cool thing about all of this is we are doing it as a team here. So if you have any ideas you know I'm listening as well as the others. Good jog by the way. <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/notworthy.gif" alt="" />

Here's something ( not so much an idea, as something to consider): <br /> <br /> What is Futura's (yes, that was a model by Ford...) power source? Considering the "Young Frankenstien" reference, I wondered if she is electric. <br /> <br /> <br /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/happy8.gif" alt="" />

Something about Futura sparked (no pun intended) an urge to do a little modelling... <br /> <br /> My inspiration also comes from <i>Metropolis</i>, of course, as well as the Universal monster movies of the '30s. In particular the wonderfully baroque electrical devices designed by Kenneth Strickfaden for <i>Frankenstein</i>. Plus the style of design to be seen on '30s and '40s SF magazines. And Star Wars. <br /> <br /> (And Bettie Page. And in a great, great example of confluence... try looking at this!) <br /> <br /> <a class="post-url" href="http://www.starwars.com/databank/droid/bettybot/?id=bts" target="_blank">Happy Shiny People...!</a> <br /> <br /> Having got the encouragement, I'll continue my puttering around. Expect a lot of industrial-sized electrical toys. <br /> <br /> GrouchoC.

Good Job Mad scientist cat <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/lol.gif" alt="" /> !!

This is a (very) rough outline for the layout of the lab. Please note that this is just the prototype for the main gantry and creation chamber. There will also be massive electrical generators and such stuff. on the bottom level (and obviously a room to house the whole furshlugginer mess in...) <br /> <br /> I think the creation chamber would come up from the ground floor on a hydraulic pedastal. The assembly table, main generators and workshop would also be at ground level. <br /> <br /> On the gantry ring itself would be a control panel to control the generators during the final creation phase... I'm assuming the lab can do both organic and inorganic Creation! <br /> <br /> From under the main stairway would swing up a bridge to cross from the gantry to the booth while it was still elevated if need be. <br /> <br /> Things I'm aware of that definitely need to be modelled include guard rails for the gantry and the booth, proper steps, control panels, nice thick power cables for the three generator pylons, a room to hold all this in, the hydraulic lift well... but it's heading towards winter Down Under so it's not as if I don't have the free time in the evenings coming up! <br /> <br /> My only real concerm is getting enough detail without going nuts on the polygon count. Everything will be broken down into individual componets for ease of UV mapping. <br /> <br /> Once (if...) finished, I'll be placing it for upload here as a freebie for all wannabe Victor Frankensteins... (or Morbius's, Rottwangs, Dr Cyclops's or Strangeloves...) <br /> <br /> I'll start proper modelling from the booth, and work my way outwards. Each piece will be uploaded for crash-testing to destruction...! Any and all comments, suggestions, criticisms are welcome. <br /> <br /> GrouchoC.

<img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/thumb.gif" alt="" /> Mad scientists, mad mechanics, mad designers, mad cats... everyones welcome to madforever <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/lmao.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/lmao.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/lmao.gif" alt="" />

This is so cool! I looked at the female robot and it seems like maybe I could do one of those as well. <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/biggrin.gif" alt="" /> <br /> The model idea looks great. I would like to make a charging dock after she is built in the lab. She is half human <br /> but doesn' understand that. I need to make a story of her and how she cane to be. This I would think be in <br /> the 1940s but set in the future 100 years ahead. <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_shifty.gif" alt="" /> So this seems like a great thing we are making. It was a belief <br /> that some people saved Sara from going under and this when complete will be one of a kind with all that has helped. <br /> Now I have to go to the lab. I thought I heard something knock over a test tube. <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_shifty.gif" alt="" />

Amazing 3D work GrouchoCaesar! <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/notworthy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/notworthy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/notworthy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_clap.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_clap.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_clap.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_clap.gif" alt="" />

First part of the Lab Of Tomorrow (catchy name, huh?) should be uploaded for playtesting sometime tomorrow-morning my time. (hey, it really <i>is</i> the Lab Of Tomorrow!) <br /> <br /> Already finished remodelling the creation booth from scratch, this time paying proper attention to things like material surfaces. (Outer, inner and the lip where the glass shield (is is glass?) seals up.) <br /> <br /> I've also finished the main pillar the booth rests on. The electrical discharge receiver assembly on the roof of the booth is next - I'll make several versions for ease of mix & matching, and once that's done, up here it'll all come. <br /> <br /> Exporting from 3D MAX to Poser works surprisingly well with the .OBJ exporter plugin from Hab. The one frustration I <i>have </i>had is an issue with smoothing groups. Working on it... though I may need some more research and / or help. <br /> <br /> As for the backstory... <br /> <br /> I dunno if this stuff classifies as SteamPunk - I guess it'd be closer to some form of retro-future. A late '30's early 40's look is definitely the aim here for me at least. One of the major driving influences for all this is the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair... especially the Futurama ride by General Motors. There is quite a bit of stuff on the net about the Fair, including amateur colour movie footage of the exhibits. <br /> <br /> It is amazing to think of what the future was like for them! <br /> <br /> I also think a charging dock is a really good idea! Maybe a throne (for lack of a better word) where she can rest while not active. And this brings forth questions like... <br /> <br /> Is she a maid? Is she sentient? Is she happy? Is she being taken advantage of? Are robots now the new slaves? And if so, who will help them? Or will they rebel? <br /> <br /> GrouchoC.

Quick example of the booth imported into Poser 5. <br /> <br /> Note that the electrical doodads on the top are temporary, that the booth has been scaled from it's original shape for no good reason, and that I'm still fiddling with smoothing groups. But at least it does import the mesh without too much hassle. <br /> <br /> Work continues into the night... now to find my very own Ygor... <br /> <br /> GrouchoC.

Cool! <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/thumb.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_clap.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_clap.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_clap.gif" alt="" />

Updated look at progress so far... <br /> <br /> Gantrey is next target.

This just in: New improved Gantry delivered earlier this morning. Both mother and 85-tonne torus are doing well... <br /> <br /> I've decided to hang off uploading most of this stuff until I've finished the main Laborotory - because of object sizing issues when importing items piecemeal into Poser. Also, I want to reload Poser Pro onto my PC and use that to do the preliminary texturing so as to have the greatest compatibility. I will upload the creation chamber pretty soon though.

I think this is really great work you are doing. The whole thing is a spirit of SciFi and Horror movies from gone by, I miss the B rated Movies. They seemed simple but didn't explode todays way of just bells and whistles. It had a good story and left the mind to play with the rest. You have great ideas. <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/thumb.gif" alt="" />

Yeah! Groucho, it looks wonderful <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_clap.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_clap.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_clap.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/thumb.gif" alt="" />

I agree this is looking really good. <br /> I haven't done much "Retro Future" Sci Fi; but this is kind of inspiring. <br /> <br /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/happy8.gif" alt="" />

Okay, the gantry is now pretty much complete in terms of mesh. Decided to use a ramp and not stairs for A) a more streamlined look and B) I figure - by going on past movies - that there probably at least one wheelchair-bound mad scientist out there somewhere (Strangelove comes to mind...) <br /> <br /> There are minor issues with surfaces on the ramp, due to my slightly lazy extrusion technique to make the ramp, but that is easily fixed with surface groups. <br /> <br /> I'm figuring for the room itself that (because it is vaguely circular) that maybe it's in the hollowed out core of an extinct volcano? Also, by making the upper wall of the volcano fit fairly snuggly to the circumference of the gantry, I won't need to model the outer guard rail! <br /> <br /> Anyhoo... work will be started on the lower level machinery, floor, and other large bits. <br /> <br /> I'm half-tempted to convert what I've done so far to an .OBJ file and post it for importing so you can get a rough idea about scaling and possible scene blocking. Any takers? <br /> <br /> GrouchoC.

Will making the upper wall of the volcano fit fairly snuggly to the circumference of the gantry I will not need to model the outer guard rail accomplish your objective?

I hope so, Posy. But it may take many years, and cost millions of lives. What we need is a really senseless act on somebody's part. And I think we are just the ones to do it...

And. Then again, it may not.

Posy wants to help <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/heartbeat.gif" alt="" /> !

I haven't heard anything like that before: Tormie said I wants to help heartbeat.

<img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/heartbeat.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/heartbeat.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/heartbeat.gif" alt="" />

The Lab of Tomorrow is (sort-of) here. <br /> <br /> I decided to redo the whole thing because the polygon count was getting way too high. (Translation - I was very lazy and took too many shortcuts!) <br /> <br /> Luckily, it took less than a day, and came out quite good - what I've done so far, anyway. So I've imported it into Poser and made the whole thing a prop. <br /> <br /> The test version (see picture below) is now available for the brave to download. <br /> <br /> Note that it is still very early days. No texturing has been applied - although the object has groups for all its surfaces so it would be comparitively easy to add textures. <br /> <br /> Have a play with it and tell me what you think, and what caould be added to it. <br /> <br /> GrouchoC.

<img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_dance.gif" alt="" /> Looks good from the preview. I'll try it. Thanks a lot <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/thumb.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_clap.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_clap.gif" alt="" />

I think this is really cool. I have an idea. Why don't you put something over the top of the tube she is in like <br /> a thing on Fantastic Voyage. Or a light ring like the Jupiter 2 on the bottom of the ship? It needs something to go over the platform above the tube. Just looking at it but what I see. Well you sure have got it going on. Great job. <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/thumb.gif" alt="" />

Looking Good GC! <br /> I'll too will try out a few textures on it and let you know. <br /> <br /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/happy8.gif" alt="" />

I sent you PM Groucho C. <br /> <br /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/happy8.gif" alt="" />

<img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/thumb.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/thumb.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/thumb.gif" alt="" /> <br /> <br /> I'll look at Futura's package tonight and she will hopefully ready in few hours <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/lol.gif" alt="" /> . I'll finish the work after fixing the damn broken PC of my bro <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_doh.gif" alt="" />

A pair of images from my texturing experiments: <br /> <br /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/happy8.gif" alt="" />

That is so sweet! <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/smile.gif" alt="" />

My turn! <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/biggrin.gif" alt="" />

Have you told many people that your turn?

First of all thank you all for the kind comments.... gosh. It's only a little prop (and my first attempt at making one for Poser) but I am glad you like it. <br /> <br /> Some insight into why I designed it the way I did. There is nothing over the chamber for a reason: The spheres on those [large-bottomed] pylons are to discharge a couple million volts of electricity into the little sphere on top of the chamber. (Good for nice stark flashing lights for dramatic effect! Though I am wondering how to portray the lightning sparks....) Therefore I wanted nothing to get in the way of the drama of that. Also, I am going to model the outer room being inside a volcano vent (with wild walls to allow long-shot camera angles). <br /> <br /> However, an upper gantry could easily be arranged, with a crane device allowing more equipment to be lowered over the chamber if so required. <br /> <br /> As for lights and such, there is a plan to make a few devices to position around the outer edge of the gantry ring, each one with a different 'mad-scientist' electrical or pulsing lights - purely for effect. <br /> <br /> The generators are (obviously) in very rough form, and mark the start of my lower level laborotory modelling. Unlike the gantry and chamber, I want the lower level to be asymmetrical and relatively cluttered, to re-inforce the notion of that from chaos comes order (or beauty). <br /> <br /> In the finished model, all parts of the laborotory will be properly separated components for ease of posing. <br /> <br /> Now, as Wazizname rightfully pointed out to me, there are a few texturing issues. I am aware of them, and will address them in the final model as soon as I figure out how! There will be more material zones added, that much is certain. <br /> <br /> Anyway, as I said, thank you for your comments and suggestions, they are appreciated and will be taken on board. I'll keep plugging away until I've finished my contribution. <br /> <br /> I've spent since November downloading freebies. It's about time I started putting something back into the community. This is a small start - I have other ideas as well. <br /> <br /> And finally, a large thank-you to our esteemed creator of Futura... the inspiration for all this in the first place. <br /> <br /> GrouchoC.

Please avoid to post image linked to other sites, they uses to disappear and we don't leech, please use the usual attachment button <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/smile.gif" alt="" /> <br /> <br /> I'm working on Futura but some fixes are needed to the package, I've contacted Kenny and I hope all will be out soon <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/smile.gif" alt="" />

Sorry about the delay in finishing the Lab Of Tomorrow, but I've had a painfully busy week and have barely touched the computer at all. I've got a couple of free days on the weekend and I'm looking forward to puttering around in Poser then.

No problems Groucho <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_hand.gif" alt="" /> , Kenny is still working with Futura and I'm helping him with some problems fixes <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

<img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/lmao.gif" alt="" /> Future projects...

Care to make a battery charger for Futura Andreas? <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/lmao.gif" alt="" />

<img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/icon_redface.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_shifty.gif" alt="" /> where's the socket...? <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_whistle.gif" alt="" />

<img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_naughty.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_naughty.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_naughty.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_snooty.gif" alt="" />

<img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/lmao.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/lmao.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/lmao.gif" alt="" />

<b>>SLAP!!!<</b>

<img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/cry.gif" alt="" /> ...

Slowly but surely it continues... <br /> <br /> This morning built a volcano, and a well for the central pillar to sink into. <br /> <br /> (Ignore Robbie... seems he heard there may be a new bride on the way and is a little impatient.) <br /> <br /> GrouchoC.

I'm feeling a bit like robbie <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/wink.gif" alt="" />

We are getting a little bit closer. Thanks to the help of Davide, it is going more faster. I want this to work. The help <br /> is greatly speeding things up. The ground and the Lab platform looks great. <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/thumb.gif" alt="" />

Hey, it's looking good guys. <br /> <br /> This has been interesting to follow along with. <br /> <br /> And, yeah, we need more of the old fashioned B-grade sci-fi flicks of old. I was watching some of the original Lost in Space the other night.... campy, crappy, laughable and totally absurd! But that was all part of the fun <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_whistle.gif" alt="" /> It's all taken a bit too seriously now-a-days <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/eusa_hand.gif" alt="" />

Hi Ozy, welcome back again <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/TFR718 (6).gif" alt="" /> ! <br /> <br /> About Futura, I just finished to review the project, I think it's 100% ok <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/thumb.gif" alt="" /> and I sent back the file to Kenny for the final touches , I think it will be ready for download tomorrow <img src="https://www.posetteforever.com/images/smiles/lol.gif" alt="" /> !