Modeling an Airplane

Autodesk 3ds Max Tutorials > Modeling Tutorials >

In this tutorial you will create the exterior of a classic, WWII airplane, the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. You'll use primitive objects and modifiers to create the parts. Viewport background bitmaps will act as guides to help you shape your plane.

Lockheed P-38 Lightning model

In this tutorial, you will learn how to:

Set up the viewports with background images to help in building the model.
Use primitive objects as the basis for each part of the airplane.
Edit the model at sub-object levels.
Adjust the pivot point and hierarchy of the model in preparation for use with a game engine.

NoteWe suggest you complete the Introduction > Introductory Tutorial > Animated Still Life tutorial before starting these lessons if you are unfamiliar with selecting objects and vertices and navigating around the viewports.

Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate

Time to complete: 1 hour 30 minutes

Files for This Tutorial

All the files necessary for this tutorial are provided on the program disc in the \tutorials\p38_lightning directory. Before starting the tutorials, copy the \tutorials folder from the disc to your local program installation.

Lessons in This Tutorial

Setting Up the Airplane Scene

Setting Up Viewport Backgrounds

Creating the Wings

Adding the Stabilizer and Rudders

Creating the Sponsons

Creating the Gondola

Finishing the Plane

Topics in this section