Things that move and assemblies that help make them faster are the dominant theme this week. You have a choice of water, land and outer space vehicles to explore. If you want to sit still you can control a process plant, visit an oasis of comfort or contemplate a skull. Whatever you do, enjoy yourself and be sure to compliment the modeler of the ones that you really like!

The ten best 3D models and one 3DVIA Scene uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the weeks of Saturday, July 30th through Friday, August 12th, 2011 are highlighted here.

(Easy links to all 118 previous Top 10 posts are right after the current week’s models and 3DVIA Scene.)

The Top 10:

I’m totally blown away by this Toyota 2J Intake Manifold – Mk. III by Dave (dave_summ). Dave just uploaded an improved version today, but these images are from the previous one which was uploaded during the period that this Top 10 covers. Dave’s CATIA V5 modeling makes it look like a sculpture ready for the museum! [Dave lives in Australia]

Pilot Plant Basic7 Cleaned by Alex (AlexChilton) is a fantastic example of combining existing images with 3D modeling to help the viewer understand the entire concept. It looks like the operators have all the tools they need to keep things running smoothly. Alex used Google SketchUp.

Craig (craigdn) has created an oasis that you can walk around in with his Spring Festival 2011 Overall Winner – Best of Show. He used a model that he created using Google SketchUp and then imported it into a 3DVIA Scene so that we can enjoy it even more thoroughly. It makes me want to stay awhile and have something to drink and maybe take a dip in the pool. [Craig lives in South Africa]

The cut-away sections and precise detailing make SWR Supercharger Demo by wasanchanyuak a powerful model. It is technically accurate and beautiful at the same time. He uploaded it in 3DS format.

The textures used on Head Ske by pyong are simply fantastic. It looks like you could reach out and feel each coarse or smooth spot and the colors are spot on! Pyong uploaded this beauty in OBJ format.

There is no way that I can do justice to Michael’s (smike) Cargo Cement Transport Ship With Crane on Rails without sending you to see his meticulous presentation! You’re missing quite an experience if you don’t check it out! These images are all from his presentation (with a few modifications).

I just had to include the last image that shows the other versions of this ship. Michael is a master of creating and then finding multiple uses for his components. Michael uses Google SketchUp. [Michael lives in Denmark]

3DM-E-Pdroid by Jean looks a fun partner to take along on your adventures. It looks like it would be quite useful too with all of the grabbers and grippers. Jean uploaded it using the 3DS format.

Alfred (alfredix) has been expanding his presentation skills in addition to always building more and more complex models – like the Juggernaut Intruder Cab. Alfred used Autodesk Product Design Suite to model this amazing cab for the Juggernaut series. Then he translated everything and uploaded it using the STEP format.

All of these images are from Alfred’s photo album which shows many of the incredible details that Alfred had to conceptualize and then make real. Be sure to watch his video too! Before long, we’ll be asking for test drives. :)  [Alfred lives in Germany]

Artic22 by Narcustic is filled with great modeling details that make it look like it’s ready to do an emergency rescue right now! Narcustic used Google SketchUp.

LEGOs have always been a favorite and this early set, the LEGO 6876 Blacktron Alienator, is no exception. Sebwouaib did a wonderful job both modeling using CATIA V5 and rendering it to show it off so well.

The only car this week is this beautifully detailed Megane Interactive by mserafim. Both the exterior and the interior are exceptionally well done! It was published from 3DVIA Composer.

Just so everyone knows, the order that the Top 10 are displayed is based on color, type of model and how I’m feeling, not any particular ranking. I just rearrange them until I like the way it looks. It’s as simple as that!

Easy links to the previous Top 10 lists: 001 – 002 – 003 – 004 – 005 – 006 – 007 – 008 – 009 – 010 – 011 - 012 – 013 – 014 – 015 – 016 – 017 - 018 - 019 – 020 – 021 – 022 – 023 – 024 – 025 – 026 – 027 – 028 – 029 – 030 – 031 – 032 – 033 – 034 – 035 – 036 – 037 – 038 – 039 – 040 – 041 – 042 – 043 – 044 - 045 – 046 - 047 – 048 - 049 – 050 – 051 – 052 – 053 – 054 (seven weeks in one) – 055 – 056 – 057 – 058 – 059 – 060 – Best of the Best2009 – 061 – 062 - 063 - 064 - 065 – 066 - 067 – 068 – 069 – 070 – 071 – 072 – 073 – 074 – 075 – 076 – 077 – 078 – 079 – 080 – 081 – 082 – 083 – 084 – 085 – 086 – 087 – 088 – 089 – 090 – 091 – 092 – 093 – 094 – 095 – 096 – 097 – 098 – 099 – 100 – 101 – 102 – 103 – 104 – 105 – 106 – 107 – 108 – 109 – Best of the Best 2010 – 110 – 111 – 112 – 113 – 114 – 115 – 116 – 117 – 118

Here’s a brief recap of what I look for when I select the Top 10:

Variety – One of the most important factors. I try to show models created using lots of different software products and showing lots of different ways of using 3D. I include brief comments on why I chose each model.

Creativity, unusual subject matter and humor – These are big factors. We should all be having fun and feel free to model our passions!

There is no reward given – Other than the satisfaction of being noticed, spotlighted and being brought to the attention of more modelers. In my personal experience, the pleasure of having my work appreciated is the ultimate reward anyway.

From time to time I will make mistakes and not follow my own rules – I will review these mistakes on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes I will change the post and sometimes I won’t. I will be consistently inconsistent. I am human.

Your comments are always welcomed and encouraged! Your responses will help the modelers and the 3DVIA community as a whole. Feel free to bring other models to my attention and let me know why they attracted you.

(PLEASE NOTE: In order to make it easier to explore, all photos are linked directly to the model’s page.)

One final note of caution: these are my choices (dswavely) and my choices alone. So, aim the tomatoes appropriately.