3DVIA®

Well, I didn’t plan in this way, but here we are on Friday the 13th and here is the 13th Top 10 post with the best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, January 24th through Friday, January 30th. They are highlighted here with the purpose of bringing models to your attention that we all may have missed during that week.

Easy links to the previous Top 10 lists: 001 – 002 – 003 – 004 – 005 – 006 – 007 – 008 – 009 – 010 – 011 – 012

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!

Be sure to check out the models that received Honorable Mentions too!

Our users live all over the world, so I include in my comments where each modeler is from. It’s great that language and distance are not barriers when we’re all sharing in 3D! (Modelers may choose not to share where they are from, so some countries of origin will remain a mystery.)

The Top 10:

M. C. Escher would be thrilled with Salamanders by xyltus. It was created using a STL binary generator and entices us to zoom in and explore how all those salamanders really are entwined to create a ball. [ xyltus is from Pakistan ]

Oil Tanker is yet another very well-detailed model from smike. Spend some time exploring the deck and bridge.  Then check out his crew lifeboat/survival vessels. Google SketchUp is smike’s tool of choice for modeling. [ smike is from Denmark ]

Bull Horned Troll was also created by smike, showing his incredible diversity and creativity (342 models here on 3DVIA at last count). Dragons and now trolls have been added to his menagerie. [ smike is still from Denmark ]

proto3 is a gorgeous aircraft concept created by lordantonius using Wings 3D 0.98.35. [ lordantonius is from the US ]

mvcomputers really outdid himself with the fantastic details he included on his Steam Locomotive, which looks like it’s in a 4-6-4 configuration. mvcomputers uses 3ds Max.  [ mvcomputers is from the US ]

Ostrich by mastic is a fantastic example of combining creativity and modeling skill. This surreal tableau combines a nicely modeled ostrich with a fantastical landscape. The detail of the splashing water droplets is great! mastic used CATIA V5 to create this wonderful model. [ mastic is from Spain ]

Opa.blend was modeled by blenderjan using Blender V2.45 . The lower right image is a view inside the head. Go inside and look at the level of detail needed just to create a believable ear and still keep the polycount down. [ blenderjan is from Germany ]

284008 by IndustrialCab is an intriguing model created using SolidWorks 2009 SP2.0. The creator explains its purpose: “Industrial Cab creates cab enclosures for fork lifts and other industrial equipment. This particular model is a shipping crate for an enclosure to go on a Nissan fork lift. The panel kit will completely enclose the forklift to be used outdoors and in bad weather.”

rena animation.blend by maxofp2p was created using Blender V2.45. [ maxofp2p is from Poland ]

Nested Balls – George Hart by xyltus is another amazing geometrical model created using a STL binary generator. [ xyltus is from Pakistan ]

Due to the continuous challenge of narrowing the number of great models uploaded each week down to just 10, I’ve included five Honorable Mentions to spotlight even more modelers!

Honorable Mentions:

Jewel1 was modeled by mastic using CATIA V5. [ mastic is from Spain ]

PierreV used 3DVIA Shape to model this humorous catapulte with button [ PierreV is from France ]

3DVIA Shape was also used by waltervits to create this architectural study Roodborstlaan 20 1.0. [ waltervits is from Belgium ]

Cruisin’ Lightning McQueen was brought to life by mvcomputers using 3ds Max.

cool wheel was modeled by Nissan using 3DVIA Shape. Nissan got a lot of mileage from some simple texturing! [ Nissan is from Australia ]

Here’s a brief recap of what I look for when I select the “Top 10″ and “Honorable Mentions”:

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!

Models must be uploaded by the original modeler – Many times I find models that I think will add to the community and will upload them with credit given to the modeler. These and other models that I can’t be reasonably sure who modeled them (for example – commercial models) are a welcome addition to the 3DVIA community, but the goal of the “Top 10″ is to encourage individual modelers and reward their special creativity.

Models entered in the 3DVIA Challenge contests will not be considered – They’re already getting plenty of attention and I want to spotlight models we may have missed.

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.

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.

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