The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, November 1st through Friday, November 7th are highlighted here. Your band now has both a scary guitar, a snare drum and a really cool set of towers to play in, but will the Abstract Propeller and the Flummox Roller Coaster keep the repo men distracted long enough for you to move the Camaro and Sunbeam somewhere safe. You better hope that the Army truck is finished being lined-up on the jig so you’ve got some back up on the way…otherwise you may end up making friends with the smiley guy in the hearse.

In case your attention span is extremely limited, you can watch the following video in 33 seconds and see all of the included models before you forget what you were trying to remember to do. :)

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

The Top 10:

Scary stuff must have been on Shannon’s mind when he modeled ESP KH-2 Mummy using Google SketchUp. What is the sound made by all of us screaming virtually? [sandman14 is from the US]

Mind-boggling detail is Alfred’s specialty. His entire range of models makes you wish that you had the keys so that you could go off and make some real noise! MAN 5to milGL is no exception. Check out all of the tools and the engine and running gear. Phew! alfredix uses Pro/E for his modeling and then translates everything into STEP format for uploading to 3DVIA. [Alfred is from Germany]

No matter which way you look at it Abstract Propeller by epcinnova is gorgeous. The interplay of form, space and color make it a treat to explore! He uploaded in the 3DS format. [epcinnova is from Spain]

Outillage Assemblage De Support Habbilage is quite an impressive assembly jig modeled by by sgiosgio using CATIA V5. It would be exciting (and probably very loud) to see it in action!

2010 Camaro by tnewton76 isn’t completely done yet, but it strikes all the right chords in my motor brain. SolidWorks 2010Beta3 is his modeling tool.

VH by monsieurjeanclaudedus looks like a trio of observer decks connected in a novel way. It’s very sculptural and open! He uploaded it in 3DS format.

Marian keeps getting better and better with his designs and with using Google SketchUp. Sunbeam has excellent proportions and beautiful surfacing. Let’s go! Now, please! [Marian is from Romania]

Check out all of the detail in this Snare Stand model by Puss_in_boots, which he modeled using CATIA V5. It’s impressive – you could almost build one for yourself.

Halloween just got a lot scarier when toymaker uploaded  Hearse 2009, which he modeled using Google SketchUp. Just like the excellent modeler that he is, he also gave full credit to Dr_Love for his horse model and Jotham for his skeleton model. [toymaker is from the US]

I think ntwiesen has a little more work to do before anyone loses their lunch on this Flummox Roller Coaster , but it looks like it will be worth the wait! ntwiesen used CATIA V5. [ntwiesen is from the US]

Honorable Mentions:

I don’t think anyone can zoom in and start exploring Guerra by odst without laughing and having some fun! This once again proves that using 3DVIA Shape can let your inner craziness out!

Pelicano by epcinnova illustrates the power of transparency to illustrate sub-systems within a much more complex environment. He uploaded it in 3DS format. [epcinnova is from Spain]

There is plenty of detail in Maison St. Ismier: Proposition 1 by yultreuse , from the furniture to topography, all done using 3DVIA Shape.

Apple by trigram_VMX is a simple subject which the textures really bring to life. 3DVIA Shape was his creative tool of choice.  [trigram_VMX is from India]

I’m ready to visit perecat1 at his Vacation Home that he constructed with his imagination and 3DVIA Shape. [perecat1 is from Spain]

Just so everyone knows, the order that the Top 10 and Honorable Mentions 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!

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. (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.

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, October 10th through Friday, October 16th are highlighted here. Can you possibly outrun the tornado in your Flow Concept roadster and get both prototype wheels to the Neptuno spaceport (right next to the church) without getting caught in the death trap mess or ending up lost in either of the time warp zones waiting for you before launch? By golly, you did it! Now go party and play some heavy riffs on your electric guitar and rest up for your next mission, you deserve it!

In case your attention span is extremely limited, you can watch the following video in 33 seconds and see all of the included models before you forget what you were trying to remember to do. :)

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

The Top 10:

Iglesia Santisima Trinidad – Apostles was modeled by kyolkuse using 3DVIA Shape and I like it because it is simple and well-textured.

Neptuno 2003 Transporter by epcinnova shows the great value of including exploded views of concepts so that folks involved in the project can more quickly understand what’s being proposed. epcinnova uploaded his model in 3DS format. [epcinnova is from Spain]

Every time I see this model my face lights up with pleasure. Lantern by trigram_VMP is just so appealing that I have to go explore it again. trigram_VMP used 3DVIA Shape. [trigram_VMP is from India]

One of the outrageous Orange County Choppers inspired DrSlumper to create his own version – The TRX Project Car Wheel Tooler 20″ using SolidWorks 2008.  You can learn more at The TRX Project blog. [Dr_Slumper is from Spain]

An overturned truck, a multitude of police cars and even more flying cars fulfills the title Need for Speed – Death Match by XQH_XXX. Parth used 3DVIA Shape to bring this action to life. [XQH_XXX is from India]

rhalstead has been creating some killer sculptural models using Synthforge and then 3DVIA Printscreen. This one is titled Generative 3D Art and since Rodd mentioned that it looked better on a black background, that’s how I’m presenting it here. In the 3DVIA Player it appears with a white background. [Rodd is from the US]

I’m ready for a long fantastic ride in Flow Concept as designed and modeled by l5o2k1s and then uploaded in the 3DS format. [l5o2k1s is from Romania]

Check out all the plates and rivets that sandman14 added to make his ESP Ironjet Guitar so believable using Google SketchUp. [Shannon is from the US]

perecat1 has stretched his imagination once again in a new direction to create this colorful and action-packed Tornado using 3DVIA Shape. [perecat1 is from Spain]

You’ve just got to zoom in and view all the details in TRX front rim. It’s an amazingly well done model by flatform using SolidWorks 2009. Even the cast in production information is there in minute detail!

Honorable Mentions:

This beautiful and sensuously shaped Fiole (vial) was envisioned and modeled by jackRED and then uploaded in 3DS format. [jackRED is from Morocco]

Mech 2 by maxofp2p was built and nicely textured using Blender and it looks like he needs to head back to base for some repairs. [maxofp2p is from Poland]

Kid’s Room by XQH_XXX (using 3DVIA Shape) would make any young child happy! [Parth is from India]

These Aliens by namlek were created using CB Pro (thanks to Mick Kellman at SolidWorks for providing me with a link just a few minutes ago!) and they’re here because they just make me smile.

This nicely detailed hillside Edificio by tachcharts was uploaded in 3DS format. The model shown here has been updated and deleted, so I’ve put in the links to a later version.

Just so everyone knows, the order that the Top 10 and Honorable Mentions 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!

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. (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.

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, October 3rd through Friday, October 9th are highlighted here. So you need to make a call from your red-lined speed boat on Lake Geneva before hopping onto your classic TRX850 to meet Maxwell Smart and James Bond to thwart something bad from happening at the new stabilizer installation. No problem! This week’s Top 10 includes everything you’ll need to accomplish the mission and to relax afterward! Make that call!!

In case your attention span is extremely limited, you can watch the following video in 31 seconds and see all of the included models before you forget what you were trying to remember to do. :)

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

The Top 10:

Maxwell Smart’s Apartment was carefully crafted by PinkSkink using Google SketchUp. Check out the William Morris wallpaper mixed in with many more contemporary elements – including an image of Agent 86’s hero James Bond.

Structure  Synth “flowers” was imagined and created by rhalstead using Structure  Synth software and his own well-honed programming skills. Rodd used 3DVIA Printscreen from the 3DVIA Labs to capture his model for uploading. [Rodd is from the US]

Twisted Chairs by zenox is a beautiful update to a classic furniture type that would look right at home in a contemporary art museum as well. zenox used Blender to merge the old with the new. [zenox is from Serbia & Montenegro]

TRX Instrument Panel is an incredibly detailed model of a very complex part painstakingly created by flatform using SolidWorks 2009. Be sure to check out The TRX Project blog to stay up to to date on progress towards a complete Yamaha TRX850 3D model.

You can almost feel the spray in your face as you envision piloting Lancha at high speed over the waves. epcinnova used the 3DS format to upload this bullet of a boat. [epcinnova is from Spain]

This beautifully detailed G900 cell phone was created by mieown using SolidWorks 2009.

Leopard 2A6 is an excellent continuation of the quite complete line of tanks and other equipment based on the Leopard chassis by alfredix. Alfred uses Pro/E for the modeling and then translation into STEP format for uploading to 3DVIA. [Alfred is from Germany]

Walkthrough V3 – Creating Cap is another great 3DVIA Shape learning tool modeled by XQH_XXX to show step-by-step how he created his model. [Parth is from India]

I’d recommend that anyone modeling an interior space follow anloncar’s excellent example of using transparent walls to more fully illustrate the concept. Stan1 invites the viewer to explore the space more easily. anloncar uploaded the model in the 3DS format.

Stabilizer2 by smitsch was created for uploading using a VRML Generator and demonstrates the invaluable help that a detailed 3D model can provide to help everyone involved understand a project very early on in the process.

Honorable Mentions:

Indonesian Mask was created by Creaform by first scanning the real mask and then doing a great job with textures.  [Creafrom is from Canada]

perecat1 was inspired by his recent vacation to create this Asturias model using 3DVIA Shape. [perecat1 is from Spain]

A Meeting House w/Bridge Now!!! by julian112897 depicts a working scene with lots of details added using 3DVIA Shape to tell his story. [julian112897 is from the Philippines]

XQH_XXX uses his “sparkle” effect to make Let the Music V6 – Hi-Fi Surround Speaker worthy of being on any stage. Parth used 3DVIA Shape. [Parth is from India]

This well-detailed and textured House was modeled by greenleafapps using Google SketchUp.

Just so everyone knows, the order that the Top 10 and Honorable Mentions 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!

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. (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.

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, September 26th through Friday, October 2nd are highlighted here. Get ready to have your eyes snapped open at breakfast, learn how hydroplanes are moved, see some motorcycle bits, a gruesome pumpkin and lots more. Have fun checking them all out! In response to your excellent feedback about last week’s design changes there are more changes! Hopefully, I’m closer to what you enjoy, but feel free (please) to tell me what you think. :)

In case your attention span is extremely limited, you can watch the following video in 28 seconds and see all of the included models before you forget what you were trying to remember to do. :)

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

The Top 10:

The first cup of wake-me-up is scary enough already. Imagine if Tasse by Bachoul is what you saw on your table through your barely open eyes! It is wonderfully creative and was modeled in 3DS format.

The panel design is gorgeous on  Minikit-J8 by jbebin. It is an excellent combination of current technology with the beauty of nature. Excellent job using a VRML generator.

M1 by jbb10 is quite simply a nice simple house modeled in 3DS format. I like the included detail and how believable it is.

This 48 Tilt Trailer by nissin is really cool. I love hydroplanes and really like seeing how they are moved from races to the shop and back. Some suspension, wheels and tires would probably make it a smoother ride. :) nissin used SolidWorks 2009.

This highly detailed Skull was modeled by conn250 in 3DS format. It seems like it would be quite useful as reference in many 3D applications involved in modeling humans and for the just plain curious folks amongst us.

Workstation was added by scubagarth, who used 3DVIA Composer to create it. Composer is among the 3D tools that allow 3D geometry created by the engineering department to be used much more easily throughout the rest of the company.  [scubagarth is from the US]

Ornament was created by vtor67 using Blender and I really enjoy opening it in the 3DVIA Player, zooming in and getting lost inside of it! [vtor67 is from the US]

This beautiful Alfa was modeled by anloncar in 3DS format. Alfa Romeo has been recapturing the hearts of drivers all over the world with some of their recent gorgeous cars.

Just over a year ago toymaker joined 3DVIA and uploaded his first model here. That pair of pumpkins was included in the very first Top 10 too! toymaker created a new gruesome pumpkin called Anniversary to celebrate! toymaker uses Google SketchUp. [toymaker is from the US]

Underneath all the fancy bits of almost any product are lots of critical sub-assemblies like Fairing Bracket by DrSlumper. They are beautiful in their own right and are just as difficult to design as the sculptural parts that they firmly hold and precisely locate. Dr_Slumper used SolidWorks 2008. [Dr_Slumper is from Spain]

Honorable Mentions:

This Sofa by jbebin may not look great in your living room, but it is the perfect sofa for someone! jbebin used a VRML generator.

Water Splash by XQH_XXX was created using 3DVIA Shape. The combination of action, imported models, water modeling and great textures make it really enjoyable. [Parth is from India]

You can almost hear the big cat growl in Jaguar XK8 by Phong. I’m ready for a ride down a nice twisty road. Phong used Google SketchUp.

Surface Drive Propeller – 5 Blade was modeled by nissin using SolidWorks 2009. It captures the sculptural beauty of a highly function-driven manufactured product.

So You “Still” Think You Can 3Dance? by jackRED (in 3DS format) moves two of his dancers into a position that makes it look like they are in love rather than in a dancing class. :) And – yay!! they have hair!! [jackRED is from Morocco]

Just so everyone knows, the order that the Top 10 and Honorable Mentions 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!

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. (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.

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, September 19th through Friday, September 25th are highlighted here. You can go on a cruise, wear your new shoes, go dancing, buy a new car, meet new people, read stories and even take a taxi ride, so check out this weeks Top 10 in a brand new style! Comments are welcome on the new layout, both good and bad. Thanks to Juan Del Rio for his design and technical help and to Dan Ubilla for his “deep” technical help. But, as always, send the tomatoes my way if you don’t like it!

In case your attention span is extremely limited, you can watch the following video in 34 seconds and see all the included models before you forget what you were doing. :)

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

The Top 10:

Honorable Mentions:

Just so everyone knows, the order that the Top 10 and Honorable Mentions 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!

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. (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.

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, September 12th through Friday, September 18th are highlighted here. A super secret stealth plane, mini kitchen, electric guitar, concept car, a floating fresh apple juice bar, a bulldozer tank and a light bulb ready to shock himself! What else could you want? How about le Petit Prince, a Power Wagon, castle ruins, a Pacman maze and a chaotic monster too? And there’s even more, so take a look!

In case your attention span is extremely limited, you can watch the following video in 33 seconds and see all the included models before you forget what you were doing. :)

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

The Top 10:

Shannon keeps coming up with special customs that help broaden our appreciation of guitars! Vito Bratta’s ESP Custom Guitar (Tobacco Burst) was modeled by sandman14 using Google SketchUp. [Shannon is from the US]

What a great concept – Fresh Apple Juice! abu_roadking’s fertile imagination and great skill using 3DVIA Shape makes this concept real indeed (and makes me thirsty too)! [Abu is from India]

Watch out for this Stealth Jet imagined and modeled by george1993 using 3DVIA Shape.

This Mini Kitchen was modeled by XQH_XXX using 3DVIA Shape and is based on the real thing, which is amazingly efficient. [Parth is from India]

Le Petit Prince by jackRED is a classic story for children that has been brought to life using 3D.  [jackRED is from Morocco]

When you need a big job done in a hurry, you might as well call in the big stuff like the Pionierpanzer Dachs by alfredix. Alfred uses Pro/E to create his models and then translates them into STEP format for upload to 3DVIA. [Alfred is from Germany]

Bulby by XQH_XXX is in for a shock in this really funny story created by Parth using 3DVIA Shape. [Parth is from India]

Funky Dinamics Optimised by l5o2k1s is a great interpretation of the BMW Vision show car recently shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show.  [l5o2k1s is from Romania]

Textures once again prove their immense value in modeling in Moreton Corbet Castle Ruins by squarefountain. Using Google SketchUp, combined with a bit of actual topography imagery, squarefountain has created a very believable set of ruins to explore.

Power Wagon by toymaker makes me happy just looking at it. From the flame job to the nicely detailed drive train, it just begs to be taken for a ride! toymaker used Google SketchUp to create this classic. [toymaker is from the US]

Honorable Mentions:

Pacman Returns in 3D thanks to maheshak modeling it using 3DVIA Shape. [maheshak is from India]

XQH_XXX built this complicated Photo Shoot by using 3DVIA Shape to create the models that he didn’t have and then adding the rest from our continuously growing list of uploaded models.  [Parth is from India]

Everyone has days like this -  A Regular Day In Chaos City by zzz-zzz. Now we also have a 3D model built using 3DVIA Shape to help us try to laugh about them.

Woodford by aemh looks like a cozy home setting with a hot car to add some excitement. aemh put it together using 3DVIA Shape.

Sitar – String Instrument was carefully modeled by trigram_VMP using 3DVIA Shape. [trigram_VMP is from India]

Just so everyone knows, the order that the Top 10 and Honorable Mentions 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!

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. (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.

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, September 5th through Friday, September 11th are highlighted here. It is another good week with lots of variety from production tools and finished products to worthwhile stories and dreams too! Enjoy them all and use them for your own inspiration!

In case your attention span is extremely limited, you can watch the following video in 33 seconds and see all the included models before you forget what you were doing. :)

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

The Top 10:

May I Know the Time Please? by XQH_XXX may seem like a simple story, but it goes deeper the more you think about it. The water texture is really effective using 3DVIA Shape. [XQH_XXX is from India]

Bergepanzer 2A2 by alfredix is another example of using the Leopard chassis to fulfill another critical task. Alfred uses Pro/E for the models and STEP format translations for uploading to 3DVIA. [alfredix is from Germany]

Read the story The Piece of Bread!! by abu_roadking and you’ll learn something even as you appreciate his skill using 3DVIA Shape. [abu_roadking is from India]

Mr_Planet has created another stunner, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL Class and still using Google SketchUp. Beautiful model that captures the essence of the real thing.

Enjoy 3D Star Midday by meo1 from any angle and you’ll be seeing stars. And multiple stars in a way that seems impossible. A really nice model created using 3DVIA Shape.

MM1322 Duplex Stack by jamesm77 is an excellent example of one of the key attributes of 3D modeling: the ability to visualize and then create tight packaging for efficient manufacturing. jamesm77 used SolidWorks 2009.

Few people would have the imagination and skill to create a Bridge the way that perecat1 has using 3DVIA Shape. [perecat1 is from Spain]

202-074-EST Licovak Vrtule – Sestava Celkova by machacek is a great example of how sculptural production tools can be even as they serve the manufacturing process. machacek used SolidWorks 2009.

LM Axa by Marian was created using Google SketchUp and is a well thought out front-to-back design. Great job! [Marian is from Romania]

Bomb by Physicsguy is wonderfully detailed both in the carrier and the bomb itself. Google SketchUp is his tool of choice.

Honorable Mentions:

Check out all of the intriguing sculptural details in SOL_20090830 by tynnon. He used CATIA V5. [tynnon is from China]

Dream Monster 3 by ilovegoodcheese was created using Blender and makes me want to only meet with him during the day! [ilove good cheese is from the US]

Jeep Rubicon by guillen25 shows his increasing skills using 3DVIA Shape. He’s not the best modeler (yet), but he has the best possible attitude – learn, listen and keep trying no matter what! [guillen25 is from Mexico]

Who can resist having “Stump Jumper” tires? Tire by toymaker was created in great detail using Google SketchUp. [toymaker is from the US]

Baby T-Rex Dinosaur is the story of species continuation on a bit larger scale. XQH_XXX used 3DVIA Shape. [XQH_XXX is from India]

Just so everyone knows, the order that the Top 10 and Honorable Mentions 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!

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. (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.

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, August 29th through Friday, September 4th are highlighted here. We have quite an eclectic mix of model subjects this week. Everything from a concert hall to the Lovell Telescope at the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics. And let’s not forget some odd characters, both real and imagined. Have fun checking them all out!

In case your attention span is extremely limited, you can watch the following video in 33 seconds and see all of the included models before you forget what you were trying to remember to do. :)

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

The Top 10:

Once again, shodiq38 shows his mastery of 3DVIA Shape by modeling the Leonardo da Vinci Helicopter. He has a fantastic understanding of the Shape’s modeling tools and makes great use of them! [shodiq38 is from Indonesia]

Brokebot by prolithic is funny and sad at the same time! The little details give it great character and make it seem almost “unbroke”. [prolithic is from Australia]

Take the time to really check out the details of this excellent Giant ATX750 bicycle by coffida. He uses CATIA V5 to model just about every possible detail of this complex vehicle that has everything hanging out and on display. Beautifully done!

Creepy is about the only word that fits this really well done model of Aliester Crowley, by krystalfoto. Crowley was a real individual and was indeed quite odd by most standards. [krystalfoto is from Norway]

sandman14 created The Black Diamond Guitar using Google SketchUp, but left it up to the 3DVIA users to name it for him. Parth came up with the name that Shannon picked. [Shannon is from the US]

Fitting right in with the 3DVIA fascination with squirrels, toymaker made Where Did That Squirrel Go using Google SketchUp. Yet another nutty model to add to our collection. [toymaker is from the US]

Let the Music Play V4 – Concert Begins by XQH_XXX is the culmination of much effort and many models created using 3DVIA Shape. He has been gradually creating and gathering all the elements to bring this concert to life! Be sure to comment on the model and I’ll bet that he’ll invite you too. [Parth is from India]

This 3D model version of the Hassan 2 Mosque in Casablanca was created by jackRED using 3DVIA Shape. The real mosque is an absolutely amazing piece of architecture. “It stands on a promontory looking out to the Atlantic, which can be seen through a gigantic glass floor with room for 25,000 worshippers. A further 80,000 can be accommodated in the mosque’s adjoining grounds.” [JackRED is from Morocco]

sady2’s skills using 3DVIA Shape continue to improve and diversify as he demonstrates with his Nihal’s Sword. [sady2 is from Romania]

The Lovell Telescope is just part of the JodrellBankObservatory and is exquisitely modeled by squarefountain. His structural work is fantastic and the use of the terrain image helps his model feel even more real! squarefountain used Google SketchUp.

Honorable Mentions:

I never knew what one was until bobinos created a TN Trans Moffet Mounty using 3DVIA Shape. [bobinos is from Belgium]

Panzerschnellbruecke Biber by alfredix is another of his series of outstanding models based on the Leopard tank chassis. Alfred models using Pro/E and then translates them into STEP format for upload to 3DVIA. [Alfred is from Germany]

Those of you who are familiar with some of the “characters” here in the 3DVIA community will appreciate the notes that tomy left for those attending his truly epicurean Breakfast. The notes and the cooking were done using 3DVIA Shape. [tomy is from Canada]

Cadline Atrium by NickHarris looks like a great place to work or shop.

As the summer ends, take one more chance to visit a Hot Dog Stand courtesy of Junior117 and created using 3DVIA Shape.

Just so everyone knows, the order that the Top 10 and Honorable Mentions 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!

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. (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.

Story telling is one of the oldest known methods of communication between humans. Legends, lessons and just talking with each other is filled with stories that help us to understand our world. Whether the story is oral, written, drawn in 2D, viewed as a series of moving images, or shown as a 3D model  – we all enjoy and learn from each method.

Abdullah Shaikh (Abu to his friends) has a naturally amazing ability to tell stories that cross all cultures and distances with his 3D models. As humans we understand and respond to his stories. That is why he is our Featured Artist!

As user name abu_roadking, Abu has been in the Top 10 thirteen times; – 027, – 028, – 029, – 030, – 032, – 033, – 034, – 037, – 038, – 039, – 040, – 041 and – 043. He also has nine Honorable Mention models to his credit;  – 027, – 029, 2 in – 031, – 032, 2 in – 036, – 038 and – 042.

Before changing his user name, Abu went by trigram_QWQ and was also in Top 10 with five models;  – 018, – 019, and 2 in – 021 and  – 024, has another two Honorable Mentions to his credit; – 020 and – 023.

A good story takes time to tell, so settle back and enjoy the many thoughts that Abu has shared with us.

Introduction:

Hmmm… where do I start??? I’m a Mechanical Engineer by education/qualification, but professionally, have been involved with Software Industry for long time now, more specifically CAD. I’m presently working as a QA engineer on CATIA.

I was born and brought up in a small town Solapur. After passing out from graduation school, I worked in a government-run workshop maintaining the State transport buses. Then, I moved to ‘urban’ places hunting for better opportunities.

Got into a software giant, started working on mainframes, but it didn’t take long time for me to realize that I wanted to make a career in CAD. I requested for an assignment change and luckily got into Engineering Services of the same company. We basically made production/piping drawings of marine engines (the really big ones with 960mm bore x 2500mm stroke). It was a mix of 2D and 3D, majorly 2D though. After about 3-4 years moved into Testing/QA domain, my present job.

On personal front, I’m happily married since last 3 years and have been blessed with daughter last year, Saarah. Marriage and kids change your life completely (I’m sure you’d understand this). Helping my better half with daily chores, feeding baby occasionally, changing diapers/nappies (rarely) and that’s life these days. Weekends are rest and visiting family at home-town every now and then (4 hours journey by train). I can’t say I’m enjoying life but I’m not complaining either. All different phases of life, you have to go thru each one of them.

Before becoming a ‘family’ man??? Well… bikes, long distance rides, trekking, volley-ball apart from voracious reading, movies, plays… the list is almost endless… I’m very much into autos… cars, bikes, trucks, planes, ships… anything that’s mechanical and is mobile… not just riding my bike but tinkering with it when I have time and enough resources (read money). [Yeah… like the author of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.]

When I was kid used to collect postal stamps, coins and currency bills. Took up reading in graduation school. Ayn Rand and Mario Puzo are my all time favourites. I read (or should it be used to read?) almost anything and everything. Fiction, non-fiction, science & technology, inspirational stuff (Paulo-Coelho-types NOT Dale-Carnegie-types), short stories, philosophy, religion, culture, biographies. I don’t claim I’ve read all these genres extensively but yes a few titles from all of them. Then of course you have Sidney Sheldon and Dan Brown :).

I also am very much into writing. I write short essays on variety of topics, editorials mainly for internal newsletters (both at my present employer and previous). Have been on editorial teams since graduation days. I was awarded 1st prize at University for an article written in “Literary Criticism” category on Mario Puzo’s “The Godfather”.

It was during working on the layouts of the newsletter issues that I got exposed to photography and photo-editing thru a good friend and deviantART.com. We used to work together on the layouts for each issue. I used to select the subject and content while he used to add effects in Photoshop. That got me interested in PS, but before I could start learning it I switched job. Let’s see if I get a chance to learn it in future.

I guess this is good enough for a ‘short’ introduction…

Q1: How did you first become interested in 3D modeling?
It was AutoCAD 2000! My first interaction with the world of CAD! Although it was just a part of our curriculum, a 40-50 marks internal exam.

But I took extra efforts of learning it by joining a private training institute. Gradually moving to learning CATIA by the time I started working. Then I was exposed to I-DEAS and the world of Marine Engines. The sheer size and level of complexity hits you so hard, that it’s difficult to explain.

I was always interested in geometry throughout my schooling. This liking grew with subjects engineering drawing and machine drawing at graduation. So, lines and curves always interested me. With the addition of 3rd dimension the world became more interesting :).

Q2: Does 3D modeling play a role in the work you do?

I do 3D modeling of mostly engineering products. It may sound pretty ‘techy’ but rest assured they are simple assemblies like valves most of the times.

And these models are generally used to make drawings. In the process, we test the software. The main purpose of modeling would be to simulate industrial usage. How would it happen in actual production environment? For this we use variety of data, constructed from scratch, created by other teams, or which is actually provided by customers themselves.

That’s the 3D modeling that I do for my ‘bread and butter’. Sometime back a contest was organized in our company. We had to create models using 3DVIA Shape. That’s how work and interests got intermingled.

Q3: What part of 3D modeling do you find most rewarding?

Coming from a background where I’ve worked mostly on engineering and production drawings, 3D is an answer to the 2D riddle when you are modeling from a reference drawing. The minute model is completed, it feels like you’ve cracked a million dollar question. And of course in context of 3DVIA, the comments and appreciations from the community are the most rewarding aspect of 3D modeling here.

When I read an interesting article or passage, I almost immediately want to give it a form in 3D. This is only possible with 3DVIA where I have access to n-number of models created and shared. So it starts building up into a 3D story…

Q4: How does story telling play a role in your 3D modeling?

Like I just said, whenever someone sends me a forward or I come across a short story I start giving shape to it (story) in 3D form using the models for 3DVIA. Many times if someone shares a model (usable in Shape), that itself triggers the idea of making a scene using the shared model. For example: the Harry Potter scene that I made using actraiser’s Araneus Angulatus or prolithic’s Drunkenclam and Evreyday Inn triggered an idea for On the way to Monument Valley.

Q5: What additional software do you use to create your 3D models/images?

At this point in time it’s just CATIA and 3DVIA Shape. Tried my hand at SketchUp, but didn’t quite like it :). For the images I use MS Paint and Office Picture Manager.

Q6: How much 3D modeling time do you have in a week?

That usually varies with the kind of work that’s on hand and at what stage the testing is being done. At any given point in time there would be a CATIA session running, but “is 3D modeling going on?” is a subjective matter.
To take a break from regular work and CATIA window, a 3DVIA window opens :).

Q7: What are your tips for staying focused on a large project?

Deadlines are important and equally important is the aim with which a task is taken up. So, the vision towards the end result helps you traverse the path. If you’re working in the dark without knowing the goal, you tend to lose direction. This is applicable to all tasks, large or small.

If you want me to comment on specifically a large CAD or 3D project, well, I’m not the person to make a qualified remark regarding such an endeavor. I don’t have that kind of exposure of handling a large project. I’m just a small brick in the bigger wall and I ensure it is at the place where it’s supposed to be, at the expected minute :).

Q8: Do you do 3D modeling at home on personal projects?

Nope, unfortunately I don’t have a PC at home. So whatever modeling I do is from office and is work-related. As I mentioned before, to take a break from regular work, I do modeling in 3DVIA. Or when some parallel activity is going on (like some batch processing where I can’t work on CATIA). Or at times I come to office early to play around with newer models in 3DVIA.

Q9: Do you have any thoughts on how 3D modeling can help young people as they learn about the world?

Children learning about world!!! And using 3D modeling!!! That’s a difficult one… but, yes I can certainly say that a few of the lessons of geometry can be very well demonstrated using simple 3D techniques. Ellipses and other curves can be better explained using 3D than leaving it for students’ imaginations.

Q10: Do you have any thoughts on the value of 3D modeling to help us all learn about the world?

I’ll restrict my opinions on this question to my experiences on 3DVIA. The reason for this being, unless and until you share your models with others, you cannot learn more (than what you already know). It is only when people see your creations and respond; you come to know the kind of emotions they generated with the viewers. The other side of story, if I may put it that way…

You also learn a lot by observing other people’s works. I can quote many instances. I remember learning more about Dracula thru one of sady’s comments. Many of smike’s models contain technical as well as historical information. There’s so much more to it than just the 3D models… in these cases 3D models trigger a ‘need to know more’ than what meets the eyes… you Google on the subject and read more…

The reverse way is also pretty interesting… when you start working on a model and drill down to extract more levels of detailing, you realize what seems simple at first look is in fact complex enough to make you think more. So starting from a 3D model you can explore the world outside as well as drill down deeper… a great learning experience…

Q11: Do you think 3D modeling is different in different parts of the world? How?

No. 3D modeling is the same everywhere. It’s a neutral language. I would like to quote Shakespeare on this one, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet;” just as thoughts, ideas and emotions aren’t dependent on language or culture, so is 3D modeling.

Q12: Just for fun, what is your favorite game? movie? comic book?

Favorite game would have to be NFS Porsche Unleashed. Basically I like racing games. Haven’t laid my hands on latest NFS releases (again since I don’t have a PC at home or a gaming console and playing games at workplace is simply out of question). Last one I played was NFS-HP2 the one which came after Porsche.

Movies… I enjoy watching good movies… picking a favorite one would be difficult… Sci-fi, action thrillers, comedy, romantic stuff, drama… haven’t been able to watch movies lately though…

When I was kid used to read Chacha Chowdhary and Champak. Comics appearing in newspapers are the staple diet now… Garfield is all-time favorite apart from Dilbert, Hagar and others.

-

With respect for the 3DVIA community, Abu has included some of the possible story-telling themes that he draws on for inspiration and that can be a guide for us as well:

- Exploring 3D…
- Shapes and Forms
- Stories, Fantasies and Dreams
- Complexities – Simplicities
- Love – War
- Elements, Monuments, History, Science and Technology
- Humor, Tears, Joy, Happiness, Sadness
- Games People Play, Games Playing People, People Playing Games
- Creators, Creations
- Immortals, Mortals
- All in all, “A Journey of A Lifetime”

Abu originally shared these themes as part of a comment on smike’s 3DVIA World Tour Bus – Halls of Fame on Wheels.

Thank you Abu for your thoughtful answers to our questions and for taking so much time to bring such excellent 3D stories to 3DVIA!

Quick links to previous Featured Artists:

14 Sizzling Snacks – Tommy Smith (tomy) – Michael White (toymaker) – Shannon Sands (sandman14) – Alfred Schallert (alfredix) – Corey Papadopoli – Mark Biasotti (mbiasotti) – Michael Petersen (smike) – Matthew Negrier (Balgin) – Benoit Caselli (Benoit-Caselli) – Matthiew Viets – Rob Rodriguez – Blake Metzler – Peter Anderson – Bryan Silva

It’s been awhile since we asked about you, how you use the site and what new things you’d like to see on 3DVIA.com.

How would you make 3DVIA.com better? Oops, that’s one extra question – don’t answer it here, just take the survey.

Ten quick questions and you’re done…

Click here to take the survey!

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, August 22nd through Friday, August 28th are highlighted here. We’re getting closer to finishing out a full year of Top 10 posts and the models just keep getting better and better as the competition heats up! Keep it going!

In case your attention span is extremely limited, you can watch the following video in 29 seconds and see all the included models before you forget what you’re doing. :)

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

The Top 10:

This may the first time that Foghorn didn’t have anything to say, for a few seconds anyway. Foghorn-KFC was modeled by toymaker using Google SketchUp. [toymaker is from the US]

Leopard-1A5 once again shows the quality of alfredix’s modeling. This tank is another accurate beauty done in Pro/E and then translated into STEP format and uploaded to 3DVIA. [alfredix is from Germany]

To fully understand how wonderful model this is, open My Love V3 – Golden Bangles by XQH_XXX and then let it spin by itself. Using 3DVIA Shape, Parth worked his textures and the 3DVIA Player z-fighting issue to actually get his gems to sparkle! [Parth is from India]

Saint Georges de Boscherville by Arrigo_Silva shows the beauty of architecture and the modeling value of using textures to capture it while using Google SketchUp. [Arrigo_Silva is from Italy]

Not only is the real 8C one of the most beautiful real cars around, Alfa Romeo 8C W.I.P. O by mynameisoscarjo is one of the very best Blender models as well. Great job! [myname is oscarjo is from Sweden]

Shannon has created another top hit with his Phoenix Guitar. sandman14 uses Google SketchUp. [Shannon is from the US]

Concept Car 1 by shodiq38 ups the 3DVIA Shape modeling bar for all of us. Check out his video of how he did it to learn his techniques. You’ll have to watch it numerous times to try to get it all! [shodiq38 is from Indonesia]

abu_roadking gives us another inspiring 3D story with I Can’t Get In, which he tells using 3DVIA Shape. [Abu is from India]

Splitting Headache is funny and too true! toymaker used Google SketchUp. [toymaker if from the US]

Love stories include the animal world as well. T-Rex In Town by XQH_XXX tells the story of a mother’s love for her offspring using 3DVIA Shape. [Parth is from India]

Honorable Mentions:

Kingdom of Ringer by 01337 looks like a fun place (for dogs anyway) modeled using 3DVIA Shape.

CP-140 Small is a well-done aircraft by marcguimont created using an ASCII STL generator.

Where is the Hi Guy in Fruit Land by SammyB is a fun little puzzle created using 3DVIA Shape. [SammyB is from Canada]

Pistol-assm was modeled by ilusi86 using SolidWorks 2008. [ilusi86 is from Malaysia]

shodiq38 demonstrates his humor and his constantly improving skills using 3DVIA Shape in his model Looks Better. [shodiq38 is from Indonesia]

Just so everyone knows, the order that the Top 10 and Honorable Mentions 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!

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. (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.

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, August 15th through Friday, August 21st are highlighted here. Enjoy the remaining summer days and evenings. Take a ride with the windows down or with the helmet visor up and just enjoy the twilight warmth and aromas!

In case your attention span is extremely limited, you can watch the following video in 33 seconds and see all the included models before you forget what you’re doing. :)

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

The Top 10:

Prip did a great job on Alienvision using Blender. The detailing is fantastic. [Prip is from Mexico]

Z-Bridge @ Pune by emilesh is modeled along with the terrain using 3DVIA Shape. It’s a great little story told much better in 3D. [emilesh is from India]

Alfred is passionate about getting the details right and he gets the job done well with his Bundeswehr Flakpanzer Gepard 1A2. alfredix uses Pro/E to create his models and then translate them into STEP format for upload to 3DVIA. [alfredix is from Germany]

I hope I get invited over for dinner! My House Project Final V2.0, by CARABUSU using 3DVIA Shape is a very inviting model that shows a lot of care and planning. [CARABUSU is from Romania]

The amazing thing about Wolf by maxofp2p is how he has captured the unmistakable essence of a wolf using only 452 triangles and two surfaces! You know it’s a wolf, but wow, it’s low poly! maxofp2p used Blender. [maxofp2p is from Poland]

Poisoned Dagger (final & cool XD) by sady2 makes me very glad that I live far away and try to stay on his good side! He did a great job with his imagination and modeling skills using 3DVIA Shape. [sady2 is from Romania]

Salvador Prime Emperesarial by caramelo is an elegant group of buildings created using Google SketchUp. It looks like it would be a pleasure to visit or work there.

Now 3DVIA “Has a Hemi”, in fact it’s a 426 Hemi 1 by vchip57. There is great detailing throughout and it is one of our few models created using Lightwave 3D. [vchip57 is from the US]

Role Reversal by killzone is a great mind-stretching model, which is just slightly scary too. This fantasy was put together using 3DVIA Shape.

A cable-stayed bridge is no easy task to model, which makes Indian Heritage V2.1 – Vidyasagar Bridge by XQH_XXX even more impressive. Parth used 3DVIA Shape and included enough other models to give us a good sense of scale. [Parth is from india]

Honorable Mentions:

Sun Temple by perecat1 explores other cultures and his amazing creativity using 3DVIA Shape. [perecat1 is from Spain]

FV432 Bulldog APC by hobbknob has plenty of detail when you take some time to explore it. Google SketchUp was the 3D tool of choice. [hobbknob is from the UK]

jaybird did an amazing job modeling Girl In White using CATIA V5.  [jaybird is from Japan]

Now Where Did Those Two Go??? is another great humorous moment in life told as a 3D story by abu_roadking using 3DVIA Shape. [Abu is from India]

I think most young ladies would be pleased to have a bed as fine as  Royal Princess Carriage Bed by OYK_XXX. 3DVIA Shape helped bring this dream-time fantasy to life. [OYK_XXX is from India]

Just so everyone knows, the order that the Top 10 and Honorable Mentions 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!

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. (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.

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, August 8th through Friday, August 14th are highlighted here. There is quite a bit of variety this week with a lot of great subjects! Enjoy the remaining summer days and weeks!

In case your attention span is extremely limited, you can watch the following video in 34 seconds and see all the included models before you forget what you’re doing. :)

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

The Top 10:

Most people will easily recognize the Star Trek Bridge in this nicely done 3D creation by PinkSkink using Google SketchUp.

Bugs by toymaker just makes me laugh every time I see it. It reminds me of all those great cartoons and here Michael has captured the essence of Bugs so well using Google SketchUp. [toymaker is from the US]

If you ever need to know how to operate a Bundeswehr 105mm Feldhaubitze, you could probably figure it out using these detailed models by alfredix. He uses Pro/E to model with and then translates the models into STEP format for uploading to 3DVIA. [alfredix is from Germany]

Walkthrough – Amazing 8s by XQH_XXX is a great teaching tool for how to use 3DVIA Shape and all without words. The turntable concept is a wonderful way to easily guide the viewer through the steps.

The original Amazing 8s model caught folks’ attention with its great curves and textures and Parth has shown us how to do it ourselves. [XQH_XXX is from India]

Mechanical Engineer’s Creativity V2 – So Lonely by XQH_XXX proves that engineers are real people too! :) Using 3DVIA Shape, he has created a touching story of love, jealously and loneliness using a hammer and nails, demonstrating his fanatastic imagination! [XQH_XXX is from India]

I really like the details of this small, nicely done house called Casamazate by maunciopauna. He has used 3DVIA Shape very effectively to create an inviting environment.

The Perfect Chain, by alfredix, illustrates his attention to detail and the ability to help us understand why geometry is so important in all of our modeling, particularly his meticulous method of depicting his subjects. He uses Pro/E to model with and then translates the files/assemblies into STEP format for upload to 3DVIA.

Check out the rest of his Picasa Web Album to better understand the problem and his solution. [alfredix is from Germany]

Mutombo City was built by christianmut using 3DVIA Shape and is filled with other 3DVIA Shape models and lots of interesting details. I never did find all of the included models!

Pipecaster Guitar by sandman14 amazes me with Shannon’s ability to keep coming up with new concepts and then beautifully modeling them using Google SketchUp. Just imagine this with some wild anodized colors! [sandman14 is from the US]

abu_roadking takes the love story into new dimensions with Pirated Love!!!. 3DVIA Shape is a powerful story-telling tool in his hands. [abu_roadking is from India]

Honorable Mentions:

This is a great model of a Suzuki Motorcycle complete with two helmets created by ilusi86 using SolidWorks 2009.

Metalcloak Armor System, TJ was very nicely done and detailed by DougPowell using SolidWorks 2009.

shodiq38 didn’t win Challenge 14, but with his Congratulation model he certainly shows his great spirit of friendly competition. He has been using 3DVIA Shape in some absolutely amazing ways. [shodiq38 is from Indonesia]

Tall Thing by perecat1 is another example of his exceptional creativity using 3DVIA Shape. [perecat1 is from Spain]

A Lada 110 may not be on everyone’s list of great cars, but Mr_Planet still did a great model using Google SketchUp.

Just so everyone knows, the order that the Top 10 and Honorable Mentions 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!

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 modelour 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. (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.

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, August 1st through Friday, August 7th are highlighted here. There is quite a bit of variety this week with a lot of great subjects! Enjoy the remaining summer days and weeks!

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

The Top 10:

ALVIN – Deep Submergence Vehicle by smike shows the depths (sorry) that smike will go to in researching his subjects. Check out his presentation for way more detail! You can also view the same model without the ocean bottom, which makes it a little easier to navigate around the model. smike does his modeling using Google SketchUp. [smike is from Denmark]

Royal Clock – Showpiece by XQH_XXX is a beautiful example of using textures in 3DVIA Shape to create an ornate model without a lot of difficult modeling. [XQH_XXX is from India]

HH-20070 by chawkenson is actually a hose humper (scroll almost to the bottom of the page to see the assembly in action in the field) bearing assembly that he created along with the hose wheel using SolidWorks 2009.

This is a commercial agricultural tool, but people use the same concept to control hoses in their yards and gardens to make moving hoses easier. What I like is the excellent section view that makes it easy to understand the concept and construction. Very nice.

XQH_XXX takes us from the ornate to the conceptual with his Sound of Purity V2 – Expression of Freedom model. Read the model description to more fully understand the motivation and encouragement offered here. XQH_XXX has used 3DVIA Shape in this model to express very different thoughts. [XQH_XXX is from India]

Sam by toymaker makes me laugh out loud! Anyone familiar with Yosemite Sam in the cartoons will appreciate how well toymaker has captured Sam in 3D using Google SketchUp. [toymaker is from the US]

JaViXP has captured the essence of the Audi R8 with this exceptionally well done model created using Google SketchUp. [JaViXP is from Spain]

His Glasses? by abu_roadking has sparked some great discussions about subjects far from 3D modeling and yet also still at the core of why we  do the things we do. abu_roadking has once again proven his amazing story-telling skills using 3DVIA Shape. [abu_roadking is from India]

Nautica is an absolutely impeccably well-detailed model created by marshy using CATIA V5. Check out the model to truly appreciate how much he has put into this creation! [marshy is from Israel]

Extraordinary textures make Golden Temple by OYK_XXX an exquisite model and it was created using 3DVIA Shape. [OYK_XXX is from India]

M198 Medium Towed 155mm Howitzer by alfredix again shows his phenomenal attention to functional details that we may have never seen or even thought about before. Beautiful work. Alfred models using Pro/E and then translates his models into STEP format for upload to 3DVIA. [alfredix is from Germany]

Honorable Mentions:

What Is It????? by Omind may have re-kindled the Squirrel Wars here on 3DVIA. What a great imagination! [Omind is from the US]

This is another part in the TRX Project -  The TRX Project Footrest Left by DrSlumper created using SolidWorks 2008. Without the photos on his blog I never would have been able to guess what position this should be in. [DrSlumper is from Spain]

The Cube by shodiq38 was made using 3DVIA Shape and it just looks like he had a lot of fun making it! [shodiq38 is from Indonesia]

This Is The Life by sady2 is a very sobering model that may be closer to the truth than we are comfortable with. sady2 used 3DVIA Shape. [sady2 is from Romania]

This model of a Flag by shodiq38 and his accompanying video are fantastic examples of what can be modeled using 3DVIA Shape. [shodiq38 is from Indonesia]

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!

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 modelour 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. (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.

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of  Saturday, July 25th through Friday, July 31st are highlighted here. Summer is here and the models are coming in red hot! This week seems to be filled with models that include people in them! Including people always help tell a good story that we can relate to.

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

The Top 10:

See What You Mean by XQH_XXX is best described by Parth himself: “It’s a very conceptual model & without reading this description you may not get the idea behind the creation of this model. As you know, DS is a major company providing various 3d modeling software tools for innovators/designers. DS Says “See What You Mean” to represent the fact that whatever you can imagine now you are getting a chance to make that happen in reality.”

Great story and great model too! 3DVIA Shape was used to create it. {XQH_XXX is from India]

R N L I – Mersey Class Lifeboat – Kingdom of Fife by BobHog, is a beautifully done model of a rescue craft that we may never see, but can appreciate here. His other models are definitely worth visiting too! [BobHog is from the UK]

Astro Guy by x2xhalox2x is a well done model that is humorously brought to life in his video. (Warning! The video has a very short use of strong language.) [x2xhalox2x is from the US]

3DVIA Complex by qui_123 is a nicely done building and environment created using 3DVIA Shape. [qui_123 is from India]

The Skycrane has been one of my favorites since I was a kid. smike’s Sikorsky S64E Skycrane Hulk is another of his exceptionally well-detailed models created using Google SketchUp. Go view his presentation of the model to get a much better understanding of the work involved than these images can provide. [smike is from Denmark]

We’ve all been in this situation – Shopping Woes!!! abu_roadking has illustrated a universal story based on human emotions that is really well done. 3DVIA Shape allowed Abu to concentrate on setting the scene to tell the story more quickly than having to create all of the models himself. It is an excellent use of available resources. [abu_roadking is from India]

alfredix has created a great scene with his Stuck in the Sand model. Be sure to read the description and comments. This is another great example of Alfred creating a story rather than just a model. He uses Pro/E for the models and STEP format to translate them and then upload them to 3DVIA. [alfredix is from Germany]

shodig38 has taught us all a thing or two about what 3DVIA Shape is capable of with his Formula 1 model. Excellent job! [shodig38 is from Indonesia]

I really like the story telling in Science Fiction Office by killzone. Every viewer can come up with their own version of what is going on in this mysterious scene created using 3DVIA Shape.

My Love V2 – Pearl Bracelet is a beautifully detailed piece of jewelry created by XQH_XXX using 3DVIA Shape [XQH_XXX is from India]

Honorable Mentions:

Colorful Car (my title) by shodig38 just makes me smile! Nicely done using 3DVIA Shape. [shodig38 is from Indonesia]

Getimti by getimti is a complex interior space created using CATIA V5.

Flame by nypmodel was created using 3DVIA Shape and has managed to elegantly capture the basic essence of fire in a beautiful way.

Take a close look at Cubierta Dato y San Prudencio by adkady (using Google SketchUp)
and you’ll see the innovative San Prudencio street coverings that help make them more friendly and inviting.

The details are great on this Train by atlanticavual.

Just so everyone knows; the order in which the Top 10 are displayed is based on the subject matter, the color and how I’m feeling. A model’s position does not indicate any particular ranking. I just rearrange them until I like the way it looks. It’s as simple as that!

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 modelour 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. (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.

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, July 18th through Friday, July 24th are highlighted here. No one actually reads this part, so it doesn’t really matter what I say as long as it is a couple sentences long. Done.

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

The Top 10:

2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG by Mr_Planet shows again what a great job can be done with surfacing using Google SketchUp. This is a great job of modeling and subtle use of textures to bring it to life.

Inside Out Museum (my name for his model) was  imagined and then created by perecat1 using 3DVIA Shape, turns the museum concept inside-out. The art is all on the outside where everyone can enjoy it! [perecat1 is from Spain]

CCCC by langnickel was created using Blender and just totally blows me away – I love it!! Look at that fuel system and drool over the details. [langnickel is from the US]

Neon Sign by toymaker is fantastic!! Toymaker has turned a “flaw” in the 3DVIA Player into a great “benefit”. Z fighting occurs in the player when the software is trying to decide which geometry to show as the model is revolved. Just open this model and let it revolve by itself and it flickers – just like a neon sign! Great job! Google SketchUp is toymaker’s tool of choice. [toymaker is from the US]

Once again I am reduced to searching for new superlatives for SBD-5 Dauntless Dive Bomber by smike. Go to his presentation and you’ll see that these images are just a tiny tease! smike is a master of  Google SketchUp. [smike is from Denmark]

You’ve got to go to the model Say Cheessseeee!!!! by abu_roadking to really appreciate this concept that involves the 3DVIA community itself. 3DVIA Shape was used to create this child’s dream scene. [abu_roadking is from India]

Purifyer Combat Scene by alfredix is exquisitely modeled using Pro/E for the models and STEP format for translation and upload to 3DVIA.

I’ll let him describe the what and why – “I decided to modify my Interceptor to a more robotic version with easier loading/unloading of ammunition. What you see is The Purifyer mounted on a Oshkosh Base Trailer with my HEMMT 8×8 Tractor. It is a little scene with ammo boxes standing around, ready for loading and some after use (empty)”. [alfredix is from Germany]

Let the Music Play V2 by XQH_XXX is beautifully modeled using 3DVIA Shape. Time to dance! [XQH_XXX is from India]

Korengal Army Support Base by hobbknob picks up the major concept idea that is being perfected by alfredix. Using Google SketchUp hobbnob has created a monster model containing “just under a million polies”,  “about 50 vehicles and 10 assorted buildings”. All that in only 10 days! [hobbknob is from the UK]

The Fury Guitar by sandman14 is an imaginative “Sands” design that requires careful use to avoid personal injury :). Shannon uses Google SketchUp. [sandman14 is from the US]

Honorable Mentions:

Die Another Day by abu_roadking was created using 3DVIA Shape and James Bond’s services were not required. [abu_roadking is from India]

Engine WIP by emag using Google SketchUp, is definitely one that that I’m keeping an eye on. [emag is from the US]

Kuma by jaybird is endearingly huggable and was modeled using CATIA V5. [jaybird is from Japan]

Amazing 8s by OYK_XXX has created a target of creative modeling using 3DVIA Shape for other Shape users (me too). [OYK_XXX is from India]

McLaren F1 w.i.p. by 123julgranskory impresses me with its excellent surface development created using Blender. [123julgranskory is from Sweden]

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!

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 modelour 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. (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.

August is a time of rest, relaxation, holiday and  vacation for many people all over the world. In that spirit, this Featured Artists Sampler will be dedicated to a single shot of each artists’ work that we’ve featured – all in one place and in no particular order.

We’ve talked with 3D character artists, a steel maker, industrial designers, architects, printers, computer wizards and a roofing and siding expert amongst others. All have one thing in common – a passion for 3D modeling! So, snack away and go visit the artists that make you hungry for more!

Be sure to stay tuned in early September for our next Featured Artist – Abdullah Shaikh (abu_roadking)! Abu is a master at telling engaging 3D stories that bring out the best in all of us. You won’t want to miss his work!

See you soon with more great 3DVIA Featured Artists and more great 3D models!

Send me (dswavely) a message with your suggestions for who you would like to know more about, so that we can include them as Featured Artists in the future.

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, July 11th through Friday, July 17th are highlighted here. It’s getting harder and harder to narrow it down to just the Top 10 and the 5 Honorable Mentions. Keep up the excellent work!

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

The Top 10:

Master story teller abu_roadking gives us another great reminder of what is really important with his Thanks For Your Time model created using 3DVIA Shape. [abu_roadking is from India]

Look inside the big box to find this excellent Droid creation by rigy20.

Cafe by jankee is a well-done example of the power of using 3D to plan and be able to walk through interior spaces. Google SketchUp was used.

Beach Sculpture by lingling is powerfully presented with human figures for scale and good use of terrain and textures. View her YouTube video to get an even better idea of the setting. [lingling is from Belgium]

If you only look at this model from the ground level, you’ll be missing the rest of the story…

Underground Logistic Center KPL by alfredix is so complete and complex that he had to do a lot of extra work removing detail for this to be viewable on 3DVIA.

Check out all of his models to actually understand the whole intricate concept. Alfredix models with Pro/E and then uses STEP translations to upload to 3DVIA. [alfredix is from Germany]

perecat1 has modeled another fantastic artistic interpretation of a future that he envisions. Towers (my name) was created using his amazing imagination and 3DVIA Shape. [perecat1 is from Spain]

Washburn Nuno Bettencourt N4 Snakeskin by sandman14 can give you the creeps if you don’t like snakes, but the texturing really makes this model sing. Even the back of the guitar is well-detailed using Google SketchUp.  [sandman14 is from the US]

I put Brabus C63 by JaViXP right above the following model to help illustrate the amazing results that Google SketchUp modelers can get with a lot of hard work. If you look at the really difficult transition surfaces (front and rear quarter-panels and the greenhouse to roof area) it is easy to see how hard it is in some modeling software compared to others.

This is meant as a compliment to JaViXP and his fellow modelers because they do such a great job with limited tools. This Brabus tuning of a Mercedes comes off exceptionally well!  [JaViXP is from Spain]

In comparison, Existentia Concept Car was created by car2ner using CATIA. His challenges are still significant (learning how to get the results he wants from such a powerful tool), but the results are so much smoother and graceful because the software is capable of finer control of the delicate surfaces.

He also has some very interesting form concepts from numerous automotive periods combined in this one model. It is a great example of being able to spend some time ”walking” all around a car in 3D and trying to figure out why you like one thing and maybe don’t like another line or form. Be sure to check out his fabulous renderings here! [car2ner is from Ukraine]

Don’t be fooled (like I was) into thinking that there is only one Scripton in this model by toymaker. That innocent looking pen on the table is Scripton’s evil twin!

What a great job of using imagination, fantastic detail and Google SketchUp. [toymaker is from the US]

Honorable Mentions:

This truly creative Fantasy Exotic Guitar was created by XQH_XXX using 3DVIA Shape and images of an existing guitar. [XQH_XXX is from India]

The shape, arrangement and texturing on the leaves in this Flower model by shodig38 is beautiful. 3DVIA Shape was used to create it. [shodig38 is from Indonesia]

Stinky Cheese Man by ilovegoodcheese was created using Blender and helps bring the wacky world of Jon Scieszka to more people. Kids AND adults love his stories and illustrations. (We have several on our bookshelves at home.)  [ilovegoodcheese is from the US]

Office Water Purifier was created by XQH_XXX using 3DVIA Shape to help plan his future office floor plan.   [XQH_XXX is from India]

Tottenham Ready by design365 is a wonderful example of how 3D models can help in planning large area usage as well as interior spaces.

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!

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 modelour 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. (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.

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, July 4th through Friday, July 10th are highlighted here. This is the 36th post with the purpose of bringing models to your attention that we all may have missed during the week. Be sure to read the comments on each model as you visit them and add your own thoughts and a rating too!

The refrigerator got married to the satellite the other day and the wedding was really quite an affair. Rarely have the society pages had such a great story. The newlyweds will be moving to Traverse City, Michigan (The Cherry Capital of the World) and are hoping to raise a large family of unknown devices. We wish them well!

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

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:

Datsh has created another set of fantastical worlds called Ex Periri… (as he notes: Latin: ex- periri, “to try out”) and combines excellent use of textures with his vivid imagination. The viewer can stay on the outer fringes of Datsh’s models or zoom right in and have a great time exploring the smaller worlds too. Datsh used 3DVIA Shape. [Datsh is from Sweden]

This absolutely gorgeous Mid-1940’s Stromberg Master 400 by sandman14 was modeled and textured using Google SketchUp. Take a careful look at the excellent variety of wood textures. [sandman14 is from the US]

smike goes really big bore with his Heavy Dora – German 800mm Railway Cannon model. As we’ve come to expect, the detailing and texturing are top notch. smike uses Google SketchUp. [smike is from Denmark]

I really like  Cool House by ruslan547 because of his design of the structures to work with the terrain and then adding the visual relief of the pools and windows. A variety of levels and volumes invite us to look beyond the norm and enjoy his playful design. ruslan547 used 3DVIA Shape.

This fine 2009 Falcon GT500 by JaViXP and Sketchosaurus is a the result of their collaboration using Google SketchUp. The interior is particularly well done.  [JaViXP is from Spain and Sketchosaurus is from New Zealand]

perecat1 continues to amaze me with his models, like Towers (my name, not his) and the depth of thought that goes into his creations.

This is just a part of a translation of his description: “In memory of the master architects (Gaudi and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona). A Jules Verne, the father of science fiction, who helped me in this project. Show a general idea about architecture, in the very near future. All buildings will be designed by a new generation of designers and arqutectos.” He is truly using 3DVIA Shape to create his artistic visions! [perecat1 is from Spain]

SAAB Draken was created by rimbold using CATIA V5. The surfacing is excellent and the result is a real pleasure to explore. [rimbold is from Austria]

Slvr was modeled by atomxii using CATIA V5 and shows great care in including the details that make the model so believable.

Sikorsky H-34 (S-58) Choctaw Helicopter is another master model by smike using Google SketchUp. Be sure to view his presentation of the Choctaw to really get the full measure of how nice this model is. Can you find smike’s message? Kilroy would be pleased. [smike is from Denmark]

L Reconcept by l5o2k1s is just one of a series of beautiful car concepts that he has created. The supercharger and side pipes made this the one that I had to show. I just love the hunkiness of the whole concept. [l502k1s is from Romania]

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

Honorable Mentions:

Take a good look at Kids’ Racing by abu_roadking and you’ll see a whole panoply of the most fun vehicle models on 3DVIA. I can hear the kids making all the right sounds as they race around full tilt with lots and lots of crashes!

abu_roadking did a masterful job illustrating 3DVIA Shape’s ability to quickly create a 3D world that a moment ago was only in your own mind. [abu_roadking is from India]

nedsdustbin took Cliff’s video “Create Realistic Models Quickly from Pictures” to heart and made his own great model – Disney Lightning McQueen TV / DVD Combo using 3DVIA Shape. [nedsdustbin is from the UK]

Canon Powershot SX200 IS by abu_roadking is another well-done example of using fairly simple 3DVIA Shape geometry and applying excellent textures to quickly make a wonderful model. [abu_roadking is from India]

mynameisoscarjo is putting a lot of effort into this version of the Koenigsegg. We’re pleased that he is sharing Koenigsegg W.I.P. as it develops. Blender is his modeling tool. [mynameisoscarjo is from Sweden]

Dragon Breathing Fire by ilovegoodcheese was also created using Blender and does a great job with a classic theme. [ilovegoodcheese is from the US]

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. (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.

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, June 27th through Friday, July 3rd are highlighted here. This is the 35th post with the purpose of bringing models to your attention that we all may have missed during the week.

This week was filled with particularly good models, so don’t be discouraged if one of your models isn’t included!  Be sure to read the comments on each model as you visit them and add your own thoughts and a rating too!

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

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 (if they tell us) 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!

The Top 10:

It is great to have machdoem back on 3DVIA after a long hiatus. His model Coffee Shop Design shows why we value his architectural and interior space design expertise. This coffee shop is one that I would like to visit and relax in!

I hope that he adds some of his other models to show his humorous side too! machdoem uses Google SketchUp. [machdoem is from New Zealand]

996 748 916 998 VR3 Assembly by boydprecision was created using an STL ASCII generator. According to the comments, it is a set of motorcycle racing foot pegs, but to me it is pure mechanical sculpture! Great job!

Robby is a great addition to our sci-fi history in 3D models by toymaker. The details are fabulous and they look amazingly like the original Robby the Robot’s innards and outtards (new word, you saw it here first). toymaker made this beauty using Google SketchUp. [toymaker is from the US]

Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 by Alistair Wick, Shreeyam Kacker, Javier Garcia and Sam Grinder has been completed and is stunning! 3DVIA has been fortunate to have had them share their work as a Work In Progress (W.I.P.). It has also appeared in the Top 10 -033 as an Honorable Mention. 

This has been another successful example of the group’s collaborative modeling method using Google SketchUp, which is a great idea for building teams and sharing experience. Be sure to also take a look at their BMW Z4 Coupe, which was featured in the Top 10 – 030.

Spiderman 3 by XQH_XXX is an exceptional example of a simple concept executed extremely well. The texturing makes this model a star. Spiderman would be proud! XQH_XXX used 3DVIA Shape to create it. [XQH_XXX is from India]

SE-TS-Puffermodul-4×150x050 by alfredix is one small portion of his giagantic logistics complex that he is developing. The overall concept is huge in scope and alfredix has been extremely diligent about moving it towards completion.

Visit his models page to see all of the amazing elements in detail or go to his web album for an overall review. alfredix does his modeling using Pro/E and then translates them into STEP format to be able to upload his gigantic models to 3DVIA. [alfredix is from Germany] 

Space Mouse by atomxii features some amazing surface development work using CATIA V5.

Open the model and watch the highlights move across the impeccably created forms as you move it around. It’s an education in how the reflection of light is what we’re really using as a guide to the things we use and to the world around us.

Watch out for the bite of the Scorpion Guitar by sandman14! It looks like it could be a lethal weapon in the wrong hands. The shape is wonderful and the detailing, as always, is excellent.

The adjustment knobs are actually a cool transclucent charcoal gray, but I used the Fresnel shader for these shots to show off the highlights and the overall form. sandman uses Google SketchUp for his creations. [sandman14 is from the US]

I’ve already used up all of my superlatives on smike’s other recent helicopters, but his Sikorsky CH53E Super Stalllion beats them all. There is no way that I can do it justice with a few shots, so go visit his presentation or you will regret it!

smike uses Google SketchUp. [smike is from Denmark]

Produit1 by pronguecyril (Cyril & Kevin) is exceptionally beautiful and well modeled. The 115′ Pershing Yacht creates a lot of dreams and this has ignited a few of my own! The team used CATIA V5 to model this extravagantly sleek and powerful yacht.

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

Honorable Mentions:

SA80 was modeled by hobbnob using Google SketchUp and is a beautifully modeled and detailed weapon. [hobbnob is from the UK]

Car Audi R8 was sculpted by pronguecyril using CATIA V5 and is a great example of subtle surface development.

I just plain like Home by himanshududhankar. It makes me want to go on vacation right there right now! Google SketchUp was used to model it.

Any recent BMW is extremely difficult to model. This version of the BMW 320 Sedan E90, created by JaViXP (using Google SketchUp) captures much of the true essence of the car. [JaViXP is from Spain]

I love a good humorous model and Mr Flatfish 02 by lingling makes me smile every time I see it. What a great imagination to create a Flounder lounge singer! [lingling is from Belgium]

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. (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.

3DVIA.com welcomes 3D modelers of all levels of experience. Some users are an inspiration to us because of their long experience and incredible models.

Others are an inspiration because they are continually working on improving their skills and welcome comments and help from other modelers while sharing their own tips and tricks.

We are also inspired by users who are just geting started. They help us to remember what it was like when each new discovery was exciting and each new technology opened whole new worlds of possibilities to us. 

Newer modelers also help bring out the best in the rest of us by asking questions that we can answer based on our own experience – questions that we wish we could have asked other 3D modelers when we needed help.

Most importantly, newer users remind us of the joy of 3D and bring a perspective to modeling that is both fresh and often amazingly different!

Tommy Smith (not his real name, by the way); or tomy as we know him here at 3DVIA, has brought those qualities to 3DVIA from the first time he joined our community. He always asks good questions, provides answers to some tough questions and makes comments that help us and remind us to enjoy ourselves! His models have been chosen for the 3DVIA Top 10 models  - 003 and – 010 and received an Honorable Mention in – 027.

If you really want to be reminded of the joy and possibilites of technology in the hands of younger users, go spend some time at tomy’s web site. Open your mind and imagine yourself having so much fun trying so many different things!

It’s all yours tomy – take it away -

Hello! I am Tommy Smith and live in Alberta in Canada. I became interested in 3DVIA because of the 3D Life Player. I’ll explain that now.

Q1: How did you first become interested in 3D modeling?

Well, I have a little sister who likes this little kids flash website called “Nick Jr.”. One day they posted a game called Diego Mudboarding that Hannah didn’t know how to play because I needed to install 3DVIA Player (at that time, named Virtools Player). Then they changed it to 3D Life and eventually 3DVIA Player. The ad said to go to 3DVIA.com so I did. That was I while ago. 3DVIA Shape 1.0 was still out. mvcomputers’ “Red Lobster” was the most popular model and phong was also a very popular artist. I signed up because I thought I could make a videogame with 3DVIA Shape. But, oh well, maybe someday. It’s a good program, and you are not going to get a better deal!

Q2: What types of 3D modeling do you do? 

Just like toymaker, I don’t start with a plan on paper because sometimes something happens that I didn’t expect and I have to change plans.

Q3: How much time do you spend, on average, on one particular model?

Oh, well usually, not long. Usually a few minutes to an hour. The longest time I took was about a month to make my ferris wheel model.

Q4: What additional software do you use to create your models and images?

Usually, I either search the internet or use 3DVIA Shape’s provided textures. Or, if I really have to, I will use MS Paint to make my pictures. But those are always opaque and I can’t make it transparent. I’m hoping GIF images will be supported for 3DVIA Shape soon!

Q5: What is your work/modeling day like?

I go to school, but as soon as I get a chance, I’m on 3DVIA.com. That’s usually at about 4:00 pm.

Q6: What are your tips for staying focused on a large project?

Remember that if you have to, you can save privately and continue later. I would suggest you don’t add models that are a big file size to your model. Don’t use too many models other users have made and don’t give up because there is always a smart way to do it.

Q7: Where do you go (web sites, museums, race tracks, anywhere) for help, tips and inspiration?

I use my imagination and come up with an idea. Sometimes other models on the site can give you an idea.

Q8: What part of 3D modeling do you find most rewarding?

Getting good comments on your model, replying and starting a conversation (and of course, if you do get in the Top 10, that is rewarding as well!).

Q9: Do you do 3D modeling at home on personal projects?

No, and I don’t have any private models except my tutorial model.

Q10: Do you have any thoughts on how 3D modeling can help younger people as they learn about the world?

I never thought about that. I do 3D modeling because it’s fun to do, not because you can learn facts from it.

Q11: Just for fun, what is your favorite game? Movie? Comic Book?

My favorite game? The games on my website! My favorite movie is definitely Wall•E and I was never interested in Comic Books.

Q12: What is your favorite subject other than 3D modeling?

I like seeing new places and doing science experiments.

Thanks a lot to dswavely as he helped me a lot with setting up this Featured Artist page. This was a huge surprise that I could be in the Featured Artist blog and I am proud.

And thank you too tomy, for taking the time to answer my questions and for always being a bright and inquiring presence on 3DVIA.com. We’re all looking forward to seeing what you come up with next!

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, June 20th through Friday, June 26th are highlighted here. This is the 34th post with the purpose of bringing models to your attention that we all may have missed during the week. Be sure to read the comments on each model as you visit them and add your own thoughts and a rating too!

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

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:

los jardines Reales de Aranjuez, by perecat1, may seem simple at first, but read even part of his comments on the inspiration behind its creation …

“And to say that my passion by the subrealistic painting can to me and that it is evident in my works. That they are somewhat infantile, and also, that to use the colors with harmony I could be complicado. 3dvia it puts it easy and always it allows you to correct. With the smooth combination of the same I try to transmit tranquillity…” (kindly translated by 3DVIA users).

You’ll see that there is much more thought in this model than seems evident at first glance. 3DVIA Shape has proven to be a valuable tool for perecat1’s creative process. [perecat1 is from Spain] 

This is not just a model, it is also a game that you can download and play for free. Fighter Piloting Game Prototype by kiml was created using Blender. Blender is a free download, then download the blend file from 3DVIA and open it in Blender.

The bottom right image is of me being totally destroyed in the game itself. I had fun, but am lacking the video game skills to be any good at it. Give it a try! [kiml is from the UK]

These are (I believe) the first high heels on 3DVIA! Part 1 was fashioned by TASARIMCI using CATIA V5. I included the screenshot of the thumbnail (pressing the “PLAY 3D” button does not work here), so that you could see the wonderful textures that our Player isn’t showing.  [TASARIMCI is from Turkey]

From high fashion to the world of wrestling, we have it all on 3DVIA thanks to the Ring Where Champions Are Born by XQH_XXX! 3DVIA Shape helped XQH_XXX put some fast moves on the needed geometry. Are you ready to go up those steps? [XQH_XXX is from India]

This gorgeous cup and saucer take us back to the parlor for some tea. The subtle forms and sophisticated tetures make Part 1 by TASARIMCI a real treat. CATIA V5 was used to create this delicate pair. [TASARIMCI is from Turkey]

Yikes! Nitro, ear plugs and quick reaction times are needed for 3DVIA Goes Drag Racing… by abu_roadking. The NHRA may have something to say about his class match-ups, but it sure is fun! 3DVIA Shape made this thunderous virtual cacophony possible. [abu-roadking is from India]

Supermarket Cart For Children by NaBiSs provides a different kind of play and is very nicely modeled using CATIA V5. The giant roller-ball wheels help with maneuvering in tight spaces and the bright colors make it a natural for kids. [NaBiSs is from Frane]

toymaker has modeled a nice bit of American Civil War history by bringing the Monitor to the virtual 3D world using Google SketchUp. The ocean form, texture and lighting are particularly good. The detail of the turret is also excellent. This shows an early version where one gun shutter was closed as the giant 11 inch Dahlgren gun was loaded and the other was fired. [toymaker is from the US]

This abstract form, C&O, adds to Datsh’s world of unusual and fascinating fantasy worlds created using a great deal of imagination and 3DVIA Shape. [Datsh is from Sweden]

Product 1 by TASARIMCI has wonderful chunky proportions, great details and excellent colors and textures, all of which make me want to have this toy for real! CATIA V5 was used for its creation.  [TASARIMCI is from Turkey]

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

Honorable Mentions:

A combination of classical shapes and proportions mixed with unconventional colors makes Kemerli Kasnak by Hakan a fun model. Hakan used 3DVIA Shape.

Dinner For One by Fotomann has an element of mystery that makes it very appealing. Is there a missing person? What does the note say? Why is the martini red? Fotomann used Blender to create this nice little scene. [Fotomann is from the US]

Michelin by bingo is recognizable all over the world and brings a smile wherever he goes.

The Simpson’s House by Marklol95 makes me smile. I wonder when this part of the phenomenal The Simpon’s series will be declared a virtual Architectural Humor Landmark. Markl095 used 3DVIA Shape.

ULC-Lift-Facility-KPL by alfredix is just one part of a massive logistics complex that he is working on. He uses Pro/E for modeling and then translates them into STEP format for upload, so that anyone with a CAD system can download and use them. [alfredix is from Germany]

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. (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.

Now we feel good too! Thanks DrSlumper!

If you’re into motorcylces, you need to check out his blog every now and then as he continues his TRX 850 project.

The best models uploaded to 3DVIA.com during the week of Saturday, June 13th through Friday, June 19th are highlighted here. This is the 33rd post with the purpose of bringing models to your attention that we all may have missed during the week. Be sure to read the comments on each model as you visit them and add your own thoughts and a rating too! Just to see if anyone actually reads this intro anymore, I will give special mention in the 34th Top 10 to anyone who sends me a message using the link at the end of this post. You just have to have fun when you can :)

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

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:

Sound of Purity, by XQH_XXX, is a wonderful model that uses 3DVIA Shape to tell a simple, yet complicated story. The purity of water drops into a pool sets up some pretty amazing studies in fluid physics. 

Simple is not always as simple as we think and there is much beauty to be found in the world of mathematics. In fact, without the wonders of mathematics, 3D modeling wouldn’t even be here for us to have fun with! [XQH_XXX is from India]

Everyday Inn by prolithic brings back so many memories of car trips across the US with four of us kids in the back seat. As the day’s travel was nearing its end and we headed down the main street of wherever it was we were staying that night, four sets of eyes were eagely seeking out the motels that had a POOL and COLOR TVs.

Whenever we saw one, the whining would begin – “oooh, we’re so hot” – “a swim would really be great”…of course, we stayed hot more often than not :). Thanks prolitic, for bringing all that good stuff back! [prolithic is from Australia]

Fishman, by Prip, is kind of creepy and really neat at the same time. It’s a great concept and is nicely executed. 3D helps let the mind stretch in new ways. [Prip is from Mexico]

Rodd’s description says it all “Second floor of a house, designed by my daughter and her friends. They really worked hard on this, after getting some basic instruction on how to search for models and photos, and how to place these into the room model.” 

I absolutely love the giant murals! It seems like the second floor would be the only place to be in that home. You can find Second Floor at rhalstead’s account. The real creators used 3DVIA Shape. [rhalstead is from the US]

From murals of ducks to Soviet helicopters, textures show that they make really can make the difference between good and great! MIR MI-24V Helicopter Gunship / Transport – Tigershark by smike is another beauty that he modeled using Google SketchUp. 

Go to the model and then go to his presentation link, which is a great addition to the model itself. It’s like a guided tour by smike himself, so that you won’t miss any of the amazing details. [smike is from Denmark]

By the way, this is the 33rd Top 10 and coincidentaly smike has been in the Top 10 27 times and in the Honorable Mentions another 6 times for a total of 33 – the most of anyone on the site!! Congratulations smike! Today’s inclusion makes it 34! 

This looks a wonderful Neighborhood to live in! It was created by prashatsonar using 3DVIA Shape. Pool party anyone?

I don’t think that there are enough superlatives for Храм Покрова Богородицы by ibursevich that would praise enough the attention to detail and dedication needed to model this amazing edifice using CATIA V5.

It is just a staggeringly beautiful example of this architectural style! Fantastic job! Zoom in and around it and you will be amazed at every turn. [ibursevich is from Russia]

From the Russian northern climate we move to the American desert, both real and imagined in On The Way to Monument Valley by abu_roadking. Using 3DVIA Shape, he has created a great mix of models with a beautiful backdrop (for those of us who love and crave being in the American southwest).

His later versions also include elements of the movie Cars to make it even more fun! [abu_roadking is from India]

Gold Clock, by ibursevich, is another example of his meticulous modeling of classically elegant forms using CATIA V5. It’s great that the mechanics of the clock are the star of this story! 

Here engineering beauty can be properly appreciated. [ibursevich is from Russia]

ULC-DH-Hangar-KPL is a small part of the fantastic logistics world being created by alfredix. This model is so complex that he had to decimate the trucks to the level of toy-like appearance in order to maintain the overall concept and still be able to upload it. You just have to visit his models page, models and then read his descriptions to fully understand how complex the whole xoncept is.

Alfred creates his models using Pro/E and then converts them into STEP format for uploading to 3DVIA. [alfredeix is from Germany]

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

Honorable Mentions:

QZR Tortoise was created by qzr_3dp using 3DVIA Shape and you can’t help but smile too when you see this happy tortoise!

The guys are getting close to being finished with their