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.

I’ve come to the conclusion that our community members are waayyy too savvy to have a 3rd party voting system.   I mean you guys can find your way around everything! And I mean that as a compliment.  So as you all saw in our voting post, our savvy users, after “robust testing” found a way to make their votes count. Unfortunately this invalidated the veracity of the user voting section, so I had to recruit extra judges to get a good average opinion on our new Challenge Champion.  Wow did we have a close race, for a while I was redoing my calculations multiple times because I couldn’t believe my eye’s!   In the end, Emmy’s vote card pushed the winner ahead and our new Champion rose from a crowd of excellent challengers.   Join us in congratulating Ilovegoodcheese in winning the 3DVIA Challenge!

Here is the Score Card!

And here’s the winning model!

Our next Challenge will begin next week, and I’ve been going through the suggestions on the Challenge Forum Thread so if you have any late additions be sure to include them soon!    Start practicing for next week, because next time, you could be our Champion!

-Juan

Jon talks here about how 3DVIA (Composer, Mobile, and 3DVIA.com) are great tools for engineers, particularly for SolidWorks designers.

In case you are interested, here is a link to an article with pictures of Jon and the cast from the movie “21″, based on the stories of the MIT Blackjack team.

For more details on how 3DVIA benefits SolidWorks, CATIA, or any 3D design tool, there’s more info in this short video.

Using a SolidWorks design, I show here how easy it is to upload a design that all team members can access.

Here is the Power Painter 3D Model I Published from SolidWorks in the video.  I also need to give credit to the SolidWorks team for the design–nice work!

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.

Welcome everyone to the Voting Round! The staff along with the community will select their favorite to win the coveted Challenge Champion Award! The voting procedure is detailed on the challenge post so lets get down to it. Let the Voting Begin!

At the end of the week, the judges will add their score to yours and on Monday we will have our Champion.

Good luck everybody; and remember to get your friends online to vote and to leave comments about the Vehicle finalists!

You’ve seen them, now lets VOTE!

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.

In this video, I play the role of a Copier Salesman, Emmy is an Office Manager (the customer), and Garth plays the Product Manager.  Garth and I work together to easily solve a problem using 3DVIA.

Oh, and Garth really is one of the hardest working guys in the office, not like the role he plays here.

I also wanted to give credit to the 3D models used in this video:

- The Audi Tt by jled

- ScubaGarths Copier:  Before, and After

- And, a cameo appearance by Tex-Rex by IsaacMiller1993

For the 3rd concecutive year, the 3D3 International Competition is rewarding the best student projects using 3DVIA Virtools in the fields of Real Time 3D to applaud their techincal and artistic prowess.

This Saturday, October 17th is the Final project Presentation and Award ceremony  in LeCube, Paris France. So if you are in the area be sure to pass by and check out the fantastic student presentations of this year and be on hand to congratulate all the participants!

The following categories will recieve awards this weekend:

• Grand Prize
• Special Award presented by 3DVIA Virtools for Technical Excellence
• Special Award presented by Le Cube for Artistic Expression
• Special Award presented by Arte.tv for Cultural Content
• Best Gameplay Award
• Best Graphics Award
• Best Inovation Award
• Best Screenplay Award
• Best Sound Engineering Award

Organized by Le Cube, in partnership with Dassault Systems, 3D3 was introduced as the one major meeting place for students, schools and professionals creating Real Time 3D.  Over 230 schools and training centers around the world are now using 3DVIA Virtools.  The 3D3 Contest aims to discover and promote young creative talent and to initiate their relationships with industry professionals.

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.

Rampage!  Theneverstill’s 3DVIA Mobile challenge entry had an excellent dramatic setting and was an fast favorite among our judges.  We’d like to thank everyone for participating in this challenge and helping us celebrate the launch of 3DVIA Mobile.   Join us in congratulating Theneverstill, winner of the 3DVIA Mobile Challenge and lets not forget a brand new Amazon Kindle!

To view all the challenge entries click here.

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.

3D Model uploads on 3DVIA.com, are immediately seen on 3DVIA Mobile, for the iPhone.  A great way to collaborate new ideas.

For this challenge, we want to start with a vehicle. A vehicle that can fly, that can land and take off on solid ground and bodies of water, and can hover like a helicopter. There are many vehicle that can do 2 of these 3 things but not one that can do them all. Put your mind to work and design it!

Come on and test your mettle against the best of our community for the chance at fame and fortune. Winners will recieve all the acclaim of being own of our Challenge Champions, a special page we create with your winning entry, and a space on our newsletter, letting everyone know who the Champion is. And lets not forget, a 16gb iPod goes to the winner!

Are you the next Champion?

View the Current Models Entered in this Challenge

REMEMBER THESE KEY DATES:

UPLOAD YOUR MODELS:

Thursday, October 8, 2009 through Sunday, October 25, 2009

VOTE:

Monday October 26, 2009 through Sunday October 31, 2009

WINNER ANNOUNCED:
Monday November 1, 2009

3DVIA USERS – HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CHALLENGE:

PLEASE NOTE: BECAUSE WE WILL BE AWARDING A PRIZE TO THE WINNER OF THIS CHALLENGE, THERE ARE ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS THAT YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF AND AGREE TO BEFORE ENTERING THE CONTEST.

A summary of the terms and conditions is included here. Click the link below (or at the end of each section) to see the terms and conditions in full:

* For full details see the 3DVIA Challenge 15 – Amalgam Vehicle Design Terms and Conditions

1. CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

1a. You must be a registered user of 3DVIA.com
3DVIA accounts are free, sign up here.

1b. You must be at least 18 years of age.

1c. DS 3DVIA employees involved in the organization of this contest (including their family members) and members of any agencies involved in the organization of this contest (including their families) are not eligible.

* For details see Section 1 of the 3DVIA Challenge 15 – Amalgam Vehicle Design Terms and Conditions

2. PARTICIPATION

2a. You must upload one “Amalgam Vehicle Design” model by Sunday October 25, 2009.
Starting on Thursday, October 6, 2009 through Sunday October 25, 2009, upload your best “Amalgam Vehicle Design” to 3DVIA. Only new to 3DVIA and original work will be considered, 1 submission per user, NO team entries.

2b. You must tag your 3D model with “3DVIAChallenge15″.
Tag your model with the keyword “3DVIAChallenge15″ – you must use this exact tag to enter (the tag is not case-sensitive). When you add this tag to your model, you will see a pop-up reminder that you must have read and agreed to the 3DVIA website Terms of Use AND the Terms and Conditions specific to this challenge.

2c. Models created using the 3DVIA Shape software which constitute derivative works reproducing existing models created by third parties under the Creative Commons license are eligible for this contest.
More information about Creative Commons can be found at http://creativecommons.org/ and, with respect to the existing licenses, at http://creativecommons.org/about/license.

2d. Models created using the 3DVIA PrintScreen software or any other software that copies existing 3D models, as well as creations containing any third party proprietary elements are not eligible for this contest.

* For details see Section 2 of the 3DVIA Challenge 15 – Amalgam Vehicle Design Terms and Conditions

3. LICENSE TO USE THE MODELS

3a. By uploading your model to enter the contest you are granting DS and DS Subsidiaries certain rights regarding how your model may be used to help promote 3DVIA in the marketplace.

* For details see Section 3 of the 3DVIA Challenge 15 – Amalgam Vehicle Design Terms and Conditions

4. WINNERS

4a. Each registered member of the 3DVIA community will be allowed one vote per contest.
3DVIA community voting will start on Monday October 26, 2009, and will continue through Sunday October 31, 2009.

4b. A jury made up of three 3DVIA representatives will judge each model from 1-10 (10 being the best score) based on the models artistic merit, technical merit and accuracy.

Artistic Design - Eye catching design, the coolness of the model.
Technical Accuracy – Mechanical or realistic accuracy and detail
Modeling Efficiency – Polygonal construction, modeling skill.

4c. The average value of the 3DVIA representatives’ score will be combined with the percentage of the 3DVIA community’s votes multiplied by 10 (i.e.; if a model receives 45% of the community votes, it would get a score of 4.5 added to the 3DVIA representatives’ average score).
If more than one model receives the same score, each model with the same score will be designated as a Winner and will receive the same prize.

4d. The winner will be announced on the 3DVIA.com web site on Monday November 1, 2009.

4e. Decisions of the 3DVIA representatives are final.

* For details see Section 4 of the 3DVIA Challenge 15 – Amalgam Vehicle Design Terms and Conditions

View the Current Models Entered in this Challenge

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.

With advanced computing power, and internet speeds, we still need our 3D models is their top shape when used on the web and real-time environments (i.e. gaming).  Dr. Polycount goes over five common problems with my models, and the cures.

3D modelers of all levels can benefit from Dr. Polycount’s advice in this video.

Don’t miss the cameo from Dizzy the Dragon created by Toymaker.

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.

On this page we will collect all the entries emailed to the 3dvia@3ds.com address for the Mobile Challenge. If you uploaded your images to an external site like Flicr, Picasa or any number of others, post a link to the image in the comments of this blog and we’ll add them to the gallery.

Check them all out!

To celebrate the 3DVIA Mobile launch, we’re running a special promotion for iPhone™ users. 3DVIA Mobile is an easy way to augment your iPhone photos with 3D characters and items. If you’re interested in participating, read on for a step-by-step guide and additional rules. Entries will be judged for the chance to win an Amazon Kindle™.

What is the 3DVIA Mobile Challenge?

This two-week promotional event challenges you to submit your funniest, most imaginative image compilations using our pal Tex-Rex. You have till Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009 to give us your best (multiple entries are allowed!).

Check out some example image compilations below to see what we mean.

View the Current Images Entered in this Challenge

The best entries will become infamous among our 124,000 strong 3D user community, while the very best will receive an Amazon Kindle.

How do I enter/participate?

Watch the following video to learn how to enter and participate, or read the step-by-step directions below.

Step 1: Download 3DVIA Mobile for FREE and create a 3DVIA.com account (log in if you already have one)
Step 2: Find the Tex-Rex model by typing “Rex” in the model search field
Step 3: Take a photo then scale, rotate and size Tex-Rex over it
Step 4: Save and e-mail your image to 3DVIA@3ds.com (NOTE: make sure to title your e-mail “3DVIA Mobile Challenge” AND to include your 3DVIA.com account username in the body of the e-mail). OR, upload your image to Flickr, Picasa, TwitPic, etc. and post a comment to this blog with a link to your image as a logged in user.

What are the rules?

We encourage as much creativity as possible, but we do have a few rules.

1. All entries must use the Tex-Rex model
2. All photos used as backgrounds must be taken with your iPhone
3. All entries must be submitted to 3DVIA@3ds.com with the subject line of “3DVIA Mobile Challenge” and include your 3DVIA.com account username in the body of the e-mail OR posted to Flickr, Picasa, TwitPic, etc. and linked to in comments posted to this blog by logged in users
4. Offensive or pornographic entries will be disqualified

How Will Images Be Judged?

All the entries will be judged by our “expert” panel of paleontologist staff. The winner and runners up will be announced on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009. We will contact the winner through his/her 3DVIA.com account, so please make sure to include this information in your entry.

Additional Legal Mumbo-Jumbo

PLEASE NOTE: BECAUSE WE WILL BE AWARDING A PRIZE TO THE WINNER OF THIS CHALLENGE, THERE ARE ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS THAT YOU NEED TO BE AWARE OF AND AGREE TO BEFORE ENTERING THE CONTEST.

A summary of the terms and conditions is included here. Click the link below (or at the end of each section) to see the terms and conditions in full:

* For full details see the 3DVIA Mobile Challenge Terms and Conditions

1. CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

1a. You must be a registered user of 3DVIA.com.
3DVIA accounts are free, sign up here.

1b. You must be at least 18 years of age.

1c. DS 3DVIA employees involved in the organization of this contest (including their family members) and members of any agencies involved in the organization of this contest (including their families) are not eligible.

* For details see Section 1 of the 3DVIA Mobile Challenge Terms and Conditions

2. PARTICIPATION

2a. You must submit at least one image model by Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009.
Starting on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2009 through Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, e-mail your best image(s) to 3DVIA@3ds.com. Only new to 3DVIA and original work will be considered, single or multiple submissions per user, NO team entries.

2b. If you e-mail your image, title your e-mail “3DVIA Mobile Challenge” AND include your username.
Title your e-mail “3DVIA Mobile Challenge” – you must use this exact title to enter (the title is not case-sensitive). Include your 3DVIA.com username in the body of the e-mail – you must include your username in your e-mail to enter.

2c. If you post your image to an external site, you must submit your entry as a comment to this blog.
Post your image to an external site and then post a link to your image as a comment on this blog. You must be logged into 3DVIA.com when you do this.

* For details see Section 2 of the 3DVIA Mobile Challenge Terms and Conditions

3. LICENSE TO USE THE IMAGES

3a. By uploading your image(s) to enter the contest you are granting DS and DS Subsidiaries certain rights regarding how your image(s) may be used to help promote 3DVIA in the marketplace.

* For details see Section 3 of the 3DVIA Mobile Challenge Terms and Conditions

4. WINNERS

4a. A jury made up of three 3DVIA representatives will judge each image from 1-10 (10 being the best score) based on the images’ creativity.

Creativity – Overal originality, interesting/funny/unique use of model and photo.

4c. The averaged value of the 3DVIA representatives’ score will determine the winner.

4d. The winner will be announced on the 3DVIA.com web site on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009.

4e. Decisions of the 3DVIA representatives are final.

* For details see Section 4 of the 3DVIA Mobile Challenge Terms and Conditions

Apple, the Apple logo, iPod, iPod touch, and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Apple is not a participant in or sponsor of this promotion. Amazon is not a participant in or sponsor of this promotion.

We have developed our first iPhone app for 3DVIA, which allows you to view and inspect any public 3D model from the 3DVIA.com library.  However, the best part is the collage function, which allows you to take a photo with your iPhone, then download any 3D model from 3DVIA.com, and add it into the picture, in true perspective. You can add 3D models of people into a picture of real people, you can add 3D models of furniture into rooms, you can add cars into your driveway. All this in the palm of you hand, wherever you are.  The possibilities are endless.

This must see video shows some of the great uses for the app, both practical and fun. After the video, get a few tries to practice and join our special Launch Promotion Challenge!
If you have any comments or suggestions to improve 3DVIA Mobile or have questions visit our 3DVIA Mobile Forums

*Note: If you haven’t seen the movie Office Space, this video may seem a silly at the end. Here is a clip from the movie, which may clarify our spoof.

All the details on the new 3DVIA Mobile App, including where to download are here.

We have created a quick (1:30) video here…

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.

Garth works almost entirely on 3DVIA Composer, and and has been helping companies to make technical documentation easier for the people who produce and consume it.

Check out my interview with Garth to find out more about the future of manufacturing documentation, “3D Communication” and “car jumps”…you’ll see:

And…if you want to see more of Garth, he is always producing new webcasts and materials on 3DVIA Composer on the 3D Mojo Blog.

Also, if you have tips and tricks you would like to share, create a video, and we could post it as well.  The reason we are the best 3D web community is our users, and their ability to encourage others, so send us your videos!

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.

This video details the texturing functions within 3DVIA Shape, but these fundamentals could be used within all 3D modeling applications.

Cliff gets some help in this video from one of our favorite user-submitted (textured) models: Texturesaurus-Rex.

For more detailed Texturing tips using 3DVIA Shape, check out tip numbers:

• #31 – How to Add and Adjust Textures
• #32 – How to Align Textures with Geometry
• #33 – How To Manipulate Similar Textures

Now, let’s hear from you;  Any other texturing tips you want to add?

Special thanks to IsaacMiller1993 for the T-Rex model.

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.

Take a look at this video that highlights how easy adding 3D models to any map is: 

…as always we want to hear from our users.  What other great ways can you use 3DVIA Shape for Maps?  Show us some of your creations, and add a link below.

Also, if you are new to 3DVIA Shape, we have a great collection of tips and tricks which should get you started.