TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface Acknowledgements About the Author Contributors CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Chapter Overview Preparation Art and Science Principles Naming Conventions Layered Setups 3 Stage Asset Build (3SAB) Colors Companion Website Memory Refresh Summary CHAPTER 2: MODEL Conceptualization Reference Scribbles and Concepts Building the Model Technical Considerations Rough Blocking Refinement Polish Naming of the Steampunk Locomotive Memory Refresh Summary CHAPTER 3: RIGGING PREPARATIONS Model Breakdown Redundant Geometry Removal Setting the Scale Geometry and Wireframe Colors (Optional) Names, Names and Naming Creating the Geometry Hierarchy Resetting and Aligning Pivots Reset the Transforms Cleaning Up the Scene Setting the Display Layers (Layers Explorer) Memory Refresh Summary CHAPTER 4: COMMON RIGGING TECHNIQUES Hierarchies Skeletons Forward and Inverse Kinematics Skinning Constraints Controllers Interactive Viewport Controllers (Animation) On-Screen/On-Viewport Controllers (Animation) Reaction Controllers (Transform) General Controllers (Transform) Wire Parameters Custom Attributes Modifiers Pivots and Movable Pivots Memory Refresh Summary CHAPTER 5: BASE RIG ROOT Node Controller Group, Rigging Group, WIP Group BRANCH Nodes Component Breakdown Norah #1 - BRANCH The Bell The Bumper The Joiner The Valves Front and Rear Budge The Cogs Chains Pistons Wheels and Beams Side Pistons First Carriage Tubes/Hoses Norah #2 - BRANCH Bogie, Wheels and Joiners Chains and Suspension Tender and Fans Second Carriage Tubes/Hoses Norah #3 - BRANCH Frame and Joiners Front and Rear Budge Bomb Norah #4 - BRANCH Front/Rear Budge and Joiner Attaching the Geometry Adding the Controllers Memory Refresh Summary CHAPTER 6: ANIMATION AND AUTOMATION RIG - PART 1 Norah - Carriage #1 The Bell The Bumper The Joiner The Valves Front and Rear Budge The Engine Cogs Chains Pistons Wheels Beams Side Pistons Budge Wheels Memory Refresh Summary CHAPTER 7: ANIMATION AND AUTOMATION RIG - PART 2 Norah - Carriage #2 Tender Fans Suspension Rods Chains Tubes/Hoses Bogie Norah - Carriage #3 The Frame (Main) Bomb Front and Rear Budge Wheels Norah - Carriage #4 Linking Up The Cleanup Crew Hierarchies, Hiding and Locking Display Layers Display Tab Controller Cleaning Memory Refresh Summary CHAPTER 8: DEFORMATION RIG Automated Wheel Rotation Technically Accurate Chain Rigging Dynamic Rope and Wires Rumble and Vibration Controls Memory Refresh Summary CHAPTER 9: MORE MECHANICAL RIGGING Train Tracks Hydraulic Pistons Animating Pivot Points Soft Tire Rigging Memory Refresh Summary CHAPTER 10: CONCLUSION Resources and Included Rigs Norah - The Front Cover Render Memory Refresh is missing! What Next? A Quick Note Goodbye and Good Luck.
Mechanical Creations In 3D : A Practical Look into Complex and Technical Setups for Animation and VFX