The Buggy

The first step before starting the buggy model was to set a tri count. I did this based off other models which I looked at and decided my tri count would be between 7,000 and 7,500 tris.

The first thing I did for the buggy model was a simple blockout of the main body. Doing this would allow me to easily model the other parts of the buggy around the central section, as well as providing a clear template for the tube frame chassis at the rear.

From this initial block out I next began working on the rear roll cage section of the bodywork. This was fairly easy to do thanks to the block out as it enabled me to just line up cylinders along the predefined lines of the body and then simply connect each individual cylinder up to the rest. At this point I also remodelled the underside of the front, adding a skid plate, wheels arches and mudguards all of which add to the realism of the model.

 

After the body and the chassis were completed I moved on to the interior. The most difficult part of the this which also proved to be one of the most difficult parts of the project was modelling the bucket seat. The best way I could think of to get it too look right was to create the base and sides separately, aiming to get the shapes of these two bits correct before combining them together. Eventually I was pleased to have managed to get the chair to look fairly accurate. The rest of the interior was done simply by modelling a different items such as pedals, a steering wheel and a fire extinguisher.

Initial Bucket Seat Creation

Final bucket seat model including belts and seat mount.

All of the interior props used.

The final main parts which needed to be modelled were the front and rear wheel assemblies. It was vital that these were modelled accurately and with the help of reference images in order to make all the elements of the assemblies fit together in a way which makes them look as if they could work properly on a real buggy. While there were initially a few issues get certain parts to line up correct and at realistic angles, both wheel assemblies ended up look really good.

Rear wheel assembly including two wheel supports, two shock absorbers and an axle.

 Front wheel assembly with two wheel supports, a shock absorber and a steering arm

This is the final mesh of the buggy with a few additional bit modelled to make it look more interesting.

At the start of the project I wanted to texture the buggy using the new PBR method in UE4. Unfortunately due to lack of time towards the end of the project thanks to other work I was unable to do this. This meant the texture for it had to be created in the traditional way. However, I do feel that in the end the texture still came out really well, as did the model as a whole.