barnest2 tries google sketchup

[HMS Sophia]

I downloaded a copy of google sketch up the other day and had a go.
It's pretty interesting, and quite easy too use unlike some design programs.
So, to cut a long story short, since I'm running a pbp sci-fi game, I thought I would design my characters space ship with it. Wondered what you guys would make of it
It's not quite done, but mostly I just have to do some detailing...
Here you go:

that's an iso

Shot showing the main armament as well as the scale of a human being (that little black line by the bridge)

Detailing of the point-defence guns.

yeah, one of my primary influences was inter-war/WW2 capital ships.
Tell em what you think/where I could improve

[Knife]

Not bad for you're first go around.

[Imperial528]

That's very good for your first try. May I ask, are the turrets separate components, or are they part of the model itself?

[HMS Sophia]

They're technically part of the model, but it wouldn't be hard to split them off as components...

[Imperial528]

Ah, I see.

Have you tried experimenting with the intersect tool? It's good for making complex shapes.

[HMS Sophia]

I don't think I have such a tool. I only have the free edition, where is it?

[Knife]

If you're having lots of turrets, I've found it's easier to make a turret and then copy and paste it into place on the model.

[HMS Sophia]

If you're having lots of turrets, I've found it's easier to make a turret and then copy and paste it into place on the model.

you have discovered my trick. I did it with almost all of them once the first was made, as well as with the torp tubes. It was especially useful for the 40 PD guns

[Imperial528]

I don't think I have such a tool. I only have the free edition, where is it?

When selecting one or more face, right click on it, there will be an option called "intersect", with the option to intersect selected faces with each other, faces in context, or the parts of the model they contact.

It allows you to cut into shapes or connect shapes to rounded surfaces easily, without having to draw lines where they intersect.

For example, your PD barrels are currently like this:




With the intersect tool, done as so:



You can make it like this, and cut off the excess:




And now the barrel is a part of the model in sketchup, too.

[HMS Sophia]

Ah ok... I think you have the posh version. I don't have that option... I don't think..

ETA: oh wait, yes I can... unfortunately I cba to go over 40 turrets... I'll do it in future though, thankyou

[Imperial528]

Oh yes, that's the other advantage of components. Only one edit.

[Broomstick]

I don't think I have such a tool. I only have the free edition, where is it?

If you have the free edition you have the intersect tool - I know, because the free edition is what I have. On the left hand tool bar it's near the bottom, on the right, unless your set up is bizarrely different than mine.

ETA: Nvm, already answered. Next!

[HMS Sophia]

I don't have a left hand tool bar, mine runs across the top
But I found it, and will be using it in future...