Mastering Autodesk Maya 2013: Modeling I - Lofting & Live Surfaces

Lofting Across Multiple Curves

This section was all about how to model the tube that connects both headlights. To do this I selected the isoparm on the back of the headlight created a curve, duplicated it and scaled it -1 in the y axis to put it on the opposite side of the helmet. The two new curves were duplicated separately and rotated 50 and -50 giving me the guides for my lofts to follow. I moved the vertices around a bit to form it to the helmet. 

Live Surfaces

Next, I needed to start adding some detail to the helmet. To do this I went through a tutorial on how to use live surfaces. When you click a surface and make it live you put it into a temporary state that allows you to draw curves directly on it. I added in some isoparms to get the intended geometry correct and then made two CV curves in the shape of a square. These curves were then lofted and risen a bit to make the raised surface on the helmet. 

So here's where they left me on my own. Luckily I was able to go into their scene to kind of take a look at how they did it. 

Here's a screenshot of their helmet. As you can see I dissected it a little to see how they modeled certain parts. 

Here's how it looks without being dissected. 

I decided my first step would be to create the button like do-dads on the sides of the tube. 

To do this I used the tips provided when I 'cut' a hole in the bottom of the helmet; I created a surface intersection and then used the trim tool. I then did the same -1 in the X axis to create the same hole on the other side of the helmet. 

Next I copied the new trim edges moved/scaled them down and lofted between them. 

I then created a nice little cap for the hole. I repeated the process for similar designs along the tube. 

Next I moved onto the little mic looking parts on the helmet. This one took a couple of tries. At first I tried to model a NURBS cylinder but the caps at the ends of the caps don't really retain their shape when I scale them. So I ended up drawing a CV curve and  revolving it to get the end result.

Tomorrow's to do list

Add the detail on the side of the helmet.

The cylinder on next to the 'mic'.

Extend the rails down to the shield. 

The rest of the detail along the rails.

Create the 'hood' on the inside of the helmet.