Retexturing Dennis' Dawnstar

Some time ago, I can't remember when, I downloaded a MAX-converted copy of Dennis Bailey's Dawnstar mesh. Until recently I hadn't even opened it up to take a look. When I did, however, I was disappointed to find that the textures looked quite bland, which served to make the overall ship look less than spectacular. So I set about the task of converting all of the materials from Standard to Raytraced. The overall effect was considerably improved, but with the changes to the materials I also noticed some mesh errors- obvious ones. Doubtless they cropped up during the conversion process.

All of the original texture maps are still in use, but now they come across more brightly and dynamically. I'd like to ask Dennis' permission to fix the mesh errors before actually doing so (don't wanna violate the author's work, y'know?). I've sent him a PM here a few days ago, but I still haven't heard back from him. I should note that I have absolutely NO intention of re-distributing the Dawnstar with these modified materials. This project is more for my own entertainment and use and unless Dennis signs off on doing so, it will remain private.

Anyway... here's a Before and After shot of the Dawnstar. The camera angle and lighting rigs are identical in both pics. The ONLY thing changed are the material settings. If Dennis should see this anytime soon, I'd REALLY like to hear from him.

Enjoy.


BEFORE:


AFTER:

Hrm. I'm getting the sense that this site doesn't see much action. Is this a fair observation or no?

It used to a long time ago.

Yeah. I figured as much. Pity, really. Looks like a very nice site. I wonder why activity/participation is so low?

At any rate... I'm still waiting to hear back from Dennis.....

There's not much to keep people here anymore, especially since the three other forums that were here moved on to become separate ones.

Have you sent Dennis a PM or just an email? Send him a PM and he might reply to that quicker.

[Thomas P]

Nice texture updates. Yeah, sometimes conversions may rely on some specific texturing treatment that does not export. Again, nce job and ya made a nice subject for you to use now.

Originally Posted by NightShadow

Hrm. I'm getting the sense that this site doesn't see much
action. Is this a fair observation or no?

Well, it's seems we now have new folks visting and posting. Keep your images coming!

Yeah, I PM'd him. Still no reply. And I can't look at his profile to send an email until I've got 5 posts here at this site. So.....

[General Phoenix]

That's quite a difference between pics. Nice work.

Thank you, Phoenix. Any idea on how I can contact Dennis quickly? I'd really like to fix those mesh errors ASAP. The work is pretty much halted until I can fix those things, and I need to get his permission to do that.

[skyhawk223]

It's hard to improve on Dennis' work, but the newer textures look great.

Well, I got permission from Dennis to continue working on it. I'll plug away at it as often as possible. However, I'll most likely post updates to the thread I posted over at SFM.

[mavek]

Are the lifepods part of the mesh or are they a bump map. They stand out so much better on the second image

I'm pretty sure Dennis modeled the pods as well. He tends to go for the most detail in both model and texture. His are really good. Yes I agree the 2nd ship conversion textures do look very nice. Much more believable.

Render On!

Starlost..

( Hey Dennis if your here tell everyone in Athena that I say HI! and see ya at Farpoint! )

[seanr]

Nope, on this one they're textured:
http://www.webolutionary.com/truespa...wnstar_ss2.gif



Dennis made this one fairly low poly. It's also a _much_ older mesh than the ones you're probably familiar with.

Sean, LTNS.

[seanr]

Indeed - too many forums to keep track of. I ran into someone at a local coffeeshop who actually knew me from this site (small world!!!!), so I figured I might as well post around here a little.