New WIP - The African Queen

[Sailorjohn]

Well, Sam, I guess your dilemma is whether to model the boat as depicted in the movie (converted from a navy launch, I believe...and probably powered by a small diesel hidden under that box aft of the steam engine), or as C. S. Forester intended her to be in his book...a purpose-built steam launch. In either case of course...she's ficticious. My point is that if built as a steam launch, there would be a simple flanged coupling between the engine crankshaft and the propshaft. Either way, she'll be a real asset to VSF.

[MVEsperanza]

Looking Good so Far nice texture work i like the Soot on the Firebox adds a realistic touch there and the rope on the hull is pretty unique! Great Job Nemo ill be adding this to my library when ur done!

[Nemo]

It is a dilemma, indeed. Though, since I'm modeling the African Queen as she was in the film, I think I should have the engine above the deck, as it was in the film, even if I'd rather have the bearings below deck in a whole cut through the deck. Doing that wouldn't be possible, though... you can't sink the engine down enough for it to be on line with the prop shaft. The prop will either be too high and cutting through the stern, or the engine will be too low, sticking through the hull. It would be easier if it was all titled, so the engine could be on deck, with the shaft angled down... (but nooo)

Thanks MV

I've done a fair bit of work on the engine, the engine and boiler is pretty much finished now, apart from a few small things I can do later. The engine's all dirty, and I've added the hose and the taps (valves?) that connect the hose to the engine and boiler. The whistle is also in, as you can see.




Click here to enlarge

[RobbyNeath]

Love the texture work! And the modeling!

Will gladly add this to my Historical Collection

[Nemo]

Thanks, Robby!
The textures still need work, but they're not bad so far!

I've added the other two stays from the mast, the rudder and stiller, the life ring, and... the Union Jack! (I knew I was forgetting something important) The flag will be able to be raised and lowered, so you can choose to have it not. It may be especially helpful (or patriotic!) to raise it when deciding to ram the African Queen into German boats...


Click here to enlarge



Enjoy the pics!

[Nemo]

Just been doing some animation experiments. Though, the whole thing isn't done yet, which is why some parts do a full revolution and some don't! It's a start though. It's difficult, as I'm still not 100% sure of the mechanics of a steam engine. Here's a GIF of what I've done so far.

[RobbyNeath]

Ooooo... I like that alot

[kostas11]

Hi Nemo,
I think that the two "sticks" must not operate simultaneously
but the one to open the inlet valve of the steam and other the exit valve of the exhaust steam

[kostas11]

Hi Nemo
Look at this site for steam engines

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yda4STR1 ... re=related

[Axeonalias]

Great Stuff Nemo, texturing and animating, well now that is something