WIP - M4A1 with Block II Components

[Assifuah 1]

INTRO

Hey there, I'm currently working on my final major college piece and I decided that it will be an M4A1 with some real nice kit to go with it. This will include suppressors, optics and other shit such as a DD Foregrip and all that jazz! This higher poly version with it's kit is for a different game engine though and a part of my studies.

As it stands, I'm more focused on getting the lower poly version in-game into ARMA 3 (possibly ARMA 2 as well depending on how well the process goes) and I'm at a stage where I'm ready to texture. I hate texturing and everything associated with it, what's even more infuriating is O2. :mad:

So, just because I'm looking to.. lets say.. expand my portfolio, I'm looking to start modelling different things for ARMA. I'm more interested in environmental design, but that's another topic.

Here are some WIP, or, most likely full product images of the M4A1 in 3DS Max. Then comes Unwrapping (kill me, no idea) and texturing and then O2 with its billions of mindscrews :j: I'll most likely keep this addon personal, generally because I'm wanting to gain experience and wouldn't like to throw an unrefined addon out there. Also, note I'm not some life experienced modeller or super keen for detail, I'll post some images up of my higher poly project version which will have more detail.

IMAGES

http://puu.sh/2uusy

http://puu.sh/2uuuY

http://puu.sh/2uuw8

http://puu.sh/2uuwU

http://puu.sh/2uuxV

PROGRESS..

http://puu.sh/2uSQT

http://puu.sh/2v2w5

http://puu.sh/2v2IA

http://puu.sh/2yPUt

http://puu.sh/2yPTm

*Note, the SUREFIRE Suppressor is NOT mine. All credit goes to astast for that!

It's my first proper model of an item, my experience before is an abandoned warehouse environment. Models are 17K polys and 11K polys.

MODEL/TO-DO

These are the things you should expect in the public release version once I have the rest of the process under wraps.

Extend bottom rails.

Finish off ejection port.

Model bolts connecting rail and upper receiver.

Model Magpul foldable sights.

Model PMAG.

Model Magpul MOE Stock.

Scaling overhaul.

CREDIT

Binkowski - for pointing me in the right direction and helping me a shit load with things O2 and texture wise, I wouldn't have a clue on what next without his help.

Alwarren - for shooting me a tutorial link.

Edited May 17, 2013 by Assifuah

[Αplion 1122]

Looking at your first picture I must say that this model is more like HK 416 than M4A1 ... here is a photo of one I own (it is an Airsoft 1:1 model - not real steel) ... http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y296/liongreek/SAM_0040.jpg

Pay attention to handguard ... the M4A1 has "sort" handguard attached by a "delta ring" ... this is one more (not real steel again) of my M4A1 original model without handguard rails .. http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y296/liongreek/m42.jpg I believe that now you have an idea of what looks like the M4A1 and the difference between HK 416.

Wish you the best with your project.

Aplion

[Chapple 1]

Just here to troll you first A3 WIP, Assman.

Lol, jk bro, remember the models you sent were pretty nice. Looking forward to it!

[Spaceman0372 19]

Great work so far! I'm so pumped for these :D

---------- Post added at 01:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:31 PM ----------

Looking at your first picture I must say that this model is more like HK 416 than M4A1 ... here is a photo of one I own (it is an Airsoft 1:1 model - not real steel) ... http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y296/liongreek/SAM_0040.jpg

Pay attention to handguard ... the M4A1 has "sort" handguard attached by a "delta ring" ... this is one more (not real steel again) of my M4A1 original model without handguard rails .. http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y296/liongreek/m42.jpg I believe that now you have an idea of what looks like the M4A1 and the difference between HK 416.

Wish you the best with your project.

Aplion

Its an M4A1 SOPMOD Block II. It's the current weapon issued to SOCOM Forces. http://spartanat.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/102_0072.jpg

---------- Post added at 01:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:32 PM ----------

INTRO

Hey there, I'm currently working on my final major college piece and I decided that it will be an M4A1 with some real nice kit to go with it. This will include suppressors, optics and other shit such as a D&D Foregrip and all that jazz! This higher poly version with it's kit is for a different game engine though and a part of my studies.

As it stands, I'm more focused on getting the lower poly version in-game into ARMA 3 (possibly ARMA 2 as well depending on how well the process goes) and I'm at a stage where I'm ready to texture. I hate texturing and everything associated with it, what's even more infuriating is O2. :mad:

So, just because I'm looking to.. lets say.. expand my portfolio, I'm looking to start modelling different things for ARMA. I'm more interested in environmental design, but that's another topic.

Here are some WIP, or, most likely full product images of the M4A1 in 3DS Max. Then comes Unwrapping (kill me, no idea) and texturing and then O2 with its billions of mindfucks :j: I'll most likely keep this addon personal, generally because I'm wanting to gain experience and wouldn't like to throw an unrefined addon out there. Also, note I'm not some pro life experienced modeller or super keen for detail, I'll post some images up of my higher poly project version which will have more detail.

IMAGES

http://puu.sh/2uusy

http://puu.sh/2uuuY

http://puu.sh/2uuw8

http://puu.sh/2uuwU

http://puu.sh/2uuxV

It's my first proper model of an item, my experience before is an abandoned warehouse environment. Models are 17K polys and 11K polys.

CREDIT

Binkowski - for pointing me in the right direction and helping me a shit load with things O2 and texture wise, I wouldn't have a clue on what next without his help.

Alwarren - for shooting me a tutorial link.

Just some helpful criticism, the bottom rail should extend all the way to the end of the RIS where the barrel front sight and gas block are.

[.defcon 0]

This looks great so far. I know it's early, but I think this could be the beginning of an excellent weapon pack.

Here's a great reference thread for tons of block 2 clones and real rifles in use.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_118/541606_M4A1_SOPMOD_Block_II_clone_picture_thread.html

3 absolutely necessary accessories will be the SU-230, SU-231, and LA-5 (though, the one in game might suffice!)

The RIS II looks a little incomplete on the bottom part of the rail system.

Sounds great though, I really look forward to it.

[rye1 21]

Awesome work. ;) Keep it up.

[PN11A 2]

Front sight post needs to be 86'd they ship those to us as uppers and we just swap them. They come with the low pro gas block. Rail comes almost to flash hide. I put angled fore grip and eotech on mines. Thanks for the work. To the other poster it doesn't have a delta ring on the rail because its full float. There is a funny nut they use to hold it. It looks correct minus the bottom rail.

[chortles 263]

Truthfully there's been something of a trend towards monolithic (optic) rail upper receivers, so it doesn't look out of place to me.

[Binkowski 26]

Good work ass-man. Glad to help out where I can, and any more questions feel free to ask.

[Assifuah 1]

Thanks for the feedback and references guys, much appreciated! :D

Here are the changes (extended the bottom rail)

http://puu.sh/2uSQT

[Brain 12]

This looks so awesome! Can't wait to get my hands on it!

[pauliesss 2]

Nice work, keep it up! :)

[Assifuah 1]

Cheers guys!

Here are just some quick material mock ups for anyone that wants to see, I still need to make proper metal-like textures and maps etc.

http://puu.sh/2v2w5

http://puu.sh/2v2IA

Edited April 6, 2013 by Assifuah

[MilitantMaddox 10]

Do you plan on releasing these or is what I read about keeping this personal still apply? I ask because it would be a shame not to be able to use this at some point, is looking pretty good mate.

[Assifuah 1]

I'll most likely keep them personal until I'm fully satisfied and receive good feedback from some guys I hand them out to. I still need to learn the whole texturing and getting them to work in O2 business, then I'll most likely make any changes from the feedback.

I'm hoping to finish this one off and gain some experience, maybe even create a pack later on! But yes, I will release this to the public after a week or two of polishing.

[MilitantMaddox 10]

Sounds good mate, goodluck with it all.

[Spaceman0372 19]

I don't know if it is too late for this seeing as you are starting textures but there is a set of bolts attaching the rail system to the upper receiver. http://imgur.com/WxvZTDU I know my issued Block II inside and out and if you need help with features, optics or anything else I'd be more than happy to help you out as a consultant. Sadly I have no modeling or texturing skills but keep up the great work and let me know if I can help in any way! :D

[Assifuah 1]

Thanks MilitantMaddox!

Also, sweet. I'll most likely re-do the whole thing once I have getting it in-game process under wraps. I believe my rails are too "tall" and need to be more shallow as well, but it will have to do for now! I'll definitely get the bolts on my project version done with the rail scaling too. I'll have a list of adjustments/improvements and I'll get them done before I release the public version. :D

[chortles 263]

Err, Spaceman, isn't that a Noveske civilian AR-15 and not completely representative of the Block II? Or are you saying that the issue Block II is assembled in the same fashion/with the same components as what you're showing? (I'm aware that it's not a completely monolithic rail upper due to the differing handguards/RIS configurations.)

Assifuah, I would like to ask if there's a particular reason that you're keeping the "conventional" front-sight block and thus the "slotted" upper receiver group/rail interface system, considering that just about every photo that we've seen of real-world Block II weapons / Block II-style civilian weapons on the previous page omits it for a folding front back up iron sight? I recognize that there is indeed a slotted version as shown in this chart, just wondering why you chose to go with that instead of the non-slotted/full-rail/front-BUIS version.

[Spaceman0372 19]

Err, Spaceman, isn't that a Noveske civilian AR-15 and not completely representative of the Block II? Or are you saying that the issue Block II is assembled in the same fashion/with the same components as what you're showing? (I'm aware that it's not a completely monolithic rail upper due to the differing handguards/RIS configurations.)

Assifuah, I would like to ask if there's a particular reason that you're keeping the "conventional" front-sight block and thus the "slotted" upper receiver group/rail interface system, considering that just about every photo that we've seen of real-world Block II weapons / Block II-style civilian weapons on the previous page omits it for a folding front back up iron sight? I recognize that there is indeed a slotted version as shown in this chart, just wondering why you chose to go with that instead of the non-slotted/full-rail/front-BUIS version.

You are correct. I was just using it as a reference to show the bolts attaching the rail to the receiver on the DD RIS II.

[chortles 263]

Err, which was I correct about? :p I'm trying to figure out if you mean "the Block II rails are DD RIS II, and the Noveske is using a DD RIS II, so the setup in the Noveske photo is representative of what the rails in the real-world Block II photos would look like."

[scarecrow398 43]

Nice work so far, but one thing that is seriously bugging me is how the current sight post is going through the rail, i'm not sure that's even physically possible... (Plus having a rail under it doesn't serve a purpose anyway) the closest thing i've seen is DD rails which go before and after with a gap below to access the screws but not through:

http://www.tactical-life.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/ddm4.jpg

Most images i've seen for SOPMOD II's either don't have sights at all or have flip-up iron's such as ones made by magpul or KAS (Marksman with Shortdot scopes or similar tend to also have either KAS irons mounted on a 45 degree angle or a Aimpoint T1 mounted on a 45-90 on the scope it self with a La-Rue scope mount.)

Which also brings me to the rear right/carry handle, it looks too small in proportion, height wise and appears to be missing the windage adjustment knob on the right side, or is too small at least, and it looks to sit too low to the receiver for a removable carry handle, see this reference of a M4A1 with the carry handle both attached and removed

http://i.minus.com/iZgHXYPdCODh2.jpg

Err, which was I correct about? :p I'm trying to figure out if you mean "the Block II rails are DD RIS II, and the Noveske is using a DD RIS II, so the setup in the Noveske photo is representative of what the rails in the real-world Block II photos would look like."

He means it's reference for the same DD rails that are used in the SOPMOD Blk II package, that he also uses on his personal rifle.

Such the Photo is of his personal rifle with DD rails, not a actual SOCOM Block 2 Rifle.

Edited April 7, 2013 by Scarecrow398

[chortles 263]

Here's that chart again if it helps for comparison's sake.

[Assifuah 1]

Err, Spaceman, isn't that a Noveske civilian AR-15 and not completely representative of the Block II? Or are you saying that the issue Block II is assembled in the same fashion/with the same components as what you're showing? (I'm aware that it's not a completely monolithic rail upper due to the differing handguards/RIS configurations.)

Assifuah, I would like to ask if there's a particular reason that you're keeping the "conventional" front-sight block and thus the "slotted" upper receiver group/rail interface system, considering that just about every photo that we've seen of real-world Block II weapons / Block II-style civilian weapons on the previous page omits it for a folding front back up iron sight? I recognize that there is indeed a slotted version as shown in this chart, just wondering why you chose to go with that instead of the non-slotted/full-rail/front-BUIS version.

No particular reason, just personal preference. I might attempt to make a version with fold front and back up later on, or even change the release version to that one seeing as it would be much more appealing in-game! I already had the current sights started off (I don't know why but my first thought when I started modelling was to do the sights as I can adjust them to scale) so I stuck to them and slapped them on.

Either way, folding sights are on my to-do list. Cheers! :)

Nice work so far, but one thing that is seriously bugging me is how the current sight post is going through the rail, i'm not sure that's even physically possible... (Plus having a rail under it doesn't serve a purpose anyway) the closest thing i've seen is DD rails which go before and after with a gap below to access the screws but not through:

http://www.tactical-life.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/ddm4.jpg

Most images i've seen for SOPMOD II's either don't have sights at all or have flip-up iron's such as ones made by magpul or KAS (Marksman with Shortdot scopes or similar tend to also have either KAS irons mounted on a 45 degree angle or a Aimpoint T1 mounted on a 45-90 on the scope it self with a La-Rue scope mount.)

Which also brings me to the rear right/carry handle, it looks too small in proportion, height wise and appears to be missing the windage adjustment knob on the right side, or is too small at least, and it looks to sit too low to the receiver for a removable carry handle, see this reference of a M4A1 with the carry handle both attached and removed

http://i.minus.com/iZgHXYPdCODh2.jpg

He means it's reference for the same DD rails that are used in the SOPMOD Blk II package, that he also uses on his personal rifle.

Such the Photo is of his personal rifle with DD rails, not a actual SOCOM Block 2 Rifle.

One of my lazier placeholders! The rails, before I re-modelled them, had 20K polys..I just made quick ones as a placeholder for the rest of the rifle. What you see from these images will be a private version, I'm planning to get a sweet, accurate (I hope I can pull this one off, you guys are giving great feedback) and playable version. As in, it will have the necessary details on it and still render on the engine.

So, as I said, these images are just basically for me to learn the process on how to get the weapon to work in-game and the other process etc. Once I can do that, I will resume correcting these bits/lazy models and I'll post up a to do list on the main post.

Edited April 7, 2013 by Assifuah

[babylonjoke 22]

Nice model,

One tip, make render with ambient occlusion so that all details bump up, because right now it gives the feeling of begin flat! (even bake it once finished)

keep it up