Rifle mesh
Bob,
It was I who responded earlier. (I warned the JNJ guy of the potential
confusion if he also used a similar three char signature; oh well…)
I've built several rifle models ranging in complexity from a simple external
mesh to a highly detailed AK-47 with precision internal parts. I borrowed an
AK-47 and disassembled it to measure all the parts. I think this is is some
ways quicker than working from drawings, but perhaps not as precise. I lofted
crossections down a path with some tilt applied to create the stock. I did the
rest of the gun in AutoCAD using AME. This was easier for complex objects like
the bolt because of the drafting features of AutoCAD and since you can easily
do a dozen or more booleans on the same object and still get a clean mesh. AME
also was great for chamfering edges which is more difficult to to with 3DS.
This was, however, before the booleans were improved in R3, so I might try the
whole thing in 3DS now. I think it is much harder to work in 3D in AutoCAD.
Perhaps I'll upload some rifle pictures in the new showcase forum if you are
interested. Do you do military stuff in general? I've also built some highly
detailed vehicles including a M109 self-propelled gun. (looks like a tank to me
<g>) I occasionally build custom models for people if you need one and don't
want to do it yourself.
I thought from an earlier message that you needed a M24, whatever that is. Is
that the same as the Remington 700? (I'm basically a firearms moron.) The
best resource I know is forensics expert and animator Alec Jason [71137,2632]
who frequents this forum. He created a video series on firearms and their
effects, publishes a ballistics journal, and has many contacts in the field.
I don't know about efficient access to government information. My wife works
for the government in the information business and would probably know, but she
is in Washington at the moment. I could ask her the next time I see her (which
<sigh> won't be for a while since before she gets back, I leave for the same
destination – we'll pass each other in the air.)
JKJ