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Uniform Sketches, 2654 Style Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Update ID

Klavs is putting a lot of thought into the pilot of his flashy Rapier. Since his first draft (rendered below), he's sketched out a variety of character styles based on different sources. The image below shows the progression back towards the classic outfit from Wing Commander 1. Looks good to me!
Bomber jackets... in... space!

After playing with some other designs, I worked out this sketch to help me think about designing the pilot. After playing some WC1 again, I decided I really like the classic fighter pilot leather jacket look. It's also a callback to the WC3/4/academy brown flight suit

The justification?

The leather jacket is a protective garment that goes over the spacesuit proper (with holes for the suit hardware) to save wear and tear on the suit body (the suit itself is a two-piece soft system) and to provide some additional external pockets. It can also be worn off duty over a standard coverall or t-shirt to create esprit de corps among the pilots.

F-44 Preps for War Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Update ID

It's been a couple years since we've last seen Klavs' sleek Rapier in action, and now it's back for a new tour of duty. The ship below takes the classic Rapier II from Wing Commander 1/2 and infuses it with some 'modern' cues. It looks a little rounder and aerodynamic and maybe even slightly more like the Arena/SWC version. There's some well done markings and nose art splashed on for good measure as well. Follow the progress of this model at Crius.net or SciFi Meshes.

Concordia Down Further Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Update ID

Klavs' recent Concordia wallpaper was a big hit last year, but that wasn't his only scene featuring this famous Confederation class dreadnought over Vespus. The image below shows the ship tumbling further down into the atmosphere from a different camera perspective. It's smaller than some of his other images, but just as cool!
Somehow, I just can't resist beating up on the old girl just a little bit more. Here she is, falling into Vespus' gravity well, crew fighting valiantly to save her all the way down...
Here's another look at the original wallpaper in three different aspection ratios.

Super Sized Ship Showcased Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Update ID

Klavs has created an interesting image that shows the massive size and scale of the 22,000 meter Hvar'kann class dreadnought. It's pictured below next to the 983 meter Confederation class dreadnought. While the Kilrathi ship is more than 22 times as long, it is only several times as massive as its Confed counterpart due to differences in shape and composition. What could all that internal volume be used for? The full scale difference wasn't shown in the Wing Commander 3 engine, but the incredible size does play a major part of the novel False Colors.
Klavs' Hvar'kann model is available to download here.

Kilrathi Hangar Decorated In Red Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Update ID

Klavs has a ghastly new texture to share. He's paneled the interior of his impressive Hvar'kann class dreadnought model with "blood frescoes." These were made with a variety of pictures collected over time, so he's not sure where all the credit is due. If some of this grim art looks familiar to you, head over to Crius.net and let Klavs know.
But it's a neat effect, I think, something the royalty of a pack of giant hunters would do, painting the walls with his enemies' blood.

Please speak up if you recognize somebody's work, as I want to make sure credit is given, if anyone recognizes anything. NinjaLA, you especially, I think I used some of your stuff, speak up if you see any of your stuff, and let me know if it's all right if I release the mesh with credit for your work. Panel 1 (Far Left) is definitely from Man Kzin wars, but for the rest, I have no idea.

Rapier Armed for Battle Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Update ID

Klavs81 is still playing around with his Rapier model, and he's successfully got guns sychronized for the ship. Lasers, Neutrons or full guns can be fired at will in any future animation he creates. There's a short new video showing off this cool shooting effect here (3.2 meg .mov). An earlier flyby with this model was released a while back. This is one of the ships that Wingnuts can download for their own uses. Information on that is available here.

An Ode to Prince Thrakhath Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Update ID

Klavs has also taken up the lyricist's pen and developed a sequel to Plywood Fiend's Modern Major General parody - this time from the Kilrathi perspective! And here we go...
Prince Thrakath's secret Pain:

I am the very model of a Noble Clan Caste Overlord.
I'm violent, non-compliant, and I frequently go overboard.
I know the ways of humans and still I choose to spit on them
with plasma cannons, mass projectiles and biologic wea-a-pons.

I've often required of my hrai, that they go into their rooms and die.
I secretly watch "Seinfeld" while I eat my human femur pie.
My battlefleet's far ranging and my domains are nigh' infinite,
I need a hug, but don't tell gramps, or he'll restrict MY internet.

He needs a hug, but don't tell gramps or he'll restrict his internet!
He needs a hug, but don't tell gramps or he'll restrict his internet!
He needs a hug, but don't tell gramps or he'll restrict his interne-e-et!

My animation's limited by counts of graphic bitmap sprites
My teeth are sharp and frequent have I had the urgent need to bite
I'm happiest when disembowling French-girl spies in dad's throne room.
And hatching all my evil plans that cause the humans' worlds "GO BOOM!"

And hatching all his evil plans that cause the humans' worlds "GO BOOM!"
And hatching all his evil plans that cause the humans' worlds "GO BOOM!"
And hatching all his evil plans that cause the humans' worlds "GO BO-oo-oo-OM!"

Deep down inside I'm sad because my grandpa killed my papa dead.
But I will get him when he puts his wrinkle'd one-eye'd butt to bed.
'Cause it is very hard to see, that in his old, drunk revelry,
That I will one day rule this world and every planet that I see!

That he will one day rule this world and every planet that he sees!
That he will one day rule this world and every planet that he sees!
That he will one day rule this world and every planet that he sees!

Klavs' Cat Caravan Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Update ID

Klavs81 has even more 3D models for everyone! After his triumphant collection of Wing Commander II fighters he has put together intricately detailed versions of the H'var Kann-class dreadnaught and the Dralthi Mk. VII! These ships were all created for the Wing Commander Saga FreeSpace 2 mod and are now available for fans to play with. Pack two is available for download in 3DS format here (14 MB). Klavs has also re-released pack one converted to 3DS format - it's available here (28 MB). He says:
I hope everybody enjoys these, the energy and creativity of the WC Fan community is really inspiring when it gets even a little something to play with, so enjoy.

You can probably still look forward to seeing some of these ships up close (scarily close, and 2200 KM long, for some of them...) In WCSAGA, those guys are absolutely working their butts off to bring the WC community an amazing story and game, you will NOT be disappointed.

They're probably a little miffed at me for releasing these, but I'm just so proud of the models, I couldn't keep them in anymore, I like to share, and I love to see what other people can do with them.

These will be the last for a while, so enjoy them, and I want to see what you guys do with them! Post your stuff!

3D Models for Everyone! Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Update ID

Klavs81, the talented 3D artist who has designed ships and textures for Wing Commander Saga, has a great gift for the Wing Commander community - the fruits of his hard work! He says:
I've decided it's been too long, and I'm releasing my models to the general public, I'd love to see them up on wcnews, they will also be availible through Scifi-meshes.com

I remodeled the Rapier somewhat to make it appear more like the Arena rapiers, a nice transition, I think between the WC2 ship and the (SWP Inspired) Arena Rapier. Also note the "Black Lion" on the tails... :D

The Concordia I would say is about 99% complete, she's just lacking the Phase Transit Cannon on the underside, check out the hangar bay! A reminder, these ships are TRIBUTES, not intended to be 100% faithful to the originals, please enjoy them for what they are, I both love and hate the nitpicker spirit of the WC Community!

Enjoy folks, and please do with them as you like, as long as I get proper credit.

F-44 Rapier II and TCS Concordia by Adam "Klavs81" Burch

Formatted for 3DS Max 9

Comments and suggestions please contact me at Burch_a@hotmail.com

Please do not repackage or redistribute these models.

Do not attempt to sell or market these models or use them in any commercial venture.

These models are for the enjoyment of the Wing Commander Fan community and sci-fi fans in general, use them in good faith or Prince Thrakath will sneak into your bedroom and gut you like a prey animal!

Cheers, and check six!

-Adam

PS: Lots more are coming, standby!

You can download the models here:

Concordia Redux Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Update ID

Klavs' Concordia model (original report) is getting quite a workout! First, Gevatter Lars has used it to create a neat 'artsy' wallpaper - a view from the ship's bridge as a pair of Rapier IIs launch. Then Klavs himself has created a new image to show off how the internal flight deck looks - check out all that amazing detail! You'll be able to see even more of the Concordiamodel once the Wing Commander Saga fan project is released.

Rapier in Sepia Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Update ID

A lot of people have been curious about Super Wing Commander's Rapier II lately, since its appearance in Wing Commander Arena is descended from this design. Bob has mocked up a launch render for the fighter to give people another look at it. The scene is posed to mirror the perspective of Klavs' Flight Ops wallpaper. Although Bob put the image together really quickly, some of the original model's detailed alternative texture set is visible. Many of the ship's distinctive lines carry on to today's version too. The Tiger's Claw's hexagonal launch tube is also present in the background. Looks neat!

I made it as a counterpoint to Klavs's Flight Ops picture to show they share the same basic lineage. The SWC manual is what gave me the idea - the shot of the Rapier in it are in a similar angle and position. I had to switch the textures around. The interesting thing is that the Rapier has a bunch of alternate textures, which is part of what it's wearing in that shot.

Flags Of Our Sons Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Update ID

Bob and Shaggy have been working on recreating the Confederation flag as it appears in the Wing Commander Movie. Their source image is intentionally weathered and without color, so there is some room for debate on the specific design. Bob's composition emphasizes subtle stripes present in the original picture, while Shaggy relies more on color to contrast certain areas. Klavs also recently outlined a black and white variant that is slightly different as well. They all began working on flag designs independently, so it's interesting to see how each turned out. You can help provide feedback at Crius.net.
Bob: I should emphasize, once again, that the color scheme in this - and in every other version - is purely speculative; we don't actually know what the colors are, and I based the ones here on the flags at the end of Wing Commander IV.

Klavs Creates Clothing Sample Patterns Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Update ID

Klavs81 has a few new pieces of WC art to share today. These were made while he was playing around with the idea of Wing Commander themed clothing through places like Spreadshirt, Custom Ink or CafePress. He's mocked up a Confederation flag from the WC Movie, a Ferret side profile, a Rapier's top silhouette and a Confed star emblem. If these are useful to you, I'd also recommend checking out a couple more Confed star variants by other artists here.
I was attempting to design my own WC themed shirts, and I thought, why be stingy? Feel free to use these to create your own aparrel. Personally, I love my official Confederation panties!

Repeat, Clear Flight Deck... Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Update ID

The response to Klavs' Flight Ops fan art was very positive, so he took some time and bumped up the size to make some high resolution wallpapers for everybody. This is a fantastic scene that we can't get enough of. The larger images are still based off the original 1024x render, but a few finishing touches were reapplied at the higher res. Wing Commander fans who aren't caught up on their novels should check out End Run, Fleet Action and False Colors to learn more about Escort Carriers like the TCS Tarawa below.

"Sir, our flight deck is already crammed to the gills," Jason said.

"Then it'll be even more crowded," Banbridge replied.

Clear Flight Deck For Combat Launching Sequence Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Update ID

Klavs81 has returned with a breathtaking shot of the TCS Tarawa flight deck. His familiar Rapier, Ferret and Sabre fighters are back, and this scene shows them in the middle of action-packed flight ops aboard a cramped Light Escort Carrier. The individual craft and flight deck have been newly rendered, and the detailed effects were carefully added to the image in Photoshop.

EA Announces Third Quarter Financial Data Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Update ID

Detailed information on Electronic Arts' fiscal third quarter (October-December) was released this morning. Almost a dozen titles sold more than a million units during the quarter. Need for Speed Most Wanted lead the pack at seven million copies sold in its first six weeks on shelves. GameSpot reports that EA produced five of the top ten best selling console and hand held titles in 2005, but there seem to be some discrepancies, since their list doesn't reflect these copies of Need for Speed.

The financial numbers reflect a few major declines compared to the previous year. A lot of this is related to extensive research and development for the current console cycle transition. Net revenue for this time frame came in at almost $1.3 billion, down $150 million from last year. Net income dropped from $375 million to $259 million. The cost of future technology development exceeded $200 million for this period as well. In related news, EA laid off several hundred employees yesterday. This amounted to a 5% reduction in its workforce to streamline global operations.

Final fiscal year totals are expected by May. The next year should be big for the company with quite a few major projects coming to fruition. Some of its major next-generation titles delayed beyond Christmas, such as Burnout Revenge and The Godfather, will finally be released in March, and the company is expected to have a full lineup of titles for the Playstation 3 launch later in the year. EA currently has one third of the XBox 360 market in the US and one quarter of the European market. You can find the full financial report here.

Klavs Models Models of Models Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Update ID

Klavs81 has put together another neat image collection featuring his famous ships. "Kitten's Play" features a Rapier II swooping in on an unsuspecting Dralthi. Or if the title's any indication, maybe it's the other way around. The scene resurfaces again in a creative design inspired by the Hasegawa Model Kits. Image three might not be big enough to fill your desktop, but "Departure Angle Nine Zero" is a fun shot for all the Ferret fans out there.
Showing results 21 to 40 of 42. Sorted by descending date. Run new search
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