July 4, 1997

B-58 Hustler in 3D Studio

Model Introduction -

	This model was born in the sensational Rhino3D Beta nurbs modeler by McNeel & Associates, which can be downloaded at http://www.rhino3d.com.  There are several reasons to mention this.  Not least among them is to credit a fine modeling tool which many have been working with free of charge while the Beta has been available.  (note: I have no relationship to McNeel & Associates whatsoever, except that I took advantage of the opportunity to work with Rhino3D and I appreciate it.)  More important is that the model was exported as .3DS file.  I didn't export the model until it was virtually completed in Rhino.  It seems, now that the face count could have been reduced (had I known how to do that before I exported it).  Some might complain that the current face count of the 3DS model is too high.  I don't know what to do about that, and I'm not going back to re-work the model now.

	The Convair B-58 Hustler was chosen for its purely (let's face it) sexy lines and exotic character as a subject for modeling and eventual contribution to the publically available collection of jet aircraft in 3D.  This aircraft entered U.S. Air Force service in November of 1956.  It was the world's first supersonic strategic bomber and, by all accounts, scared the hell out of the Soviets...for good reason.  In terms of performance, it was in a class completely by itself, and a fearsome challenge to all existing air defense systems.  Its crew of three wielded extremely advanced navigation/attack systems, contained in an airframe which was among the earliest to employ composite material construction.

	The B-58 served in the USAF for 11 years, never firing a shot in anger.  However, it was a superb and vital componant of American nuclear deterrent strategy during its service life.  Along the way, it set numerous flight records, most notably the Bendix Trophy record flight of March 5, 1962: non-stop round trip between Los Angeles and New York, 4 hours 16 minutes at an average speed of 1,214 MPH.

	Today, there are only six surviving examples of the type, none in flying condition.

Model Specs & Notes -

	File name: b-58.3ds  (3D Studio R3) - 2.47M

	38 objects, 54756 vertices, 96280 faces, 1 spotlight, 1 camera

	The model parts are correctly named for easy selection/navigation with the exception of a series of numbered "objectx" parts, where "x" is the ordinary 3DS number to distinguish object names.  These objects are fuselage sections which have been Create/Face/Detach'ed in order to apply material decals.  At this writing, these decal applications had not been completed.  However, the parts are in place where they should be in the model and could easily be Object/Attach'ed.

	Note that the wings have not been split top/bottom for decal application.  This means that the current decals render through from the top surfaces to the bottom surfaces.

	The cockpit/canopy bits of this model were quite challenging to me, and I'm not completely satisified with their current state.  Note that there are defects in fuselage panels just aft of the front cockpit, where the panel vertices don't quite meet.  This is a bit of housekeeping which requires attention.

	Cockpit canopies are rotated open to an angle of 60 degrees.

	The main landing gear doors are not present at all.  This is because it is extremely difficult to find photographs of these doors.  (I've yet to find a single one anywhere.)  I have no idea what they look like.  Once one begins to render this model, one understands why: the doors are recessed between the inboard engines and fuselage.  It's hard enough to render the model at an attractive angle and include the main landing gear parts.  The doors are almost impossible to see unless one renders that area exclusively.

	For flight configuration renderings, I simply hide or delete the main gear and front gear, and rotate the front gear doors closed.

Model Materials -

	File name: b58.mli - 23 materials

	This matlib contains thirteen complex materials requiring texture maps, which are included in this .ZIP file.  The remaining materials are simple mixes of various metallics, glass, rubber, etc.

	These texture maps render the Bendix Trophy winning B-58 of the 43rd Bomb Wing.  The maps are large enough for close-up rendering, but every care has been taken to keep their file sizes managable.  Color depth is reduced as far as possible.

	The following list details the complex materials, and their maps:

	MATERIAL / MAP (w/descriptions, Width x Height x Color depth - file 				size):

	AA / AA.GIF - port side combination forward cockpit rescue/Bendix
              		 Trophy flight commemorative decal.
	            	 680x210x16 - 69k

	AIRFORCE / AIRFORCE.GIF - fuselage "U.S. AIR FORCE" decal.
	   	                                           1120x150x2 - 20k

	AIRSTAR / AIRSTAR.GIF - fuselage "star & bar" decal.
		                                     510x293x16 - 73k

	FF / FF.GIF - port side aft cockpits rescue decal.
	             	647x197x16 - 62k

	KK / KK.GIF - port side 43rd Bomb Wing shield w/Bendix Trophy 			  flight commemorative banner.
   		              300x342x16 - 50k

	PITOT / PITOT.GIF - pitot tube candystripe.
		                         50x50x16 - 1.4k

	RESCUE / RESCUE.GIF - emergency ground rescue alert triangle 					(port & starboard sides, all cockpits).
					 320x320x16 - 40k

	SACLEFT / MM.GIF - port side SAC shield & starfield banner.
		 		   628x839x16 - 259k

	SACRIGHT / LL.GIF - starboard side 43rd Bomb Wing motto shield &
		 		    starfield banner.
		 		    628x839x16 - 259k

	TAILNUM / TAILNUM.GIF - finflash aircraft ID or "buzz" number.
		      			 447x83x2 - 4.6k

	USAF / USAF.GIF - wing-sized USAF decal.
		   		827x273x2 - 27k

	WINGSTAR / WINGSTAR.GIF - wing-sized "star & bar" decal.
		       			         1000x657x16 - 276k

	REFMAP.GIF - standard 3D Studio metalic texture map used in
		     	    metal surface materials.
		     	    320x200x256 - 63k

	This model is presented for those with an interest in vintage jet aircraft, and I hope you enjoy it.  For my own part, I will continue work on it, with future projects to include cockpit spaces detailing.  The model is a fairly good start, but much work could yet be done in many directions.  I'm happy to present the B-58 Hustler to the 3D community, and I would only ask that I might be apprised of any significant advances in the model state.

	I also have available a small accessories kit which includes a ground-park fire bottle (standard on SAC ramps of the period), crew access gantry, and a rough starter cart with lofted/texture mapped hoses.  Anyone can have this .3DS file for the asking.  These bits need some work, but they can go far toward a more realistic ramp scene render.

	I can be reached at wjb3@mindspring.com.

	Watch for future vintage jet aircraft, including (in progress now), North American F-100 Super Sabre, McDonnell-Douglas F-4C Phantom II, and Boeing B-52D Superfortress.

	Keep 'em flying, folx.

Billy Beck
http://www.mindspring.com/~wjb3/