Animation: Laser and Engine Effect

          Figure 1 shows my 2nd camera view. As you can sill recall, I finished my 10 second animation showing my spacetank at far. This time, I focus on that model. I used this type of view to show how my spacetank model see the two spaceship flying far from him. As you have noticed, I changed earth to a colourful planet. The reason? Because I felt that I don't want the earth to be in the middle of the space war. I feel like the earth is in trouble!

Figure 1. Spacetank view

          I used a cylinder shape to make a laser effect (Figure 2). This might be weird because of the structure of my model and then I'm using a laser. Anyway, somehow, I like the laser because it is appealing to the eyes. And the fact that from the Star wars movie, they have loads of lasers including their weapon. So, I guess, this will make my animation much better.

Figure 2. A cylinder shape to make a laser

          I found a tutorial in youtube (Kirk, 2011) and followed the steps on how to make a laser and I was successfully did it. Yes, I am happy of the outcome of it as shown in Figure 3. It is a matter of playing with the settings to achieve what you want.

Figure 3.  Adding laser effect to the cylinder

          The same as for my model, I also used Trajectory to see the path of my laser as shown in Figure 4. This technique will let you see if the lase is on the right track. Because I want to achieve a straight line path for my laser.

Figure 4. Trajectory of the laser

          I also found about how to hide and unhide objects (Figure 5). I must say that it did really helped me on working for my animation. Because I am able to hide unwanted objects on a particular scene and I can freely work on the workspace without being annoyed by the sphere. 

Figure 5.  Unhide Objects window

          In addition to that, I find this effect helpful for my engine. Because of it's glowing effect, it also portrays the heat. I decided to put it on my engine (Figure 6) so that I could show that there's a heat coming out from the engine. The outcome? Perfect!

Figure 6. Added the glow effect on the spaceship's engine

References:

Kirk, Kevin, 2011. Laser tutorial in 3ds max. [online] Available at: <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfanGg4AJtU> [Accessed 3 December 2012 ].