Here is the completed version of the 3D model and scene I've been working on for the past few weeks. It's been very interesting exploring the Mental Ray renderer and the new Arch & Design material type. 3ds Max and Photoshop are a potent combination. I look forward to using them in this way more often in the future.
Personally, I think it looks just perfect the way it is. It looks like it was intended as a carrying handle and that is why its fixed alignment along the weapon axis. The fact the pilot is the finesse to use it against operating procedure(as a support grip) makes him seem all the more sophisticated. That's how I read it, and what got me in love with the thing, anyway.
Also, since we were on the topic of robustness...Thought I'd throw out an idea for your consideration... I felt that the two man-sized handles on the magazine would benefit by being replaced with a canvas strap instead, or basically something that won't look like it would bend or snap given the size of the Siege Mech's fingers. With the strap, it could not only be carried by both infantry and mecha, afford some dynamic flapping(hah) and I think it would not only solve the robustness issue but also afford an aesthetically pleasing, practical twist to the functionality as well. Oh and it can collapse neatly into a mecha magazine pouch if needed or just allow more grip friction with the metal fingers. Seemed well within the dieselpunkish/WW2 art direction too, for me anyway.
Just my 2 cents Hope all is well with you my friend!
The things I want to revise are pretty minor. It's just that the where the front handle mates to the receiver is something I would do a little differently, now. Instead of those two bands that attach the handle, I think I'd just have a short section of heavy tubing welded to a pair of tabs that extend from the receiver. I'd socket the carry handle into that, and weld a reinforcing rib onto the carry handle. I'm glad you like the shape, I'm pretty pleased with it overall, and I agree that it lends itself to expressive poses. It's just that joint that never pleased me.
I think you're absolutely right about that strap. It's amazing what I miss on the first pass! I'm tempted to fit it with an oversized version of the MG13 dual drum magazine as well: [link]
I appreciate the thoughts, especially from an artist of your caliber. Thank you, and I hope all is well with you also.
Also, since we were on the topic of robustness...Thought I'd throw out an idea for your consideration... I felt that the two man-sized handles on the magazine would benefit by being replaced with a canvas strap instead, or basically something that won't look like it would bend or snap given the size of the Siege Mech's fingers. With the strap, it could not only be carried by both infantry and mecha, afford some dynamic flapping(hah) and I think it would not only solve the robustness issue but also afford an aesthetically pleasing, practical twist to the functionality as well. Oh and it can collapse neatly into a mecha magazine pouch if needed or just allow more grip friction with the metal fingers. Seemed well within the dieselpunkish/WW2 art direction too, for me anyway.
Just my 2 cents
I think you're absolutely right about that strap. It's amazing what I miss on the first pass!
I appreciate the thoughts, especially from an artist of your caliber. Thank you, and I hope all is well with you also.
good work!