Space Environment Tutorial

This step-by-step tutorial will take you through all the steps to creating your own model of the White Star. It does require a basic understanding of the Lightwave Modeler, although most operations are explained. Even if you do not wish to build a White Star model, this tutorial is a valuable insight into some of Lightwave Modeler's more advanced modelling tools.

1) Basic Splines & Building the Lower Nose
Author: Kier Darby

We will begin our project by introducing Lightwave's spline-modelling tools, and use them to build a nice simple section of the ship: the lower nose.

2) Building the Gravity Drive Fins
Author: Kier Darby

Getting slightly more advanced, we build the spline cage for the Whitestar's rear fins and patch them up.

3) Building the Main Fuselage
Author: Kier Darby

More of the same, this time we build the upper hull.

4) Building the Nose Weaponry
Author: Kier Darby

This lesson shows you how to build the weaponry in the Whitestar's nose, using primitive objects and the bevel tool.

5) Building the Upper Wings and Engine Pods
Author: Kier Darby

A spline-based section in five installments.

6) Painting Whitestar Texture Maps
Author: Kier Darby

Taking a break from modelling, this lesson takes you through the techniques used to paint the Whitestar's texture maps.

7) Building the Bridge Section
Author: Kier Darby

Back to spines, we step up a gear and build the Whitestar's bridge.

8) Building The Navigational Array in the Nose
Author: Kier Darby

This lesson shows you how to build the array of tech-stuff that sits between the upper fuselage and the lower nose.

9) Building The Lower Hull
Author: Kier Darby

As advanced as spline modelling gets, I attempt to explain how to build the lower hull and wings. (This lesson is currently incomplete.)

10) Fitting it all Together
Author: Kier Darby

So... all your bits are built, time to put them all together and look at the completed geometry.