Imperial Harbor - Work In Progress

[ZCerberus]

A submodel is basically two or more parts that a builder groups together that is placed in the larger model. I've never learned how to use submodels, especially since BrikTrak isn't able to include parts in a submodel to the list of parts for the entire model. |-/

Yes... so when you look at my CAD (which is MLCAD) renderings on brickshelf you will notice that I have individual models for the gate houses, guard houses, cranes (err... hoists?) and fortress.

Actually the submodels are also made of submodels. The cannons, and Imperial minifigs are submodels, as is the top section of the fortress, and the roof on the fortress etc. Right now I am working on the stockade which will also consist of several submodels.

The nice thing about the submodels is changing the submodel will automatically update the submodel on other models it is attached to... so If I changed the hat on my Imperial guard figure submodel, it would change all the hats on all the guards in my fortress that are the same submodel. Very handy for fixing a gate house and seeing it reflected in the final "complete" model without having to try to figure out which piece I am trying to move in the clutter finished model in the program.

MLCAD can give you lists of pieces both in the model and in the submodels.

For those of you who are curious... the Current CAD rendering of my harbor (with the unfinished stockade) is only 2166. Keep in mind that there are some pieces that are not in MLCAD that I have on the harbor etc, and I have not put all the features (such as the storehouse) on the MLCAD rendering so in real life it is/will be more... but that gives you an idea of where it is at right now!

[ZCerberus]

Okay, an initial CAD rendering of the first level of the stockade. Some parts on the lower level are not yet complete, and will be added to eventually. Here are a few links to it. The last one is of the old version of the stockade that is being redesigned.

[Mister Phes]

The nice thing about the submodels is changing the submodel will automatically update the submodel on other models it is attached to... so If I changed the hat on my Imperial guard figure submodel, it would change all the hats on all the guards in my fortress that are the same submodel. Very handy for fixing a gate house and seeing it reflected in the final "complete" model without having to try to figure out which piece I am trying to move in the clutter finished model in the program.

So its kind of like using a style in a program like Microsoft Word or Cascade Style Sheets? For example. You select certain parts of the text which you want to be Heading 1, then a few days later you make Heading 1 red and automatically all text with the Heading 1 style applied becomes red.

I'd look at your latest pictures but your Brickshelf folder isn't moderator. We could still view the pictures if you linked them directly to the image file, what you've done is linked to the Brickshelf preview. So to get the link to the image file you need to click on the Brickshelf preview.

I.e. Here's the click sequence from the Brickshelf folder.

Thumbnail -> Preview -> Image File

[ZCerberus]

So its kind of like using a style in a program like Microsoft Word or Cascade Style Sheets? For example. You select certain parts of the text which you want to be Heading 1, then a few days later you make Heading 1 red and automatically all text with the Heading 1 style applied becomes red.

I'd look at your latest pictures but your Brickshelf folder isn't moderator. We could still view the pictures if you linked them directly to the image file, what you've done is linked to the Brickshelf preview. So to get the link to the image file you need to click on the Brickshelf preview.

I.e. Here's the click sequence from the Brickshelf folder.

Thumbnail -> Preview -> Image File

doh!

Well it hardly matters now, as the folder is now moderated (plus I did now change the links).

Yeah, it is kind of like a heading in that respect. Think of it like when you are building a LEGO model using the instructions (heaven forbid!) and they have those little yellow boxes with a sub set of instuctions for something, like a wing on a tie fighter or whatever. Those are "sub models".

When you put a sub-model into a larger model (or another submodel) the sub model comes in as being one SINGLE peice that can be rotated or moved without having to move every peice in it individually. That is why something at an angle, like the roof on my Fortress, is better as a submodel, otherwise I would need to rotate each peice the same number of degrees and then line them up. Not very easy.

It is also handy if you have removeable sections and layers (which I do) so you could, if you wanted, post pictures of both the first level, and the second level by simply deleting a single submodel in the picture.

[Mister Phes]

Well it hardly matters now, as the folder is now moderated.

Ahhh, but next time the folder is moderated the links won't work again!

Anyway...

Since these images are of an appropriate size I shall post one for the benefit of all...

[ZCerberus]

Some up dates. A little more on the stockade...

And some Vegetation/rocks on the fortress section as per suggestions. My first attempt, so maybe I will get better. I plan to add more where appropriate, but this was just an idea...

[Mister Phes]

Ahhh yes, that provides a nice break from the yellow and white. However, you could experiment with other forms of plants.

If you're willing to venture outside what was used in the pirate theme then try these out:

[ZCerberus]

Ahh, yes, I would like to use those other plants, and have many of that first type... but MLCAD doesn't! That is right, those plants do not exist on MLCAD, but they would on my final real MOC!

[ZCerberus]

Deleted

[Governor Broadside]

This is coming along great! *sweet*

Are the two different models shown in the second pic different ideas you have for building your fort?

In the last pic, looks like there should be a black 4 x 6 or 4 x 8 plate in that one corner of the walkways (docks?) closest to the viewer.

[Norrington]

WOW.......SO BEUTIFUL......SHOULD WATCH TV.....BUT SO BEUTIFUL........

[ZCerberus]

This is coming along great! *sweet*

Are the two different models shown in the second pic different ideas you have for building your fort?

In the last pic, looks like there should be a black 4 x 6 or 4 x 8 plate in that one corner of the walkways (docks?) closest to the viewer.

In regards to the First question, no... they aren't two different versions... my idea is that this fort would be at the opening of a cove or some such thing and ships would be able to pass between the two halves of the port. Though you can't tell from the CAD (because I haven't added them yet) there are two gates/dock sections on the actual model that raise and lower to join the two halves of the harbor. One half has the armory and fortress (and though not yet added in the CAD a store house) and the other half has the stockade (and perhaps a tower of sorts not yet added)

to the second question... err comment about missing plates, well if you look at the second image you will notice that actually, when the stockade is added to the full harbor there are technically too many plates in that area because the other submodel has some of the ones that are also on the stockade. Eventually the other submodel will have the missing plate you refer to, plus removal of the plates that appear in both images, but I haven't gotten to it yet!

Right now I am working on the store house, and finishing the stockade.

[Mister Phes]

Ahh, yes, I would like to use those other plants, and have many of that first type... but MLCAD doesn't! That is right, those plants do not exist on MLCAD, but they would on my final real MOC!

Those plants don't exist in MLCAD huh? I thought MLCAD had everything! Do you think they'll be implemented in future versions?

[ZCerberus]

Those plants don't exist in MLCAD huh? I thought MLCAD had everything! Do you think they'll be implemented in future versions?

No idea. Some people make other or additional parts, and I download both the official and unofficial parts, but there are a few pieces, besides the plants, that I would like to be able to use that are not in MLCAD. Some pieces that I do not have, or know about...

Row boats

6x7x2 Door frames

Red Imperial Guard Large Flags

[ZCerberus]

Some more progress, added the Store House, and made a few other improvements. I revamped the Brickshelf folders, so if some of the links are broken, that is why. Okay on to the updates...

There we be!

[Mister Phes]

Ah yes, this is coming along nicely...

Are you going to put anything in this store house, like barrels and chests for example?

And the next time you do some uploading to your Pirate Brickshelf Folders, could you upload one of these so we can expand our piratical army!

[ZCerberus]

Ah yes, this is coming along nicely...

Are you going to put anything in this store house, like barrels and chests for example?

In the actual Lego creation, yes, there are barrels, crates, chests and all that in the store house. In the CAD version... not so much right now, but there are actually things stored in the store house. Though the images are blurry, you can tell in the brickshelf images that there are barrels and what not on the top level (as well as a little shootout) on the second floor. There are also barrels and chest in the lower level, and outside the storehouse there are two hand carts for carrying things into the store house.

[ZCerberus]

Update on the Left Half of the Harbor. Need to finish the dock on this side, and decide what, if any structure to add over there to balance out the moc. A large light house like structure perhaps? Did such things even exist? What form did they use? Anyone have any ideas?

Anyway, an update

[Mister Phes]

Ya know, since these images are reasonably sized you might as well just post them in the thread...

[Minifig Lecturer]

This harbour is turning out to be fantastic.

Would you ever consider adding a small mountain behind one of the left or right half of the harbour?

You could use multiple big grey one-piece bricks, I dont know what you call them, but you probably know what i mean. I think it would be nice to have a big of unbuilt on land around the harbour, maybe a small stretch of beach :-)

[ZCerberus]

This harbour is turning out to be fantastic.

Would you ever consider adding a small mountain behind one of the left or right half of the harbour?

You could use multiple big grey one-piece bricks, I dont know what you call them, but you probably know what i mean. I think it would be nice to have a big of unbuilt on land around the harbour, maybe a small stretch of beach :-)

I believe the acronym you are looking for is BURP (Big Ugly Rock Piece). Or maybe LURP... guess what that one stands for...

Anyway, in the CAD designs I have definitely been considering doing that, but in the real Lego version that will come from the CAD designs, I might not have enough BURPs and LURPs to effectuate the design without spending lots of $$ on BrickLink. I might do something with the CAD though!

[ZCerberus]

Current Progress.

I didn't know it would allow me to insert images right in the post. I am such a newbee. I also added the little Eurobricks link in my folder... which now is being moderated again.

Then, of course, the first one I upload is too big! I'll try again...

[Mister Phes]

You certainly have made some progress Mr ZCerberus, but how long will it be till you actually have the pieces to build all of this for real?

[Scouty]

It appears that he already has something already built in his BS folder...I also noticed that lovely white Imperial Guard ship *wub* but that for later.

[ZCerberus]

You certainly have made some progress Mr ZCerberus, but how long will it be till you actually have the pieces to build all of this for real?

Yes. Most of the RIGHT half is built, but needs a little more configuring- but some things do need a changing on that half. Pieces wise, I am in pretty good shape. I need a few more skinny blue base plates (8x16 and 8x24 or 32). The ONE thing I am WAY short on is 1x4 yellow arches. I need to find a bricklink provider with 20 (?) or so in the US.

It appears that he already has something already built in his BS folder...I also noticed that lovely white Imperial Guard ship, but that for later.

Ahh yes. The Arbiter is her name, and the pics of her have not been mentioned really. She ain't bad for a small flagship.

Here is the one ImperialScouts is talking about.

All right, so I was trying to get the harbor a little closer to ready. I now have a preliminary design for a watch/light tower on the left half of the harbor. Phes told me to put the pics on directly, but I don't want to do that TOO often. Here is one of the Tower itself...

And one of the left half.