As per (a single) requests, this topic is being setup to share and discuss the ride reworking project(s)

In addition to fixing the model pieces orgins and orientations, its also my intent to provide at least one good, usable texture that can be used as a basis for retheming. Its also my intent to get the textures under control, with a goal of a single 256x texture per ride assembly.

After thinking about this for a while, I've decided that probably the best way to organize this is to start from the oldest, and therefore most likely crudest models on the grounds that they'd probably need the most work. As I have progress to show I'll be posting it here to keep the community informed and give them a chance at Feedback...

Therefore, the first in the slot?

The Huss Condor. Pics to follow as I've got an animated version of it rendering At the Mo...

I think the Gravitron could use a little work.

Actually, the Gravitron could use a LOT of work...

Its also not mine.

However, your right about one thing. Once I get my own rides fixed I really should go back and clean up a lot of the other really old rides, especially those done by people who arnt active in our community anymore.

I think Surfingoz was just here and that is his ride. You might wanna PM here about whatever it is that needs fixing. Not sure Star. The Scrambler was a major issue but that is fixed and fine as far as the last version went, actually very close to the real ride.

The Skywheel does have though an issue. The base and the supports should be separated. The supports have very small holes in the texture if you study the real deal. Aside from that issue, the Chance Skywheel is accurate. Velare Spacewheels not sure, but it looked pretty much okay with a texture finish.

The Seattlewheel needs to have two things. The inner ring or hub needs to come out a bit more and be round not scalloped. Also the Seattlewheel has a guidewire between armatures. That could be done with a simple flat alpha. Those two issues and the Seattlewheel is near perfect and fine. It is a great model already but those tweaks will make it a deadly accurate ride.

The Turbo looks excellent. I would have loved to see a final photo of the ride, but if the cars sit as you mentioned at an angle that should be fine. I don't really have many gripes about anything nor should I. Your skills at modeling are top notch as always.

yeah, I need to remodel the gravitron, just also needs textures for a finish, will get on to it soon.

Cool beans Oz!

You'll probobly get most of what you want for the wheels Slick, but you'll have to bring it up again when I get to them cause I KNOW I'm going to forget between now and then. Just still not sure about the cables, as we're talking 64 additional triangles for something that almost no one will see. Again, though, its something to hash out when we get there. This is also why I said I'd look at other rides after I had my own done, to give plenty of time to figure out what does or doesnt and get in contact with the original modeler about them if needed.

If I'd realized how long this render was going to take... right now its looking like its going to be 24 hours. Seriously, only at like frame 200 of 1500. :(

Not that you guys need reminding, but this is a link to the FRCS Content Design Guidelines.

It would be good to keep all discussions about how to orientate pieces there so that those who follow have a record of the decisions we made. Any important decisions for pieces that we think will come up regularly I'll fold back into the guidelines.

Thanks Brian. Star, yeah, the Ride Historian's essential jobs are to get you every photo or BP or any other information so that you have all the weapons in your arsenal. RCT3 has great models, but how they were implemented is where we make a big difference. An example is your Spacewheels. It is almost perfect in many respects, a simple texture fix on the supports and it is right there. Frontier botched it because not only did they make the two wheels face in opposite directions but they made them work that way too. This is why your model is much more authentic and also very deadly accurate too. When the ride starts up and passengers board it, while it may not be as dramatic as Frontier's model, yours will be the real deal. Over time, many folks will realize this and be greatly appreciative for the efforts. There are thousands of historical rides each with their own unique parts and others that can use existing parts. I suspect that from what we see already there will be many folks enjoying all of these in the end.

In a vain attempt to get this back on track though....

unthemed condor car, 66 triangles!


Bird (phoenix) themed car, a whopping 177 triangles, but I dont see anywhere I can cut any. :(

Does the Condor really use chains though at such heights or am I thinking wrong Kondor ride

awww bugger. :(

Not that hard actually. Just use the existing alpha wheel you have a bit and attach the cars to that. The cars appear hinged on their respective hub sections.

I'm just grousing on the amount of work I'd already done that is invalidated, including last nights all night render.

We've got pictures...

Inital car refurb:


Extended geometry to closer match ref image:


Fortunatly, we already knew the existing 'secondary' had to go, but here's proof!

Well, they say things are always better the second time around and of course threes a charm that is the fun in these times. Cause once the ride is accurate, that is it. It becomes official and that is what goes with the game. Others might try and improve upon it, but the mass distribution of the first accurate ride is what matters. The Condor also has a bird atop it on most of the units that are still factory original, though I noticed not all units shipped with the bird atop it. Not sure exactly what the story is, but Greg could always elaborate for us when he gets back in here.

You mean a giant Atari logo??? *Thhhbbbpppt*

Nope the ride has a giant Condor model from most of the factory issues. Also note how the name is advertised at the top. I am thinking a flat ring with print could be used say as an alpha. Bird of alpha's too.