Google sketchup or similar

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[Dannypenguin]

I am thinking about downloading Google sketchup to have a try at ship modelling (even though I know my attempts are going to be terrible!).

Is Google sketchup a good idea, or is there better free software?

Dan

[Mr Robville]

Hey Dan,

GSU is a great tool to use. Easy to learn and free to use without using the Pro version.
One disadvantage is that models can become unoptimized quickly though.

A guy here explains a detailed tutorial on do's and don't regarding geometry:
http://www.crydev.net/viewtopic.php?f=315&t=71307&hilit=playup

Whatever you create with it depends on your effort and experience.

This, for example, is made in GSU:


As well as this:


Not saying one is bad. It's just to illustrate you can go anywhere with it.


Another great free tool is called Blender. This one works quite differently opposed to GSU but is more advanced and eventually will make certain things easier to create.

You might want to try out both.  

[VirtualSkipper]

You could use Delftship to generate a well shaped hull and then export it to Google Sketchup, so you can build it further up. 

[Dannypenguin]

Thankyou very much for that advice. Might use delftship in the future but my Dad doesn't like me downloading things so won't be using that anytime soon...

I downloaded GSU and below is my first (work in progress) hull. It is a PSV (platform supply vessel) because being basically a flat ship with a front superstructre, it would be realitivly easy for a beginner like me. It is called 'PSV Adria' and will sail for PF Shipping. Any suggestions are welcome.

[MokMok]

There are other 3D-CAD programs like FreeCAD http://freecadweb.org and BRL-CAD http://brlcad.org.

Typical AutoCAD-like CAD programs are DraftSight http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/free-cad-software and NanoCAD http://nanocad.com.

[The Ferry King]

As far as i remember its better to keep practising on whatever program you are using.
Here is a good example of what progression looks like (also using a render software- don't know what it is)







Made by some guy called LeafPT.G

[Captain Cadet]

Me and a friend have a 3D workshop and we are currently making an educational 3D enviroment. We use an old version of Sketchup as its the easy and we were given comercial licences of it for free (can't complain!)

Here is a public image and im hopping to do more work on it tommorw and ill get a gallary up for you
but this does show you can do complex things on Sketchup if you know what your doing - we have piles of spreedsheets and images to make sure nothing messes up though, so it isnt that easy though!