It's been almost a year since I built this model for an AMEDD contract, but the final result was impressive enough to make me backtrack and pull a few renders for the site.
The project involved creating a fully functional M16 3d model for preliminary training on the rifle. New recruits will see this lesson before they ever fire a round so I knew that high detail and accurate quality was the only option. The training developer responsible for the course took a ton of photos at the Armory on Ft. Knox that I used during the initial modeling process. Once I had a general layout, we went back together, grabbing all the minute details. After tons of refinement, the TD'er and I worked side by side to create all the animations that demonstrated clearing the weapon, dis-assembly, re-assembly, clearing jams, targeting and more.
After the animation was done, we went back one last time to make sure everything was perfect. This time, he handed me the weapon and said, "you've animated it coming apart; go ahead and tear the real thing down." Amazed that I could actually perform the dis-assembly, I broke it down and took even more photos to clear up any mechanical discrepancies. I like to think the experience was proof that distance learning really works.
The one thing that sets this piece apart from every other M16 3d model is the crazy amount of detail, both externally and internally. Every part in the weapon is animated, allowing a complete teardown.
These are a few high-res renders taken just moments ago.
