Starting point

Our group is now at the starting point of the actual project so that we can start to get the ball rolling.

I have set up a test level in Unreal to train for the actual level but before that we need a heightmap.

I have found a software plugin for Rhino that can take a set of height curves and turn them into an approximate land form. This will be useful if we can secure a set of CAD files or even  turn hard copies into soft with autocad we can then import it into Unreal. It's Called Rhinoterrain

I have also been trying to learn how to animate in 3Ds Max which has turned out to be harder than I thought. There are many things to keep track of and the rail car system we are re-designing is also full of small contraptions and springs etc.

We have had a few group meetings and gone over what is hard and what we expect. We are still waiting for some of the old students to get back to us which is midly infuriating but we've had some contact with the clients and they seem excited.

We have a system worked out with how we are handling the master file and all the side tasks and i feel confident that we can perform to expectation.

Group Meetings and our Plan

So by now it was time for us to decide how to tackle the task at hand. We have many things to get around to and a limited amount of time so we have divided the tasks for the whole group. They vary from contacting previous students to get 3D models to starting to build the virtual level.

These tasks where given out to each and every member along with the instruction to learn Unreal4. Now the aproximate number of days for an experienced 3d modeler is 4 full days. So I assume we are going to need at least double that,

I got tasked with looking into what can be done about the animation and how I would best go about setting it up properly. First we needed the old 3d models along with the height map of the site to begin witht he Unreal4 level.

I decided that 3DS max would be worthwile looking into since it has some really good animation tools. I will see how it turns out and what can be done to fix it.

Viewport from 3ds
Logo

Site Visit

So we have been to the Scenic Route of Katoomba for a day trip where we met the clients and took a closer look at the site. We met with the owner and CEO of the company and they described to us what they expected from this exchange with the university.

An updated virtual world in Unreal4

A virtual scenic tour in the old mine cart system

An animation showing the mechanics of the cart and/if possible an animation showing how the system collapsed

These are our main goals and what we will strive to achieve before we can go any further with our own ideas since this is the expectation and we have to deliver.

Other than that they where very kind and friendly and took us on a private tour of the facility. You could really tell how the owner was truly interested in the site himself.

The Task

We have got tasked with replicating the Katoomba Scenic Route in a virtual environment. The software we are going to use is Unreal Engine 4. Demo video showing the potential and power of the Unreal Engine.

The engine itself has vast potential and for this project we are attempting to recreate an Australian heritage site to immortalize and give remote access to the area without the need to physically be there. The end aim is to have a Scenic Route that is available online along with a video showcasing the site and an animation that shows the mechanical system of the rail cars.

The site itself is an old coal mine that was situated in very rough terrain and therefore has a railcar system that was very complex, so complex in fact that it collapsed from extended usage. The site is now cluttered with remnants of the old mine and has been declared a heritage site because of the way the mine has weaved together with the surroundings. 

We have a trip planned to go out and meet the clients and document the site as well as take photos for textures, study the mechanical carts and take information on the history of the site along with seeing the actual site.

Scenic Route Map

Unreal Image