Built Laser

After illuminating the laser and helix, applying a metal texture to the body and adding a ceiling mount, the laser is complete. I would like to add some detail to it, but for now this is OK.

The illumination was achieved by checking the 'self-illuminating' box in the materials panel when assigning a material to the helix. The settings were adjusted so it was glowing, but not too bright or dull. The laser was also created this way as it is just a self-illuminated cylinder.

The metal texture was applied from the materials panel using aluminium so it looked reflective.

The ceiling mount was built from three boxes. One for the long piece at the top and two for each trapeze shape holding the laser.

By clicking on the laser (as a grouped object) and clicking 'hierarchy', the pivot point could be changed. Clicking 'affect pivot only' allows the point to be moved to where the laser meets the ceiling mount so the laser can be animated to swing back and forth.

Maybe you have noticed, but this is a model based on the laser from Goldfinger (1964).

So far I am very impressed with what 3D Studio Max can do, but I know I have only scratched the surface! I am yet to do much with Reactor, have next to no actual animation, and haven't built any complete scenes, but I am confident that I can grasp these in weeks to come.