Piper PA-46-500 TP Malibu Meridian / Build Journey

Thanks @GamingCat2130

A very, very, steep learning curve, but ‘kinda’ enjoying it. Lots to learn with 3d modelling and I’ve not even scratched the surface on texturing yet. I’m setting myself small incremental goals and even if they are small it feels like progress.

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I’m getting to a point where I’m a bit happier with the result. Spent time this morning with the ‘Smooth Vertices’ tool getting the flow of the vent correct, or as close as I can to reality. I must try Quad Remesher @YearlingDeer319 - watched a few videos on it yesterday, looks really, really useful. The licence fee not too bad either.

Only issue now is how to mirror it on the right hand side. :slight_smile:

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Assuming the plane already has bilateral symmetry, could you not just cut the entire fuselage in half, then mirror it to recreate it? Or slice, then mirror just that portion?

Perhaps the entire model could have been built from the start as only half a plane. Get the grossest details out the way, then add stuff later that does not have symmetry, like perhaps an offset radio antenna, or mount for a light etc.

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I found Symmetrize in Blender! We now have two vents :slight_smile:

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Yes, that is the correct way to do it.

Although I note that many payware folks also “symmetrise” textures so both sides of an interior, for example, are mirrored, right down to individual creases in the material.

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Or even knowing the tool exists. :slightly_smiling_face:

I’ve been using 3D software since the original 3D Studio (became 3DS Max) and I’m still learning Max today.

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This, definitely!! Also one for the list, knowing what term to search for in the first place. :slight_smile:

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@CaptMatto Do you need help with anything programming related? I really want this plane in MSFS, so maybe I can help? PM me if you would like

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Hey @codemedic

I think I’m ok on the programming side (well not even started yet) but the thing that is taking the time is the 3d modelling.

As I’m learning from scratch to 3d model I make mistakes which then take a while to fix as I’m both unfamiliar with Blender and the general concepts behind it. This of course, is both fun, as I like the challenge, and frustrating as everything takes ages :rofl:

I’m also pretty snowed under with work at the moment so between that, the G36 Improvement Project and real life in general there just hasn’t been much time available.

Progress wise I had a tweak of the under nose vents the other day and it got me back into it a little. Once I get these two work projects out the way (couple of weeks) I’ll be in a much better position to spend some quality time modelling.

I’d also be interested starting conversations with any 3d modellers who may be interested in partnering with me or might be interested in talking to anyone who might be willing to help build the 3d model for a fixed fee and what that might look like financially? DM if interested.

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@CaptMatto I don’t know 3d modeling at all, but can you put the source files on github so others can help like an open source project?

Hey @codemedic

Certainly a good idea, however I had in the back on my mind that if I could get this to a high enough standard then I would probably try and release this as a payware aircraft.

Although, that is no way confirmed in any way yet, so I am holding off on making the Git public until I kinda make that decision.

Once I can get a couple of IRL work projects out the door I’ll have much more time to dedicate to this project.

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Right on man! I’m just excited for it!

Just found out about this! I love the G36 improvement project and the PA-46 is my favorite GA aircraft. This is looking good!

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Thanks!!!

Been a while since I had some time to work on it, but looking forward to now life has got a little less crazy :slight_smile:

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I encourage you to keep on as you are.
The Meridian is a Great aircraft for MSFS.
The work/progress, the good and the difficult, you have shared are impressive.
I’m following your build with interest.
and
Thanks for bringing us along.

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I believe this is the same plane as the M500? According to a quick Google, the Meridian was rebranded as the M500. I’m just curious because the FSReborn guy who just released the StingS4 is working on the M500 as his next release, and it already looks pretty far along in terms of modelling, based on what he showed during TheFlyingFabio’s stream of the S4.

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Yes your right the M500 is the same aircraft. The S4 is a fantastic aircraft and I’m sure they’ll do a great job on their M500 as well!!

This journey is as much a record of my own learning as it is the intention to get a product out there - I have so much to learn and only scratched the surface so far. The G36 Improvement Mod and real life have taken a lot of my spare time but looking forward to carrying on with this project as well.

As we’ve seen with the Porter’s many products can coexist :slight_smile:

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Was this project ever completed. The Piper PA-46 looked like a good choice!

Isn’t this the same project ? If so it is already on the marketplace.

No. They are two separate developments. But I am also unsure where @CaptMatto left it.