WIP Beta released 1968 Chevy Nova - UPDATE 0.5b - WORKS ON EXPERIMENTAL NOW

Hi guys, this is my first take at modding BeamNG. I'm best known as ADR (as it stands for my full name, Alberto Daniel Russo), mostly in the Carmageddon community, also in the early NFS days back then, too, and some other games. I'm talking about 15 years ago, so I've been around.

I'm not going to bore anyone with personal details (check my signature for more info), so let's get to the point.

I've decided to use this model I've done about 10 years ago as my test mule, just because it looks decent and has all the parts I need, plus a bunch of custom options I did back then (engines, wheels, exhausts, paintjobs, etc.). And also, the Nova is a cool car to customize and mess with.



As you can see, it's not my finest work exactly, but it has everything I need to mess with this game engine.
This is how it looks so far in game:



I'm still dealing with material issues, trying to figure out how stuff works, testing different setups, etc. I've based the jbeams on Gabester's fullsize model, though I don't even know how to stretch them to fit mine, so it's kind of messed up. I had fun crashing it, anyway!



All I can get so far starting with my own Jbeams is a car that crumples like a piece of paper. I can get them from the Blender exporter, but I need to figure out what the hell I need to add to have a proper jbeam working.

I'll post any updates as I go learning and figuring stuff out. Of course, any suggestions are welcome!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE 0.5b (01/10/15) WORKS ON EXPERIMENTAL

Basically, that, now fully works on experimental version.

Just a couple of things to make sure it works properly:

Delete all content in:

\Documents\BeamNG.drive\cache\vehicles\68nova

and delete the previous version folder before installing:

\SteamLibrary\SteamApps\common\BeamNG.drive\vehicles\68nova


DOWNLOAD

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update log:
UPDATE 0.4b (01/08/15)




- Fixed front bumper / grille / supports jbeams
- Fixed front suspension geometry / steering jbeams
- Rear jbeams also fixed, still WIP but works better when crashing
- Door jbeams improved, still WIP
- Functional lights (kind of, still missing glow)
- New 427 V8 engine 3D model and transmission
- Some interior work, new low poly seats and textured parts
- New textured trunk interior
- Dirt map added to diffuse color
- New parts configurations
- THRUSTERS!!Update 0.3b


Includes:
- Improved jbeams
- New engine options with realistic setups:
- 427 V8 L72 450 hp Corvette engine
- 350 V8 320 hp Nova SS Engine
- 3.55 and 4.11 rears
- Muncie M20 and M21 4-speed manual transmissions (427 comes with M21, 350 with M20)
- Comes default with Firestone Wide Oval tires and flying "dog-dish" hubcaps
- Torq Thrust wheels optional
- Body color is now changeable
- Mapped AO, diffuse and normal maps for the body
- No more missing textures issue

Known bugs:
- Lights won't break
- No brake lights
- Chassis / Frame parts not textured
- Steering issue, need to fix geometry
- Front wheels dissapear when using the parts configurator, instead choose setups from vehicle selector drop down menu
- Windows on doors won't break
- No functional steering/pedals/shifter/gauges
- Seats and Torq Thrust wheels with too many polygons (need to make low poly model)

 

Re: 1968 Chevy Nova

That's why it's a WIP and a BETA, is not meant to be finished in any way. I just uploaded an early version if anyone wants to mess with it or just crash it.
The whole point of this is to have fun, right?

I'm working on my own Jbeam setup right now, I'm sure it'll take a while to have everything set up and refined.

 

Re: 1968 Chevy Nova

Thanks! I'm trying to make my own jbeams, so far, I've got the car running, kind of, but it's still a mess as the suspension parts are not exactly right.

Decided to use as a base the Moonhawk jbeams, as they fit very close to the nova:



The thing is, how the hell can I adapt the nodes to the model? do I have to do this by hand (notepad)? or is there any program suitable for it?
Tried the real time editor by GregBlast, got to open the jbeams there but there's no way I can move anything (would be very useful!), not even reading the documentation, I couldn't find a way to move a node or beam.
If anyone can help me out with this, would be very useful, and I can release a more "solid" version of the car, at least using the Moonbeam jbeams for now.

 

Re: 1968 Chevy Nova

DL Notepad++ and set the language to javascript. Makes the node coordinates nice and red and easy to read I did all my work to make my Corolla mod in notepad++ (started with hatch jbeam, hacked most of it away then rebuilt), its really not that bad. After every change you can hit ctrl+R in the game and see the updated position. I find Masa's jbeam editor is very good for visualizing the structures when you are trying to understand things, better than the games bright green lines. I'd also suggest doing things like commenting out the roof nodes when you are working on the floor, for example. All the connecting beams will dissapear, and you'll be able to see what you're working on with less clutter. Keep the physics paused in that case though!

 

Re: 1968 Chevy Nova

Well, after hours of messing with notepad++, jbeams numbers, parts, etc, this is the result:



Now it looks decent and is very playable. Used the moonhawk jbeams as a base, modified them enough to fit my model and voilá!
Oh, also messed with the engine.

Bugs? of course, it's all trial and error here, so don't expect a final product yet.

DOWNLOAD '68 Chevy Nova 0.2 beta

Props to gabester for the moonhawk jbeams and some textures. Now grab it and have fun!