Surprise! Surprise! for Sledger

**parahandy** · 08 October 2007, 10:12 PM

A belated present for your birthday Sledger. Only had a red one in stock.
and one without Sledger.

**steve.ledger** · 08 October 2007, 10:47 PM

Well well Norman - however did you know to choose the right car? That's amazing...

And we all know red cars go faster right...

I'm humbled by your gift to me - thanks very much.. it's terrific! Though rather than belated, it's actually 14 days early.

If anyone is curious about the car, it's a Toyota Sprinter 'Trueno' which is generally known simply as an 'eight-six' (AE86 = Chassis name)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_AE86

This vehicle has a popular almost cult following amongst the young and is very much part of my life currently due to my son rebuilding one from two junked stock models in the back yard.. Aside from costing him a small fortune (so far) and being fully mucked around by a couple of inscrupulous parts suppliers, the project has at least taught him many skills along the way.
We have a photo'chronicle of his progress here: picasaweb.google.com/sledger/TheSecondAE86

Once again - Cheers Norman !

**geminiguy** · 09 October 2007, 12:17 AM

Norm.... You are definitely "THE MAN"!!!! Very, very awesome.... You are, in my eyes definitely one of the greats! I really like the backdrop as well!!!
Sledger?? Did you leave the bird in the car??
BTW... what is the birds name?? is this a real pet of yours??

**steve.ledger** · 09 October 2007, 12:29 AM

Not a pet of mine, but it's not uncommon these days while driving to come across a "cockatoo'

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulphur-crested_Cockatoo

**parahandy** · 09 October 2007, 10:50 AM

Thanks Sledger and Geminguy. Sorry I got the date wrong.
I wonder if I have the reflection right? comments would be appreciated

**David O'Neil** · 11 October 2007, 02:32 PM

Norman: You never cease to amaze! I am very impressed that you are always trying to learn more--bravo!

Your reflection is a little off. Unfortunately, realistic reflections are often one of the most difficult things to get right. The following picture is a quickie-fix, but even it is way off. Note that the front grill/bumper area had to be totally twisted in order to get it close to natural, as just mirror imaging the car will not get you a 'true' reflection. I don't have time right now to explain why that area had to be twisted--hopefully if you don't understand it, you can ask and someone else can answer, or I'll try later.

Often, the only real way to get a good reflection is to draw it piece-by-piece. Simply 'skewing' the reflection you have is a good start, though.

Best wishes,
David

**parahandy** · 11 October 2007, 03:48 PM

Thank you David. I suppose too it all depends on where the viewer is standing

**remi** · 11 October 2007, 04:02 PM

Hi Norman,

the intensity of the reflection depends on the surface of your ground, but the perspective must be the same as on a mirror. The shadow depends on the light source. You'll find a short example with a (ugly) 3D model of a car. It shows you the reflection. You could also use a Matchbox car and a glass plate and try to make a photo with your digital camera, in order to get a reference photo.

Click image for larger version.

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Regards,
Remi

**parahandy** · 11 October 2007, 06:46 PM

Thanks Remi, that is a good idea, I will try that.

**David O'Neil** · 11 October 2007, 11:48 PM

Originally Posted by parahandy

I suppose too it all depends on where the viewer is standing

Not quite. The only way you would get a reflection like you showed in the original drawing is if you had a mirror in front of the car, something like the following. In a realistic drawing, the reflections on flat ground/water surfaces will always be coming straight out of the picture.