Ariel Atom II : blueprints
Based upon my Ariel Atom II model I did for the SMC contest “Light Is Right” (and which won the contest 
), and because of some request for it, I made some orthographic views to use as blueprints.
The grid seen in background has 10cm steps. The model is unfinished but anyways it’s the best blueprint for Ariel Atom 2 I have ever seen – as it’s the only one I’ve seen !
Categories: Ariel Atom II
Hello, you have basically what I am looking for in curde form (being blueprints for an atom 2) . I am a replica builder hobbiest and have been searching around for such a set of prints. I was wondering if you could do 1 of 2 things or both I guess. Could you email me the cad / 3ds or what ever file to get exact dimensions to begin creation from or / and coud you drop off the body panels and take the same set of renderings with only the chassis? That would allow me to get a good set of measurements to begin bending/welding.
The full 3D model is now available for download for free here. Please check the dedicated post : http://www.thomasbaron.net/2009/04/new-free-model-available-for-download-ariel-atom-ii/ and the Free models page : http://www.thomasbaron.net/free-models/
Hi Tom, Awesome job. I have downloaded and started to learn how to use Blender just to try and get the exact measurments for the chasis, however I am having problems getting them, specially the bars that run along the sides since they ar bent and make it difficult to determins the lenght. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can get these measurments ? … I’d really appreciate it since i’m looking forward to do a Replica. Thanks
I published on SMCars.net a wireframe version of the chassis : that is, no pipes, just edges, one for each pipe.
Using this mode, you’ll be able to measure length and angles using Blender. Please refer to Blender documentation to know how to do this.
The wire chassis is here : http://www.smcars.net/forums/work-progress-rendering-animation/23850-light-right-ariel-atom-ii-2.html#post169487. You’ll to register (for free) at SMC to download it.
Remember, the full 3D model is also available for free.
Hi Erick, did u manage to get the dims for the arial atom, cause i downloaded the file and started playing around with the programme and dam its hard to figure out the programme, im no 3d designer.Thanks arial atom rocks
Not yet Reza, I just read Tom’s reply so I’ll try to get the Dims during the day. Hey… I thought Blender would be more difficult than what it actuall is… TIP: Download a Blender Tutorial in PDF format from the net and start off from there. If i’m able to get the Dims I’ll post here.
Good Luck!
Thanks, ive been looking so long for a blueprint of the atom and finally i found it, but so close yet so far. Question, are u going to mould the body panels? or are going to make a mould for it. Cause here in my country it will cost you to make a mould about the price of a new gti. Anyway thanks dude
I’ll worry about the molds later…my main concern now is learning how to use the “Edge Length” and “Edge Angles” options in Blender to get the dims…. I live in a third world country (Dominican Republic), thats in the caribbean and making a mold is probably very expensive but hey… I’ll find a way to do them ..
Using “Edge length” and “Edge angles” features are quite simple :
- Open my wireframe chassis with Blender
- Select it with right click
- Enter what is called “Edit mode” by pressing TAB key.
- In the buttons panel (bottom window in Blender’s default layout) press F9 to show the Editing panel.
- There, there is a tab named “Mesh Tools More” which only appears when in Edit mode. Click on “Edge length” and “Edge angles” buttons.
- Now, to measure a length, select two vertices (one with right click, the second one with Shift + right click to keep the first one selected) The length will shows up as a number drawn in the 3D view at the middle of the edge. The value is shown in Blender units, and as I use the scale “1 blender unit = 1 meter”, it’s shown as meters.
- To measure an angle, select three vertices the same way. The value is drawn as degrees.
I hope you’ll manage to do it.
I suggest you to register for free at http://www.SMCars.net to discuss about your projects. You’ll have interesting feedback there from our members to help you in your projects.
Cheers !
Oh yes i have it!!! thanks tom, you the man.Keep up the great work
I managed to use the ” Edge Length” by myself but the angle length was a whole different story.. Thanks Tom you have been veeeery helpful. I will register to SMCcars and let you guys know about my project… Thats after I start it
..
I was able to get all lengths by pressing ” A” while in edit mode, but the angles are just not showing up when I choose three vertices. I believe I might have an installation problem… When I start Blender I get the following msg:
“Compiled with Python version 2.6.2 ‘import site’ failed; use -v for traceback
Checking for installed Python…No installed Python found. Only built-in modules are available. Some scripts may not run.
Continuing Happily.
HI , seem to get the lenghts but not the angles, same problem here dude. Fill me in if u get the downlow.
I’ve just checked it, it works. But make sure you have a face joining the 3 vertices when you want to measure an angle. For my mesh, there is no faces, so be sure to press F when the 3 vertices are selected. It will create a face and show up angles. Just press Ctrl+Z to remove this newly created face.
Hi tom i would like to know if could use the file format on auto cad. thanks
Definitly.. Definitly the best… Tom you have been very helpful, thanks to you I can kick off my project, I’ll make sure to keep you posted on SMCars.net
hi erick, did u get the radiuse of the long curved bar
This is something i’m struggling as well!
This is something i’m struggling with as well!
If you’re talking about the radius/diameter of the main arches of the frame, i.e. its thickness, and not about the curvature radius, then there is a really simple way :
- Select two opposite vertices at one end of the bar
- Press F to create an edge between them. This edge is a diameter, as the 2 vertices are opposite.
- Use the Edge Length feature to measure the diameter.
So for the major bar of the frame, the diameter is 64mm. I hope it will help you.
Please also take a look to this WIP thread of mine : http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?f=43&t=517666. A guy there gave me really useful feedback, including measurements and pictures of Ariel being built. I think he may be an owner.
What about your own projects, guys ? Anything you care to show at the moment ?
It was the bends of the 4 main tubes I was looking for..
I was thinking about trying to build it as it looks so good!
Hi guys can anybody help me on the curves of the side bars. I am like stuck with this and not able to get the curvature
Tom could you help me with this, or pls mail me on gauravdhawan@yahoo.com, or pls give me your email id
Can you ask a question, actually ? I would be glad to help, but I didn’t get you.
Thanks Tom, I am trying to build an atom replica, not very good in animation software, Could you pls tell me the curvature and the length of the two main side bars. Based on which i can start the first Weld, have taken the pipes with dia of 60 mm.
I’ve posted above how to use Blender to take some measures from my model. Please refer to these instruction to get the software and to quickly use it.
But I don’t know how to measure the overall curvature of the whole bar. You’ll have to handle it with individual angles between the different parts of it.
Can these files be imported in autocad or solidworks? I would like to get the tubes professionally bent. Thanks.
You should download first Blender for free at http://www.blender.org
Install Blender and open my files with it : you’ll be able to export them to a wide choice of 3D format, including dxf for AutoCAD / SW.
I love it!
I can’t transfer the files into solidworks, can someone provide assistance? Thanks.
Blender isn’t capable of exporting files directly into Solidworks format, but it’s capable of exporting to many 3D format. One of them is compatible with Solidworks for sure. Please refer to Blender documentation to learn how to export files into a different file format.
Thanks Tom,
I have been doing research on space frames cuz i am in the process of building a prototype of my own. I am truly grateful for you cuz your 3D model is gonna help get a clear picture of quite a few aspects of the frame.
Thanks again man. You are AWESOME
Hi, Tom
I have downloaded blender but need to know if you have information in cad on the top and bottom tubes as i am building a replica, if so i have a friend that can receive cad drawings and will give you his email address.
Thanks mike.
I have no precise value to give about the main tubes : I created them from reference pictures, without considering overall length or curvature radius. Let’s call that a benefit from CG on real life
But some simple things may help : actually the tube curve is modeled from a row of segments. You can approximate quite well the actual overall length by the sum of segments lengths. And the distance between the two extremities of the tube will help you to curve it in real life.
You’re welcome. I posted that model online because I love the car, and I never thought of a replica scene who can enjoy it as well. I’m just glad it’s useful !
Can we measure the length’s of the rods and the angles at which they are cut using blender?
I am a 6th form student and am designing a luggage solution for the atom however at school we only have autodesk inventor. Is there any chance of someone converting it as i have tried and failed due to lack of knowledge.
@Dan Hammond
You should download Blender for free at Blender.org. Once installed, open my 3D model with it and immediately export it as an .obj file. Menu File, Export, Wavefront (.obj) It’s a de facto standard format for data exchange between 3D software.
Or, if you don’t know Inventor and have to learn it, you may consider learn Blender instead.
@aerial
Sorry for the late reply. Yes you can measures angles and lengths, you should refer to Blender documentation about the following features : “Edge length” and “Edge angles”. You’d better to use the wireframe sketch of the chassis to do so.
Thank you for the advice, i have tried as directed however autodesk inventor fails to open the .obj file. I know inventor well so would like to stick with it, any other suggestions?
Thanks
@Dan Hammond
I don’t know Inventor, never used it. But I once used Maya (from Autodesk too) to extract some files to the .obj format and I needed to install some add-on. A 10 seconds google told me about “OBJ Import for Inventor”.
Hey Tom,
I am trying to go off of your wireframe model to basically draw it myself in Solidworks. Got it most of the way done, according to the wireframe Blender model. However, are you sure this is the one you used for the vehicle? It seems as though the front is really box-ey, as opposed to the pointed nose on the real model.
@John
I’m confident with it : I modeled from reference pictures showing the bared frame, you should check reference pictures by yourself to get convinced. Maybe this page : http://auto.howstuffworks.com/ariel-atom3.htm
Basically the box shape is used to provide support for the radiator & fan. The pointy nose just hides it.
Gotcha. Thanks Tom!
@John
You’re welcome, I’m glad to be useful !
Hi Tom,
As you know i have been trying to make the Ariel a personal proyect since 2009 (See older posts) but i have encountered an issue with the measuring units in Blender that have prevented me from cutting the pipes. what does 1 Blender Measuring Unit stand for? In other words, in order for my full scale model to be the same size as the original one, what measuring unit calculation must i do ?
Thanks,