This section will contain a growing number of FREE modelling & rendering tips and tutorials for Autodesk's Studio 3D MAX mostly using Mental Ray (although the concepts should be applicable to most render engines). Where possible, Textures and Scene files will be included. The initial Tutorials include :

• Full 3DS MAX 9 & Mental Ray Tutorial exploring Lighting setup, Fake HDRI, Car Paint texture, Tyre texture.
  
  Part 1. Introduction
  Part 2. Background - Lighting Techniques - Discussion and overview
  Part 3. Background - Main Scene Setup
  Part 4. Texturing - Paint Techniques
  Part 5. Texturing - Paint Effects and Setups
  Part 5b. Texturing - Paint Effects and Setups with falloff effects
  Part 5c. Texturing - Paint Effects and Setups using Mental Ray Car Paint part I
  Part 5c. Texturing - Paint Effects and Setups using Mental Ray Car Paint part II
  
  
  
  
  

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• Quick & Dirty "Low Poly" Tyre Tutorial
  
  This full 3 part tutorial outlines a method of creating a "Low Poly" Tyre which although requiring a lot less polygons than a Mesh/Turbosmoothed object will still give realistic results for most renders. Part 1, creating the repeatable tread block section is online, Part 2 will discuss how to bend the tread block into the basic tyre, and Part 3 will discuss a quick and simple tyre and tread texture.
  
  Part 1. Creation of main tread block of tyre
  Part 2. Creating strip of tread and bending into main shape
  Part 3. Basic Texturing
  
  
  
  
  

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• Full Brake Disc Texturing Tutorial
  
  This full tutorial outlines a method of using diffuse bitmaps to represent performance vented discs without utilising a heavy polygon count. All textures used are available to download. Scene file includes the simple Brake Disc object.
  
  
  
  
  

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• RS Alloy - Capri RS3100 Variant
  
  Step by step Tutorial outlining the modelling of an RS3100 RS Alloy
  
  
  

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• BBS Alloy
  
  Step by step 4 part tutorial using the basic methods from the creation of the RS Alloy and refining the process. This tutorial also includes a full description of the texturing and material setup. Image files included.
  
  Part 1. Modelling the Main Centre of the BBS Alloy
  Part 2. Modelling the Hub Cap
  Part 3. Modelling the Outer Rim and Bolts
  Part 4. Texturing and Lighting
  
  

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• Simple Spherical Headlight
  
  Part 1. Creation of a simple spherical headlight.
  Part 2. Texturing the Headlight.
  Part 3. Using Mental Ray, Glare and Glow shaders for lighting effects -
  
  

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• Puddle Textures - A simple blended texture to create a puddle or damp patch
  
  
  
  

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• Simple metals using mental ray and the Arch & Design material
  
  
  
  

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• Ambient Occlusion and Rounded Corners using mental ray and the Arch & Design material
  
  
  
  

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