Trenches on the Web

VRML Hall

"Oppey Wood, 1917: Evening" by John Nash

Welcome to the latest in technology. VRML, or Virtual Reality Modeling Language, allows for the development of realistic 3-D worlds through which a user can navigate and interact. Your browser must be VRML "aware" in order for you to browse any of the selections below.

There are quite a number of VRML browser plugins and helpers to choose from. Both Netscape and Microsoft's Internet Explorer now have their own (these come with the "full install") which means you don't have to locate a third party viewer. The VRML used here is standard 1.0 which means it should work just fine with any VRML viewer. If your browser does not recognize VRML, it should prompt you to "get the plug-in". Just follow the instructions or visit your browser's web site for detailed instructions on downloading and installing the VRML viewer.

Important - Please Read

I have now included gzip compressed versions of the objects. These are much smaller files but contain the same data in compressed format - there is no difference in what you will see! I would try viewing these first. Then, only if your viewer can't handle them, try the standard versions. Please disregard the "unknown encoding" warning from your browser by clicking the OK button (Your browser might not know gzip encoding, but your VRML plug-in/viewer probably will).


Virtual Object Library

Contribution

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Austrian Steyr-Hahn Automatic Pistol  (109K)
gzipped version  (16K)
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German 10.5 cm Krupp 1913 model howitzer  (179K)
gzipped version  (24K)
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German 42 cm Krupp howitzer (Big Bertha)  (118K)
gzipped version  (20K)
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German Luger  (125K)
gzipped version  (20K)
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German Mauser '98  (88K)
gzipped version  (12K)
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German Maxim MG08  (200K)
gzipped version  (26K)

These models were created by computer 3D artist, Paul Weiser (boulder@StarText.NET). The 3D objects were supplied to me in Imagine Object (iob) format and were converted to VRML (wrl) format using Caligari Pioneer. Visit Paul's ø Firearm Art page to check out how realistic his computer generated images appear, and keep in mind; they are not photographs! If you enjoy these models, please write to Paul using the above e-mail link and let him know.

Live3D users should use the "spin" feature to examine the objects. You might also want to dim the "lamp" a bit to keep reflection down.

Contribution

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The actual L 13
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The virtual L 13

German Naval Zeppelin L 13
gzipped version  (47K)



See also:
Armory: Zeppelins

This model was contributed by computer 3D artist, Terry Casper (stiks@extremezone.com). Terry is proprietor of ø Amazing 3D Graphics. Take a few minutes to visit his web page to see what's new in the 3D world.

Live3D users should use the "walk" feature to get up close to the Zeppelin. Dim the "lamp" until you achieve the proper texture.

Contribution

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SPAD XIII c.1
gzipped version with textures  (155K)



See also:
Bio: Eddie Rickenbacker

This amazingly detailed version of Captain Eddie Rickenbacker's SPAD XIII c.1 was contributed by computer 3D artist Mike Doran (maddog@dfwmm.net). Mike has a lot more 3D military art at his page: ø Virtual Armed Forces. Unbelievable realism - see for yourself.

Contribution

More excellent renderings from 3D artist, Paul Weiser (boulder@StarText.NET). This time Paul provides us with the hulls of several WWI warships. They give a good feel for the size and scaling of these hugh battle wagons (next best thing to a walking tour). Great job Paul!

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HMS Chester, light cruiser  (gzipped 8K)

446' length, 50' beam, 5200 tons; 26.5 knots; 10-5.5" guns, 2-21" torpedo tubes. Fought at Jutland.

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HMS Lion, battlecruiser  (gzipped 8K)

700' length, 88'6" beam, 26,270 tons; 27 knots; 8-13.5" guns. Fought at Dogger Bank and Jutland.

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SMS Seydlitz, battlecruiser  (gzipped 8K)

657'11" length, 93'6" beam, 24,549 tons; 26.5 knots; 10-11" guns. Fought at Dogger Bank and Jutland.

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SMS Wiesbaden, light cruiser  (gzipped 8K)

476'9" length, 45'7" beam, 5180 tons; 27.5 knots; 8-5.9" guns, 4-19.7" torpedo tubes. Sunk at Jutland.

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HMS Good Hope, armored cruiser  (gzipped 8K)

533'6" length, 71'4" beam, 14,150 tons; 23 knots; 2-9.2", 16-6" guns. Sunk at Coronel.

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HMS Petard, destroyer  (gzipped 6K)

273'6" length, 26'9" beam, 1025 tons; 34 knots; 3-4" guns, 4-21" torpedo tubes. Fought at Jutland.

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SMS Scharnhorst, armored cruiser  (gzipped 10K)

474'9" length, 71' beam, 12,781 tons; 23.5 knots; 8-8.2", 6-5.9" guns. Sunk at the Falklands.

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SMS V27, destroyer  (gzipped 8K)

257'7" length, 27'3" beam, 812 tons; 33.5 knots; 3-3.5" guns, 6-19.7" torpedo tubes. Sunk at Jutland.

Virtual Art Gallery (73K including images)  gzipped version  (60K including images)

Contains four images from the Fractal Gallery. Just me, your basic 3D novice, messing around.