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I seem to have been sucked over the spoke event horizon. Spoked wheels have recently been covered in both the Fiat 806 and Mefistofele threads that are currently running. The conversation touched on the potential for computer modelling tools to depict spoked wheels. I opined on how this might be done. I then thought I ought at least to demonstrate the approach rather than pontificate some impractical theoretical method I ought at least try it. Rather than hijack the thread further, I thought I had better create a mini WIP just on this small aspect. It's probably more of a how to really. The goal is to start from either a drawing and generate a representative (but not necessarily completely accurate) model that could be used as a basis for 3-D printing. The lack of precision is due to i) me being a bit slap-dash; and ii) I wanted to have a minimum thickness that stood a chance of being printed. The output will be a file that contains all the components and consolidated models that can be used in a number of combinations and potentially could be used as the basis for any spoked wheel. The only step I don't plan to do is add the embossed detail, I am not particularly skilled at this and I want to get on with other things. This will be relatively short, I hope but I will submit in installments. I will use a free surface modelling tool called Blender. The steps are: model the wheel and hub; model an architypal spoke; generate sets of spokes; merge all the components into a printable object. I will post the completed model at the end for information and should anyone wish to use it or modify it for personal projects. Wheel and hub models. The wheel I want to represent is that for the FIAT Mefistofele. Sources are: many pictures on the web, though few which cover the full circumference. There is also a copy of the line drawing from the kit instructions and of course the wheel in the kit.The wheels have 70 spokes. On the front wheels, there are 6 sets. The outermost is clockwise (hub to rim) with 14 spokes. then anticlock with 14 spokes. Both sets attach to the outer edge of the rim. Mid-rim there are two sets of 7 spokes that attach to the inner face of the hub. Inboard, the last 2 14-spoke rims that connect to the inner hub. So there are 28 spokes connected to the outer edge of the hub and 42 to the inner edge. I chose to model the rim and hub two different ways. The first was drawn using the cross-section for the rear wheel using the drawing from the kit instructions. The result is shown below: To generate the model, the image is loaded into a class of object called an "empty" object. That can then be aligned with the cardinal axes, scalled appropriately. If you are new to Blender the interface is a bit obscure but these are fairly straightforward once you get the hang of it. Having aligned and scaled the picture. I added a circle (renamed it - eventually) and entered edit mode. Generating a shape is then a case of align the diameter with the drawing and successively extruding (E), scaling (S) until the required profile is generated. The wheel is modelled as a single object with 3 separate meshes comprising the tyre, rim and hub. This allows various combinations of the 3 components to be used. Once familiar with the interface this type of object takes about 30mins to 1hour to complete, so fairly quick once set up. Counting the spokes took as much again!