My 3D Model Catalog is located on http://www.mikejamesmedia.com/3d_catalog.html.

NextCraft™ is an archive site, strictly devoted to RC modelers, to share information with those of you who have an interest in the design of molded, composite, radio-controlled model aircraft and UAVs. I created a multimedia CD for RC designers and builders, called "How to do Everything", Volume One. Info and preview movies of the CD's can be found by clicking the "Products" link above.

A few years ago, I introduced a multimedia CD called "CAD for Modelers", sharing my methods, tips, and tricks for creating the kind of results you can see on this web site. In 2008, "CAD For Modelers, Volume Two" was released. Both of these now come bundled together on a single DVD.

After switching from Carrara, to Luxology's "modo" for my 3D work, "Modeling with modo, Volume One" was released in November, 2009. "Modeling with modo, Volume Two" was released in July, 2010, and "Modeling with modo, Volume Three - Jets!" was completed in early January, 2011. The latest, a 2-DVD set, is "Modeling with modo, Volume Four - Details" which was released in late September, 2011, and is available now. ALL of my DVD's are now available for direct download too, which will save time and shipping costs, and there are package deals for those of you who purchase multiple volumes.

My History in 3D...

A lifelong aviation/aerospace fan, private pilot, and skydiver, I spent most of my working life as a musician, (Drummer/Arranger) including some time in the Air Force Band in Dayton, Ohio. In the late 1970s, while still on the road as a musician, I began studying computer programming. I ultimately wrote and sold a program called "Terrain 3D" to Digital Precision Ltd., England. In 1994, I quit programming and became strictly a user. During the next 10 years, while studying 3D modeling and web site design, I created various RC aircraft and UAV designs, beginning with 3D, and including the physical plug and mold making, fabrication, and flight testing. In 2005, I got out of fabrication entirely, and today, I work as a freelance 3D designer and modeler, creating work for advertising, product and art visualization, models for rapid prototyping, and produce the 3D training tutorials mentioned above

I'm always seeking new projects, so if you have one in mind, see my info page here, then email me with your proposal. (References below)

Thank you for visiting!
- Mike James -


3D-related Clients and Projects not under NDA:

  • Macina Digital Film Gmbh & CO KG: (Boeing 727-100 model for 1972 Munich hijacking reenactment) - Final production in 2012
  • Davis Aviation - (3) Magazine ads for "King Air Magazine" in 2011
  • Flyright, Inc. - FAA-approved Flight Training Images and Animations for King Air Pilot Training (2010/2011)
  • Sheila Wyne - Various 3D Visualization for Art Installations (2007 thru 2011)
  • Beyond Kiosks - Kiosk Renders for Presentation (2010)
  • James Apostolou - Circuit Board Case for Rapid Prototyping (2010)
  • MUG (Modo Users Group) - (2) Webinars in 2010/2011
  • 3D Training - "Modeling with modo" DVD series (Four Volumes) (2008 thru 2011)
  • Various RC and UAV design work (under NDA, 2003 thru 2011)
  • Northrop-Grumman - Physical "Berkut" model for MTHEL Program (2003)
  • King Air B200 model used for antenna simulation testing, by Sandia National Laboratories and Edocor (2003 and 2011)

Images, Animations, and Articles:

  • (4) images in Luxology Gallery (2009/2010/2011)
  • King Air Magazine - Magazine ads for Davis Aviation in 2011
  • Scale Aviation Modeller Magazine - Renders of my Cessna T-50 model, November, 2009
  • MacLife Magazine - Fictional "iPad" (before original release) was "Photo of the Month", October, 2009
  • F-22 Animations by Mike Burnett/Doghouse Animations (2009)
  • Various RC/UAV-related articles, DVD's, Fabrication, and Testing (See my archive site at nextcraft.com) (Pre-2007)
  • RC-related review in "RC Universe" Magazine (Pre-2007)

Web sites I've built, still active:


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Unless otherwise noted, all content on this site is ©Copyright by Mike James - www.nextcraft.com