Surface Modeling? How to model complex shape

[ddabah]

I'm trying to design this crest for a Vespa mudguard for 3d printing. It has a few angles that that are not normal to any one plane. Seems like I should be using surface modeling (I have basic familiarity) for this but so far I've not been able to model it successfully. Even within surface modeling I'm not sure which tools to use (I've tried lofting and patching with intersection curves without success).

No tutorial I've seen seems to cover this specific challenge. I'm looking for guidance on which methods and tools to use. A tutorial that covers a model with similar angle requirements would be great.

Link to the crest with shots of various angles: https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/mudguard-crest-piaggio-1b009439000k1-for-vespa-gts-gts-su... 

[TheCADWhisperer]

@ddabah 

Can you File>Export your *.f3d file to your local drive and then Attach it here to a Reply?

[ddabah]

Here are a couple of my attempts. Not sure there's anything useful there.

[TrippyLighting]

You've got most of the base sketch structure to create geometry already. Now you  need to loft, patch, and stitch it together:

[ddabah]

Thanks, it's helpful to see your model but I think it doesn't take into account the tapering and flaring out that happen in the back and front of the crest, as well as the angled side walls (that also flare outward). These are what are giving me the most trouble. See attached top view here.

[ddabah]

p.s. I haven't watched the video yet it was still processing so will check it out soon

[TrippyLighting]

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@ddabah wrote:

Thanks, it's helpful to see your model but I think it doesn't take into account the tapering and flaring out that happen in the back and front of the crest, as well as the angled side walls (that also flare outward). These are what are giving me the most trouble. See attached top view here.

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Correct, it doesn't. I was using existing sketch geometry which does not reflect that shape.

I would probably build this with overbuilt surfaces and then use either the boundary fill feature, or trim the surfaces to the desired shape.

I don't have time right now , but can demonstrate this maybe later today. 

What I'd actually start with is the surface of the fender!