The title says it all.

This is something that seems easy, but to create a good, proportionated figure with correct uniform is quite a challenge. Let me create a 'How To' here with my learnings so far. I'll keep adding to this topic as I keep learning and new software develops in rapid speed.

Step 1.
Finding that great photo
This means that you find a photo that shows at least 75% of the person you want in 3D. The lighting should be good, contrast and detail. Preferably a photo of at leat 1500x1500 pixels in size. The face should be clear and the unique details in the clothes. Belt, pockets, etc... The Ai software needs to understand what it is looking at.

Here's a photo that I found of a ground crew member, cleaning the gun barrel on a P-40:

Step 2:
Enhancing the photo
As said: this photo needs to be improved. The Ai software won't be able to make out what is what. So you need to isolate the figure against a plain background. You can do this in Photoshop, or you can feel lucky and use Ai software. Like ChatGPT for instance. Just type: 'Make this image larger, give it more detail and place the man against a white background.'
Then you'll end up with this:

Sometimes ChatGPT interprets creases, details all wrong. In this case you'll need to help the Ai software a little. Delete a crease in photoshop, add more contrast to some details, so they'll be visible to the Ai 3d software and so on.

Step 3:
Using the Ai 3d software
This is where things get tricky. There are multiple online platforms that allow you to create 3d models. It's even incorporated in Photoshop and the 3D print software 'Chitubox'. If you want full control, I myself prefer Tripo Ai. This software deals with details best, creates the most convincing human characters and lets you create 3d models that consist of sections. So: separate arms, legs and other parts. Great if you want to alter a stance for instance. AND this software can also create geometric models. In other words: simple shapes with less polygons. Perfect for when you want to replicate an airplane seat for instance.

The Tripo software is not free and not cheap. But then again: neither are other similar tools.

There are two ways to upload images:
1. Just upload one image and hope it turns out right from all angles
2. Upload four images. One from the front, left, right and back. This way the software is helped massively and the error are kept to a minimum.

Usually you only have one good image (like I had above) and you have to give it one or two tries for a proper result.

Here you see the proper settings:

Step 4:
The result
The 3D software has done its job. Now you want to check it from every angle for faults. Look for strange defects. Double buttons, weird collars and strange accessories that don't look right. Then look at the proportions of the legs, feet, hands and arms. Sometimes these are way of. Also: check the amount of fingers. If you have chosen the 'separate parts' model, it's easier to shrink or grow a limb in size. You do need 3d software for this though and quite some 3d knowledge and experience.

The STL you'll download from Tripo (if you have a paid account) can directly be uploaded to a 3d slicer program, like Chitubox. Scale it down to about 54mm if you want to print a 1/32 figure.

More soon!

Thank you Jeroen.

Although I do not do 3 Dimensional printing, reading your informative post is very educational.

Keep it up.🫡

Thank you for doing this, this opens a completely new dimension to model building.

This is something I really want to do. I'm trying to learn Blender... but it's kicking my Luddite butt. I tried to find a local person to print a figure for me that somebody else had designed. But apparently the odd figure wasn't enough cash flow to garner their attention.

So, Jeroen... they mention a number of free-retries on each of their plans. How many retries did you use on your figure?