I added and placed some rust/dirt it is not perfect there are a few issues with some of the seams on the handrail but overall for my second group of models it should be okay. I say group of models because there are also loose parts that I needed to make in addition to the handrails.
Handrails with dirt/rust
underpart of handrails with rust/dirt
I took your advice Epifire and added some rust to the broken loose parts. Some loose parts with dirt/rust not all loose parts will contain rust/dirt
The decal idea will be a good idea to place under the handrails, I have to see how the handrails look on the brush based hammer bridge. I have little experience at making decals so I will have to set aside sometime to create some decals.
Armageddon- While this is true and I appreciate the incentive to get things finished. I have spent an inordinate amount of time on these stair rails. And perhaps no one will take notice. I think the underlining problem of spending a long time on something that is not mapping is that one can lose focus on the actual map these are for. Overall I have not been mapping for a while at the expense of creating models for my map.
Why would someone do this?
The answer for me is I want to create a level that will be believable and unique. In order to create a level with character I need unique objects that will define my level. My level, needs certain objects, while Halflife 2 episode 1,2, even Black Mesa has many objects. I still need to create props specific for my needs. While these props I am working on may not seem important they are necessary for my level to be unique.
Thanks Epifire- In response to Armageddon, regarding to what I create I want to be as good as I can do. And as I am new to this it is taking a long time. The thing is my map is finished in the basic blocking out more or less. It is very large and will take a long to to texture the level. It seems I can always think of more props I would like, so mapping seems to be put on hold.
I have a question Blender has 2 shading modes smooth and flat does this matter when I export the model?
Is the next step to create the collision mesh? how simple should the collision mesh be for the handrails and the other objects including the loose parts?
I am not sure when I need to create the QC file?