VU-3D Graphics Drawing for Spectrum 48K

The VU-3D was a three-dimensional graphics drawing software for the 48K Sinclair Spectrum computers. It enables the user to draw a three-dimensional object and then view all the sides by 'moving' it on the screen. It was one of the earliest three-dimensional modelling software with sophisticated functions allowing the user to rotate the object to view it from different perspectives. It had a zoom feature, and you could print the screen output to a printer.

After loading the program, the user had two options; either to load a previously drawn and saved object, or to draw a new object. The main function of this program was "CREATE" which allowed the user to enter data representing slices through the object. The user had to enter each slice of the object in the z-plane sequentially.

A three dimensional image was generated from the cross-section data. Obviously, before drawing any object one should have some idea of the object and visualise the different z-planes.

After entering all the data, the program renders the image in the following three ways.

1. A full wire line diagram
2. Hidden line diagram
3. Shaded solid diagram

Side B

Side B of the cassette had some example drawings, which you could see by using the LOAD "examples" command. This program is not for the faint hearted, you will need good visualisation skills, drawing skills, and patience. A good quality three-dimensional drawing may take a couple of hours of work to get it perfectly right. It is a nice little collectible program to keep you out of trouble for a few hours.