topic Re: Extend/project cross-section along curve in Maya Modeling Forum

Extend/project cross-section along curve

Anonymous — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 13:45:42 GMT

Hi everyone, first post here. I'm trying to make a simple roller-coaster, and basically I want to create a cross-section for the track and then have it be projected along a curve that will represent the path of the track. Is something like this possible?

Re: Extend/project cross-section along curve

Eadig — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 09:25:38 GMT

Hi. I found this tutorial explaining how NURBS cross-sections can be lofted to create rail-like objects that will probably come in useful for you also:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OP8WuiQQuM

Re: Extend/project cross-section along curve

hamsterHamster — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 14:14:11 GMT

Possible, by attaching the profile to the curve animation path that represets the track shape, then animSweeping, yet this will make just rails, you still be needing to do the crossing armature that keeps the rails together.

I would suggest module approach: make one full straight rail section, like 5m, then do something like pathFlow or wireDeform. Once you get how to place one piece, you can populate the track curve with those sections. Flexible, because you can adjust the track curve and the rails will update. Just be aware of making not too hard turns, even rebuild the track curve to even out its segments, as this will deform the armature too, can ruin the illusion.

Re: Extend/project cross-section along curve

mihirsbcc — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 02:13:11 GMT

Is your cross section a trimmed NURBS object or Curve? If it is a NURBS object Then you will get Trim Edge. When you select the Trim edge it will turn yellow you can now extrude it along a curve.

Re: Extend/project cross-section along curve

Eadig — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 08:13:20 GMT

Lofting through NURBS edges worked this time, but if that fails in future I'll try the Extrude as well.