How to Rig a propeler of a plane?

[Anonymous]

I have a single engine propeller plane model. Need to rig it and animate the rotation.

The rotational speed should relative to the planes distance from the camera.

[Steve_Curley]

I have a single engine propeller plane model. Need to rig it and animate the rotation.

The prop and the plane need to be 2 separate objects. Select and Link from the prop to the plane so that wherever the plane goes the prop will follow.
Ensure that the pivot point of the prop is exactly at its center, turn on Autokey, move to Frame 1 and rotate (local coordinates) the prop about 120 degrees then turn off Autokey. Open a curve editor, change the key tangents to Linear and apply a Linear Parameter Out of Range. You'll have to play with the angle per frame to get a realistic looking rotation.

The rotational speed should relative to the planes distance from the camera.

Can you explain why? Real ones don't do that - in fact once you get past a certain point (distance between camera and prop) you won't be able to see the rotation anyway.

[Anonymous]

Steve,

The prop and the plane were two separate objects. When you say "Select the prop and link" How do you do the linking.

Regarding the relative speed. The plane has guns on its wings and its starts shooting towards the camera and speeding up as it gets near. It already flies in a good speed. I guess the overall relative path thing is a moodpoint .

You're right about the speed. In reality the plane would fly faster anyway.

thank you,
Hari

[Steve_Curley]

Steve,

The prop and the plane were two separate objects. When you say "Select the prop and link" How do you do the linking.

Help -> User Reference -> Search "linking and unlinking objects"
3rd button on the main toolbar, next to Undo and Redo.

[Anonymous]

Thank you very much, i was looking for a way to animate some wheels since i cant do it with the "wheels" or "toy car" reactor stuff but i follow your instructions and in 3 min i get rid of a 9hr problem.

Thanks again