Creating a race track (Outlining Layout)

[Anonymous]

Hello, I'm very new to 3ds max and I want to create a race track.

This is my layout:

I didn't use a spline because I always had problems with overlapping expecially on sharp corners so I mapped it "per hand", using the bend modifier on turns. However, now I need to create an outline to the track to surround it with grass and - later - with kirbs on some places.Let's take this first corner:

I want to surround it with grass on the inside and outside cleanly. How can I do this?

Also, do you hava any tips and/or learning resources? The tutorials I found on Youtube about track design are very weak.

Thank you for your help.

[leeminardi · Accepted solution]

I think you should learn more about creating and editing splines before you continue with your racetrack.  In the attached file I quickly traced your racetrack as a single spline.  I made sure each vertex had a Bezier transition and then manipulated the vertex slope handles to get what I thought was a suitable curve.  Of course, more tweaking may be necessary.  I then used LOFT along with a cross section spline (circled in red below) to create the finished track.  You can place the track on a flat object to start to provide the "grass" that surrounds the track.  Later you can learn how to project the spline onto a non-flat surface.

Good luck!

~Lee

[Alfred.DeFlaminis]

Hello @Anonymous and welcome to the community,

@leeminardi has a very good post here, and I would agree that using a spline is the way to go for numerous reasons.  There are some hard to master functions in 3ds Max but I will happily answer any questions you have in the future about this or anything else.  It sometimes takes me a couple days to get to a post because of the volume we get in the forums, but I'm happy to help and as you can see we have many experts in this forum that are also glad to help.  I think that @leeminardi has nailed this however so I don't have much to add.  In the future though if you have trouble with a tool or function just go ahead and post it and you'll get an answer.  

Best Regards,

[Alfred.DeFlaminis]

Hello @Anonymous,

I just wanted to follow up here, any progress on this issue?

Best Regards,