Anim8or Community

General Category => General Anim8or Forum => Topic started by: lppena on September 01, 2013, 05:12:36 am

Title: How can we animate an array of objects along a path?
Post by: lppena on September 01, 2013, 05:12:36 am

I tried an old link in a post but it apparently no longer exists even on the Wayback Machine. I want to build a group of track blocks seen on a typical tank or tractor type vehicle, but I could use some pointers on how to get the track block assembly along an ovular path. I can create the track block parts easy enough, but getting them to move along the path or spline is unfamiliar to me. Once I make the tracks how do I assign them to move along a natural path. Greeting to all BTW. Leroy.

Title: Re: How can we animate an array of objects along a path?
Post by: ENSONIQ5 on September 01, 2013, 06:08:48 am

Check Nick E's script and tutorial out: http://www.tranceportsoftware.com/anim8orstuff/  I've not used this myself but I believe it does the job nicely.

Title: Re: How can we animate an array of objects along a path?
Post by: lppena on September 01, 2013, 06:46:40 am

Thank you, sounds like the scripts are just what I was looking for.

Title: Re: How can we animate an array of objects along a path?
Post by: lppena on September 05, 2013, 12:14:54 pm

I also found another solution for Caligari Truespace 6.6 modelside which is a part of version 7.6 and 7.61 beta 8. It's actually a free TSX based plugin that supports an automated build routine and blueprint based CSV scripts that the plugin reads when it does tasks like build and animate vehicle models. It also has scripts to build other complex belt and gear assemblies. The plugin comes as an EXE which installs the plugin and includes quite a few premade scripts for models and animation. Leroy. VcTek plugin for Caligari Truespace 4, 5, 6, and Gamespace 1.6 (http://gamespacelite.freeforums.org/truespace-vctek-plugin-to-make-tank-tracks-etc-t599.html)

Title: Re: How can we animate an array of objects along a path?
Post by: lppena on September 09, 2013, 12:10:13 pm

Wow! This is a very cool tool for creating an array of objects around a drawn path. Thanks very much for the assist. I should be able to create the other tank track parts in the same way. FYI: I posted this on the United 3D Artists forum as Truespace does not really support this type of creation process. Leroy.