Arched modular train track?

[marnamai]

I am trying to create a modular arched track by using the spacing tool in 3ds max.
First I made an arch with a radius of 2048 starting at 0 and ending at 22,5°for the wooden beams, then made 2 others at 2012 and 2084 for the rails. However

This shows the problem better, I need it to follow that exact arch otherwise it won't be modular, I need it to be modular so I can make 22,5 ,45 and 90° bends with a single model copied in hammer.

[Gambini]

I don´t know which method are you using but sometimes simple solutions give better results. I made a curve for a railroad similar to yours sometime ago and all i had to do to match width tracks was giving an offset forward to the outermost beam. Use two straight modules as reference, one in the curve´s start position and the other rotated and in the curve´s end position. Then make the inner beam match the curve and that will tell you how much the outer has to be moved.

If that isnt clear enough i can attach images.

[marnamai]

wouldn't an offset just move the beam by X units, while it should be longer instead while following the outer cruve instead of the inner?

edit: I am using this method for the wooden parts: http://www.fanhow.com/knowhow:Use_spaci ... X_35165692

[Gambini]

I don´t know what´s the algorithm used for actual railroads (i should research, i have a few engineering books that talk about that), but what i just described will make it look perfectly. Trust me, i have tried and it works.

EDIT: Maybe if the curve is too tight or you want a very realistic result, you could create the curve as part of a circle, then resizing this circle respecting the compass will make those curves match. Just an idea.

[marks]

Just use the Bend modifier. 50 times easier, and it actually works.

[marnamai]

ok I 'll look into it

edit: Thanks Marks, that's exactly what I needed

[dissonance]

also consider making the prop's origin the same as the origin of the track and using an info_lighting to compensate

[marnamai]

Good tip on the prop orgin, but info_lighting is pretty much obsolete with -StaticPropLighting and -StaticPropPolys