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Author Topic: Linear 1S to follow generated curve line  (Read 1429 times)

DM5847

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Linear 1S to follow generated curve line
« on: September 06, 2016, 10:16:25 AM »
Hey guys,

I am trying to generate the following:
A string of flags between two posts.

It's a simple set-up of a post with a curved string in between, just like the powerlines tutorial. 
I can't seem to find a way to have a divide evenly set of flags that distributes along the generated curved line, is there a way/ option to do this?
The search bar didn't help me out in this.

I eventually want to incorporate this into a bigger RC component.

Thanks in advance,
RJG

Paul Roberts

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Re: Linear 1S to follow generated curve line
« Reply #1 on: September 06, 2016, 01:22:42 PM »
Hi!

Thanks for contacting us. RailClone works be deforming geometry along one or more splines but cannot (yet!) adjust the splines themselves, so unfortunately it is not able to automatically calculate the catenary curves created by hanging cables. The curve shown in the tutorial and I suspect in your screenshot was created by modelling the cable with the draping already in place but this unfortunately means you can't align the flags to it.

However it is possible to use RailClone with a base spline that includes the curves, so that the cable's meshes are deformed to follow the path's curve, for example:



In this test I used the Labyrinth plugin to create a series of catenary curves (shown in pink and exaggerated for effect) that follow a standard spline (white). As labyrinth outputs a spline it can easily be used by RailClone to automatically place a pole on each vertex, and deform a cable in between. You may also find this free script helpful for creating splines that would create a similar effect. Ideally of course we would like to include the ability to add these types of curves directly in RailClone, and it's on our (very large!) wishlist.

I hope that helps, don't hesitate to let me know if you have further questions.

Many thanks,

Paul
Paul Roberts
iToo Software

DM5847

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Re: Linear 1S to follow generated curve line
« Reply #2 on: September 06, 2016, 03:21:17 PM »
Hello Paul,

Thanks for the fast reply. I will have a look at the Labyrinth plugin.
For now I could work with a premade curve that is only suspended between two vertexes, exactly like in the powerline situation.

However I still wonder if it is possible to use this curve as a source for the array of flags.
As you can see in the attached image the flags are divided over the source line. Instead I would like to have them attached to the curved line you see above it, but that one is automatically generated by RC.

Is it clear what I want to achieve?

RJG

Paul Roberts

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Re: Linear 1S to follow generated curve line
« Reply #3 on: September 06, 2016, 04:26:04 PM »
Hi,

There are two possible approaches here: Either curve the spline to deform the power curves and the flags, or create a nested composition, so the that the First RailClone object creates the cable and flags and the second RailClone object combines this with the posts. I've attached an example with both approaches to the post.

I hope that helps,

Cheers!

Paul
Paul Roberts
iToo Software

DM5847

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Re: Linear 1S to follow generated curve line
« Reply #4 on: September 06, 2016, 05:03:21 PM »
Hey Paul,

The second option of the embedded RC was exactly what I was looking for.
Thanks so much for the fast and accurate response.

Cheers,
RJG