Problem making tank tracks

[Liam]

Hey folks hope you can help me!

I recently started modelling an APC in 3DS Max 2008 and have encountered a problem whilst attempting to make my tank tracks. I have modelled the track piece I want to use and copied it so I have enough to go all the way around, attached them etc, but when I apply the Path Deform modifier and then click on "Pick path" it wont let me select the spline which I have drawn out for the tracks to follow

This is the tutorial I have been following:
http://www.freeitsolutions.com/3ds/viewTutorial.aspx?id=1948

Ive even tried drawing other spines to see if I can select them but I can!

Any ideas guys? or perhaps you know of a better tutorial for me to look at?

Cheers

Liam :cool:

[simjoy]

I've used this tutorial and it worked fine for me ... I also use Max2008

TBH if i ever get in this kind of situation i usually go right back to the first step and go through it again. 9 times out of 10 its something i've done wrong (or not quite right at least ..)

also make sure its PATHdeform you've selected, not PATCHdeform. both give the option to pick a path, but only PATH works ..
I know its obvious, but you never know. they are right next to each other in the modifier list

[Liam]

I've used this tutorial and it worked fine for me ... I also use Max2008

TBH if i ever get in this kind of situation i usually go right back to the first step and go through it again. 9 times out of 10 its something i've done wrong (or not quite right at least ..)

also make sure its PATHdeform you've selected, not PATCHdeform. both give the option to pick a path, but only PATH works ..
I know its obvious, but you never know. they are right next to each other in the modifier list

Cheers for the reply

Ive managed to solve it, seems to be that I can only select the spline as a path if im working through the prespective viewport, strange. Now All I gotta do it figure out how many tracks I need so it fits correctly, lol :lol:

Cheers again!

[Liam]

I still seem to be having teething problems with these tank tracks now. On some parts of the spline the tracks are stretched, mainy where the spline bends around the wheels etc!

Any idea what causes this and how I can rectify it?

[simjoy]

OK, you will possibly get some deformation if your spline has tight corners depending on your track shape.
Make sure you have enough sections to go round the length of the spline path. After that adjust the "stretch" value in the path deform modifier, up or down depending on how it looks. you wont have to go much higher/lower than the default 1.0 ...

[Liam]

Well I gave what you suggested a go but im still having problems

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r242/liam_italian/Render17.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r242/liam_italian/Render18.jpg

[simjoy]

to be honest it looks like some of the result i've got before. It's sometimes just a case of trial and error to get it right.
if its just at one bit, and your not animating it, you could just use the percent values and rotate it out of sight ..
or try less track segments, too many can cause problems as well ..

or if you want you could send me the file and i'll have a look. just select the tracks and the path and click on save selected, then email it to me.
simon@simjoycreations.co.uk