[3DSMAX] How to make guardrails like these?

pumaevo6

Hey guys, first post here!
Probably a very newbie question, but I would really like to know how can I make guardrails like these.

I noticed that it is just one object and it is repeated inside a spline (I think). I tried to do this using PathDeformWSM but the object simply "deforms" it too much

So I tried to use the Spacing Tool, but the problem is that the objects don't connect the ends to each other, the same happens if I use position constraints. I could move the ends on my own, but it would take too much time to do it on various guardrails, so I think that would not be a good solution

I also tried using the Railing tool but it does not make all other guardrails the same size.

Note: I'm using 3ds Max 2010

poopipe

Spacing tool for the posts, a second spline using a sweep modifier for the rails

It's perfectly possible to do it with path deform but it will distort the posts and you need to manage up-vectors which is more typing than I can be bothered with 😜

pumaevo6

poopipe said:

Spacing tool for the posts, a second spline using a sweep modifier for the rails

It's perfectly possible to do it with path deform but it will distort the posts and you need to manage up-vectors which is more typing than I can be bothered with 😜

Thx man, pretty simple solution haha

coven

FWIW, the PathDeform in 2021.3 has had the core completely rewritten and has additional enhancements. So it's multiple times faster and it supports Preserve Form with a new option of by element.

poopipe

That would have saved me quite a lot of scripting a few years ago .. good to see these things are still getting developed 

All we need now is reasonably priced indie/non commercial licensing

coven

Tada!
https://makeanything.autodesk.com/3dsmax-indie

poopipe

sold!
And now I don't have to keep smashing my face against blender

If I ask for more stuff will it magically appear? 

coven

It doesn't hurt to try!

poopipe

pycharm integration

coven

There's nothing stopping you from using that now. That would have to be a IPO buy, which I don't have any control of. I would put that up on the ideas page. If it gets traction, the people that are involved in purchase would look at it.