what are some suggestions for making handrails?

that1guy112

L1: Registered
Jan 12, 2009
15
0
I'm working on a map which has metal handrails. Right now, I have a 1 unit wide, 56 unit tall box with metalrail012c texture applied to it. I then added an 8-sided cylinder to the top to make it appear to have a little more depth. I was wondering if anyone could think of a way to make this that would look better, I think that with the texture it is just too flat.
 

Altaco

L420: High Member
Jul 3, 2008
484
120
There are plenty of very nice railing props you could use instead. Just open up the model browser and search for "rail"
 

Impulse

L2: Junior Member
Nov 1, 2009
51
18
in the model browser at the bottom there is a box called filter (it is under full path) this is used to search for props with keywords like "rail"

also you could use ABS' resource pack that has a prop library that is organised into vis groups to look for props without the browser
 

XFunc_CaRteR

L5: Dapper Member
May 14, 2009
248
17
this is all I've got, no filter box that I can see

Dude, just load in ABS's Prop Library map, and then open it up. It's a .vmf file (basically, a TF2 map file), with loads of props scattered around it, organized roughly by type. Turn on the type you want in the group filters, find a good one and copy and paste it into your map.

You don't need to use any model viewer at all.
 

lana

Currently On: ?????
aa
Sep 28, 2009
3,075
2,778
There's a model browser in hammer. When in an entity with the Model keyvalue, click the browse button.
 

Impulse

L2: Junior Member
Nov 1, 2009
51
18
that was really helpful, found the rails lol. Thx for the link and advice

no problem, also the model browser is in the properties of a prop_static, prop_dynamic, etc...

click on world model and go over to the right and click brows it should bring up a green window that you can search for props with.
 

Pc_Madness

L4: Comfortable Member
Aug 31, 2009
164
51
I take it theres no way to chop the railings? I've got one thats just abit to long, and I'd have to replace it with shorter segments which look different. :(
 
Dec 25, 2007
566
439
No, there's no way to chop the railing short of remaking the model in 3DS Max or something. But if "it's too long" means it will stick into a wall, that is usually ok.

You have to be a bit careful when having models stick into walls that the model's origin--which you see as an 'x' in the 2d views or the small red, green, and blue lines at right angles in the 3d view when the model is selected--is not in a wall, as that will either cause a leak or result in the model appearing too dark.
 

XFunc_CaRteR

L5: Dapper Member
May 14, 2009
248
17
You can put the origin of a prop in a wall as long as it doesn't stick through the wall and out into the void.

If you do, you'll probably need to use an info_lighting entity to make it light well.