overhead tracks?

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94Sniper

L1: Registered
Apr 26, 2008
36
1
I'm trying to add overhead minecart tracks to my map, but whenever i add a prop_dynamic and set the world model to the cart, the bottom of the tracks are invisible. should i just make brush-based tracks?

Thx!
 

Ida

deer
aa
Jan 6, 2008
2,289
1,372
If I understand correctly, you have tried putting train track models in the air, so that players can see the bottom of them? Well, quite simply, they don't have a bottom (probably just to cut down on the file size, since you aren't supposed to see the bottom).

Train tracks aren't supposed to be suspended in the air. Even if you could see their bottoms, it would look ridiculous. Have you ever seen a train run over train tracks that float in midair? You have to put them on something, like a bridge.
 

bobby1211

L2: Junior Member
Jun 28, 2008
64
11
BreadHeadFred is correct, most props that are not supposed to be seen from a certain side will not be finished to cut down file size.

If you are making a cart go overhead you need to build a solid bridge, then lay the tracks over it. Take a look at point A on Goldrush, the cart goes over a bridge just before the point. You can utilize this as reference on building then laying tracks.

:)

-Bobby
 

bob+M|M+

L6: Sharp Member
Mar 31, 2008
346
394
what about mirroring the tracks and attaching the identical duplicates on the flipside? If that doesn't work, I would just go with model on top and brush on bottom.

but like bobby and fred said, a bridge or some sort or brush foundation is probably much better
 
Last edited:

Ida

deer
aa
Jan 6, 2008
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Actually, to be picky, the cart never goes over a bridge on Gold Rush A. It does, however, do that on point B, not to mention there IS an unrelated train track on a bridge next to the BLU spawn in A. Try looking at the last I mentioned (maybe that's what you were talking about, Bobby?), that's probably the best example.

what about mirroring the tracks and attaching the identical duplicates on the flipside? If that doesn't work, I would just go with model on top and brush on bottom.
That would look pretty bizarre (the first suggestion, that is).
 

bobby1211

L2: Junior Member
Jun 28, 2008
64
11
what about mirroring the tracks and attaching the identical duplicates on the flipside? If that doesn't work, I would just go with model on top and brush on bottom.

This is an interesting idea though the wood pieces that goes across the track (Rail Ties) are not "connected" to the track. This I think would look like floating wood sandwiched between tracks.

Edit: Beat me to it.

-Bobby
 

bobby1211

L2: Junior Member
Jun 28, 2008
64
11
Actually, to be picky, the cart never goes over a bridge on Gold Rush A. It does, however, do that on point B, not to mention there IS an unrelated train track on a bridge next to the BLU spawn in A. Try looking at the last I mentioned (maybe that's what you were talking about, Bobby?), that's probably the best example.

Yes, I had it jumbled in my head. There are many bridges throughout the levels that have tracks going over them. Just after the first point at Dustbowl A is another example, though no cart there.

-Bobby
 
Dec 25, 2007
566
439
In my earlier (unfinished and unreleased) map, I had the same problem with the tracks in one small area, where the ground had collapsed and they were held up by temporary supports. I just manually made small prop_detail brushes, then vertex edited them off the grid to match up as closely as possible with the sleepers. It's not a very nice solution, but it does work.
 

Tigger

L2: Junior Member
Mar 29, 2008
72
8
Just a warning about the overhead track models... most of them don't have collision meshes. They're primarily used in inaccessible areas for color. If you use them you'll have to use player clips or clip volumes to keep the players from falling through.