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The Train tool packages up modular models and an underlying rig to create an animatable train. The two main parts of the tool involve making the model and auto rigging it. Based on patterns, you can quickly generate the look of the train, then by simply enabling a toggle you can set up the rig.

Project Titan is an in-house tech demo designed to production test Houdini's procedural workflows while creating a 3D environment that leverages the latest technologies in Unreal. Click Here to learn more.

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Overview
A quick overview of all the different parts of the Train tool lesson. Take a look at where you are headed with this lesson.
1 | From Patterns to Models
Learn how to attach modular models based on patterns. First a digital asset will be made using an example pattern, like ABCD. Then based on that pattern, modular models will be organized using foreach loops and attribute wrangles. This way artists can input multiple patterns and get the results that they need.
2 | Improve the Setup
Learn how to enhance the setup to properly rotate the end of the train and position the different wagons one after the other. Learn how to work with multi-parms to create a larger train that matches the chosen pattern.
3 | Auto Rigging using KineFX
Learn how to use KineFX for auto rigging the train. You will start by creating simple lines that represent where the rig should be. Then by using the skeleton node, the lines are converted to rig data. The final step here is to capture the train geometry then pose the rig.
4 | Export to FBX
Learn how to use the FBX Character Output node to output the rig and animation files then import these FBX files into Unreal.

CREATED BY

Simon_V
SIMON VERSTRAETE

Simon is a tech Artist that loves building procedural tools and assets. By adding more and more procedural approaches to his workflow, he is able to build 3D models with speed and flexibility. During his studies at Digital Arts and Entertainment, he taught himself how to work with Houdini. After his studies, he started working on Ary and the Secret of Seasons at eXiin. Currently he is a Houdini freelancer and focuses on creating procedural content.

More from Simon Verstraete

COMMENTS

  • kyanhudson 3 years ago  | 

    YES! Keep these coming I absolutely love these tutorials!

    • KieranLatham 3 years ago  | 

      Absolutely love the work you guys are doing and sharing with the community! Excited for the others to come!

      • asherif351 2 years, 12 months ago  | 

        Thanks for sharing this tutorial.

        • GregorZimmermann 2 years, 11 months ago  | 

          Thanks so much for showing how to rig and export that train.
          Is there any way you could follow up on how to attach the rigged train to a path and move it along?

        • FranklyTired 2 years, 11 months ago  | 

          Quick question, Simon: does the final result alter the UVs of the pieces used for the patterns so you can use different materials with their respective textures?

          • Simon_V 2 years, 11 months ago  | 

            The UVs are made in the modular assets. The setup is not changing them. You could change or tweak UVs if needed.

          • clem.lysergy 2 years, 10 months ago  | 

            These tutorials are fantastic, and I love the pace which is quite quick but with enough explanation to understand everything. There's so much we can build just using the concepts covered in these.

            I'd also be interested in learning about animating the rigged train along the path - if a full tutorial isn't possible even some hints to the approach used would be great. Curious to know if the animation was imported from Houdini or if it's set up in blueprints to follow any path created in Unreal.

            • LIL_MUSHROOM 1 year, 6 months ago  | 

              First of all thank you very much for all these tutorials, they are great! In this one in particular I have a question and it is the process that remains when it comes to procedurally rig the train to a track, the pieces that go on top of each car and how to make everything work correctly. I don't know if this is explained in any other video or if there is some place where I can find information about it.

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