Overview
It is easy to create an "ok" vehicle, but it is much harder to create a stable and fully controllable one. This is why after studying how the game physics work, I am gonna explain you common mistakes and very Advanced Vehicle Systems.
Stable Suspension System
We tend to just add shocks here and there, but it is not a stable way to do it. The vehicle will often break when turning a little too fast. So here are few tips.
- I recommend this video tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwAq1BaJvc0
- Double Frame
- Schocked Frame
- Double Frame + Shocked Frame
Bumper
- This is pretty simple, but you can't do it with every car or else they lose their balance.
- You simply add shocks on the front of the vehicle, and then add horizontal struts on them.
- This way, when hitting a wall, the bumper will smooth the crash or will break instead of
- the car main parts.
- Video tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOOD4TTUTDU
Vehicle Specific
Train/Trailer/Locomotive
Shocks are flexible. What does that mean? You may use them to link to big parts, so that when turning, the vehicle will flex like a train. Video tutorial for this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIEUk9VujRQ
Flying vehicles (Planes/Helicopters/Spaceship/Balloon)
- VIDEO TUTORIAL HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y51aPpqMuxY
- Helicopter in: Target Plateau Again!? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUjgndSrHF8
- Helicopter in: High in The Sky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37m3NKzgeVY
I have not seen anyone building a 100% controllable flying vehicle, so I am the most well placed to explain how to do it.
First thing to understand is the "Basket Principle". If you go to the store and buy food, put it in a bag. the content of the bag is a force pulling down. Your hand or the handle is the force pushing up. What does that mean?
If you want to control the vehicle properly, you'll need to build a "Handle" system. The vehicle itself will be the "bag Content" system.
- Handle System
- You will need a top/corner/stick/strut at the top, as centered as possible, of your vehicle. You will need to place constant non-controlled rockets to it, in a solid way. The rockets are the replica of the "Pushing-Up" force.
- Handle System
- Now you will need the first "Balancing System", the forces to modify the "forward/backward" angle of the vehicle.
That means a rocket on the back of the vehicle, assigned with key "s" and a rocket on the front of the vehicle, assigned with key "w". When in the air, you may press both W and S to raise the vehicle, than you use W or S the modify the angle. it takes practice to pilot it properly.
- The second "Balancing System", which are used to stabilize the "to-the-right" and "to-the-left" angle. There are two ways to do it:
The same as the above, expect it is a rocket on the left and the right, using J and K keys. The second being, instead of on the sides, would be placed UNDER the vehicle, pointing sideways. That can be used for skinny vehicle.
- If you followed and understood well, all you need is testing to make one as good as mine.
Video Tutorials
Vehicles By TheGuardian163 (article author)
Race Car: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANG6zOUAX7E
Advanced Suspension/Rally Car: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwAq1BaJvc0
Stable Motorbike: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svw0hPT8Qv4
Tank: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkBI4PZIp3w
Bumper/Pickup Truck: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOOD4TTUTDU
Train/Truck Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIEUk9VujRQ
Player Controlled Helicopter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y51aPpqMuxY