Supports Suck!

Ok, I know doing custom supports sucks...especially for woodies for which I'm asking. Does anyone have some tips of how to fill in the holes when you use autosupports, no collisions? every time I try in the editor my eyes go cross from all the nodes and lines! I wish I could edit in the sim, since everything is solid! am I doing something wrong, or is this something everyone struggles with and I'm just the newbie getting "initiated!"

-Greg

I'll highlight the node or support I'm trying to work with in 3D mode in the constructor, then go into whichever perspective you want to edit it in, find the highlighted node or support and move it. I think that made sense. Although, sometimes it'll be hard to locate it in one of the perspectives, which in that case I'll just try my best to move it in 3D mode.

Basically, working with custom supports takes a LOT of time and patience. You need to learn your own way that works for you.

Since I have a suspicion you're asking because of my comments in my review of your coaster, I thought I'd respond and say not to knock yourself out trying to fill in those gaps[:)]. Very few people actually bother to do this. You probably won't get downrated much (if at all) if you leave them as is. Heck, on my last coaster, Copperhead, I started out with the intention of fixing all the missing supports, but by the time I was halfway through, I said
"screw this" and left the rest as the generator made them. It takes LOTS and LOTS of patience to work with custom wood supports. I didn't mean to come off as elitist or anything or imply that your coaster sucks if you don't finish the supports[:D]. It's just that your coaster crossed over and under itself a lot so there were lots of areas with missing supports, so it was quite noticeable. Just mess with it a little at a time until you get a feel for how it works. Oh, and that was good advice that Bud7 gave; I do the same thing. It helps orient you to what exactly you're looking at. Keep building and keep tryin'.[:p]

no...i'm not upset about the comments...they were really helpful! thanks! yes I was missing supports, but was looking at more of the ride as opposed to the supports. I have a coaster I'm sitting on now because of supports, I want to complete it as much as possible because I'm VERY happy with the layout. Maybe I'll post it anyway...someone else can finish it if they want!!

-greg

suports are hard but to do woodies you need to be able to do them. it just takes practase