So I have the basic idea of what a j-beam is and how one is made, but I can't make one that is self supporting no matter how much I try. I downloaded a model to practice on that has separate parts, but no removable fenders (unibody). I attempt to make the jbeam of the main body in C4D and export it to Blender and use the script to convert it to N/B but once in game it just collapses and falls apart. I'd love to make mods for this game but right now the this jbeam is making me slightly insane. Help is appreciated!
Hey, i'm no expert but i i have a feeling of what the probelm would be. Basically it is when you don't have an internal beam support structure like a rollcage and because the beams in this game game rotate on a node they would all just be flopping down on spawn and taking the 3d model with it.
I try that but the places I put them in are just as weak. I can add points in but that just jeopardizes the integrity of the line. I'll attach some pictures of the jbeam I have right now.
Your jbeam looks more like an exocage. As @CreasingCurve said, you need lots of bracing / cross-bracing. I recommend taking another, more in-depth, look at an official vehicle. Make sure you take advantage of the debug tools in game for this. When working on your jbeam check out the NodeBEAM editor included in the game's install directory under /utils/.
Just another tip aswell. When you are making your jbeam remember to attach/reinforce the nodes with beams from all 3 axis so that if it wants to move or it is impacted it is much harder and wouldn't flop around. If you reinforce it with only one axis i will crumple, 2 will be more solid but it will still wobble due to missing a 3rd axis beam to keep it in place making it will flex and bend much easier.
I actually didn't know about the Node & Beam editor in the install directory. I'll see what I can do about the supports and report back when i'm successful. Thanks for the info guys.
I recommend moving away from Cinema 4D since the collada exporter is absolute trash and there is no option for a plug-in like opencollada. I currently use Cinema 4D as my main modeling program but I have to export to 3DS Max to get a proper export since Blender can't interpret the phong shading and it ruins the smoothing groups. I recommend just either straight up using Blender so you don't have export issues. Cinema 4D is a great tool but it is just the wrong tool for the job.
I was thinking about just using Blender but compared to C4D the GUI of Blender just confuses me. I've used C4D for 3 years and have finally gotten used to all the controls and shortcuts so staying with C4D seemed like the easiest option. Though I might reconsider since all the tutorials use it as an example.
