Vehicle Rigging in Maya

3h 38mIntermediate2013-07-22

Authors

Adam Crespi

Educator and Trainer in 3D applications for computer-generated imagery

Course details

Learn to rig a car model in Autodesk Maya for use in animation, games, design visualization, and visual effects. Author Adam Crespi starts with an overview of parenting and hierarchy, moving into separating the model into working components. From there, you'll learn about creating controllers, constructing functioning wheel assemblies, and constraining the suspension. Expressions are used to tie the rig components together and add a degree of autonomous motion and rotation. Last, a bonus chapter on materials shows how to add realistic shaders onto the car and tie the controls to functionality such as operable headlights and taillights.

Note: Some experience with polygonal modeling in Maya and beginning knowledge of rigging and constraints will help you get the most from this course.

Learning objectives
Opening and accessing the model
Scaling a model uniformly
Creating and cloning controllers
Parenting the tires and hubs
Controlling the suspension
Stitching the rig together
Writing expressions for the wheels, steering, and body
Adding brake lights and turn signal controls
Creating chrome, rubber, and glass shaders
Applying interior finishes

Skills covered

RiggingMaya3D AnimationRenderingMotion Graphics and VFXAutodesk3D ModelingProjectVisualization and Real-TimeAECProduct and ManufacturingAnimation and Illustration

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Welcome
02 - What you should know before watching this course
03 - Using the exercise files

1. Sizing and Zeroing the Model

04 - Opening and assessing the model
05 - Scaling a model uniformly
06 - Separating and naming wheels
07 - Setting wheel pivots
08 - Checking the model for geometry problems

2. Creating the Controllers

09 - Creating and cloning wheel controllers
10 - Adding steering locators
11 - Creating steering, body, and master controllers

3. Assembling the Wheels

12 - Overview of wheel organization
13 - Parenting the tires and hubs
14 - Flattening the tires to the road
15 - Adding tire deformation controls
16 - Parenting and constraining the suspension

4. Stitching the Rig Together

17 - Parenting the wheel assemblies
18 - Parenting the body
19 - Writing expressions for the wheels
20 - Writing expressions for the steering and body
21 - Limiting rotation of the steering and body

5. Additional Functionality and Control

22 - Custom attributes for overspin on the drive wheels
23 - Creating normal and bright headlight controls
24 - Adding brake light and turn signal controls
25 - Connecting self-illumination and lights to controllers

6. Finishing Touches

26 - Exploring the mental ray Car Paint shader
27 - Creating chrome, rubber, and glass
28 - Applying interior finishes
29 - Working with headlight and taillight textures
30 - Creating a car camera rig

Conclusion

31 - Next steps