Train Tracks

(click picture to see the enlarged version)

Trains coming along your way!

Process
As usual, the train track's profile was drawn, but this time, the Create Polygon tool was used instead of the curve so that we immediately start with a polygon once the profile was completed.

Then I did the usual Extrude function... but, this time we not only extrude, the extrusion was set to 20 divisions, so that later we will be able to bend the train track later.

(click picture to see the enlarged version)

Some extrusion was done for the front part of the track so that it looks like it is attachable to any other train tracks.

(click picture to see the enlarged version)

Finally, the bending part was done using a deformer which gives us the final product of our train tracks.

Reflection
This exercise was pretty much easy to do compared to the others, or it might be because I am already used to working with the features in Maya.

I also learnt about using the deformer to bend the track. Without the deformer, one would either have to draw another curve to act as a path for the Extrude function (just like how the bucket's handle was made), or have to move the vertex one by one by ourselves. The first alternative would work but that means that we always have to undo the Extrude function if we want to bend in a different shape or direction, while the second alternative is just a waste of time. Therefore, the deformer is the best in this scenario since it helps us bend the track without any problems stated above.

In this exercise, I have also learnt that it is possible to have multiple divisions while extruding.