Modeling tank treads, need help!

[Cpl. Bingham]

I'm modeling a tank in 3DSMax, and currently I'm working on the treads. I have them modeled, but I need some tips on linking them from any 3D peeps out there.

I would assume the two methods of linking would either bones or constraints. I can link them no problem with bones and a history independant IK solver, but that seems like overkill. Constraints seem like a better method since there's less hassle once they're set up. What I can't figure out is how to create a proper constraint heirarchy for tank treads. It's fine for an object with a single axis, but when you involve something like a tank tread that has an axis of rotation on each side, I'm not sure how to set up the constraints and keep them linked to the base object in a parent/child heirarchy. The last time I bothered with either method was in Softimage, and it was a lot simpler back the. Any tips from fellow Max artists would be great.

Here's an image so you can where I need to link everything:

[Chacal Profile Website]

You might try to ask at bf1942.com, they have an editing forum with lots of knowledgeable people there.

[rust]

Cpl. Bingham.Wish I could help.But I wanted to say when
you get it done I would love to see the finished work.I'm
a big fan of WWII tanks.Which tank you doing?

[Cpl. Bingham]

The US M4 Sherman. I purchased a highly detailed toy of it a little while back and decided to reproduce it in 3D. I only know Softimage, and I though it would be a good project to train myself in 3D Studio Max.

It probably won't be done for a while though since my work schedule is going nuts lately. Keep getting called in at the last minute and then have shifts cancelled without notice. At this rate Warner Bros. will have to push back the release date of the film(Looney Tunes: Back In Action)

[philwhaz]

I work mainly with Maya so i dont reallty know what to tell you about 3DS. i did something like that in maya and ended up attaching it to a motion path. probably not the right way but hey it looked ok. Nice lookin treads by the way.. .. are those polys?

[Cpl. Bingham]

Yeah, they're just standard poly primitives.

I was thinking of a motion path as well for the final motion of the treads, but I still need something that will keep the joints locked together. Without contraints or bones, the treads would bend and the joints would be misaligned when they passed the tight curve at the front and back of the tread cycle.