Designing Custom Vehicles and Aircraft

Build custom cars, planes, and more in Garry's Mod. Learn prop welding, Wiremod controls, and physics for functional vehicles.

7.5. Designing Custom Vehicles and Aircraft

Garry's Mod allows for the creation of intricate and functional vehicles, from ground-based cars and tanks to aerial aircraft and spacecraft. This section delves into the techniques and tools necessary to des and build your own custom vehicles that move, function, and look the part.

Designing custom vehicles in Garry's Mod involves a combination of prop manipulation, physics understanding, and often, Wiremod integration. The foundation of any vehicle is its chassis and propulsion system. You'll start by selecting appropriate props for the body of your vehicle. These can be anything from simple geometric shapes to detailed models. The 'Weld' tool is crucial for connecting these props securely, ensuring the vehicle remains intact under stress. For movement, you'll typically rely on wheels, thrusters, or propellers. Wheels can be attached using the 'Hinge' or 'Axle' constraints, allowing them to rotate. To make them functional, you'll need to connect them to a motor or a servo using Wiremod. The motor will provide the rotational force, and you can control its speed and direction. Thrusters, often found in prop packs or created with Wiremod components like the 'Thruster' entity, provide directional force for aircraft and spacecraft. Their power and direction can be precisely controlled with Wiremod inputs. For aircraft, wings are essential for lift. These can be constructed from flat props and angled correctly. The 'Physgun' can be used to fine-tune the placement and orientation of components. Experimentation is key; building a functional vehicle often involves trial and error. Consider the vehicle's center of mass and how it will interact with gravity and other forces. A well-balanced vehicle will handle much better. For more complex vehicles, you might incorporate steering mechanisms, suspension systems, or even basic AI for autonomous movement. The 'Vehicle' tool, while less common for custom builds, can be used to create simpler, pre-defined vehicle types.

Steps to des a custom vehicle:

1. Conceptualize: Decide on the type of vehicle (car, plane, boat, etc.) and its basic des.
2. Gather Props: Select props for the chassis, body, wheels, wings, or other components.
3. Construct the Chassis: Weld props together to form the main structure.
4. Add Propulsion:
   • Wheels: Attach wheels using constraints and connect to motors via Wiremod.
   • Thrusters/Propellers: Use Wiremod thrusters or prop-based propellers.
5. Incorporate Controls: Use buttons, sliders, or joysticks (Wiremod) to control speed, direction, and other functions.
6. Refine and Test: Adjust physics, balance, and controls for optimal performance.

When building aircraft, understanding aerodynamics is helpful, even in a simulated environment. The angle of your wings, the placement of your thrusters, and the overall weight distribution will significantly impact flight stability. For ground vehicles, consider suspension for smoother rides over uneven terrain and effective steering for maneuverability. Don't be afraid to use several prop types and Wiremod components to achieve your desired functionality. Many advanced builders create intricate control panels with multiple inputs for complex vehicles. The 'Info Display' tool can be invaluable for debugging your vehicle's systems. Ultimately, the most rewarding part of designing custom vehicles is seeing your creation come to life and perform as intended, whether it's soaring through the sky or cruising down a virtual road.