Prop entities

[palin112]

I'm having difficulties deciphering which prop_xxxxxx to use to fill parts of my map with. I'm using a bunch of models from c17 and have had mixed results. I wanted to put in a bed frame with a couple of matresses on it. I cannot get the bedframe to appear if the matresses are there. The physical presence is there, but it's not visible. Likewise with some of the dressers, etc. I'm using them as prop_physics. The matresses don't seem to work with collision at all unless I change them to prop_ragdoll and they just flop around. I can't seem to get cardboard boxes to show up, though the game acts as they're there when you try to move through them.

Other entities just don't want to work right. The env_smokestack worked twice, once in it's original form, but the smoke goes through solid brushes. And it worked once when I edited it's properties to make thick black smoke, but now each time I delete and remake this entity I can't see anything.

Additionally, how difficult is it to make a new material? I want to bring in custom textures and that was easy in .wad world, but what about with source?

Thanks in advance for any response, even if it's a good link.

 

[StardogChampion]

You've stumbled upon Valve's horrible design decision.

Some props will work as prop_static, but won't work as prop_physics. You can also use the prop_physics_override option which will force the model to appear, but the model will lose all it's proper properties (like weight, mass, or whatever.)

Additionally, how difficult is it to make a new material? I want to bring in custom textures and that was easy in .wad world, but what about with source?

Source uses .VTF files that have to be accompanied by a .VMT. You can get a plug-in for Photoshop that lets you save directly to .VTF files. You will have to make the .VMT manually. http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/index.php?p=39

 

[palin112]

Thanks for the feedback. I belive I found what my major prob was and to keep any dignity I will not discuss my screw up. However, plug in for photoshop. Had to be for one of the graphics progs I don't have.

 

[UltraProAnti]

lemme guess, you accidentally buggered up the max visibility setting helper when you moved the prop around...

i think everyone who ever opened hammer has done this.

btw if you want prop_physics to act like statics, just flag them as 'motion disabled'.

re. cardboard boxes: to complicate matters, some are prop_physics, some are _ragdoll. you need to experiment to figure out which are which