Rotating Objects

Ian, Thank you very much for telling me how to move the object axis (not the frame axis) in 3DC Pro. Jeffrey.

I have 3DC Pro 4.23. I have problems trying to rotate 3D objects using the Shift tool if the object axis is not in center of object. For example, I create a station platform using 3D cube and move the object axis to one end of the platform to make it easier for me to place platform in MSTS. If I put the object axis in center of the platform and rotate it 30 degrees to left and right (I made two copies), how can I put the object axis at end of platform? If I right-click on the platform, choose andquot;Propertiesandquot;, rotate the platform 30 degrees to left and right, and export the platform to MSTS shape files, when I place the platform in MSTS, the platform still points north, not at an angle. Jeffrey.

The shift tool will do this for you.

Ian, After I put the object axis in center of the platform and use the Shift tool to rotate the platform 30 degrees to left and right, how can I move the object axis to one end of the platform? After rotating the platform, I see the yellow wireframe box in the scene window. Jeffrey.

Changing the angle in the Properties rotate the frame axis as well as the object. You have to use the ‘Shift’ tool on th eleft panel to rotate the object and leave the frame axis where it is. Right click on the button first and key in the angle you want (after the first time, you have to remember to zero any previous shifts you keyed in – I always forget this) Then select the object and left click the button. The specified shift is applied to the object.

To move the frame axis, press the ‘Shift’ tool on the right hand toolbar, then press and hold the Ctrl key, then click and drag on the object. When you click, the object turns transparent blue and the frame axis appears. Dragging it moves the frame axis around inside the object. If there are other objects in the same frame, they will move as well, though.