How to use array modifier with follow path constraint (Cableway Chairs)

Question

I am making a ski lift, pictured below. For the chairs, I am hoping to use a mix of an array modifier and a follow path constraint.

I have tried to use a curve modifier, but this offsets the whole thing which isn't what I want either. I would really appreciate any advice on how to solve this problem. Thanks!

Answer 1

A simple Array modifier will deform your object, so you can use 2 methods:

With Follow Path constraint:

• Give your chair a Follow Path constraint.
• Duplicate your object with AltD (linked duplication), and press Enter so that the copy stays at the exact same position.
• Play with the constraint Offset value to place the copy before or after the original object.

With Duplifaces:

• Create a curve. Put its origin to its beginning point to make it easier.
• Create a plane at the exact same point. This plane will be used as a base for your chair.
• Apply the curve and the plane scales.
• Give the plane an Array modifier, choose Constant Offset or the Relative Offset value, choose the Count value.
• Give the plane a Curve modifier with the curve as Object. The plane should be duplicated along the curve.
• Keep the plane selected and in the Properties panel > Object > Instancing, activate Faces.
• Parent the chair object to the plane, the chair should be duplicated on the planes.
• If you want the chair to stay vertical along the curve, create a single vertex instead of a plane.
• To animate, move the plane on the right axis.