Scaffolding - Array > Line based

[Grumple]

Hi all,

 

I have recently been attempting to model a scaffolding system. Very basic - but in a way that the scaffolding can be drawn along a length (against a wall) and then be scheduled to show all the different components that were used for that particular length...

 

So, I have modeled a single section of the scaffolding - which is made up of a vertical pole family, horizontal width pole family, horizontal depth pole family, and a bracket that connects them all.

 

I have created shared parameters for all of the part dimensions in their seperate family editors. I have then loaded these parts into a 'section' family, where they have been assembled together to create 1 section of scaffolding.

 

 

I found a tutorial for creating an array of brackets that multiply along a line.

 

I basically followed this but used my section of scaffolding as the bracket.

 

Unfortunately when it got to creating the formulas needed for the repetition of the section I got a little lost...

 

I managed to get it 'working' in the family editor by adding the formula:

Num_Section = Length/Section_length

 

So the number of sections multiplies along the length of the line at increments set by a section length dimension.

 

Now:

 

How do I go about creating the same thing - but made so that the 1st and last section are a 'start' and 'end' piece, and the sections in the middle are the same repeated family?

 

Is this possible with an array, or would it be a case of adding a starting section seperately into a project - then using the arrayed sections - then adding an end section?

 

Cheers : )

Edited October 28, 2008 by Grumple