====== Creating a Simple Vehicle Blueprint ======

===== Overview =====

In this chapter, we will create a **Simple Vehicle Blueprint**.

Vehicle Blueprints are responsible for combining all previously created assets — such as the Skeletal Mesh, Animation Blueprint, and Control Rig — into a single, functional vehicle entity.

They define:
  * What is loaded into the game
  * How the vehicle is positioned on the tracks
  * Where bogies and couplings are located
  * How the vehicle interacts with the simulation

In simple terms, the Vehicle Blueprint acts as the **master container** for everything related to the vehicle that will later be spawned and used in SubwaySim 2.

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===== Creating the Vehicle Blueprint =====

==== Creating the Blueprint Asset ====

As a first step, we create an empty Vehicle Blueprint.

Navigate to the root folder of your vehicle, for example:

`SubwaySim_SDK_Testplugin_Content/TestVehicle`

{{:manual:subwaysim:simple_vehicle_blueprint:vehiclebp_1.png?direct&200|}}

Inside the **Content Drawer**:
  * Right-click
  * Select **Blueprint Class**
  * Click **All Classes**
  * Search for **Rail Vehicle**
  * Select it and click **Select**

{{:manual:subwaysim:simple_vehicle_blueprint:vehiclebp_2.png?direct&400|}}

This creates a new Blueprint based on the Rail Vehicle class.

Name the Blueprint using a clear naming convention:
  * Prefix: **BP_**
  * Example: `BP_TestVehicle`

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===== Vehicle Blueprint Setup =====

==== Opening the Vehicle Blueprint ====

Open the newly created Vehicle Blueprint.

You will now see an empty Blueprint with no components assigned yet.  
This is expected and serves as the foundation for assembling the vehicle.

==== Setting the Lua Class Name ====

Before adding any components, we must define which Lua class this vehicle belongs to.

In the **Details** panel of the Vehicle Blueprint, locate the field **Lua Class Name** and set it to:

`RailVehicle`

{{:manual:subwaysim:simple_vehicle_blueprint:vehiclebp_3.png?direct&300|}}

This step is required so SubwaySim 2 knows which Lua logic is responsible for controlling this vehicle.

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===== Adding Required Components =====

==== Skeletal Mesh Component ====

Add a Skeletal Mesh component:
  * Click **Add** in the Components panel
  * Search for **Skeletal Mesh**

The name of this component can be chosen freely, but a clear structure is recommended.

Example:
  * **Exterior** – exterior vehicle mesh

In the **Details** panel:
  * Assign the Skeletal Mesh that was imported earlier

==== Assigning the Animation Blueprint ====

To enable animations (including the Control Rig), the Animation Blueprint must be assigned manually.

In the **Details** panel of the Skeletal Mesh component:
  * Locate **Anim Class**
  * Select the **Animation Blueprint (ABP_)** created earlier

Use the Animation Blueprint defined in the chapter:
[[manual:subwaysim:vehicle_development:simple_animation_blueprints|Creating a Simple Animation Blueprint]]

{{:manual:subwaysim:simple_vehicle_blueprint:vehiclebp_5.png?direct&1000|}}

==== Collision Settings ====

To ensure that the vehicle uses the collision data defined in the Physics Asset, the collision preset must be set correctly.

In the **Details** panel of the Skeletal Mesh component:
  * Locate the **Collision** section
  * Set **Collision Preset** to **Vehicle**

{{:manual:subwaysim:simple_vehicle_blueprint:vehiclebp_6.png?direct&400|}}

Without this setting:
  * Physics Asset collisions will not be applied correctly
  * The vehicle may not collide properly with the environment
  * Interaction and physics behavior can break in-game

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===== Bogie and Coupling Setup =====

==== Scene Components for Bogies and Couplings ====

Add four **Scene Components**:
  * **Bogie1** – first bogie
  * **Bogie2** – second bogie
  * **Coupling_F** – front coupling
  * **Coupling_B** – rear coupling

{{:manual:subwaysim:simple_vehicle_blueprint:vehiclebp_4.png?direct&200|}}

The naming of these components is **mandatory** and must follow this exact structure.

==== Positioning the Scene Components ====

Correct positioning is critical:

  * **Bogie1 / Bogie2**
    * Origin at the exact center of the bogie
    * Z-position must be **0**

  * **Coupling_F / Coupling_B**
    * Origin at the rotation or mounting point of the Scharfenberg coupling

These reference points are used by SubwaySim 2 to:
  * Place the vehicle on the tracks
  * Calculate correct alignment
  * Connect vehicles into train formations

Incorrect positioning will result in faulty coupling behavior or incorrect track placement.

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===== Bogie Initialization =====

==== Initializing Bogie Data ====

After adding all required components, the bogie data must be initialized.

This setup is done in the **Event Graph** of the Vehicle Blueprint.

==== Adding the Required Nodes ====

Open the **Event Graph**.

Add the initialization event:
  * Right-click → **Event Initialize Bogies**

{{:manual:subwaysim:simple_vehicle_blueprint:bp_bogie1.png?direct&300|}}

Add two bogie nodes:
  * Right-click → **Add Bogie**
  * Repeat until you have **two Add Bogie nodes**

==== Preparing the Bogie Data ====

For each **Add Bogie** node:
  * Right-click the **Bogie Data** pin
  * Select **Split Struct Pin**

{{:manual:subwaysim:simple_vehicle_blueprint:bp_bogie3.png?direct&200|}}

==== Assigning the Bogie Scene Components ====

Assign the Scene Components to the bogies:

  * First **Add Bogie** → **Bogie1**
  * Second **Add Bogie** → **Bogie2**

{{:manual:subwaysim:simple_vehicle_blueprint:bp_bogie2.png?direct&300|}}

This ensures SubwaySim 2 knows the exact position of each bogie.

{{:manual:subwaysim:simple_vehicle_blueprint:vehiclebp_7.png?direct&1000|}}

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===== Completion of the Simple Vehicle Blueprint =====

With the bogie data initialized, the **Simple Vehicle Blueprint** setup is complete.

This blueprint is suitable for:
  * Simple AI-controlled vehicles
  * Static or basic rolling stock
  * Vehicles without interactive systems

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===== Important Note =====

This setup **does not include**:
  * Player interaction
  * Advanced vehicle systems
  * Door, coupling, or cab logic
  * Extended animation or gameplay features

For vehicles requiring more advanced functionality, continue with:
[[manual:subwaysim:vehicle_development:complex_vehicle_blueprint|Creating a Complex Vehicle Blueprint]]

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