How to Make a Model Follow a Nurbs Curve Path in Blender

Learn how to create models such as railway tracks, minecart tracks and rollercoasters by using the Curve and Array modifiers.

Adding the Path Curve

Start by adding a Path Curve with SHIFT + A.

Rotate it 90 degrees on the Z axis and move it two units on the Y axis. Press CTRL + A and only apply its Location.

Now the path should start and have its pivot point at the center of the 3D space.

Adding the Curve Modifier

Now, select your model and add the Curve modifier to it. Set its Curve Object to be the Path Curve.

Duplicating the Model with the Array Modifier

To duplicate the model along the curve, add the Array modifier to it. This model is facing the positive direction of the Y axis so change the Relative Offset X to 0 and Y to 1.

Change the Fit Type to Fit Curve and select the Path Curve.

Make sure to change the order of the modifiers, the Array modifier should come first before the Curve modifier.

Extending and Bending the Curve

Select the curve and switch to Edit mode. To extend the curve, select the last vertice and press E to extrude it. To bend the curve, simply move the vertices.

Finishing Up

If the model starts to look low poly, switch to Edit mode and add more loop cuts to it by pressing CTRL + R and scrolling the mouse wheel.

If you want to apply the modifiers, apply the Array modifier first, then the Curve modifier. Now you can remove the Curve Path.