I would like to create a cube dropper than moves around a room. Ideally it would be parented to a func_train. The problem is that the cube_dropper_* instances don't have a Parent variable. I tried to give a parent to entities inside the instance using the Replace variable ($Parent <func_train_name>) and a SetParent input, but neither worked (i.e. the func_train moved merrily around the room, but the cube dropper didn't follow).

Any ideas on how to implement a moving cube dropper?

face4radio wrote:
I would like to create a cube dropper than moves around a room. Ideally it would be parented to a func_train. The problem is that the cube_dropper_* instances don't have a Parent variable. I tried to give a parent to entities inside the instance using the Replace variable ($Parent ) and a SetParent input, but neither worked (i.e. the func_train moved merrily around the room, but the cube dropper didn't follow).

Any ideas on how to implement a moving cube dropper?

Press "Edit instance" and copy the whole instance. From then you can make every piece of it get parented to the func_train. Remember the Proxy entity isn't important anymore since its not an instance.

As the cube dropper contains various brushes, that can be used to seal the map, at least those can not be parented. You will have to make all brushes to func_brushes and seal the map around the cubedropper

Theoretically...

ANYTHING can be parented by disabling 'SmartEdit' and manually adding the keyvalue

You could always edit the fgd as the the parent function is available for the game, but not in hammer

Check out Cradle. This map rotated four gel droppers in a rectangular path. It includes the source because it was a contest map.

Thanks for the ideas, all! Copying the instance and parenting only the needed parts worked well (as suggested by beecake).