Create a row of barrels

Learning Resources > Tutorials > Getting Started with Maya > Scripting in Maya > Lesson 3: Using Variables in MEL >

Here, we’ll use the stored value of the diameter to space the duplicates of the barrel. Variable values can be recalled at any time. Variables can be used as values for arguments.

To duplicate the barrels

Select the barrel.
Duplicate the barrel by typing the following:
```
duplicate;
```
You have a duplicate of the first barrel, and it is the currently selected object.
Align the duplicate barrel with the original by moving the duplicate in Z by a value equal to its diameter by typing the following:
```
move -r 0 0 $diameter_barrel;
```
A duplicate of the original barrel is created and aligned to the first barrel.
Make another copy of the barrel by typing the following:
```
duplicate;
```
```
move -r 0 0 $diameter_barrel;
```
The current selection switches to the newly created geometry.
Duplicate the currently selected barrel and align the duplicate with the previously created barrel.
```
duplicate;
```
```
move -r 0 0 $diameter_barrel;
```
When duplicating objects, the selection always switches to the duplicate. Each barrel is spaced the same relative to its neighbors.

The first row of barrels is complete.