Segments

RailClone uses a list of customizable 3d models, named Segments, and a set of Construction Rules to build complex parametric objects along a path. The list of Segments and their properties are defined here.

You can assign as a Segment any object from the scene that haa a geometry (a mesh). Once assigned, the segment's geometry becomes part of the RailClone object and you can handle it in the sub-object level. It works in a similar way to 3DS Max compound objects (as Boolean), working in "Instance" mode.

Note: Certain 3DS Max operations can create a new geometry in the source object, invalidating the reference stored in RailClone. For instance, if you have a Box object (box01) assigned as Segment and convert it to an editable mesh, RailClone will keep the original "box" geometry as a sub-object. This is normal and 3DS Max compound objects work the same way.

If you want to update the geometry reference with the source object, use the <Upd> or the <Rem> buttons (see below).

Segments List

The "Add" button ( ) creates a new element, and "Delete" ( ) removes the selected item. Selecting an item from the list will change the values of the "Properties" parameters, allowing you to edit each Segment.

Other buttons in the toolbar are:

Updates all segments with the source objects. It works like applying the replace button for each segment with its object, and has no effect if the source object was deleted from the scene.

Replace the selected Segment with a new object from the scene.

Creates a new object in the scene using the geometry stored in RailClone. Use this option if you have deleted the source object and want to restore it. The object is created in its original coordinates (when it was assigned as a segment). RailClone use it as the new source object, discarding references to the old one.

Properties

Name

Shows the name of the currently selected item.

Local Transform

Translation/Rotation/Scale

Applies the specified transformations of translation, rotation and scale to the geometry, before using it in RailClone. All parameters are animatable.

Alignment

These parameters help you align the segment to the underlying spline path. You can use the Pivot point of the source object as an alignment point, or its geometry bounds. There is a grid of nine buttons to define the alignment on the XY plane (top/center/bottom & left/center/right), and three buttons for the Z axis (top/center/bottom).

The alignment of a segment has a decisive effect in the construction of the RailClone object, adjust it carefully to get the desired result. See Construction Rules for details.

Note: RailClone uses the local coordinates of the segment object. The same geometry would generate different results, depending of the rotation of its local pivot. It's a good habit to apply "Adjust Pivot->Align to World" and "Utilities->Reset XForm" before assigning an object as Segment.

Padding

In RailClone each segment has a defined length, which determines how it must be assembled with other segments on the path. By default, this length is the size of the geometry in the local X axis. The Padding parameters allow you to modify the default size, increasing or decreasing the distance with other segments to the left and right sides.

Rule 1: segment's size = geometry size + padding left + padding right, where padding values can be positive or negative.
Rule 2: the padding doesn't modify the position of the segment on the path by itself (as the Local Transform->Translation parameters does), but how the surrounding segments (to left and right) must be adjusted.

Deform

These parameters define how RailClone must deform the segments to follow the trajectory of the path.

Bend

If enabled, the segment is bent along the path. If not, RailClone places the segment on its position in the path without applying any horizontal deformation.

Note: If you use RailClone on curved paths, besides enabling the Bend feature, be sure your segments have enough horizontal subdivisions to get a smooth result.

Slice

Allows RailClone to slice the segment if it doesn't fit in the path. This feature is especially useful when creating objects such as railings or walls.

Z Axis

One of the most advanced features of RailClone is the ability to build complex structures such as railings or walls along sloped paths. The following options define the behavior of the segments in these cases.

Adaptative

The segment is aligned to follow the tangent of the path.

Vertical

The geometry stays vertical, but the vertices are moved in the Z axis to match the elevation of the spline.

Stepped

No deformations are applied in the Z axis, and the segment preserves its vertical alignment.

Usually, in complex structures such as railings, you need to use different Z Axis options for each type of segment. In the following example, the handrail is built using three segments: post (stepped), joint (stepped) and picket (vertical).

Slope fixing

This parameter adds a correction to the segment's size to compensate for the inclination of the path. It is used only for Vertical and Stepped modes, and it's enabled by default.

Flat Top/Flat Bottom

Working in Vertical mode, these parameters allow you to flatten the top or of the bottom of a geometry. The values define the maximum distance (in Z axis) that the effect is applied, starting from the top or the bottom of the geometry. This feature is especially useful for railing posts, and works as a combination of Vertical and Stepped modes in the same segment.