I have a few questions about RailClone (Lite & Pro)

[girlwithsplines]

Hello~! I love using RailClone and I'm currently using only the Lite version. I'm not sure if these queries are meant to be addressed to only one version of RailClone because I'd like to upgrade to the Pro version, but given the high cost, I'd like to be more cautious about the investment.

• Is it possible to have an A2S (#1) connected to another A2S (#2) where the A2S (#1) uses a different Y spline to be used on the sides of the A2S (#2)?
• Is it possible to place a new model when two splines intersect?
• Is it possible to have multiple clipping areas in one L1S/A2S?
• Is it possible to combine all of the above into a single generator?

Thank you!

[Paul Roberts]

Hi! Thanks for getting in touch. Here are the answers to your questions

Is it possible to have an A2S (#1) connected to another A2S (#2) where the A2S (#1) uses a different Y spline to be used on the sides of the A2S (#2)?
Yes, it is possible to nest one A2S generator inside another and have them use their own X and/or Y splines

Is it possible to place a new model when two splines intersect?
Currently I'm afraid not. Intersections are something we've been asked for many times but we've yet to find a solution we're happy with.

Is it possible to have multiple clipping areas in one L1S/A2S?
Not at the moment I'm afraid although its on the wishlist. Like the Lite version, generators only accept a single spline node for Clipping. It is necessary instead to combine the splines before adding them to RailClone.

I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions. Most features can be tested with the Lite version with the exception of those that require too many nodes (such as nesting) - you can see a comparison graph here: https://docs.itoosoft.com/railclone/railclone-lite-and-pro

All the best,
Paul

[girlwithsplines]

Hi Paul! Thank you for your quick reply!

Currently I'm afraid not. Intersections are something we've been asked for many times but we've yet to find a solution we're happy with.

Do you think there could be a workaround for that?

Not at the moment I'm afraid although its on the wishlist. Like the Lite version, generators only accept a single spline node for Clipping. It is necessary instead to combine the splines before adding them to RailClone.

So it would be possible to have multiple clipping splines but combined into a group? (Max Toolbar -> Group -> Group...)

I have another question. In the video attached, the Bend (ON) triggers a weird overall outlook seen at the end of the video, but the Bend (OFF) looks somewhat normal. Is there a way to fix that stretched bending in Bend (ON), or is there a way to rotate the segments in Bend (OFF) to follow the spline?

[girlwithsplines]

I tried to play more with the "Conditional" operator to fix the bending but to no avail. I don't know if the fix is possible in the Pro version, and this is why I'm a bit reluctant to buy it.

[Paul Roberts]

Hi,

the bending issue will be the same in the Pro version, but your video is a little strange and not how I'd expect it to work. Could you please upload the file so I can advise further and help you make a decision about the pro version.

Regarding your other questions

Do you think there could be a workaround for intersections?
Some users only need intersections to be at 90 degrees which is possible by placing specific segments on vertices. I'll demo that at the next livestream in fact so you can see what I mean. A recording will be available if you don't want to watch live.

Intersections at any arbitrary angle is not currently possible and we don't have a timescale for when or even if it might be available.

Would be possible to have multiple clipping splines but combined into a group?

I'm afraid not, the spline node doesn't support selecting groups. You can combine splines using Max's new Shape Boolean compound objects though if that helps?

Best,
Paul

[Dragan]

I'd like to upgrade to the Pro version, but given the high cost, I'd like to be more cautious about the investment.

As a long-time user, I can encourage you to upgrade to the Pro version.
Since RC is only using 3DSMax`s capability in geometry modification some tasks could be tricky but Itoo has great support and community and 99.9% of problems were solved as far as I track. 
From your questions, I can see you are targeting a solution for the specific job at the moment (maybe I`m wrong, sorry) but I assure you you will be using RC Pro in every future job, so investment in the Pro versions booth for FP and RC is the right move!
We are all here to help, welcome. 
Best Regards


P.S. I need to save this message and re-post it again every time new users are in a dilemma whether to upgrade to the pro version. 

[girlwithsplines]

Hello,

I attached the project file (max 2022) so you can have a look into the matter.