elliptical stair - newbie help

[HS9343]

I just got RailClone and hacked the stair tutorial model to fit my needs. It seems to work on a straight segment but when I attach it to an elliptical one...things get weird. The bottom step moves and the underside of the stair is thinner.  I have attached a 3ds Max 2016 file (and a quick render) if anyone can help....It's organized!.....of course I have a deadline in the morning ......worst case I Photoshop away...

thanks in advance..

Sean

[Paul Roberts]

Hi Sean,

thanks for contacting us. Please find attached an amended version of your file that improves the riser spacing. I haven't actually changed the RailClone object but instead I've adapted the base spline. In the original version the path was a flat half ellipse that was rotated, but actually it needs to be more of an S-curve in elevation view. This is to make sure that the rise stays constant for each step.




An extra tip, You may also find in future that you get better results by centring the treads to the spline on the Y axis. The will minimise the amount the moulding on the tread edges is deformed the further it is from the spline.

I hope that helps and that you enjoy using RailClone. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Many thanks!

Paul

[HS9343]

thanks so much for the quick reply! I'm digging my heals in the stair now.