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What's new in RailClone 7

RailClone 7 introduces improvements to procedural modeling in 3ds Max, focusing on spline operators, new library systems, and usability. Here's an overview of what's new - for the full release notes, click here.

New Libraries​

RailClone 7 includes six new library categories with customizable presets:

  • Windows: A collection of window systems for architectural scenes.
  • Ceilings: Fully configurable ceiling systems for commercial interiors.
  • Curtain Walls: Modern curtain wall systems for fast architectural design.
  • Installations: Components for, HVAC, ducting, cable trays, and piping.
  • Boardwalks: Several boardwalk and bridge systems for outdoor environments.

New Features​

Spline Operators​

RailClone 7 introduces a new category of nodes designed to provide greater control over spline-based modeling. These include:

Basic Ops​

The Basic Ops node consolidates 13 essential spline operations:

  • Combine: Merge multiple splines while keeping them separate in the scene so they can be used for other purposes, for example scattering with Forest Pack.
  • Transform: Translate, rotate, or reverse splines, and adjust curve steps.
  • Fillet: Apply procedural fillets to corner vertices.
  • Chamfer: Chamfer corner vertices for smoother transitions.
  • Filter by Material ID: Include or exclude spline sections based on material IDs.
  • Change Material ID: Assign a fixed ID or create sequences.
  • Divide Evenly: Insert vertices at regular intervals for uniform segments.
  • Divide Markers: Split splines at markers, useful with the Connect node.
  • Break: Split splines at specific vertex types.
  • Padding: Apply start and end padding with multiple modes.
  • Normalize: Adjust splines by section length or knot count.
  • Replace Vertex: Modify or delete specified vertex types.
  • Flatten: Create planar splines on the X, Y, or Z axis.

Boolean Operations​

The Boolean node introduces basic boolean operations for splines directly in the RailClone graph. Four modes are supported:

  • Intersection: Retains only overlapping regions.
  • Union: Merges two splines into one.
  • Difference: Removes overlapping sections from the subject spline.
  • XOR: Keeps non-overlapping regions of both splines.

Offset​

The Offset node, previously available as a modifier, is now integrated into the RailClone graph. It allows duplication and transformation of splines with adjustable offsets in both 2D and 3D modes.

Catenary​

The Catenary node, generates realistic hanging curves, useful for cables, chains, and draped elements. Users can adjust drop distances and randomize variations.

Connect​

The Connect node creates straight-line connections between two splines, with multiple projection modes and filtering options.

Shape​

The Shape node allows users to create standard geometric splines (lines, rectangles, and circles) directly in the graph editor, simplifying parametric setups.

Conform​

The Conform node projects splines onto surfaces, allowing further spline processing before passing them to generators.

Spline Preview Mode​

A New Draw Splines Mode provides visual feedback on spline operations directly in the viewport, improving workflow efficiency. This mode can be enabled via the Display rollout.

Improvements​

Optimized Point-Cloud Mode​

RailClone 7 includes a redesigned Point-Cloud Mode for improved viewport performance. The new implementation ensures a consistent density of points across all objects, reducing GPU load and improving responsiveness.

  • Default density: 250,000 points per object (adjustable in Display settings).
  • Additional registry settings for fine-tuning.

Enhanced Array and Alignment Functions​

  • Y Corner Input added to the A2S Generator, allowing rows to be defined by adding vertices to the Y spline.
  • Auto Align Improvements: Ensures that the Z-axis is always up when using X or XY alignment, reducing manual corrections.

Rendering Enhancements​

  • V-Ray Proxies no longer require full mesh mode for rendering in V-Ray GPU and Vantage.

Style Editor Usability Improvements​

  • Panel widths are now saved between sessions.
  • Macro Library Filter: New search and filtering options for improved organization.

Macro System Improvements​

  • Multiple Outputs: Macros now support multiple segment, numeric, or spline outputs.
  • Protected Macros: Can be used without a password unless edited, facilitating secure sharing.

Availability​

RailClone 7 is available for download in the Plugins section of the User Panel. Users with an active maintenance plan can update immediately. Expired plans can be renewed at any time.

For new users, a Lite version is available for free commercial use, providing an opportunity to test RailClone before upgrading to the Pro version.