Connection Settings (Toprail, Handrail, Rail)

For each type of Rail (Toprail, Handrails, regular Rails), use these settings pages to define the geometry at connecting Segments, for each rail type.

You can display the connection segment using a different surface from the connecting rails (use the Override Surfaces control).

RailConnectionSettings.png 

Rail Connection Types

Choose how to connect the selected Rail type between segments, using one of the three connection types:

RailConnection3Types.png 

Disconnected: Rails of the adjoining segments will not connect. Add an optional extension (positive or negative) to each.

Gooseneck: Adjoining Rails are connected with a gooseneck consisting of horizontal and vertical parts.

In the editable fields on the right, set the extension (positive or negative) and fillet values for each part of the gooseneck connection.

Note that the preview highlights the part you are editing.

RailConnectionTypes.png 

Direct Connection: Connect the two adjoining rails by extending each one, then joining them together. In the editable fields on the right, set the extension (positive or negative) values, and a fillet value for the curved parts that curve off the horizontal parts.

DirectConnection.png 

Edit Connections

In Edit Mode, use the Info Box or End Settings to adjust settings of any selected Connection.

RailConnectionHotspots.png 

Sloped Railing (Connection) - Ending Geometry

Choose the geometry for the ends of a connecting segment for a Sloped Railing: perpendicular, vertical, or horizontal.

SlopedRailingConnectionGeom.png  SlopedRailingConnectionGeom3D.png

Sloped Railing (Connection) - Tangential to Segment or Horizontal

Switch this option to add a horizontal segment to the Connection, where a sloped railing meets a horizontal turn.

Enter the length of the added segment and an optional fillet.

SlopedRailing2.png 

The resulting segment in Edit mode:

SlopedRailing1.png