I’m doing 99% of my core architecture modeling inside SketchUP (The new SketchUP 2013 version is out by the way) and there was very little going on for me to change that until RailClone2 came along. I love SU components and how powerful they can be when done right, but RailClone2 is an order of magnitude beyond that and other solutions available for 3dsmax too. Its innovative approach to parametric modelling by using custom meshes, pre-made or defined by the user, arrayed along splines according to a set of construction rules to create sophisticated procedural objects is a game changer. With this tool you can conjure up complete building facades in seconds, fill a stadium with seating, layout roads, build bridges and interactively updated them just as fast too.

Check out this new demo-reel to get a better grasp of what it does :

How RailClone2 Works & Key Features

the plugin is designed to help artists create sophisticated reusable parametric models using an easy-to-understand node based editor. RailClone2 combines, deforms, slices, bevels and distributes meshes known as Segments along one or more Base Reference splines according to construction rules defined using Generators and Operators. The interplay of these three parts is called a Style and is created using the Style Editor.

All you need to do is define the construction rules, RailClone2 does the rest for you.

Here’s are a few short videos capturing the work with the Style Editor while creating…

A Brick Wall

RailClone includes a graphical Style Editor, where you can create sophisticated structures, defining the pieces, generators, and construction rules. Randomize elements, add conditionals, define parameters and much more with only a few clicks.

A Bookcase

RailClone 2 allows multiple construction blocks for each object, named Generators. Besides the default linear generator available in RailClone 1.x, the new version introduces Arrays. You can use it to create walls, pavements, facades and other fancy structures.

Stadium Seats

And Using the new Points-cloud view mode, together the native geometry shaders for Mental Ray and V-Ray, RailClone lets you create huge parametric objects, made up of thousands of detailed parts… same level of performance we came to know and love about Forest Pack.

Here is a small segment :

And the big stadium :

RailClone2 Key Features List

• Easy-to-use style editor using a familiar node-based UI.
• Create, Save, and share custom styles using the fully customizable library browser.
• Use predefined styles from an expanding library of over 280 predefined objects including Fences, Railings, Barriers, Traffic, Walls and much more.
• Create 1D or 2D arrays, target each part of the array with different Segments or create sequences and conditional rule sets.
• Using the new Points-Cloud display, even objects made from thousands of segments can be easily previewed in the viewports, making modification simple and maintaining effortless interactivity.
• Use V-Ray and Mental Ray’s native geometry shaders to automatically create instances on-the-fly. Create huge parametric objects, made from thousands of detailed parts, quickly and easily.
• Advanced algorithms deform geometry to follow curvilinear paths or create double-curved 2D arrays. With RailClone2 sloped walls, handrail stairs, domes, and stepped fences are no longer a problem in 3DS Max.
• Manipulate segments using operators. Easily mirror, combine, sequence, randomize material IDs or geometry, and create conditional rule sets all from within the style editor.
• Link properties to numerical parameter nodes to control multiple objects from a single input. Use arithmetic operations to build mathematical relationships between properties.
• Use closed splines to crop object geometry.
• Compatible with RailClone 1.x styles.

The RailClone Styles Library

RailClone Pro comes with a Library of more than 280 predefined styles, including Fences, Railings, Barriers, Traffic, Walls, and other models. The library is fully customizable, allowing you to add new categories and models with a single click and share them with your colleages.

The RailClone Gallery

Check out the images on the RailClone Gallery featuring, among others, winners of the miniCHALLENGES that were held on this blog in the past.

About iToo Software

iToo Software, founded in 1999 in Spain, is a 3D software development company, creators of Forest Pack and RailClone, plugins for Autodesk® 3ds Max® and 3ds Max Design®. This release is part of the company´s developing program for 2013, which had its first milestone with the release of Forest Pack 4, and will keep on with additional updates throughout the year.