iToo Software releases RailClone 3.2 for 3ds Max
Originally posted on 19 July 2017. Scroll down for news of the 3.2 update.
iToo Software has released RailClone 3.0, the latest update to its parametric modeling plugin for 3ds Max, adding a new RailClone Color map type for randomising textures across objects, and a new macro system.
Randomise colours and texture maps across instanced and non-instanced geometry
Based on the Forest Color map type from scattering plugin Forest Pack, RailClone Color creates texture variations across a scene, randomising maps and tints applied to objects.
It supports up to 20 source texture maps, is compatible with both instanced and non-instanced geometry, and supports both the V-Ray and Mental Ray renderers.
It can also sample colours from within an individual source map: in the video above, you can see the toolset in use to map the RailClone logo across blocks of seats in a sports stadium.
New macro system creates complex custom modelling tools
The other big feature in the release is the new macro system, which packages entire sub-graphs within a single Macro node within the Style Editor, RailClone’s node-based modelling environment.
Each Macro node can be assigned its own custom inputs, outputs, and properties, making it possible to create complex custom procedural modelling tools that can be exported and shared with other users.
You can see the scope of the tools that can be created in Factory Fifteen’s launch promo for software synth Photos (making-of above), in which macros were used to create the wave-like effects in the cables.
New Style Linking option, more built-in libraries of architectural model parts
Other new features in RailClone 3.0 include Style Linking, in which changes performed on one RailClone object automatically propagate to another linked object.
For anyone modelling buildings, there are also new libraries of ready-made model parts for roof tiles, hips and ridges, and cladding. You can find a full list of new features in the online release notes.
Updated 5 July 2018: RailClone 3.2 is out. The update makes RailClone compatible with V-Ray Next and Corona Renderer 2, the new versions of the renderers, and – for the first time – Arnold.
The update also adds a new library of food products that can be used to populate shop interiors.
(In a nice in-joke, if you look carefully at the labels, you can see that the brand logos are actually those of iToo itself or based on the names of its staff.)
Other changes include improvements to randomisation, support for bevelled corners in all four of the software’s default modes, and the option to assign modifiers to nested RailClone objects.
Pricing and availability
RailClone 3.2 is available for 3ds Max 2012 and above. Feature support varies between the different compatible renderers. New licences now start at €220 (around $260) including one year’s support.
There are is also a free, feature-limited Lite edition of the plugin.
Read a summary of the new features in RailClone 3.0 on iToo Software’s forum
Read a summary of the new features in RailClone 3.2 on iToo Software’s blog
Visit iToo Software online
(Download link for the Lite edition is at the foot of the RailClone product page)