Problem creating a Helix in v7.7.1

[STJr]

I created a sample 2-Level Helix to show a problem I encountered while creating a Helix.

I created 2 separate circles of track and given each circle a Section Name (Lvl 1 which is the Pink circle and Lvl 2 which is the Blue circle). Each circle has a single Track Connection that was "Disconnected" so that I could attached Lvl 2 to Lvl 1 to create the complete Helix.

Below are pictures of the sample 2-Level Helix I created.

When I attempt to connect Lvl 2 (Blue) to Lvl 1 (Pink), I get the following results (see Helix Sample Pic 1 and Helix Sample Pic 2). It appears that Last track section of Lvl 1 (Pink) is on top of the Last track section of Lvl 2 (Blue).

To get around this and to show that the track sections are at proper height, I moved Lvl 2 over Lvl 1 but did not connect them at the matching track connection points (see Helix Sample Pic 3).

I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or if I discovered a bug.

I do have a Word document that explains in much more detail the steps I used to create this sample Helix. Please let me know if I should provide it if my explanation here is not clear.

I'm hoping someone is able to help.

Sincerely,

STJr

[David]

Well, when using autoconnect, you can see the connectable endpoints indicated with blue dots. When, after autoconnecting, any other endpoint matches the position of a connectable other endpoint, it will connect and adjust the height.
So that seems to be what is happening here.

You can also use the Helix tool. Right click on a single curve and select 'Create helix'. Enter the requested values and click OK.

[STJr]

Hello David!

Thanks for the quick response.

It's weird though that when I overlap the Blue circle onto the Pink circle, that one piece of track appears on top of the Blue track. As you said, the Pink (bottom circle) Connection Point (track level zero) is recognized first rather than the Pink top track Connection Point (track level 6).

I have used the Helix Tool and that worked well building a Helix. I attempted building the Helix manually using Sections because the Helix may have multiple exit points.

So...maybe I need to shift the Connection Point of the bottom (Pink height zero) piece of track to not be in-line with the Connection Point on the top (Pink height 6) piece of track.

I will try that.

Thanks!

[David]

The drawing order is determined by the lowest end point of each part.

In this case, a steep ramp is created by the autoconnect function from this one blue curve. This also puts one of this blue curve's endpoints below the lowest point of the pink curve it crosses (if you still follow me ).

So the blue curve is drawn before the pink one, resulting in showing the pink one on top.

[STJr]

Hey David!

Good information to know.

Thanks again for all your help and insight.