Yes, I gave it another try ....

[David]

Jeff, this is exactly what happens if you set the height of one point. The default behavior in such cases is to slope into that point.

The 'smooth slope' function is useful if you've set the height (with slopes) for two points. In general, this will create two 'bumps'. With 'Smooth slope', you can even out the incline over the full length between those points.

Of course, turnouts can be part of any slope.

David.

[Jeff]

I agree with HJ that if a turnout is one end of a slope, it should be treated as any other piece of sectional straight/curved track.

There is one case where I feel that AR needs to change the way it works- the behavior when there is a set point and connected dead end track. Example- set the height of a point around the turnout at the throat of a yard. I feel that the yard tracks should remain flat at the height set at the yard throat. Currently, the track slopes back down from the set point, even though no-ne says it should.

"In general, this will create two 'bumps' "...

But is this reflective of what happens when you build a layout? In the real world, if you set track at some particular height in two places, a smooth slope between the two results. No bumps and no question of any if's, and's, or but's.

[David]

Thanks for your feedback.

"I agree with HJ that if a turnout is one end of a slope, it should be treated as any other piece of sectional straight/curved track."

That's exactly how it works. Only make sure you select the right 'route' as indicated in the two pictures above.

"In general, this will create two 'bumps' ".

There is no possible way for AnyRail to know what the intention is! On a large layout, when you set the height at some points, it's impossible for the program to decide if one or more of the 'routes' between this point and any other point set to a certain height should be 'smooth'.

I very much agree that the process of setting heights is not always straightforward. One cause being that everyone has another vision on this, and another way of working!

David.

[Jeff]

Well, the ability we have now to glue one piece at a time will aid greatly. That way I can set the second height without fear of it changing the first one I set.

[David]

I should warn you there Jeff. Glueing track does not fix the height of the track!

To fix the height, you should right click on the connection or endpoint and select 'Lock Height'.

David.

[Jeff]

Oops! Maybe you should consider changing that? Glue really should mean GLUE.