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Creating Straight Track (Method A)
Creating straight track is easy. Simply select the "Strict" option for two following vertices. There will always be straight track between those two vertices. One nice aspect of this method is that you can move around the vertices afterwards without losing the straightness.
Straight Track using two strict vertices
One downside of this method is that "Strict" vertices will always reduce the continouity (smoothness) of the curve from C2 to C1. That means the curvature will suddenly jump at the entrance and exits of the straight, which is something that can be annoying, especially when the coaster is travelling the piece of track at high speeds. We think that it is still acceptable for slower sections near the station, maintenance tracks and on the lift hill. There is another method to create straight track...
Creating Straight Track (Method B)
By selecting 4 following vertices that are non-strict and choosing the "Make Straight" function from the Track Tab, there will be created a piece of straight track without reducing the smoothness (second order continuouity 'C2') at the entrance and exit of the straight.
Straight Track using 4 following vertices that are in-line
The positive aspect of this method is the smoothness, but there are two downsides of this method. First, when you change one of the vertices, you will lose the straight. You may try to "lock" the vertices to prevent accidently moving the vertices. The other downside is that the beginning and end of the straight is not identical with the position of any vertex. The straight lies "somewhere" between the second and third vertex as can be seen on this graphic...
The Straight lies "somewhere" between second and third vertex
You may use the radius comb to indicate where the straight starts and ends, as we have done on the graphic above. We recommend to use this technique for pieces of track that are travelled at higher speeds, such as mid-course brake sections.
Creating Perfect Circles
It is possible to create perfect circles. The multiple of 90 degrees perfect circle pieces can be created by a series of a strict vertex and a vertex having the weight = 1/squareroot(2) ( ~ 0.707107). Note that the distance between the strict vertices and the vertex at the corners with the special weight need to be identical. Also, the angle in the corner of the control polygon needs to be 90 degrees and all vertices need to lie on the same plane (they need to have the same height or depth when looking from top).
Perfect Circles using Strict vertices and special weights