Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- manual:subwaysim:map_construction:importing_switches [2026/01/21 08:32] – [Built-in Imported Switches] dcs
+++ manual:subwaysim:map_construction:importing_switches [2026/01/21 12:17] (current) – dcs
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== Importing Switches ======
-In this section, we explain how to **place and use imported switches** in SubwaySim 2 and when they are required.
+Imported switches are used when the Railtool cannot generate a special switch type reliably.
-Imported switches are used whenever the **Railtool does not support a specific track layout**.
+Most standard switches can be created directly with the Railtool.
-Typical examples include:
+However, more complex constructions (for example **DW**, **EKW**, **DKW**, special double crossovers, or asymmetric real-world layouts) vary a lot between networks and often require manual modelling.
-  * double crossovers
-  * double slip switches
-  * special or asymmetric switch constructions
-Because these layouts can be very complex and highly individual, they are created **manually in a 3D application** (such as Blender) and then imported into SubwaySim 2 as finished switch assets.
+In those cases, the switch is built in a 3D program (usually **Blender**), exported as FBX, imported into SubwaySim 2, and finally wrapped into a Blueprint so the Railtool can use it like any other switch.
-----
+This page covers:
+  * When imported switches are needed
+  * Using already included imported switches from the SDK
+  * The full pipeline for creating your own imported switch:
+    modelling → paths → export → import → animations → Blueprint → Railtool connection
-===== When Are Imported Switches Required? =====
+----
-The Railtool supports:
+===== 1) When Do You Need Imported Switches? =====
-  * standard turnouts
-  * simple crossovers
-  * regular procedural track geometry
-However, some switch types are:
+Use imported switches when:
-  * too complex
+  * the Railtool does not support the geometry (e.g. **DKW**, **EKW**, **DW**, special crossings, double crossovers)
-  * too custom
+  * your switch has a non-standard shape/radius/angle that cannot be generated cleanly
-  * or too irregular
+  * you need an exact real-world design
+  * you need special frog/guard layouts or custom sleeper/gear parts
-to be generated procedurally.
+You do NOT need imported switches for:
+  * normal crossings (they have no moving parts)
+  * standard left/right turnouts supported by Railtool
-In these cases, **imported switches** are the intended and correct solution.
+Crossings (no moving parts) are generated by Railtool and do not need custom building.
 ----
-===== Built-in Imported Switches =====
+===== 2) Using Built-in Imported Switches (SDK / Base Game) =====
-SubwaySim 2 already includes a large collection of imported switches used by the base game.
+The Modding SDK ships with a variety of imported switches that are used by the base game.
-They can be found inside the **SubwaySim2_Modding** plugin under:
+You can find them here:
   SubwaySim2_Modding / RailwaySystem / ImportedSwitches
-This folder contains many ready-made switches that can be used directly in custom maps.
+Inside this folder, you will see many switch assets.
 Important:
-  * Always use the **BP_...** variants
+  * Only use the **BP_...** Blueprints for placement in levels.
-  * Only these Blueprint actors contain the required logic for routing and Railtool integration
+  * The Blueprints contain the configuration needed for Railtool and animations.
+  * StaticMeshes / SkeletalMeshes alone are NOT enough.
-{{:manual:subwaysim:importing_switches:switch1.png?direct&600|}}
+{{:manual:subwaysim:importing_switches:switch1.png?direct&800|}}
 ----
-===== Placing an Imported Switch =====
+==== 2.1 Placing an Imported Switch in the Level ====
-To place an imported switch in your level:
+. Make sure you are in **Selection Mode** in the Unreal Editor
+   (important: not in Railtool mode while placing the BP)
-  * Make sure you are in **Selection Mode** in the Unreal Editor
+. Drag the desired **BP_...** imported switch into your level.
-    (not Railtool mode)
-  * Navigate to:
+. You can freely move and rotate it like any normal actor.
-    SubwaySim2_Modding / RailwaySystem / ImportedSwitches
-  * Drag the desired **BP_ImportedSwitch** Blueprint into the level
+. Align it to your intended layout.
+   (This is manual placement, so take your time.)
-After placing the switch:
+{{:manual:subwaysim:importing_switches:switch2.png?direct&800|}}
-  * it can be freely moved
-  * it can be rotated as needed
-  * positioning is done manually
-Take your time to align the switch correctly with your intended track layout.
 ----
-===== Connecting Imported Switches to Tracks =====
+==== 2.2 Connecting the Switch to Railtool Tracks ====
-Once the switch is placed:
+Once the switch is placed, it needs to be connected to the Railtool track network:
-  * switch to the Railtool
+  * Switch to the Railtool workflow:
     → [[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:laying_tracks|Laying Tracks]]
-  * use the **Control Points** of the imported switch
+  * Use the **Control Points** of the imported switch
-  * connect Railtool track splines to the switch just like normal track elements
+  * Connect your Railtool track splines to those Control Points (same idea as normal Railtool elements)
 After this step:
-  * the imported switch behaves like any other Railtool-connected track
+  * the imported switch behaves like a normal track element
-  * AI routing, signaling, and dispatching can work normally
+  * AI routing and signaling can work, as long as the surrounding network is valid
+{{:manual:subwaysim:importing_switches:switch3.png?direct&800|}}
 ----
-====== Creating Your Own Imported Switches ======
+===== 3) Creating Your Own Imported Switches =====
 If none of the provided switches fit your needs, you can create your own imported switch.
@@ Line 94: / Line 93: @@
   * special crossover layouts
   * prototype or fictional designs
+  * real-world designs that differ from the base assets
-Creating a custom imported switch involves:
+The full workflow looks like this:
-  * modeling the switch in a 3D tool (e.g. Blender)
-  * preparing meshes and pivots correctly
-  * importing the assets into the SDK
-  * creating the required Blueprint setup
-This process will be explained in the next section.
+) Planning & naming
+) Modelling rails + frogs + guards
+) Creating drivable paths (critical!)
+) Sleepers, clamps, gravel
+) UVs & materials
+) Rigging blades + throw bars
+) Animations (NLA)
+) Export FBX
+) Import into Unreal (SkeletalMesh, StaticMeshes, paths, animations)
+) Animation Blueprint (ABP)
+) Switch Blueprint (RTImportedSwitchActor)
+) Test in level + connect with Railtool
+This is the same concept used by base game imported switches.
+----
+===== 4) Terminology (German + English) =====
+Quick translation list used in references and modelling:
+^ English ^ German ^
+| Rail | Gleis |
+| Blade | Zunge |
+| Stock (Rail) | Backenschiene |
+| Frog | Herzstück |
+| Flangeway | Rillenweite |
+| Guard Rail | Radlenker |
+| Guide Rail | Leitschiene |
+| Switch Motor | Weichenmotor |
+| Sleepers | Schwellen |
+| Hollow Sleeper (Tub) | Trogschwelle |
+----
+===== 5) Switch Parts Explained =====
+==== 5.1 Rail Profile ====
+We generally build everything in the **60E1 rail profile**.
+That means:
+  * your rail meshes match the prepared 60E1 assets in the SDK
+  * your dimensions, trims, and clearances align with existing track content
+----
+==== 5.2 Blade and Stock Rail ====
+The **blade rail** is the moving part of the switch.
+The **stock rail** is the fixed rail the blade presses against.
+Key details:
+  * The blade starts thin and gradually becomes thicker until it transitions into a near-normal rail profile.
+  * The stock rail also changes shape around the blade area.
+  * The blade sits slightly higher than the standard rail but must keep the correct track gauge.
+This transition is critical:
+  * visually (looks correct)
+  * physically (wheels can pass)
+  * for flangeway clearance at frog and guards
+----
+==== 5.3 Frog ====
+The **frog** is where rails intersect and split.
+It is usually the most complex part because:
+  * rail geometry intersects
+  * flangeway must remain correct
+  * wings and guard guidance must prevent derailment / clipping
+  * some switch types have double or triple frog variants
+----
+==== 5.4 Throw Bar and Switch Motor / Lever ====
+The throw bar and motor move the blades.
+Important behavior:
+  * Blades do NOT start moving at exactly the same time
+  * One blade starts slightly earlier than the other (realistic behavior)
+  * Some switches can also use manual levers instead of motors
+If you animate blade movement:
+  * include this offset in timing/curves
+  * make sure throw bar geometry doesn’t clip
+----
+==== 5.5 Guard Rails and Guide Rails ====
+Guard rails and guide rails keep wheels aligned over frogs.
+  * Guard rails prevent the wheelset from drifting sideways at the frog.
+  * Guide rails are used when geometry is tight or guard rails don’t fit.
+When a guard rail does not fit cleanly:
+  * add a small guide rail piece
+  * look at previously made switches for style reference
+----
+==== 5.6 Clamps ====
+Switches use several clamp types:
+  * normal rail clamps
+  * blade clamps
+  * guard clamps
+  * special clamps where space is too tight
+Clamps often become the biggest performance cost if modelled fully.
+(We cover optimization later.)
+----
+===== 6) Switch Types (Crossing, Switch, DW, EKW, DKW) =====
+==== 6.1 Rail Crossing ====
+Crossings are NOT switches.
+They have no moving parts.
+Railtool can generate them → no custom build required.
+----
+==== 6.2 Normal Switch ====
+A standard switch (single turnout) can be generated by Railtool.
+No custom build needed in most cases.
+----
+==== 6.3 DW (Doppelweiche / Double Switch) ====
+DW is basically two switches extremely close together that intersect.
+These currently must be custom built because Railtool cannot reliably generate them.
+----
+==== 6.4 EKW (Einfache Kreuzungsweiche) ====
+EKW is a crossing with a switch integrated.
+Custom build required.
+----
+==== 6.5 DKW (Doppelkreuzungsweiche) ====
+DKW is like EKW but allows switching between tracks in multiple directions.
+Even more complex → custom build required.
+----
+==== 6.6 DKW: “Blades Inside” vs “Blades Outside” ====
+DKW has two typical constructions:
+  * blades outside the two frogs
+  * blades inside the frogs
+Outside blades:
+  * more complex to build
+  * often allow higher speeds
+Inside blades:
+  * simpler geometry
+  * often tighter constraints
+----
+===== 7) Planning + Naming Convention =====
+Before modelling, decide:
+  * rail profile (we assume 60E1)
+  * radius (e.g. 100 m)
+  * angle ratio (e.g. 1:6)
+  * direction pattern (left/right sequence)
+Example naming:
+  DW-60E1-100-6:1LR
+Some softwares don’t like “:” so you may see:
+  DW-60E1-100-1_6LR
+Keep the naming consistent across:
+  * Blender file collection names
+  * exported FBX names
+  * Unreal folders
+  * Blueprint names
+----
+===== 8) Modelling in Blender =====
+We assume you are working inside a prepared file like:
+E1-Rail.blend
+This file already contains prepared meshes and references.
+Follow its folder / collection structure:
+  * create a new Collection for your switch
+  * keep rails, sleepers, clamps, paths separated
+----
+==== 8.1 Curves and Paths (Foundation) ====
+First we set up our angle, example **1:6**:
+) Place a single vertex in world origin
+) Extrude it 6 m along X-Axis
+) Extrude it 1 m along Y-Axis
+) Fill the 2 lonely verts → you now have a triangle
+The edge that is ~6.08 m long will be called **“c”**.
+Next we make a 100° circle and align it so that the bottom vertex sits in the origin.
+Recommended:
+  * a vertex count divisible by 4
+  * individual edge length ~0.6 m (as close as possible)
+Example: 1024 verts.
+Delete unnecessary verts (keep only the range you need).
+Now:
+  * extrude the triangle edge “c”
+  * move the circle along X until the circle is tangent to “c”
+How to align precisely (recommended):
+  * enable snapping (active element)
+  * select a vertex, then select all verts
+  * edge snap it to “c”
+  * if still crossing the edge, select another vertex
+This is faster and more precise than eyeballing.
+Now you have the left curve more or less done.
+You still need a right curve:
+  * duplicate the first curve
+  * move it so that the very start sits in world origin
+  * rotate by 180° / mirror along X
+Now add a straight edge, convert them to curves.
+At this point your switch layout curves should look correct.
+----
+==== 8.2 Creating Drivable Paths (Export-Ready / Critical!) ====
+Paths define where trains can drive.
+They MUST be correct, otherwise routing will fail.
+Workflow:
+  * duplicate your curves
+  * convert to meshes
+  * cut them short a bit
+  * make sure they all start at the same point (if your layout requires it)
+  * extrude the edges 0.1 m up so they are easier visible
+Important rule:
+  * Wherever paths intersect, they must share IDENTICAL vertex positions.
+  * The paths need the exact same verts wherever they intersect.
+Naming recommendation:
+  * PathLeft
+  * PathRight
+  * PathStraight
+(and more if needed)
+These paths will later be referenced inside the Switch Blueprint SwitchConfigurations.
+----
+==== 8.3 Rails + Flangeway (Array + Curve Modifiers) ====
+Rails:
+  * take the 60E1Double mesh
+  * duplicate it
+  * add an Array modifier (enable “Merge”)
+  * add a Curve modifier and select one of your curves
+  * repeat for all required rail segments
+Flangeway / wheel space:
+  * do the same with the “Abstand” mesh (shows the wheel clearance / flangeway)
+After that you should have rails + clearance along the curves.
+----
+==== 8.4 Sleepers (Array on Curves) ====
+Next, sleepers:
+  * take an existing sleeper mesh (often WoodenSleeper2.6)
+  * add a constant offset array of 0.6 m (if not already existing)
+  * add a curve modifier and put it onto the curves
+After lengthening and vertex merging you should have sleepers aligned.
+----
+==== 8.5 Frogs: Cut-Out + Stitching the Heart ====
+At first the frog area will look wrong because rails intersect.
+Step 1: Cut out the parts where the flangeway and rail intersect.
+Step 2: Model the frog:
+  * lengthen rails to the intersecting points
+  * use references (real photos or existing switches)
+  * don’t forget the wings
+  * keep flangeway clearance correct
+Frogs will always look a bit weird in Blender – don’t worry.
+Focus on clearance and correct geometry.
+----
+==== 8.6 Blades + Stock Rails ====
+Blades:
+  * take BladeRailDouble mesh
+  * put it on the curves you need
+  * rotate if needed (thick part should be as close to center as possible)
+  * duplicate the middle piece and move both the second middle and thin end piece to where the blade starts intersecting with the rail
+  * move the thin end to where the blade ends
+  * delete the face from the “wrong” blade
+Now:
+  * select each segment and bridge edges (linear)
+  * add as many cuts as needed so each segment is about 0.6 m long
+  * delete unneeded faces
+  * sharpen the thin end edges
+  * apply the curve modifier
+Stock rail:
+  * duplicate StockRailDouble
+  * add curve modifier
+  * align it to the corresponding rail
+Repeat for all blade/stock sections.
+Goal:
+  * blade sits correctly against stock rail
+  * gauge stays correct
+  * no clearance issues
+----
+==== 8.7 Guards and Guides ====
+Guard rail:
+  * duplicate GuardRailDouble mesh
+  * put it on the required curve segments
+  * trim it if needed
+If a guard does not fit:
+  * add a small metal piece called guide rail (“Leitschiene”)
+  * look at previously made switches for reference
+----
+==== 8.8 Hollow Sleepers + Throw Bar ====
+Hollow sleepers:
+  * take HollowSleeper mesh
+  * move it to the end of your blades in between two sleepers
+  * make sure the steel part doesn’t intersect → adjust position if needed
+Throw bar:
+  * take ThrowBar and ThrowBarNuts meshes
+  * move them to the same point and align them with the blade ends
+Make sure:
+  * flangeway clearance is OK in both blade positions
+  * throw bar doesn’t clip the hollow sleeper
+----
+==== 8.9 Clamps (Tedious but Required) ====
+Clamps are the most tedious part.
+Helper setup:
+  * add an edge loop lengthwise through every sleeper (can be removed later)
+  * add an edge loop lengthwise through all rails (except blades)
+Placement workflow:
+) take RailClamp mesh
+) edge snap it to the middle of the first sleeper and middle of the rail
+) duplicate it along X by 0.6 m (sleeper spacing)
+) press Shift+R to repeat until you cover the full length
+) move clamps to align with the curve of the rail
+) rotate all clamps individually to match the rail direction
+Why not instances/arrays:
+  * you may need to adjust clamps individually
+  * pivots must rotate properly per clamp
+Blade clamps:
+  * use ClampK_BladeBUILD on the corresponding stock rail
+Guard clamps:
+  * use ClampK_GuardBUILD on the corresponding guard rail
+Special clamps:
+  * when clamps clip, separate them and build a “special clamp”
+----
+==== 8.10 Clamp Optimization Choices ====
+Clamps are a lot of geometry. You have two approaches:
+Correct way (best performance, more work):
+  * separate special clamps, blade clamps and guard clamps from the rest
+  * add sockets for clamp positions
+  * write down single/double clamp info
+  * place clamps via Instanced Meshes in Engine
+This is easier for symmetrical switches (especially DKW quarters).
+Lazy way (often good enough to start):
+  * export clamps as a separate StaticMesh
+  * apply strong LODs to reduce performance impact
+Recommendation:
+  * start with the lazy way
+  * optimize later if performance becomes a problem
+----
+==== 8.11 Gravel ====
+Take a gravel mesh (GravelOEBB or GravelSubway depending on usage)
+and apply curve modifiers (often multiple curve passes).
+Then:
+  * apply modifiers
+  * merge parts together (avoid overlaps / Z-fighting)
+  * make sure ends connect correctly to adjacent gravel
+UV important:
+  * gravel must match texel density of normal gravel mesh
+  * project from view (top-down) and apply same texel density
+----
+===== 9) UVs and Textures =====
+UVs are quite simple because we use a tileable trimsheet: **RailTileSet**.
+Workflow:
+  * select shiny metal parts → cube project → texel density 5.12 px/cm on a 1k texture
+  * move those UVs into the shiny section of the trimsheet (upper part)
+  * rust parts → second section
+  * repeat for wood/concrete parts
+Consistency matters:
+  * same texel density as base assets avoids “patchy” look in-game
+----
+===== 10) Rigging and Animating =====
+Imported switches need blade movement.
+We use an Armature.
+----
+==== 10.1 Rigging ====
+) Create your root bone:
+   Name: **Rail**
+) Assign a vertex group called “Rail” to everything that is static (non-moving):
+   * rails (excluding blades)
+   * frogs
+   * guards
+   * sleepers
+   * gravel
+   * clamps (if included here)
+Fast workflow:
+  * merge the static meshes temporarily
+  * select all faces
+  * CTRL+G → assign to vertex group “Rail”
+) For each blade:
+  * place your first bone at the start of the blade (thick end)
+  * move its end to the thin end
+  * subdivide the bone twice → 4 bones per blade
+  * align the bones to the curved blade centerline
+  * bones should sit in the middle of the blade
+Naming convention:
+  Blade(direction from → direction to)_(left/right blade)(bone index starting at thick end)
+Examples:
+  * BladeLR_L1
+  * BladeLR_L2
+  * BladeRL_R3
+Throw bars:
+  * vertex groups named after their attached blade
+  * include the final number accordingly
+Skinning:
+  * parent blades to the armature with Automatic Weights
+  * then verify each bone in Pose Mode (fix if something didn’t skin correctly)
+----
+==== 10.2 Animating ====
+Example: A DW usually has 2 animations:
+  * BladeSwitch1 (SW1)
+  * BladeSwitch2 (SW2)
+Typical timing example:
+  * frame 1: one blade side is “closed”
+  * frame 20: opposite blade starts moving (slightly later)
+  * frame 80: one side returns to neutral
+  * frame 100: the other side reaches the final switched position
+Example rotation values (will vary):
+  * R1: 1°
+  * R2: 0.5°
+Important:
+  * blades don’t move at the same time (offset timing)
+  * ensure flangeways can pass without clipping
+  * ensure throw bars do not intersect hollow sleepers
+Graph Editor:
+  * set curves to linear
+Output requirement:
+  * both animations must be NLA strips
+  * naming must match what you will reference in Unreal (BladeSwitch1 / BladeSwitch2)
+----
+===== 11) Exporting (FBX) =====
+Export groups (recommended):
+  * SkeletalMesh FBX (armature + blades + any skinned parts)
+  * Animations FBX (or included depending on your workflow)
+  * StaticMeshes FBX (sleepers, gravel, clamps if separate)
+  * Paths FBX (all paths can be in one FBX)
+Folder structure:
+  * follow the SDK conventions (keep it clean and consistent)
+Paths requirement:
+  * names must be clean and unique (PathLeft, PathRight, etc.)
+  * paths must share vertices at intersections
+----
+===== 12) Importing Into Unreal (SubwaySim 2 SDK) =====
+Import categories:
+----
+==== 12.1 SkeletalMesh and Animations ====
+Import the SkeletalMesh like a vehicle:
+  * place it into your plugin folder structure (ImportedSwitches / YourSwitchName / ...)
+  * import animations into an Animations subfolder
+Verify:
+  * skeleton is correct
+  * animations play correctly on preview
+----
+==== 12.2 StaticMeshes and Paths ====
+StaticMeshes:
+  * import normally
+Paths:
+  * can be imported from one FBX
+  * IMPORTANT: disable “Combine Meshes”
+  * each path must become its own StaticMesh asset
+  * verify that PathLeft/PathRight/PathStraight exist as separate meshes
+----
+===== 13) Animation Blueprint (ABP) =====
+Create an Animation Blueprint for the switch.
+Rules:
+  * place it with other imported switch ABPs (same structure)
+  * Parent Class must be: **Lua Anim Instance**
+  * follow naming conventions
+Workflow (recommended):
+  * copy/paste an existing imported switch ABP as a base
+  * make SW1 / SW2 (or your blade groups) variables in the ABP
+  * assign your Anim Sequences to those variables
+  * update “Layered Blend per Bone” to your blade bone names
+    (triple check for typos and correct order)
+If blades don’t move:
+  * wrong bone names
+  * wrong skeleton
+  * animations not assigned
+  * NLA strips not exported correctly
+----
+===== 14) Switch Blueprint Setup (RTImportedSwitchActor) =====
+This Blueprint is what you actually place in the world and what Railtool integrates with.
+It combines:
+  * SkeletalMesh component
+  * StaticMesh components (optional: gravel/clamps/sleepers if separate)
+  * Animation Blueprint
+  * RailTool2 SwitchConfigurations (critical)
+----
+==== 14.1 Create the Blueprint ====
+) Create Blueprint Class
+) Parent Class: **RTImportedSwitchActor**
+) Name it coherently, e.g.:
+   BP_IS_DW_60E1_100_1_6LR
+----
+==== 14.2 Assign Meshes and ABP ====
+In the Blueprint:
+  * assign your SkeletalMesh
+  * set Animation Mode to use your Animation Blueprint
+  * assign your ABP
+Optional:
+  * add StaticMesh components for clamps/gravel/sleepers if those were exported separately
+----
+==== 14.3 RailTool2 SwitchConfigurations ====
+Open the Blueprint Details and locate:
+  RailTool2 → SwitchConfigurations
+Each SwitchConfiguration defines one valid route through the switch.
+Each configuration links:
+  * a Path mesh (PathLeft / PathRight / PathStraight / ...)
+  * animation state values for SW1 / SW2 / ...
+Example idea:
+  * Route “Left”:
+      Path = PathLeft
+      SW1 = 1 (end)
+      SW2 = 0
+  * Route “Right”:
+      Path = PathRight
+      SW1 = 0
+      SW2 = 2
+Notes:
+  * You can cycle through SwitchConfigurations (index 0, 1, 2, …) for debugging.
+  * If you can’t see changes, check the ABP (bone names, variables, animation assignment).
+----
+==== 14.4 Optional Construction Script Toggles ====
+Some imported switches need optional toggles:
+  * hide gravel (bridge / slab track scenarios)
+  * swap sleepers (wood vs concrete)
+Typical setup:
+  * exposed variables
+  * Set Visibility calls in Construction Script
+----
+==== 14.5 Switch Motors ====
+If your switch uses motor meshes:
+  * determine motor placement in Blender
+  * copy relative location/rotation into the Blueprint
+  * optionally use an enum for motor positions (like base switches)
+----
+===== 15) Testing the Switch in the Level =====
+) Make sure you are in **Selection Mode**
+) Drag your BP_... imported switch into the level
+) Move/rotate it into position
+) Connect it with Railtool ControlPoints:
+   → [[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:laying_tracks|Laying Tracks]]
+Validate:
+  * drive each route (player and/or AI) over all paths
+  * check for clipping at frogs and blade ends
+  * verify blade animations match selected route
+  * verify signals / route setting behave as expected on connected tracks
+----
+===== 16) Extra Info: Calculating the Angle =====
+Example 1:6:
+/6 = 0.1666...
+  atan(0.1666...) = 9.462322208...
+Rounded to 4 decimals:
+.4623°
+It can be useful to maintain a list of known angles to avoid repeating the math.
+----
+===== 17) Common Pitfalls =====
+  * Paths do not share identical vertices at intersections
+  * Wrong pivot/orientation → switch doesn’t align with adjacent tracks
+  * ABP bone names mismatch → blades never move
+  * SwitchConfigurations missing/incorrect → trains take wrong routes
+  * Frog flangeway clearance wrong → clipping / derail-looking behavior
+  * Clamp geometry too heavy → performance issues (use LODs or instancing)
+  * Gravel overlaps adjacent ground → add a toggle (visibility) or adjust mesh
 ----
@@ Line 107: / Line 837: @@
 ===== Next Step =====
-Continue with:
+Once your imported switch is placed and connected successfully, continue building your track network as usual:
-  * Creating and Importing Custom Switches
-    (this section will be added next)
+  * [[manual:subwaysim:map_construction:laying_tracks|Laying Tracks]]
 {{page>manual:footer}}