what's the best way to model this stair?

[Dave Brach]

This is a concrete stair that needs a continuous handrail on one side. At first I tried using the stairmaker tool, but could not figure that out-for one thing there does not seem to be a way to do an L shape stair with two intermediary landings. So I did a complex profile, but now can't figure out how to add a continuous hand rail. How are people modeling stairs with guard/hand rails? The process seems incredibly clunky and time-consuming.

[Laszlo Nagy]

You should be able to create this Stair using the Design\Create Stair using Selection command. Check the Help file for specifics.

[Anonymous]

Dave,

A general comment for all modeling work is to decide how much needs to be in 3d. As far as handrails go - there is no one button solution, unless you can be content with the stair tool.

Custom handrails: search the forum for "TrussMaker" and "handrail" or some similar combination. TrussMaker allows you to draw a 2d figure in various line colors, then TrussMaker will auto generate a 3d custom truss with either round or square elements in whatever size and direction you have chosen for that color of line. Counter intuitive that TrussMaker is your friend in this case, but very cool in actual use.

If your handrail is ultra simple, try the pipe special objects, or columns and beams.

Mark