@rhysifan said:
WOW! curviloft works like a charm.
thank you!
In your case, I would suggest you use Curviloft "Loft by Spline" (instead of Loft Along), so ignoring the curve.
Just select the two faces, and then use the method "Orthogonal Elliptic" (small red arc of circle icon in the button palette).
This will make the bended portion orthogonal to each straight rail end.
Fredo