Placing the middle rail between top and bottom rails causes the bottom rail to not link with the middle rail to the east direction

Steps to produce:

1. Place 3 blocks in a staircase style facing the east direction.
2. Place the first rail on ground level next to the 3 blocks
3. Place the second rail at the top of the 3 blocks
4. Place the third rail in the middle between the two rails.

Expected results:

The first and second rails should link correctly in sloped blocks that are facing the east direction.

Observed results:

The first rail (bottom rail) fails to connect with the middle rail when facing the east direction.