The code of init{} of a subclass of CustomNode is execute AFTER the call to the create():Node function. I guess because this function is called in CustomNode init{}.

Doing so forces the object's initialization code to be put into the create() function instead of the init{} - where it is supposed to be. Besides this, there's something counter-intiutive in calling an object function BEFORE it's init{} has completed.

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CODE SAMPLE
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/*
 * EarlyNode.fx
 *
 * Code sample to show CustomNode initializes too early.
 *
 * Created on 13-aug-2009, 13:46:11
 */

package testfx;

import javafx.stage.Stage;
import javafx.scene.*;
import javafx.scene.shape.Circle;

class Tire extends CustomNode {

    var diameter = 0;
    var radius = 0;

    init {
        println("Initializing node - executed AFTER the create() function");
        radius = diameter/2;
    }

    override public function create():Node {
        println("Creating node - executed BEFORE the init block");
        Circle {
            centerX: diameter + 20
            centerY: diameter + 20;
            radius: radius;
        }
    }
}


Stage {
    title: "Application title"
    scene: Scene {
        content: Tire{
                    diameter: 50;
                 };
    }
}