I decided to update my 2 x 8 trackplan, i want to add a mainline at the bottom where trains can enter or leave the layout, the problem is that i can't figure out what pieces of track i'd need, the mainline needs to stretch from the beginning to the end of the layout, but nothing i come up with works, i can't figure out the track arrangement needed to have the turnout where i want AND at the same time have the mainline going all the way from start to end. here it is http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah278/picklemonkey1234567890/LAYOUT%20UPDATE_zpsooipxahx.png . also can someone list all the specific pieces of atlas track i need to build this layout? i changed a few industries too, some building designs haven't been figured out yet so they are just represented with the name of the industry
Download the free trial version of AnyRail and you should be able to figure it out for yourself. It comes with libraries for all the major track systems. The trial version is limited on how many track pieces you can use in a layout, but it's more than enough for what you're doing.
The AnyRail website: https://www.anyrail.com/index_en.html (https://www.anyrail.com/index_en.html) Just click the green 'Download' box below the AnyRail logo.
Len
If you're set on using Atlas track, then go to Atlas' site and download their track planning software. Has all their track and a bunch of Walthers and other buildings in it. And it's free with no limitations on number of pieces of track.
Sid
I know that SCARM also has an inventory of Atlas track and turnouts/switches in their data base. That is not the same as the Atlas software, is it Sid?
Quote from: jbrock27 on January 03, 2016, 10:19:57 AM
I know that SCARM also has an inventory of Atlas track and turnouts/switches in their data base. That is not the same as the Atlas software, is it Sid?
The Atlas software is here: http://www.atlasrr.com/software.htm (http://www.atlasrr.com/software.htm)
Except for crossings, other than 90deg, crossovers, and numbered turnouts, it can also be used for planning basic EZ-Track layouts. But the AnyRail demo includes an EZ-Track, as well as other track systems, library.
Len
Thank you Len :)
atlas's layout planning software, the current version, is a stripped down version of scarm. it contains only the atlas track, if you want other brands like ez track, get the full version of scarm. or (highly recommended) buy the full version of anyrail.
Thank you for the further info Jeff :)
That's a nice little layout, Sedfred. My layout is more or less two of those on either end with two similar but somewhat reduced settlements out on the line.
I have tried AnyRail and found it very difficult to use.
scarm is not as user friendly as anyrail.
what are you having difficulty with?
I tried anyrail and scarm and they are not helping me at all, whoever polished up my ms paint track plan can you please list the pieces of track needed? it's not that i'm lazy or stupid, i am really struggling to use these programs, they are not user friendly to me!
One reason why I went with regular sectional track and bought a pair of Xuron Rail Cutters! ;)
one thing we all need to take into consideration when using these layout planning programs is that numbered switches usually don't correspond exactly to standard curved track pieces. when building a layout, there is enough wiggle room that you can make them work even though they are not an exact fit. the layout programs, however, do not have this wiggle room. they are exact, and this can throw things off a bit when planning a layout with them.
examples: atlas #6 is 9.5 degrees, atlas#4 is 12.8 degrees, those will work with 1/3 and 1/2 18r sections in real life but not using software. the ez track #5 is 12 degrees, and will work in the software with the 12 degree 35.5r ez track curve.
one of the software programs that is no longer available had a feature where you could use sections of flex track to create user defined sections like a 12.8 degree 24r curve. this is one feature i'd love to see repeated in scarm and anyrail.
Quote from: sedfred on January 10, 2016, 01:50:22 AM
I tried anyrail and scarm and they are not helping me at all, whoever polished up my ms paint track plan can you please list the pieces of track needed? it's not that i'm lazy or stupid, i am really struggling to use these programs, they are not user friendly to me!
I think that was me. I used 'RR-Track', which is a fairly easy to use program, but it's not free. I don't remember if I saved it, or just did a "quick and dirty" without saving. I'll check after lunch.
Len
This is why I suggested the Atlas software. He wants to use Atlas track, the program is free, the program is easy to use, the program is accurate for Atlas track and you get a full version....no limitations.
But what do I know? ::)
Sid
Sid - I don't disagree, that's why I posted the link to the Atlas software earlier. I use RR-Track because I needed something fast, easy to use, and with multiple libraries, when my shop was still open.
At any rate, the track list is:
Item list for 2x8_Switching layout
QTY DESCRIPTION
(3) Atlas c.100 168 36.0 in FlexTrack
(18) Atlas c.100 821 9.0 in straight
(5) Atlas c.100 822 6.0 in straight
(3) Atlas c.100 823 3.0 in straight
(1) Atlas c.100 847-3 1.25 in straight
(2) Atlas c.100 847-4 2.00 in straight
(2) Atlas c.100 281 Mark IV #4 LH turnout
(6) Atlas c.100 282 Mark IV #4 RH turnout
(8) Atlas c.100 843 track bumper
Note that most of the FlexTrack sections, and many of the 9" straights, are "trimmed to fit" in several locations.
Len
sid as I have said before, atlas software may be free but it is not the full version.
scarm is the full version, and it is also free. and it has multiple libraries not just atlas.
scarm also has a serious limitation if you are planning a layout with grades. it will not allow you to place switches on a grade, which is a major drawback if you are modeling a mountain railroad. you can have a grade leading to and from the switch, but the switch itself must be level. anyrail does not have that problem.
What's a "track plan"? ;D
I've never drawn a track plan for any of the six model railroads I've built in my life.
They ranged from the pre-early teen years British 4 x 8, through the later teen years 12 x 12 foot British Railway (Southern Region) in my parent's attic and then the 2 x 12 switching layout of my bachelor years followed by the 12 x 16 foot Great Eastern Railway sometimes seen on this message board and now the latest 10 x 33 foot version of the Great Eastern Railway.
Never once put pencil to paper to draw a plan. However, I must admit, in the latest version of the GER I did base it on the Rutland's Alburgh Yard but this was how it was "planned":-
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l99/rogertra/The%20new%20Great%20Eastern%20Railway/DSCF0736.jpg) (http://s94.photobucket.com/user/rogertra/media/The%20new%20Great%20Eastern%20Railway/DSCF0736.jpg.html)
And this: -
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l99/rogertra/The%20new%20Great%20Eastern%20Railway/DSCF0735.jpg) (http://s94.photobucket.com/user/rogertra/media/The%20new%20Great%20Eastern%20Railway/DSCF0735.jpg.html)
However, not having a plan doesn't mean I do not have a clear(ish) vision of how I see each "station" or switching area developing. I have a good idea of how the prototype lays out yards and industries and that's what I am guided by. Plus, I keep in mind I want a realistic model of a railroad and not a model railroad. There is a difference.
Cheers
Roger T.
Quote from: jward on January 10, 2016, 05:04:10 PM
sid as I have said before, atlas software may be free but it is not the full version.
scarm is the full version, and it is also free. and it has multiple libraries not just atlas.
scarm also has a serious limitation if you are planning a layout with grades. it will not allow you to place switches on a grade, which is a major drawback if you are modeling a mountain railroad. you can have a grade leading to and from the switch, but the switch itself must be level. anyrail does not have that problem.
And you keep trying to complicate things for the lad. He's using Atlas track on a perfectly flat layout. Why make things difficult?
BTW.....I planned my layout with the Atlas software. My trackplan is shown in my thread. Had no issues with the grade thing and turnouts.......it's really not that hard to work around. When it came time to lay track, things worked out to within an 1/8th of an inch on the plywood compared to the plan. Same as when I did my HOe layout. Being only 18"X36" I was able to print the track plan and use it as a template. Again, 4 percent grades proved not to be an issue, and everything fit as planned.
Sid
Quote from: rogertra on January 10, 2016, 06:18:24 PM
What's a "track plan"? ;D
I've never drawn a track plan for any of the six model railroads I've built in my life.
Never once put pencil to paper to draw a plan.
Cheers
Roger T.
My kinda guy, except for this part...
Quote from: rogertra on January 10, 2016, 06:18:24 PM
...keep in mind I want a realistic model of a railroad and not a model railroad.
Cheers
Roger T.