I printed out layout built on Atlas RTS 8. The software enabled me to measure the location of turnous for the around-the-shelf layout. Why doesn't the software mimic real life? Whenever I connect 24" radius templates, they don't align to where I marked the turnout. I tried using some flex track measured to 24" and that also ends in a different area. How do I go from the blueprint to real-life?
This is quite annoying!
TIA!
Lee
Are you using sectiona track or flex track?
If you are using sectional track, then just assemble the sections, trace around them or mark the track centers, put down cork roadbed and then put the sectional track back on the cork.
Dave H.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
I think that it is unrealistic to expect any track planning software to allow you to print out the plan full size and make it all work without any adjustments.
What I typically do in tight areas is just print out the plan on one page. Draw 6 inch grid lines on the paper plan to scale, then draw 6 inch grid lines on the actual layout lightly, but dark enough that you can still see them. Then you should be able to see where things should be positioned, not exactly, but close. To me, a 5x12 or smaller layout is a tight area. But even on a larger layout like I am building now, when laying out a yard or small switching area, I lay it out with the items I plan on using so I can make sure it all fits correctly.
If you are working on foam, some T-pins can be used to hold the track and turnouts in place, but still will allow you to move things easily. Once everything is lined up, mark the track center line. Then you should be able to lay the split roadbed knowing that the track will connect properly.
There is a lot of trial and error involved to getting the track positioned correctly on any layout. The trick is to fasten it in place enough so you can see if it's going to work, without putting it down permanently first, so you can make changes if required.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
I did my layout in 3rdplanit version n-1. It allows you to printout the layout as templates. I taped the dozens of pages together and laid them down on the roadbed. Worded well, but it was a lot of work. Only to find out that the layout as designed was nice an complicated, but totally implausible to build scenery much less operate. Scrapped the whole durn layout and started over.
I abandoned train cads and layout my track on the deck, decide what and where I want it, mark the centers with sharpies and proceeded to track laying. I find simple is better. Quite satisfied with the results.
I can't imagine for a minute that your current conundrum is the only one you have or will have with the cads.
Just my 2 cents.
Joe Daddy
"No battle plan ever survives first contact with the enemy."
Likewise, no small-scale track plan ever survives the first contact between track and roadbed.
My personal solution is to temporarily lay the track on the subgrade, shifting as necessary to adjust alignment. Care has to be taken to maintain the designed radius for each curve. Turnouts might have to have some of the stright rail trimmed off if the diverging side, but will actually be the components that determine exactly where the whole track pattern will finally settle down.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
kasskaboose wrote: I printed out layout built on Atlas RTS 8. The software enabled me to measure the location of turnous for the around-the-shelf layout. Why doesn't the software mimic real life? Whenever I connect 24" radius templates, they don't align to where I marked the turnout. I tried using some flex track measured to 24" and that also ends in a different area. How do I go from the blueprint to real-life? This is quite annoying! Lee
Others have answered your question about going from blueprint to real-life - you don't without changes. Now let me explain some of the reasons why this is so...
And I have to ask - did you measure the 24" radius to the track centerline? If not, that's a more than 1/4" error every 90 degrees of turn. I don't know about you, but given the springiness of Atlas flex track, there is no way I could maintain a consistent, exactly 24" radius from end to end. The best I can do is draw a 24" radius and then try to lay the track on that centerline. But there will be small deviations from 24" radius, particularly near the end of the track section unless I exercise real care.
Hope this helps with understanding the nature of the beast. These are just some of the reasons we have to do as-built drawings in the projects I've managed after construction, instead of just relying on the initial plans. If we just use initial plans, the building/system can't be modified because the initial plans are too far from reality.
Fred W
fwright wrote:How accurate is the software model of the track geometry? In Atlas's case, they have been manufacturing track for decades, at a variety of plants. Recently, much of their track has been manufactured in China. Do you think the track has remained identical through all these changes, or at least the same to .01 inches? I don't, especially when they are on their 4th redesign of their Custom-Line turnouts.Speaking of turnouts, (precise geometry discussion snipped) But who has actually measured to know?Manufacturing tolerances are another source of error. I've never measured Atlas track over the years to check for differences. But I do know from measuring that Lionel O27 straight track has varied in length from 8.75" to 9.00" from one piece to another. That's enough to cause a kink in a small oval. Similarly, some non-Atlas HO sectional track from a train set was enough off in the curves that it was impossible to lay a circle or oval without kinks.And I have to ask - did you measure the 24" radius to the track centerline? If not, that's a more than 1/4" error every 90 degrees of turn. I don't know about you, but given the springiness of Atlas flex track, there is no way I could maintain a consistent, exactly 24" radius from end to end. The best I can do is draw a 24" radius and then try to lay the track on that centerline. But there will be small deviations from 24" radius, particularly near the end of the track section unless I exercise real care.Hope this helps with understanding the nature of the beast. These are just some of the reasons we have to do as-built drawings in the projects I've managed after construction, instead of just relying on the initial plans. If we just use initial plans, the building/system can't be modified because the initial plans are too far from reality.Fred W
The long discussion about real versus theoretical turnout dimensions are the best argument I can think of for building your own specialwork. You don't have to second-guess the manufacturer if you ARE the manufacturer.
The best way I have found to lay Atlas flex to a precise radius is three part:
Fred made another good point. Once you've established where track is really located, go back and develop an 'as built' drawing. It will be invaluable if you ever want to add to or change the layout.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - Atlas flex, hand-laid specialwork)
I have measured the Atlas Customline turnouts and they appear to be 12.5 degrees and 9.5 degrees. The 12.5, 19.0, & 25.0 degree crossing appear to confirm that. I have used the RTS software and have had no problems translating from CAD to layout. I have only 'printed' a couple areas for some 'test fitting' and it works pretty well. What I have noticed is that one can seem to 'cram' tighter track arrangements into a space that what RTS will allow! I suspect somewhere along the line I may have 'cheated' on some of my flex-track curves. I have only done this for some industry tracks....
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin