Help with layout software

[TurboOne]

Randy and anyone else that might know.......................HELP

I like your layout Randy, and started working with Atlas downloadable software for designing my layout. I can get a straight piece of flex to lay down properly, but I can't get a 36 inch flex track curve to look like it does on your website layout page. I get little short pieces, 11-18 inches long, or I get a deformed 57 inch stop sign shaped piece.

I modified your layout idea to have only 6 foot connectors top and bottom due to size available in garage, just can't get it to 16 feet across, 14 is pushing hard, and I have two full 4 x 8 at the ends, lots of room for future scenery.

But I just can't get that flex to curve properly.

Did you use the Atlas software, or another ?

Anyone use the atlas. I like the price but not the frustration.

Tim

[rrinker]

Sorry, I haven't used the Atlas software. I might have downloaded it and have it floating around somewhere, but I used 3rd PlanIt. You can download a demo of that to try it out before you buy it, but it (and any of the other RR CAD programs) are a LOT more complex than the Atlas software. Unless you have some CAD background as I do, or are prepared to invest some time in learning the program - these are not install it now, by dinner time have drawn the Gorre & Daphetid types of things - stick with the atlas. Not sure how to solve your problem, but I can't imagine there isn't some way to drag it to any desired radius. Perhaps some sort of 'lock' option that's checked that forces it to conform to snap-track dimensions?

--Randy

[BRVRR]

Tim,
If you are going to pre-form the flex to a given radius, click on 'Special' then on shape flex track. Then enter the radius you want and the degrees of coverage. Max degrees are 90. I you are inserting flex track with the add flex track tool. Click on the two pieces of track where you want to insert the flex track. Once it is in place, click on the Shape flex track tool then on one end or the other of your new flex track. Lines and black balls will appear. Move the balls up or down the lines to shape your track. It takes some practice, but you can get good results.
Hope this helps. Remember, it's your railroad.

[tstage]

Tim,

You can manipulate the flex track by clicking the "shape flex track" button right underneath the flex track button in the button bar. You will see two separate lines with ball attached to each. Click ahead or behind the balls with your mouse to move them in or out. The closer the ball (or, the shorter the line) is to the end of the track, the flatter the curve or arc will become.

Play around with it some more, Tim. It's quirky but it can still do some nifty things. Hope that helps...

Tom

[JimRCGMO]

For anyone who may come across this post who uses a Macintosh system, I can recommend RailModeller (shareware, and when you pay your fee you can save and print the files you create). There's also Empire Exress, but when I checked the demos on both, I liked RailModeller better. [2c]

Jim in Cape Girardeau