Well, I just lay the track pieces out on the foam. I use large T-pins to hold it in place, and just build it and make it fit. Then when I am satisfied with a section, I mark the centerline of the track on the foam between the ties, about every fourth tie or so. Take the track up and draw in the center line. If you display your grid in the program then print it out, you can select several reference points to transfer to your layout so you can keep things straight and on track so to speak.
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.
You can set your zoom factor to 1. The click on "View", select "Page Preview" from the pop up menu. This will show you what your layout will look like when printed. If you print it like this, it will be full size. I used this method to print templates for my turnouts. I then glued them into place with diluted white glue. I glued the turnout down on top of the template using latex caulk. Don't put any under where the moving parts of the turnout, though. Once the turnouts were in place, I connected them with flex track.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
I have access to an architectural firm's printer so I was able to print the file out in full size. You could probubly print it out at a local STAPLES or Kinko's.
-tim
I designed my layout in RTS 7. How do I replicate the computer layout on the blue or white styrofoam? (i.e. tools to use, books to consult, etc.) The styrofoam will serve as the sub-roadbed. I plan on attaching cork to the styrofoam after getting an idea of how the layout will look. Anyone have suggestions on going from the blueprint stage to the actual design?
If necessary, feel free to send me a PM with your email address, so I can send you the RTS 7 file.
TIA!
Lee