question about RTS

[N737AA]

I have designed my entire layout using RTS.  Once you figure out how to use it, it is a great tool.  My layout is no 4x8 either.  It is a multi-level 36'x22' 350 ft mainline layout with a major yard and three staging yards.

I found I had to make very few changes when actually laying track.  It works great and would recommend it to anyone.

Regards,

[Cannoli]

The newer RTS 8.0 has a convert to flex track feature. I layout my proposed plan with the sectional pieces and then when I am satisfied I use the convert to flex track tool.

[MPRR]

On the RTS, I usually lay sectional track to see where things may go. Then I go back to begining of curve and delete all sectional track. I will then use flex and tweak around the connection points until I get the radii I want. Minus a lot of the "specialty" tracks, I find the program decent. I have xtrkcad, I just haven't gotten into it yet. Maybe in the future when I get into hand laying track, I may look into it.

Mike

[BCSJ]

I currently use RTS 7.0    My plan isn't set in stone on it, but it gives me a pretty good idea what will work. My question is:  Is there a rolling stock library? I have been just counting every 9" straight section as 1 car length. Roughly. But I thought it would be great if there was a rolling stock library that I could just insert cars onto the track. Thanks for your help.

Mike

In HO scale a 40' car is about 6".  HO is 1/87th full size so you can figure this out for any car you'd like.

85' car  * 12"/ft / 87 = 11.72" long

N scale is 1/160th of full size so

85' car * 12"/ft / 160 = 6.38" long

FWIW I found RTS to be a very trivial model railroad design program. If you stay in the hobby long enough you'll probably discover the advantages of flex track vs sectional track and at that point RTS will start showing its drawbacks.

Until then though, the price is right...

Good luck to you,

Charlie Comstock 

 

[MPRR]

thanks, I'll check it out

Mike

[dadret]

I just downloaded RTS 8.0 but I can't find a rolling stock library -  I'd go to the Atlas forum too.

[MPRR]

I currently use RTS 7.0    My plan isn't set in stone on it, but it gives me a pretty good idea what will work. My question is:  Is there a rolling stock library? I have been just counting every 9" straight section as 1 car length. Roughly. But I thought it would be great if there was a rolling stock library that I could just insert cars onto the track. Thanks for your help.

Mike