Drawing accurate track plans?

[n2mopac]

I downloaded the new Atlas RTS software and tried it. I looked up my old version that I didn't like. It was version 3.0--very old. Anyway, the new version is working fairly well. I will share my plan on here when I get the track arrangement input.

Ron

[n2mopac]

The problem is Peco and those darn curved frogs. They don't truly match anyone elses, though they work in reality like a dream.

Ron

[Anonymous]

I've found RTS to be highly accurate. And with little effort (certainly far less than it took me to learn XTrack or 3rdPlanit) you can use it for any sort of track. I use no sectional track, and have never had an issue.

So how do I use RTS without being limited to the Atlas sectional track. I simply use 2 fairly easy techniques:

A) You can create darn near any radius curve using the "parallel track" function. Set down a curve using the 18" or 22" Atlas track in the program, then create parallel tracks inside or outside, specifying the spacing between to achieve whatever radius you want. My layout uses mostly 30" and 32" radius, so I created a 30" and 32" half-circle, dragged it over to the edge, and did copy-paste for whatever I needed.

B) The flextrack function also allows tremendous flexibility in using "non-sectional" track as needed

Between these two, mechanisms, I've never felt overly constrained.

The one thing RTS definitely won't do is lay down eased curves... But when I've used other programs to do so, I've found it highly inaccurate and hard to control anyhow. That's certainly an area where I think it's easier to do it during tracklaying than to try and over-detail a plan. Just know that you need to leave some 'wiggle room' at start and finish of curves, and do the easing in whatever way you prefer (I used to calculate them, now just eyeball them).

I do use Atlas turnouts, and find the program to be extremely accurate in laying them out. But, I also use some walthers turnouts, and if you lay down a #6 atlas in the plan and use a #6 walthers in reality, there's no variation I can find... Can't speak to other turnout makes, as don't use them.

[Anonymous]

Winrail has a library of Peco track.

[n2mopac]

Isn't it funny how what you're looking for often comes along just when you need it. I got my advance copy of Model Railroad Planning in the mail today when I went home for lunch. In it is a booklet on the very subject of drawing good track plans. I havn't had time to read it yet, but I will tonight and I'll let y'all know if I learn anything really helpful.

Ron

[tstage]

Ron,

I can't remember for sure, but I think the Atlas RTS software might.

Tom

[n2mopac]

Thanks for all the good thoughts. 2 additional pieces of information. 1) My biggest issue is with accuracy of drawing turnouts, especially in yard ladders. I am currently building my new layout and I found my drawing to be quite inaccurate (fortunately I was able to rearrance the yard structure and make it work). 2) Do any of these programs have templates for Peco turnouts? I know the Atlas software does not (for obvious reasons).

Ron

[IRONROOSTER]

There's nothing wrong with drawing the layout on graph paper. I did it that way for years before the cad programs. I still find it easier and more accurate. Some things that make it easier for me are:
1. Use the graph paper that has dark lines about an inch apart, lighter lines at the half inch and then even lighter lines in between. If you can find it, 12 gradations between the heavy lines is nice because that makes the fine lines an inch apart. Draw your layout using the heavy lines at a foot. (2 if the layout is small). The fine lines help you accurately place tracks.
2. Determine all your critical measurements. If your minimum radius is 12", then you know that a 180 degree curve requires 24" + 2" (for the side clearance) = 26" minimum bench width. If your minimum track spacing is 1", then you can fit 12 tracks side by side in 1 a foot space with centers starting at 1/2". And so forth. Measure your turnouts so you can allow enough length.
3. When drawing a turnout, use the fine lines to keep it accurate. For example a #5 turnout should be drawn so that you take five fine lines along the track for it to diverge 1 fine line.
4. Use a compass to draw curves.
5. When I build the layout, I draw the track lines before laying any track or roadbed. I use a trammel for the curves (string and pencil is not as accurate for me) and a tape measure to mark points on the tangents which I then connect using a yardstick. Start with any areas that you know are going to be tight - near a wall, edge of the layout, lots of turnouts, etc.
Good luck
Paul

[MisterBeasley]

I used the Atlas program, too. It was pretty good, but not good enough to position track to the millimeter with. However, I think of these programs as "plans," not "blueprints." Once I start laying track, I'm using flextrack which is much more difficult to accurately represent on a drawing than it is to put down on the roadbed. Also, the Atlas program only lets you use Atlas track, so such things as Peco's curve-on-curve turnouts can not be drawn.

A number of us have noticed that they've gotten into "analysis paralysis," where they just can't get beyond tinkering with the track plan software. At some point, you have to go to Home Depot and buy some lumber and foam. That's when the fun really starts!

[Tom Bryant_MR]

Ron, what I have found the CAD stuff really good for is virtual test running. I use XtrkCad and it supports creating and running trains on the plan you draw. I have found in many cases where I have designed and drawn a siding or a yard track that is too short for the amount of cars I need to place there.

If you go the s/w route, recommend you check if RTS supports running a virtual train. Been a long time since I tried it.

[jbinkley60]

I used 3rd PlanIt. There was a little learning curve but I found the ability to make changes to be a huge help. Also the ability to visualize in 3D. I continually forget the Z axis and being able to visualize this 3rd demension helped greatly.

[Anonymous]

I used RTS.

Mike in Tulsa
BNSF Cherokee Sub

[rrinker]

If you don't know CAD, the learning curve can be steep. Unless you are using only Atlas track, you'll need at least XTrackCAD, at the Atlas program onlyicludes Atlas track products (naturally).
As an alternative, if you don't already have it, pick up a copy of Track Planning for Realistic Operation by John Armstrong and especially note the section on the 'squares' method and how to make sure what you draw will actually fit int he space. If you follow the squares method, you don't have to draw perfect arcs and be entirely accurate. FOr example, you can fit a complete 180 degree turn of double track in the space of 2 squares. If you draw by hand and don;t put the lines in precisely the right spot, so long as the space you measure does have the necessary 2 quares of width you can be assured that it will fit when you build it.
I use 3rdPlanIt. For my first section I printed the whole thing out full-size and used it as a template to mark the benchwork. NEVER NEVER again. It was FAR too much effort for little value in the end (not to mention a waste of paper - I have scratch paper for all eternity now). From ow on, I will print the plan in a large format, just not 100% full-size, and use it as a guide to track location. I have no reason to located the track to the tenth of where it is on some plan, it just has to be close, and it will all fit as drawn.

--Randy

[dickencr]

I can tell you from personal experience that any drafting program that provides a solid guide is invaluable. I use the Altas RTS with excellent results. Printing it 1:1 for a template is an EXCELLENT idea. Not that it's perfect, but it does provide a great beginning.

http://home.earthlink.net/~cdicken675/Track_Plan.htm

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by n2mopac
Share your proven techniques for drawing accurate track plans for your layout.

I never believe a drawing. There are so many variations in the manufactures track. I only use drawings for approximations. The "accurate" plan is the one laid out with real track or photocopies of the real track on the real space that is going to be used.

I have found that if one is using Atlas track that the RTS is more accurate than the generic planning tools.

[SMassey]

I like to use XtrkCAD myself. You can download it for free at http://www.sillub.com

It is free software and there is a link to register it online again for free. I believe you have to register it to use the N scale stuff. Also there are tutorials in the help menu that shows you how to use the different features.

Good luck drawing your track plan

[jwmurrayjr]

Ron,

Same answer, the free RTS from http://www.atlasrr.com/

It's a good start.

[n2mopac]

I will admit that I am no drafter, but I wanted to draw the most accurate set of plans that I could before I started building my new layout. I bought an N scale template and went to work on graph paper. The plans looked good, but now that I am drawing the trackplan onto the layout I am learning that my plan is quite inaccurate. In most areas I am able to actually fit more track on the layout than the plan showed (turnouts take less space) while my curves are taking more space than planned. Share your proven techniques for drawing accurate track plans for your layout.

Ron