converting trackplan

[IRONROOSTER]

You can modify the turnouts a little by shortening the legs. Also, if you can build it in a little larger space - an extra 6+ inches that might help.
Enjoy
Payl

[Big_Boy_4005]

You could just get some butcher paper (the white kind). and draw a grid. I suspect that the plan in the book has a grid on it already, most do. Rather than bothering with the computer, draw the grid on your paper, and transfer the plan.

You WILL need the switch templates that DSchmitt mentioned, but beyond that, you're pretty well set. If this is mainly a switching layout, there shouldn't be too many curves. If there a lot of curves, templates for those might be handy too.

[DSchmitt]

Sectional track might not work too well. The real problem with making it using flex track would caused by the turnout geometry, if it is too different from what he designed. This is true of all track plans.

If you could get full size templets for various brands, you could lay them out and see what fits. You may want to mix brands of turnouts (although I usually don't). RR CAD programs are helpfull but nothing beats seeing it full size. Some CAD programs will let you print full size so you can make your own templets. If you have access to some turnouts a copy machine can also be used. You don't need both left and right because the templet can be flipped.[:)]

[Anonymous]

Flex is going to be close to handlaid in terms of the flexibility (no pun intended) that you get from it. You could transfer Iain's plan to your layout space, and simply install the track along the lines. To convert to sectional, you might have a harder time. In this case, it might be better to base your plan on his. Try the Atlas RTS planning software to create your own version.

Andrew

[Anonymous]

I would like to build a trackplan out of Ian Rice's Small, Smart & Practical trackplans book, plan #13 the Chartaris Branch stub terminal. I would just build the terminal, not the peninsula. anyway, I would like to know how to convert the trackplan to sectional or flex track, as the plan looks like it was desined for handlaid track. Thanks for any help!