XtrkCad Question: How do you join tracks to a helix?

[CSX_road_slug]

I am trying to design a double-deck layout using XtrkCad, and I absolutely cannot join any tracks to a helix.  I can create the helix, but that's it - it won't let me join any tracks.  The HELP documentation says it can be done, but it doesn't explain how to do it.  Has anybody here figured out how to join tracks to a helix in XtrkCad?

BTW - I tried posting this question on the Yahoo XtrkCad group, but none of my posts [or anybody else's] are showing up on the message board - it's unchanged since this morning.  So this forum is my only hope.  TIA

[SpaceMouse]

 I've never tried it.Do you need it to run?

You could put put in the helix. Drop a circle with same radius and center point on top of it and connect to the circle.

One thing you might try is using the track extension tool on the end of the helix and make a straight extension. Then attach to the extension at the point it comes off the helix.  

 

 

 

[CSX_road_slug]

[ Hi Chip - been awhile hasn't it! ]

Actually, I figured it out early this morning.  I had been trying to use the 'connect' function when I really was supposed to use the 'join' function [for joining track sections that are at least a few inches apart].  With the 'join' command, as long as I click on the helix first, I can join it to a nearby properly-aligned track.  I tested this approach and it worked.

Thanks for replying!

SpaceMouse

... Do you need it to run?

  I like to do 'virtual ops', because they help me identify potential trouble spots such as too-short passing sidings, etc.

[steinjr]

CSX_road_slug

am trying to design a double-deck layout using XtrkCad, and I absolutely cannot join any tracks to a helix.  I can create the helix, but that's it - it won't let me join any tracks

 

 Here is what I did:

 1) Make a helix, define height difference 6", 5 turns, 24" radius, place on plan

 2) Make a piece of track a little bit away from helix

 3) Use join tool to add flextrack from separate piece to somewhere on helix

 4) Change to another layer

 5) Make another piece of track a little way away from helix

 6) Use join tool to add flextrack from second  separate piece in anoi

 7) Use elevation tool to set one join at elevation 0, other at elevation 6

 8) Add engine, run it into helix, watch it do five rounds and then head out on other track

 Seemed easy enough ?

 

 Stein

 

 

 Didn't seem like there was any

[CSX_road_slug]

steinjr

Here is what I did:

 <<snip>>

. . . Seemed easy enough ?

 

Stein - thanks for replying, after a good nights sleep I finally discovered what I had been doing wrong (see my reply to Chip above).  I was running late for work so I didn't have time to update this thread - sorry about that!