My question concerns how cad programs make curves with flex track. I’ve never used one but I can understand how a cad program, such as 3DPlanit, would handle drawing a layout with sectional track. The lengths and curves of the track are in set dimensions so it should be fairly easy, once the correct measurements of the benchwork is entered, to draw a layout with sectional track. But I don’t understand how you would do it with flex track that might be curved in less than standard, i.e. 23 1/2 inch radius or 14 3/8th inch in length.
Also, when the layout is drawn, how is this transferred exactly to the benchtop. For instance, let’s say you have an oval of track that is a 22 inch radius and this oval diverges to straight track, like in a dogbone layout. Just after the track straightens you need to put in a switch for a spur that goes back into the open area of the oval. Does the cad program show you EXACTLY where the switch will be and can this be easily done on the benchwork?
I hope I’ve explained the question well enough to be understood.
Thanks for any help!
Jarrell
Simple, there is a tool that allows you to"CONNECT with EASEMENT" or “CONNECT with CIRCLE” these are your curve controls. You can LOCK the radius to you minimum and it will connect with that radius. ALSO when you start your drawing you select sectionel or flex. You can swap back and forth. Looks like this:
In 3PI every piece of track is located on a grid by precise measurements available to the user on screen. You can set Reference Points locatable to the layout room and the benchwork and measurements for each piece of track from each reference point are available. All track and other objects are therefore locatable by triangulation. You can also print out the layout in 1:1 size and trace it onto benchwork. Yes, you can know exactly where each piece of track or other object is located along with data about the length, curvature, elevation, grade, and other aspects. Have fun!
And other CAD programs (except the Atlas freebie) work pretty much the same way. You draw some lines. Connect them with curves, with or without easements. Connect them with turnouts to make sidings and yards. Connect them with crossovers to make, well, crossovers. You can manually add elements like turnouts and it will ‘snap’ to the end of a line as you drag it into the drawing.
–Randy
Sound simple enough!
Thanks fellas for the explanations.
Jarrell