The software – 3D Railroad Concept & Design by Abracadata – I used to prepare plans for my layout printed out my plans at 1:12 scale which fits the entire layout on an 8.5" x 11" page.
The 1:12 scale is convenient since 1" on the plans equals 12" in real life – no scratchin my head trying to do calculations. But it is convenient only to a point. I have somewhat intricate track geometry in the area I will be working on soon. I would like to use a photocopier to enlarge this portion of the plans so that I can have 1:1 scale (full-size) plans to make track laying simpler. However, I am not sure what percentage I should use.
So my question to you is : By what percentage do I enlarge a 1:12 scale image to be 1:1 scale (full-size) with a photocopier ?
Before you ask “well, why don’t you just have the program print at 1:1 instead of 1:12 ?”, a virus infected my computer last spring and I had to have Windows re-installed. Silly (read “stupid”) me, I did not have a copy of the plans saved to cd, so I lost the file. I only have a print-out. (I was very lucky to have a print-out of the latest version.). I’d rather not have to re-do the plan just to print out at a larger scale.
I have learned three important lessons about my experience with losing data due to a computer virus… (1) backup onto cd often; (2) be extremely explicit in your instructions to tech support; and (3) never let anyone else use your computer to access the internet. I lost some important files (including photos of a trip to the Mt-Washington and Conway Scenic Railways); time and money (to fix the computer); and a friend. Guess which I mourn most.