Adding "modules"

[RJPugh]

Hello, trackers.

In the download area I've seen layouts that are described as "modules" that can be added to other layouts. I assume this means that a user can take the base boards of these module layouts, and concatenate them to an another layout. Sort of like how conventional model railroaders connect N-track or T-track segments. Is this the case? And if so, where can I find instructions on how to do this? If this is covered in an FAQ somewhere, or in some other documents, I haven't found it yet, so link pointers would be great, too.

Thanks in advance,

RJPugh

 

[shaneturner12]

The process to do that is called merging. See the thread in my signature for a link to my merging tutorial, which includes images on how it is done.

Shane

 

[ray_whiley]

In the download area I've seen layouts that are described as "modules" that can be added to other layouts. I assume this means that a user can take the base boards of these module layouts, and concatenate them to an another layout.

This is certainly the case with my 'station-only' modules to UK standards. These are one or two baseboards with track, platforms and immediate station buildings but no other scenery whatsoever. They can be used in any order, separated by additional baseboards to give distance, or added to other layouts, as desired. If you would like to see them look for category Layouts and KUID 275817.

Ray

 

[JCitron]

Some time ago there was an initiative here a project, perhaps would be a better word for it, called the U-Make series. A group of creators got together and made some modules based with a specific track location. The tracks were set a certain distance from the edges, at a specific places on the baseboards, and everything was at zero-height. The purpose was just as you say to create routes that were put together like the N-Track and HO equivalent modular layouts.

Given the limitations of the design, this didn't go too far and disappeared after a short time, but periodically the idea comes up again. There are still modules up on the DLS available for download today.

John

 

[oknotsen]

periodically the idea comes up again

This is the most recent "come up":
Modular Multiplayer Routes.
I am still considering putting some new life into that group, probably after my scheduled work trips.

 

[cascaderailroad]

While snapping together ready made modules can be fun and easy, it is better to study them and learn how they were made, and build your own modules yourself.

The exception is a "Sprial Helix" which I am considering building.

 

[oknotsen]

Already being worked on! (off topic)

Going off-topic for a second;

a "Sprial Helix" which I am considering building.

After playing with these kind of constructions to realize my Multi Level Layout, I figured I should continue making more material of that kind and see what comes from it. They might be handy at some point, for example to cover height differences between two routes when merging.
So as a result I have the raw design of two different size Spirals made in Blender ready and did a few tests in Trainz with them already.

I will finish the construction of them after my current business trip as I don't have the right software installed on my work laptop.

If you have any specific idea's or requests, send me a PM and I can see what I can do.

 

[RJPugh]

Some time ago there was an initiative here a project, perhaps would be a better word for it, called the U-Make series. A group of creators got together and made some modules based with a specific track location. The tracks were set a certain distance from the edges, at a specific places on the baseboards, and everything was at zero-height. The purpose was just as you say to create routes that were put together like the N-Track and HO equivalent modular layouts.

Interesting! I suspect it didn't fly because in a "v-gauge" environment, the physical size of a "layout" isn't an issue. I'm building a layout that covers over 100 miles of Pennsylvania countryside, and I can do everything to scale, because the only real size restrictions are the size of the hard drive, and my computer's RAM. In conventional model gauges, however, physical space is the universal determining factor for just about everything. N-Track and T-Track are so successful because they are working with physical layouts that one can actually touch and feel. V-gauge models lack that particular advantage, but they also aren't restricted to 1x2 meter chunks of plywood. V-gauge, like any other modeling gauge, has it's pros and cons.

I considered building an N-Track module and using it with regional clubs, and I may still one day. I'll probably experiment with the design in Trainz first, do see what works in such a confined space and what doesn't. It will be interesting to plot out a rectangular piece of land in v-gauge that translates into a 2x6 foot n-gauge train table.

 

[RJPugh]

Merging and elevation

I have another question related to merging. Is there a way to set the base height (elevation) of a module before it is merged? I have some maps derived from geographical survey maps that have some lovely terrain features that I would like to adapt. But if the base height of the baseboards are radically different from those of my layout, then I'll have an editing nightmare.

I guess what I want to do is to load a map into surveyor, then somehow tell the program to apply a global base height for all terrain features. For example, if the merged section is going to connect to a section of my existing layout that has a ground height of say, 100, I want to change the core height of the merged module from whatever it's values is to 100. That way the terrain will be largely level when I start. I know this could result in some really strange terrain. But I'm hoping that the bulk of the terrain (hill, mountains, valleys, etc.) will be preserved. Is there a way to do this? Am I even making sense?


I hope this is possible, because if I have to manually raise or lower the elevation of every square on a merged section of map, well, then I'm going to abandon the merging idea and try something else. Manually editing on that scale would be far too much work.

Thanks in advance,

RJPugh