Do you make Signalling maps of your layout and if so, what do you use to make it?

[RobWed]

Title pretty much says it all. I'm thinking of the boards you would see in a modern Signalling office.

Do you bother? Or is it all mapped in your head?

 

[martinvk]

Back in the day we had TrainzMap but since the file format was changed, it doesn't work with newer maps. Now I use a pencil and paper to keep track of the order of stations and important junctions to help when planning a route through the map. Sure wish there was an automatic way to do that.

 

[RetroRails12]

Back in the day we had TrainzMap but since the file format was changed, it doesn't work with newer maps. Now I use a pencil and paper to keep track of the order of stations and important junctions to help when planning a route through the map. Sure wish there was an automatic way to do that.

the map function still works for me, just zoom out all the way to see your route and your all set.. Pressing the M key does the same thing..

 

[martinvk]

Not the same thing. TranzMap was a standalone application made be Vistamare. One thing I particularly liked was its ability to show which track segments were straightened. Made configuring junctions and curves so much easier. Now you have to click on each one at a time to verify if they are straightened or not.

 

[bolivar]

Trainzmap also had a printing function that allowed printing of the complete layout or segments depending on how you configured the printing function. It was clear and concise. So handy when building layouts. Try that with mini maps from the game itself.

 

[JCitron]

Trainzmap would also show the length of a route from end to end. I too wish there was something the Trainzmap today.

 

[GaryReggae]

Yes that sounds a very useful tool. I will continue to draw maps on paper (with junction and signal numbers etc).

 

[JCitron]

One day, I used Microsoft Visio to build a block diagram of a very large route to assist with setting up driver schedules in the Schedule Library by using an organizational chart - the ones we see in corporations to show who reports to whom. It worked pretty well for what I needed.

The first thing I did was divide the route into subdivisions or districts. The individual stations were the subordinates in each division and nodes were added to indicate where interchanges and divisions connected.

 

[RobWed]

Not the same thing. TranzMap was a standalone application made be Vistamare. One thing I particularly liked was its ability to show which track segments were straightened. Made configuring junctions and curves so much easier. Now you have to click on each one at a time to verify if they are straightened or not.

That would be handy! The High Speed Line in Schwaninger has a couple of dips and tight curves that are obvious from the cab at 235kmh but almost impossible to see from map view or on the ground.