how to measure track length?

[jytte]

When I look at different routes, they usually state "xxx miles or kilometers of track". That's nice, and I'd like to do the same. But is there an easy way to measure how much track your route actually has?

I've looked here, there and everywhere, but found nothing but the "measure stick" in surveyor, that lets you measure only straight distances. Well my tracks are laid anything but straight. I measured a small finished area (a total of 2,2 km) and that was a royal pain. I shutter at the thought of going through that process for my entire route.

Is this supposed to be painful, or are you all laughing at me now, because I missed something obvious?

 

[R701Rusty]

Hi,
I had an occasion a while ago to find out distance along a track and decided to make a consist of 1 km in length and then pushed this along the track I wanted to measure. While a reasonable method over short distances I can't see it being practical much over 30 km unless you are very patient.
I am sure someone will have a better idea but this might be of some help.

Cheers
Russell.

 

[Winterpaw]

maybe this will help

http://forums.auran.com/trainz/showthread.php?t=28717

 

[jytte]

Thank you both.

Winterpaw's link to thread that again links to "track scanner" is a great help, will try that one out right away.

Just did, "track scanner" <kuid2:117746:23230:1> is awesome, that will save me a ton of tedious work!

 

[Winterpaw]

glad I could help direct you to what you needed

 

[segy]

another simple option is to time how long it takes to go from end to end at 60 mph
Segy

 

[jytte]

That's a good idea. I think that might be difficult for me though, since I have many places with speedlimits (so as not to jump off the track), and I don't think my internal calculator is up for that challenge, he he.

 

[jytte]

Isn't it great though, with a forum like this. Whenever there's something that has me stumped or wondering, there's always several people with bright ideas in here.

Thanks all.

 

[john259]

For short straight-line distances there are rulers available in Surveyor.

In TRS2004 there's a odometer in the alternative built-in HUD. This might also be in TRS2006 and TC but I haven't checked.
To enable the alternative HUD:
Load the layout in Surveyor
Edit Session Rules
Add
Display Custom HUD
Click the OK tick
Left click once on "Display Custom HUD" so as to select it
Click the "Edit" option
Select the "Show the custom heads up display" option
Click the OK tick
Click the OK tick to exit "Edit Session Rules"
Then set up a loco at the start, run the session, and drive to the other end.


HTH, John

 

[neilsmith749]

For me the easiest way to measure point to point distances was to download the "custom heads-up display" (or something like that) - it has a built in odometer, and then you can just drive the area, and watch the OD rack up the miles/kms.

 

[bl4882]

You might also want to give the trainzmap by vistamare a try. Open the map of the route, set the anchor at one end, and you can measure the length of the track to various points. You can also move the anchor to measure branches.

Bernie

 

[jytte]

yeeeehaaaa

Thanks a bunch John!

So, THAT's how it's done. I had a feeling this had to be painfully obvious and easy

Yes, it's in 2006 as well, and works like a charm

Like I said, Hurrah for the forum, What would we all do without all the help and pointers we get here!

 

[jytte]

Hello Bernie,

I do have Trainzmap, though I haven't been too impressed. But I didn't find the anchor, that could come in handy, so I'll give that a try as well, Thanks.