Quad Track

[DJReonic]

Is there a way to make a Quadruple Track similar to the TS2010 one on the DLS, from a single track like the JR or USLW tracks? And please don't answer with: "Put 4 tracks side-by-side." I want a simpler way, if there is one.

 

[ray_whiley]

Two possibilities that I can think of:

1 Make a spline in GMax or Blender and add track offsets to right and left of centre (ie. plus and minus to your specification).

2 Use or make a track spacer ie. a short length of fixed track with track attachment points at your chosen spacing - again in GMax or Blender. There are some on the DS eg. by andi06 (look for names beginning ajs) but they may not be the spacing you need.

Although you don't want four tracks side by side, using single track like this with spacers is the better option.

Ray

 

[oknotsen]

"Put 4 tracks side-by-side."

... and then copy-paste that.

Few advantages:
- It looks like the track you want
- You can lay the track in both directions so that AI, when given the option, will choose the right track
- You can copy the painted ballast in one go, saving to having to do that for the new track

If that doesnt do it for you, then simply dont be lazy. Being lazy usually results in crappy routes.

 

[RPearson]

The old option to make "double track" assets is still available in TS12. These can be any number of splines wide with a constant trackoffset. I'd suggest using ccp to set it up. The attached track must be a single track spline not a another kind bridge asset. I'd leave the defaults where possible. Some tags like length and width IIRC are require tags but not apparenty used as the defaults seem to work with any length or width track spline.

Only caution is not to use a 0.0 offset for the trackoffset. The guidance has always been to use something like 0.01m. You'll get no warnings or errors but the spline at 0 won't display and you'll get some serious problems when you start laying the track.

A lot of people don't like "double track" but to each his own. To be sure there are short commings - you can't make junctions without adding in single track spline sections and the end section behaves like the straighten flag is set for the track and effects curvature when attaching single track spline to it. But the track offsets are accurate and constant. You can always use it just as a tool to space the track and replace intermediate sections with single track splines as you go so that you always are connecting single track to a double track section so accurate spacing is maintained. For this use I'd suggest making up some double track with a track that is different from the one you want to keep so you can tell them apart.

Bob Pearson

EDIT: While copy and paste has been mentioned I'm afraid I find it pretty useless for most of the track work I do. You can select a rectangular area and copy all the track that's inside that rectangle. You can translate it around in multiples of 10 m and rotate it in multiples of 90 deg and then paste it. If it doesn't align correctly with some exisitng track then you have to move it around piece by piece and you loose any accuracy you had in the original geometry.

 

[ray_whiley]

you can't make junctions without adding in single track spline sections

In fact, if you lay for example three consecutive lengths of double track, you can use the middle spline points to make a single or double crossover - I have done it in both 2004 and 2010.

Ray

 

[martinvk]

Why not use permanent track spacers, the type that change their own track to match the track that is attached to them. Place two such spacers, connect them with the number of tracks you want up to their capacity. Then as you separate the two spacers, the tracks will stretch between them but keep their spacing constant, even in most curves. Eventually you'll want to add more spacers as they become too far apart or if the track geometry requires multiple curves. If you need to relocate a section of track, moving the spacer moves all the attached tracks as a unit.

All have been available on the DLS for almost six years. Search for "Guide 2t 4m" and you'll find it and others in the series.

 

[ray_whiley]

Yes, martinvk, that's the kind of spacer I was suggesting - I use them all the time and make my own as needed for a particular spacing - standard UK, metre gauge, 3' 6" gauge tram track etc. It's only the spacing which differs - all use an ordinary built-in wood sleeper track which updates, as you say. Or you could use an Surveyor only track. They are possibly the easiest thing to make in GMax etc.

Ray