Sectional Track request

[wridenour]

Would anyone be intrested in making Lionel (or MTH/Atlas/etc.) sectional track for Trainz? It would be really helpful for building scale Trainz layouts.

 

[Johnk]

If it hasn't already been done, it could open up a whole new market for Trainz. There are several track design programs out there, some in 3D and some by the manufacturers, but none have the same scenic possibilities as Trainz.

Here's a freebie I'm about to add to the Trainz Resources Directory. It may be of use to some people.

XTrkCad

 

[rweber95]

Won't the ruler function in Surveryor serve you just as well? Besides scaling the track layout you can also scale roads and buildings placements.

Bob

 

[Johnk]

I think wridenour may be looking for something different. If he isn't, then I am.

Trainz was initially conceived as a model railway on your computer, but it's moved on since then. I'm thinking of the people out there who do have model railway layouts using snap-together track (remember the olden days?) such as Lionel, Marklin, Trix, Hornby etc. There is software out there similar to the link I supplied, that allows you to select specific track sections as sold over the counter, to build your model. Click, click, click. Everything is controlled by the length and/or radius of the track component, but what you design would be the same as what you would have in real life.

The ruler component may well do this, but it needs to be more mechanical and easier to use for the kind of modeler such a feature would attract. I'm thinking along the lines of the fixed turnouts some guys build for Trainz. The problem is, that each model train manufacturer has different standards. Lionel O gauge three-rail can hardly be compared with Atlas code 100 HO. Thus, different track sets would have to be available.

I think it's an extremely interesting diversion and it could easily give less exciting software out there a real run for its money:

CadRail $US 59.95 (D/L) $99.95 (shipped)
3D Planit $US 159
AnyRail $US 55
Trainz (about $40)

 

[Euphod]

I know the Lionel 3 track has been made and is on the DLS.

 

[Rougespear7mm]

I can personally recommend 3rdPlanit!

 

[osq7]

Don't forget the UK Markets!

I think this is an excellent idea, because I tried creating a model railway using Fixed track but the straights were too long and curved when I put a curve next to them :'( .

So, for the UK,
Peco/Hornby Setrack (2-rail, black sleepers with chrome rail).
3 rail is not used the UK anymore, so it would be useless. UK 3 rail looks different to US.

Anyways, as I said, excellent idea and can fill a huge gap in the Trainz world.
Also model railway baseboards + rule for analouge/dcc operation.

 

[wridenour]

Personaly what I was talking about was Lionel Track. Though it is posible to use the ruler to create curves and straights, it's: A. A very slow and tiring process, and B. it's impossible to make accurate switches with the motor and all.