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**MikeB** · 05-16-2002, 06:39 AM

An expert! Great! OK, I cannot figure out how to use the flex track function in RTS, when I try placing it to join two points it creates a stupid looking loop! Could you give me a quick lesson in how to use that part of the software?

Building the first trans-Atlantic Railroad

**NYC** · 05-16-2002, 07:33 AM

quote:

An expert! Great! OK, I cannot figure out how to use the flex track function in RTS, when I try placing it to join two points it creates a stupid looking loop! Could you give me a quick lesson in how to use that part of the software?

[img]http://www.mghorizon.101main.com/pics/trainlogo.gif">

Building the first trans-Atlantic Railroad

id=quote>id=quote> Mike, go to Element - properties -flex track and tell me what settings you have in the boxes
iterations:

distance between base points:

Modeling the NYC railroad

(Not Yet Completed Railroad)

Phil

**MikeB** · 05-16-2002, 07:44 AM

iterations: - 5

distance between base points: - 20.0

Thanks.

Building the first trans-Atlantic Railroad

**NYC** · 05-16-2002, 07:54 AM

Mike, those should be ok, do me a favor send me a copy of the file so that I can look at it. I have designed over 200 layouts with Right Track and once you learn the quirks it is actually very easy to use.

Modeling the NYC railroad

(Not Yet Completed Railroad)

Phil

**MikeB** · 05-16-2002, 08:27 AM

Thanks Phil, test.ral is on it's way. I like the RTS software and find it very easy to use, the only thing I haven't been able to figure out yet is the flex track.

Building the first trans-Atlantic Railroad

**NYC** · 05-16-2002, 08:35 AM

Mike, easy fix, after you create the flex track pick the symble below flex track (shape flex track) then click on your piece of flex track, you will get two black lines with large balls on them. click on one of the balls and drag it closer to the center of the flex track, then do the other. Adjust them to get the flow you want.

This can also be used on pieces in the opposite direction to smooth out long curves.

Try it Mike and let me know.

Modeling the NYC railroad

(Not Yet Completed Railroad)

Phil

**MikeB** · 05-16-2002, 08:39 AM

Thank you Phil! Worked just as you said. So simple when you know!

Building the first trans-Atlantic Railroad

**NYC** · 05-16-2002, 08:44 AM

anytime Mike, and now you have Rick and Myself to answer your questions!! 2 for 1. Also Mike if you decrease the distance between basepoints to say 15 or 10 you will get less of a problem.

Rick, Nice to have another Right track user here, Happy to have you on Board!!

Modeling the NYC railroad

(Not Yet Completed Railroad)

Phil

**rlb** · 05-16-2002, 10:50 AM

Phil, Sounds like you're on top of it. Another thing I've found that helps when adjusting the curve on flextrack is to zoom in really close on the piece of track you're working with (down to level 6 or 7). It makes the adjustment toggles (balls) much bigger and it's easier to grab hold of the one you want and you can also make much more finely-tuned adjusments. One habit that I've developed with flex is to draw the basic track configuration that I'm seeking using sectional pieces and then go back and delete several section at a time, replace them with a piece of flex. That way you can create radii other than the 15, 18, 22, and 24" available using sectional track.

RickB

**BruceF** · 05-16-2002, 11:10 AM

quote:

One habit that I've developed with flex is to draw the basic track configuration that I'm seeking using sectional pieces and then go back and delete several section at a time, replace them with a piece of flex. That way you can create radii other than the 15, 18, 22, and 24" available using sectional track.

RickB

id=quote>id=quote>
I do the same thing. But I find it difficult in situations where double main lines go into a curve. I can't seem to keep them in a consistent spacing.

I've already done my layout, so it's no big deal. But it's just one of those things that I never quite mastered.

Modeling the Belmar Valley, a fictitious place served by N&W.

**NYC** · 05-16-2002, 11:13 AM

quote:

Ph Another thing I've found that helps when adjusting the curve on flextrack is to zoom in really close on the piece of track you're working with (down to level 6 or 7). It makes the adjustment toggles (balls) much bigger and it's easier to grab hold of the one you want and you can also make much more finely-tuned adjusments.

id=quote>id=quote>
Good point I forgot to mention that. I usually don't use the sectional track, I do use the shape flex track under special menu for curves. If you get a chance look at my design for my own layout under

http://www.railroad-line.com/discuss...p?TOPIC_ID=393 I have changed the upper room slightly and added another stagging area, but the basic plan is the same. The lower room has all the track layed and in the scenery stage now.

Modeling the NYC railroad

(Not Yet Completed Railroad)

Phil

**rlb** · 05-16-2002, 11:24 AM

Bruce, I create double tracks this way: First, draw one of the tracks and adjust the curve as you want it. Then disconnect that section of track at both ends. Then select that section. Go to the "Special" menu and select "Parallel Tracks". You can then type in the distance between centers and select top or bottom or left or right (which side you want the new parallel track to be placed). When you click OK, the new section of track is created and placed exactly parallel with the spacing you've designated. Sometimes the software doesn't put the track on the side you'd expect, but if that happens just undo and go back and select the opposite side.

RickB

Edited by - rlb on 05/16/2002 16:29:34

**BruceF** · 05-16-2002, 11:41 AM

THANKS rlb!!

One of those things I must have missed in the instructions...

Modeling the Belmar Valley, a fictitious place served by N&W.

**MikeB** · 05-16-2002, 11:47 AM

quote:

Bruce, I create double tracks this way: First, draw one of the tracks and adjust the curve as you want it. Then disconnect that section of track at both ends. Then select that section. Go to the "Special" menu and select "Parallel Tracks". You can then type in the distance between centers and select top or bottom or left or right (which side you want the new parallel track to be placed). When you click OK, the new section of track is created and placed exactly parallel with the spacing you've designated. Sometimes the software doesn't put the track on the side you'd expect, but if that happens just undo and go back and select the opposite side.

RickB

Edited by - rlb on 05/16/2002 16:29:34

id=quote>id=quote>
Maybe I should try reading the instructions sometime - this will make life so much easier! Thanks!

Building the first trans-Atlantic Railroad

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