Create a new library for the Fast Tracks templates.

It would also be helpful for track & object libraries to be single files that can be downloaded from the anyrail website and created and exchanged by users.

As a software developer myself I would recommend going with an open approach using standard file formats such as xml, png, ogg and html. You can use a standard compression format to package the files. Add Lua when you add operations and the sky's the limit. This also minimizes the tools you need to build for both yourself and your end users. I am doing something similar for a game I am developing.

The trouble, as I understand it, is that pieces of track in the libraries are stored in vector format as geometric shapes and not as graphic objects. If you can think of a way around that short of rewriting the entire program, then you've got a shot.

The software is written in C++.

All objects are defined in a vector like way, and are rendered to screen in the right position, scale, color, etc. whenever required.

We are not going to open up the way track is defined. We really want to keep controlling the track elements as they form the core 'knowledge' of the system, and we want to make sure they are as correct as possible. So, whenever a new track library is asked for, and you have the necessary geometrical data, we'll be glad to add it.

In version 4 of the program, which will be released pretty soon, drawing shapes has become quite a bit easier.
What we are thinking of is a platform to exchange your drawings. This can include scenery elements such as trees and rocks, but also all sorts of structures.

Finally, we'll add a way to include bitmap pictures in your plan. Of course,when rotating or scaling, their quality might suffer. This feature can be used to base your plan on a Google Earth screenshot, or scans from your plan book.

We will add the Fast Track templates after the release of version 4 of AnyRail.

David.

Group/ungroup is a prerequisite for an exchange platform. Don't worry!

David.