3 Little Things

[Chris]

Hi Peartree.

David posted his reply as I was trying to get 'Reply' to work.

I have resolved thsi problem quite simply by adding an extra metre to both dimensions of the table (in Options). I then drew a surface at height -0.1 round the entire layout to represent the baseboard. Ctrl-A and drgged the whole layout to the middle of the table area and, hey presto, a nice balnk work space round the entire layout. :o)

Hope that helps,
Chris.

PS. Added image of track-plan.

[Jeff]

Yep, Chris, I do understand that simple workaround. I was just asking for a more elegant solution, I guess. Adding a foot or two around the edges isn't a big deal. I'll use that until David grafts something better into AR. I think AnyRail is the best thing around when it comes to layout design (and will be even better once I get done suggesting things ). I want to see it become the all-round champ without question.

[Jeff]

Lately I've been thinking we need something added. It occurred to me within 24 hours of using the program, but I wanted to wait to see if doing it your way would be simpler. Sorry to say, it's not.

We need a way to cut flex-track.

We all know that we do it OFTEN in the real world, but there's no way to do it in AnyRail, except by shortening a piece manually (reshaping it, more than likely), then putting in another piece (and reshaping it). I think a simple thing like the 'add a point' in the line/surface tool would be perfect. Another menu choice called 'Cut track here' would do it.

Then things like dropping a turnout into a track or cutting track to specify a hidden section would be so much easier!

[santerdam]

Peartree, I am getting the feeling you have bought the wrong software.

Sander

[Jeff]

Sorry to hear you feel that way 

I think you must mistake my constant comments for complaints. Nothing could be further from  the truth. I'm making these comments from the viewpoint of trying to put across ideas that will improve the functionality of the software. If I didn't love the program and want to see it improved, I wouldn't bother.

And in fact, I feel fairly well qualified to comment. Or is it that you feel I'm being too hard on David?

[santerdam]

Hard on David or not, is not the issue. Just think of all people who consider buying AnyRail and than see a constant and never ending stream of comments. What do you think they do ? - They don't buy AnyRail, they assume, due to the comments, that AnyRail is incomplete !

Sander

[Chris]

Hi guys.

If I may but in here, I'd like to say that I can sympathise with both of you.

I bought AnyRail when it was changing over from DRail to AnyRaill (copyright problems with the name). At that time there was no Marklin Z scale but David assured me that it woudl be added and within 2 weeks it was. And that is how it is still. This program is produced by a small team of friends who love their work (at least I hope they still do). Because it is a small team they can respond rapidly to suggestions (of which I have made my fair share) and as soon as they are implemented they are sent out via the website. In ohter words, THEY LISTEN and THEY ACT.

I have tried some six or seven rail simulations/track planers over the last few years and only two were intuitive. One is no longer on the market and the other is AnyRail. IMO Anyrail is the most user friendly layout design program on the market and that is partly to the credit of those who use this forum to put forward suggestions for improvements and additions. Sure, it has the odd problem but once they get pointed out they get sorted unlike several other software manufacturers I could mention. I am proud to mention it anywhere where I can and carry a banner on the front of my layout for all to see when I exhibit.

We are all different and sometimes we appear to be going down different tracks but our goal, the future of AnyRail, is the destination for all of us.

All the best to you both,
Chris.

[David]

Hi All!

Thanks for your comments, concerns and support.

We have a constant stream of comments not only through the forum, but also through regular email. More than enough to judge what is good about AnyRail, and what could be improved.

We appreciate all input, discuss it, mix it with our own goals, and decide what features to add in which order. We think (and hear) that AnyRail, at the current price, is already quite good, but we want to make very clear that the product is very much alive and is continuously improved. Hence the frequent new releases every month or so.

Of course, as we are a small company, there is plenty of work to choose from: new features, new track libraries, new scenery libraries, documentation, new language versions, etc. etc. We hope and think that everyone understands that, and buys the software for what it can do right now, with all its updates and upgrades as a bonus. If you don't buy AnyRail because you feel something's missing, please let us know! Things might go faster than you think!

By the way, don't worry about users buying or not. The company is strong and growing, even in the current downturn. AnyRail is here to stay.

I wish you all happy holidays and a prosperous new year,

The AnyRail team.

[Jeff]

I'll second Chris's comments. I tried every layout design program on the market (even some officially discontinued ones) and decided that AnyRail was by far the best and worked as I always wanted such software to work. Sadly, I didn't hear about it until seeing some of the export links in Trainplayer/Tracklayer or I would have registered a copy long ago.

As for people being put off by a long wish list, all I can say is that the only software I know of WITHOUT a forum and wish list is that put out by the corporate super-giants of the industry.

And a Christmas Hi to David. I have no worries about AnyRail's market viability- any software supported by people who care about their customers and their product isn't going to disappear.

[Jeff]

Three (or more) small things I'd like to add to my wish list (for the New Year...)

1) When several pieces of track are selected, ability to click 'Hidden piece'. It would save time (and possibly having to realign track), instead of having to disconnect and click hidden section.

2) In using 'Line/surface' tool- being able to take a finished shape and click at any point in a line to break the line at that point. In my case, I'm building a mountain outline and need to open up a 'pass' through it. Also maybe a way to Join two shapes? That would be helpful... Or maybe I'm thinking of shape 'grouping'.

3) When you have deselected 'visible track' in options, trying to place NEW track pieces becomes nearly impossible, since you can't see what you're trying to lay down, can't see where it is in relation to hidden track, and can't find it (once laid on the table) to change it into 'Hidden'.  Please consider
making all track drag-n-dropped visible until it's laid in place, even if 'Visible track' is not selected to view.

4) I'd love the ability to click one point, choose 'Set height' and grade, then click point 2 and have the  grade end there, without affecting any other track.