Modular Layout Support/Libraries

[vmctee]

Some of these thoughts build upon those expressed by others however I did not see a post directly related to what I would like to see in AnyRail.  I model using T-Trak standards (www.t-trak.org) which consists of modules approximately one foot square (technically, the standard length of track on a "single" module is 310mm, a double length module is 620mm, etc.) and use Kato Unitrack to snap together.  Layouts are created by connecting club members' T-Trak modules placed on standard 30" x 72" or 30" x 96" folding tables and exhibited at train shows or other train related venues.

I would like the ability to use AnyRail to design these layouts but in order to do this easily AnyRail needs to have the ability to:

1.  Easily create rectangular shapes of specific sizes (the current method I found was to create a line segment and add two points to make a square while working the math for the x,y's of each point to ensure it was the correct size).  An easier way would be to have a rectangular shape object and enter its length x width.  This would permit the creation of standard tables (in inches) as well as standard modules (in millimeters).

2.  Add the ability for created shapes to be "grouped" together so that it becomes a single object.  For example, to create a standard T-Trak module I would need to create a rectangle 308mm x 355mm and place two lines of 310mm of Kato Unitrack on the rectangle.  This would then need to be selected and "grouped" as a single object.

3.  Save created objects into user libraries that are opened when the program is executed or selected in the File > Options window.  The ideal solution for me would be to have a Table Library with scale tables of various sizes and a T-Trak Library with various standard T-Trak modules.

4.  Permit the created "modules" to connect together at the track connections.  My initial experiment with Kato track on a rectangle allowed me to move all of the objects but would not connect to existing placed track.  It would only connect if I selected the track on the "module" but that moved the track in relation to the "module".

Just my thoughts for improvements.

[David]

Thanks for your ideas. A few comments:

1. We have plans to make it easier to add rectangles, circles etc. With the current version, once you've created one rectangle, you can copy and paste it quite easily.

2. We are working on grouping right now. It's a lot more complicated than we first thought because of the many corner cases and interference of the layers, but it will become available within a few months.

3. We are currently thinking of an on line exchange platform for user defined objects, from which you can pick whatever you need. This might be close to what you want.

4. When you select a collection of elements, and move it by dragging a piece of track (not a line), it should connect.

David.

[Jeff]

I think I may have a clearer idea of some of his points, so I'll add some tips you may not have come across, vmctee.

1) Using 'Add lines/surface', it's easy enough to create squares and rectangles. Then proceed to item #3.

2) David covered this. We've been keeping after him on this since last year.

3) The software isn't capable of creating user libraries. Yet. But you can always create your shapes and save them to a .any file for use later. This also applies to "libraries" of track arrangements or building outlines, bridges, tunnel portals, or anything else. While you can't have more than one .any file open at a time, you can always have more than one copy of AnyRail open. So, you can create the file(s) and have them open for cut and paste to the layout being worked on.

4) Select module 1 (or 2 or...) using a click-and-drag to create an outlined box around the module. This is fast and assures that you have everything inside the module selected properly. Pick a section of track inside the module you want to connect and drag it to the track you want it to connect to. It WILL autoconnect, as well as any other pieces of track that are properly placed. If you use this method to select what you want to move, you'll find that the 'module' rectangular surface moves with the track.

I hope that helps you out some.