Hey, I was just wondering how I could make it so that just the peices of track that I want to use would be in the scrolling list across the top. Havent found any option like that. I could do it in the Atlas RTS, but wanted to give the Xtrkcad a try. Thanks.
I found that by going to file->Parameter Files..., I could unload all those pertaining to scales / track I wasn't using. (HO? gone. Märklin? gone. European buildings? gone.) Also, if you right-click on the scrolly selection bar, it gives you a list of the Parameter Files still loaded, which is helpful for moving from 'straights' to 'points' to 'trees', and so forth. Unfortunately, I've only been using XTrkCad for 2 days now, so I don't know how to actually get a piece of track from the scrolly selection bar onto the layout! Hoping a more experienced user will reply and I can borrow their reply. I think you have to link the new piece to an existing piece, or something.
Left Click on the item in the scrolly bar, go down to the layout and left click - it will appear. Move it to where you want it holding the left button down as you move the mouse - when it is positioned, use the return button on the keyboard to lock it. If you want to use the same piece again left click on the trackplan area - If you want to rotate the track use the right mouse button. Shift/click changes the end thart joins. There are two groups where you can get help http://groups.yahoo.com/group/XTrkCad/ (which I help moderate) and http://layoutparty.disisus.com/index.php where a search will find you "tutorials" which are very well done. If you are new to XTrkCad ignore the built-in tutorials until you have played with it for a while - they will confuse you -the best way to learn it is to play with it HIH and Merry Christmas Shortliner(Jack)away up here in the Highlands
When you figure out the XtrkCad program, post a how to and let me and others know to how get this software program working. Stay cool and run steam....
Agree! I've used it for about 7 months now, and starting to get comfortable with it now. Bob, You have one of the most advance DCC systems out there, if you can figure that out, you can figure out XtrkCad! Really.
shortliner: :shade: Never would have thinked to use enter; and I'm supposed to be the computer-inclined one in the family. Bob: it's just a learning curve thing; and I've heard that for most CAD programs, the grade is a bit more than 2%, which really limits how much you can pull off quickly. I think the best advice is to fiddle...
I'll just use a pencil and paper to get a final trackplan of the JJJ&E. I just wanted to post a final plan on my website with 3D elevations. This program is a waste of time for me as there are no explanations when I press the help button. A pencil and a piece of paper worked for me for over 50 years. Stay cool and run steam.....
Thanks for the help guys. I actually have my plan pretty much done as I'm using EZ track and have all exept maybe one switch already and have laid it out on my kitchen floor. It was just when I downloaded Xtrkcad again to fiddle with it that I learned I could create track peices very easily, therefor be able to use it even for EZ track...so now I plan on making a plan just to have. I was very suprised at how easy creating your own track sections was and why I didn't find it last time. I used RTS from Atlas and called it "close enough" when planning. Again thanks for the help fellas and Merry Christmas.
