I downloaded XTrkCad and have been working to figure it out with no luck. I can get a single piece of track in place but can't get a second section of track in place. I feel like an idiot and need a crash coarse in using XTrkCad. Please HELP! :angry:
Q Fan, I believe there is a tutorial on the program have you tried that yet? Lucas Barnlund Sitka, Alaska
I have it downloaded but I haven't had any time to learn how to use it. it was recently discussed here. http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=79798
Once you lay down a piece of track, you need to reactivate the command to lay another one or to do something with the track... You can go to OPTIONS menu...then to STICKIES...you can set individuals commands to repeat themselves. I've foud the best way to work with XtrkCAD is to work around switches. Place a switch, or couple back to back if you want, then use MODIFY to extend the tangents of the switch out to workable lengths. The you can use JOIN to create the the curve between tw strait tracks. I have found this much easier than trying to go back and insert switches in a main line and then trying to realign the mainline to fit the geometry of the switches. Dont give up guys, once you get this program down, its second nature.
Comparing MRR Cad programs I am so thankful to see this thread appear on XTrkCad! I am a veteran computer person, with 4 decades of experience and for the life of me could not figure out how to make XTrkCad work. Finally, I tried 3rdPlanIt (3pi) and was able to quickly and accurately get a fantastic 2D layout drawn that also works in 3D! The yahoo users group is fantastic about helping you. The product costs money ~85 bucks, but my hobby time is very precious to me and the cost was fine with me. You can see the 2D of my rr in my TrainImages tools album. Now some on trainboard are as passionate about Xtrakcad as the Pope is about his Catholics, but it is very clear to me that there are some very unique methods required to learn XtrakCad that some people, like myself have a VERY hard time with. I want to be clear, XtrakCad is a good tool for some with many benefits, but it is not the state of the art. As a product it did not sell and became 'shareware' for a reason, insufficent cash flow. The good news is that it is not you, you are not defective. The program is unique and different from many other products and I surmise it is one of those things where you benefit GREATLY from having a person show you how to make it work. Clearly some people can take to it like the duck to a pond, but some of us, even with great experience die painfullly trying to use this product. To me, the product is worth exactly what I had to pay for it, nothing. Others swear and die by it. 3rdPlanIt is a superior product with many, many more features than XtrakCad. Here is my objective analysis of the products contrasted with the Atlas product. My personal opinion here, no intent to inflame or defame anyone. Best regards, Remember Cad is not the end, it is the beginning. We are put on this earth to run trains! Good drawing,
I agree with the idea that software all has "personalities". Often finding the one we get along with can only be done through trial and error. Joe's got a great grading scale there, looks like a bit of effort went into that. I know for me it helps to understand the thought process behind the review.
I just noticed this thread. I can help, although I have been away from the program for several months. 1. To lay a piece of track or a turnout, click on it at the menu at the top of the screen. 2. Place it at or near where you want it on the layout. Grab it with a mouse button to move it to the desire location. Press ENTER and it will stay put and not disappear. 3. Click on the next section of track on the top bar and click on the layout. Grab it with the mouse button and slide it to where you want it. It shoudl snap right onto the end of the previous piece of track. 4. Repeat as often as required. 5. You can change resolution so that you will get a closer look at the area you are working on. I can help up to a point. Please post a few questions a day and I will attempt to answer them. I would very much suggest that you explore the program buttons and pull down menus at the top thoroughly and see what each one does. Some feats are tough to learn since the tutorial does stink on ice. On the other hand, the price can not be beaten.
