Using the swell function over maps

[Martin Wynne]

As an example, I was poised to ask, but it didn't seem appropriate to the meeting last Monday, issues I have with backgound maps - map clarity and how to generate transition curves as accurately as possible over a meandering section of prototype track which contains a series of transitions. Also where to start with a complex formation - the sweeping curves and insert turnouts later or start with the turnouts and extend to plain track.

@BerlinChris

Hi Chris,

Always start with the curved plain track alignments. Then insert the pointwork into them.

To create the alignments from a map, use the swell function to create dummy templates some distance apart on the track. Create a transition curve between them, and then delete them. More about swell at:

https://85a.uk/templot/companion/swell_function_ctrl_f10.php

cheers,

Martin.

 

[Phil G]

To create the alignments from a map, use the swell function to create dummy templates some distance apart on the track. Create a transition curve between them, and then delete them.

Hi Martin,
Thank you another gold nugget,
I have tried using swell exactly as described in the companion, the downside of doing this is it tends to create alignments that are not smooth, I had never even considered using swell to create positions to aid transition curves, then removing the swell curves. I guess if you combine that with the colour templates options, it would be easy to see the dummy swell templates.
cheers
Phil

 

[Martin Wynne]

the downside of doing this is it tends to create alignments that are not smooth

@Phil G

Hi Phil.

Never use swell on templates which are connected to other existing templates. Swell will always destroy the alignment. Swell is for use on single isolated templates.

cheers,

Martin.

 

[Phil G]

Never use swell on templates which are connected to other existing templates. Swell will always destroy the alignment. Swell is for use on single isolated templates.

Hi Martin,
Yes I discovered that the hard way, and actually stopped using swell for that reason. I also have some problems with getting transition curves in exactly the right place, especially if they are S curves, mainly because as I try to get one end right, it causes the other end to move.
what I had never even considered was using Swell to create dummy reference points.
cheers
Phil,

 

[Martin Wynne]

@Phil G

Hi Phil,

See: https://85a.uk/templot/companion/make_transition_link.php

Martin.