I think it highlights how next to useless, from a practical perspective, many layout plans are that use the convention of just one line to represent the track. I can well understand why so many people have given up on TAoC as un-buildable, especially if trying to using commercial pointwork.
I think I would have given up myself had I gone straight to the construction phase. I don't think it would have been possible to get a working trackplan without the use of Templot.
Templot definitely adds layers of both capability and complexity. The UI is as un-Mac like as it is possible to imagine. I would hate to use it to design a bigger layout - at that stage I think you just end up using it to draw specific formations.
Having got the plan to work with prototypical points I might have a go in Xtrack or something to see if I can match it with settrack but I've found the curving flow is key.
Using small rolling stock is also going to be crucial to it looking believable. In Roy's original article he reckoned a B set would be too large. I'm only planning to use stock that ran on the TVR.
That flows very nicely James and looks far better than the original RM plan.
ReplyDeleteThanks Geoff.
ReplyDeleteI think it highlights how next to useless, from a practical perspective, many layout plans are that use the convention of just one line to represent the track. I can well understand why so many people have given up on TAoC as un-buildable, especially if trying to using commercial pointwork.
I think I would have given up myself had I gone straight to the construction phase. I don't think it would have been possible to get a working trackplan without the use of Templot.
Hi James
ReplyDeleteThe track work looks very elegant. I'm Mac based so unable to use Templot. As a result my work isn't as sophisticated as yours.
I wonder if when the plan was first devised it was with 2 ft radius proprietry points in mind? That would work after a fashion.
With such limited siding space I would love to see it with Col. Stephens type loco's and stock. Or at least a 517 (open cab).
Anyway, looking forward to seeing the progress.
Best wishes.
Kane
Hi Kane,
DeleteTemplot definitely adds layers of both capability and complexity. The UI is as un-Mac like as it is possible to imagine. I would hate to use it to design a bigger layout - at that stage I think you just end up using it to draw specific formations.
Having got the plan to work with prototypical points I might have a go in Xtrack or something to see if I can match it with settrack but I've found the curving flow is key.
Using small rolling stock is also going to be crucial to it looking believable. In Roy's original article he reckoned a B set would be too large. I'm only planning to use stock that ran on the TVR.