Subject:
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"Core" layout features for rtlTrainN
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto
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Date:
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Thu, 18 Jul 2002 15:18:29 GMT
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Viewed:
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427 times
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I've been creating dozens of layouts in TrackDesigner. I see some
things recurring, and I wanted to know how people felt about the
importance of including certain features in a layout:
(A) An "inside" centre space.
_Description_: The modules, in at least one place, form a ring and the
engineers can stand inside.
_Pros_: You can keep the speed regulators inside and out of harm's way
_Cons_: Tends to make the layout "thinner" - it's usually only 1 module
thick at any point, which limits the size of building you can place in a
town.
(B) A high-low crossover
_Description_: A point where two tracks cross one another at heights
differing by enough to pass a train on the lower route. (usu ~16+ bricks
delta) eg: my tunnel/siding mountain module.
_Pros_: Very cool-looking when done right. Very fun to build
_Cons_: If you want all the track to be continuous and linked, this
involves a 30+ track sloped run-in. See also: Mountain
(C) Mountain
_Description_: A big hill of Lego bricks, possibly supporting track.
_Pros_: Looks very cool if done well
_Cons_: Really needs to be at the centre of the layout, or else it
blocks the sight to the lower parts of the layout. Gobbles up vast
tracts of land and thousands of bricks. I've also noticed that if you
place a loop of track at height, many many modules have to participate
in supporting high track, which means everyone has to be into building
hills.
(D) Tunnel
_Description_: A hole into which trains go, and come out again
_Pros_: *Everyone* wants tunnels in their layout. High neatness
quotient. Also makes dealing with mountains easier, and ALLOWS MORE
TRACK PER SQUARE INCH (CM) OF LAYOUT.
_Cons_: Kind of implies a mountain, unless we cheat and raise the
baseplates up 16 bricks high. Which is certainly possible...
(E) A level crossover
_Description_: One of those $9 level X pieces.
_Pros_: Can simplify layouts, adds potential for collisions
_Cons_: Hard to do in corners (across curved track), adds potential for
collisions.
(F) Multiple independent loops
_Description_: A layout topology which allows two independent trains on
separate regulators, should we choose.
_Pros_: Doubles number of engineer-hours. :) Elegant.
_Cons_: Wow, this eats a lot of space
(G) "Square" track
_Description_: A layout where the track is more-or-less on-stud when
straight. This implies 90-degree (that's 32.2 C, Iain) bends and using
switches to side-step track. Sidings and yards can still do whatever
they please.
_Pros_: Track snaps to studs most places, which *hugely* decreases the
incidence of track segments pulling apart badly enough to break
connection or derail a train.
_Cons_: Dramatically limits the layouts you can build.
Please chip in with your thoughts. Right now I'm trying to design for
8-10 core modules, hoping that we get that many.
Jeff E
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Message has 4 Replies:
 | | "Core" layout features for rtlTrainN
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| I've captured one of my deisgns that I think is fairly good: (URL) 10 & 2/2 modules * 2 full loops for added engineer time * "Hightown" area raised 18 bricks encompassing 2 modules * Tunnel under Hightown for the lower loop * Either loop could be (...) (22 years ago, 18-Jul-02, to lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto)
| | | Re: "Core" layout features for rtlTrainN
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| (...) I don't think this is a requirement, but it is nice to have. Doesn't have to be very large. I think everything on the layout should be reachable within the width of one module. For example a 3x3 square with a module in the middle would be bad (...) (22 years ago, 18-Jul-02, to lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto)
| | | Re: "Core" layout features for rtlTrainN
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| (...) You can do this with a figure eight making one of the "loops" open for engineers and the other one closed with a harbour or mountain or whatever. Other pros include the fact you can differentiate the audience from the rtlToronto members, which (...) (22 years ago, 22-Jul-02, to lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto)
| | | Re: R11 -- a brick too far
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| What me?!!? I think the French would call this touché! Serves me right for inviting you guys to the Science Center! :-) At the moment I plan to be there without a bot. But IF (and only IF) you want, I can check around and see if there is anyone on (...) (22 years ago, 24-Jul-02, to lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto)
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