Track Planning on W Computer Using 3rd PlanIt
elcome to the third and final installment of the 3rd PlanIt Track Planning software tutorial series. It has been a fun ride for me – I have enjoyed putting this series together. I trust it’s been helpful to those who are designing a layout on computer.
PART 3: Learn the basics of 3D planning with this popular track planning software — by Ryan Boudreaux
Parts 1 and 2 covered many of the foundation tools that 3rd PlanIt has to offer. In this final segment I’m covering tools for virtual 3D layout planning. There are many other 3rd PlanIt topics that I could cover, so please post in the comments thread to this article any other topics you would like to see covered. I’m using 3rd PlanIt version 8.0.6.004.1385 to do the demonstrations in this article. Owners of versions 8.0.2 and up are eligible for a free update. Just go to the El Dorado Software Customer Site using the 3rd PlanIt Help menu (See Figure 2).
First, I want to review modifying track segment properties on the track plan, including making them hidden track or staging track, as well as changing elevation, grade or radius. Next I discuss: How to add terrain and contour features and then review them in 3D view. to add foliage and trees. How How to create backdrops, both flat and curved. to add buildings and structures. How How to import objects from the Internet. How to control your 3D view. Finally, I run a virtual consist on a finished track plan that I created with 3rd PlanIt.
Modifying Track Segment Properties A track segment on the track plan automatically defaults to main line track. But there are other track options you can set, such as: hidden, staging, open view, elevation, grade, track type, shape, length and radius.
FIGURE 1: A 3rd PlanIt strength is modeling terrain like that shown here. The author explains how to do 3D terrain modeling in this final part of the series. ( Image from 3rd PlanIt web site ) Page 86 • Issue 4 • October 2009 • Track Planning Using 3rd PlanIt, page 1
For example, in Figure 3 (next page), you see the Track Settings window (access this using File > Settings (Alt+S) > Track from the toolbar.
FIGURE 2: Customer site.
The Track settings sliders indicate when 3rd PlanIt is to render the rail and ties
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Index