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Edited on 2007-12-24 19:48:07 by SitgeTchid [eltroca]
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Edited on 2007-11-13 00:38:46 by MartinFischer [Removed spam]
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Edited on 2007-11-12 22:34:09 by OulimOnrol
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Edited on 2007-11-12 21:25:44 by PasouElzel
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Edited on 2007-06-30 08:43:00 by BobBlackwell
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Categories
Edited on 2007-05-16 23:25:13 by MartinFischer [Link to download added]
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Download printable version tutorial.pdf∞
You will need Acrobat Reader to view and print this document.
Edited on 2007-05-16 23:04:37 by MartinFischer
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Edited on 2007-05-16 22:58:46 by MartinFischer [Split off a part into separate page]
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Using the Graphic Tools
The first step in creating a new structure is to open up a new workspace. Click on File/New. Now zoom in to the maximum display size and use the map to place the (0, 0) coordinate in the lower left corner. You should now have an enlarged image of the workspace with a scale in inches along the x and y axes. We will use these scales to layout the basic footprint with the proper dimensions of the Two-Story Factory. There are two methods for creating structures. A simple line drawing will suffice if all we want is a basic footprint with only a little detail. The second option is to use the "filled" tools to create shapes filled with colors to display a more realistic image of the structure. For this tutorial, we shall follow the second option.The Two-Story Factory is an L-shaped building that can be constructed from 2 "filled" rectangles adjacent to each other. Select the down arrow next to the box icon
and select the "Create a filled box" from the drop down menu.
The largest dimension of the building is 7-3/4" x 5-1/4". This is the "full" footprint for the factory. The drawing does not give the actual dimensions for the L-shaped section, so we will have to estimate it. This is not a problem since the full footprint is all we need for alignment purposes. Looking at the Two-Story Factory footprint in the Walther's Ad, we can estimate that the L-section is a rough ratio of 1/3 the length by 1/2 the depth. Therefore the rectange in the lower left part is approximately by 5.167" x 2-5/8". You can use a calculator to get the first dimension (7.75 x 2/3 = 5.16666...) or just estimate it. Now draw this rectangle by placing the x-y cursors on the axes scales on the origin (0,0), left click and hold, and then move the mouse while setting the x-y scale indicators on X(horizontal) = 5.167" and Y(vertical) = 2 5/8" (2.625). (Note: Use the x-y dialog windows in the bottom status line and set the x and y values as close as possible. The values may not be exact) Release the left button and a black rectangle will appear.
Click on the select tool
and select the rectangle. Then click on the 
icon and click on the Color button on the Polygon (T1) pop up dialog window. Pick a color for the Color pop up menu and click OK. For this tutorial chose the color Gray since that is the color of the roof in the Walter's Ad.
Draw the larger rectangle by placing the cursor on the upper left corner of the rectangle, left click and hold, and drag the mouse to position the cursor at 7-3/4" x 5-1/4. Then use the previous method to change the color of the larger rectangle to gray.
Now we need to create the upper walls of the roof. To simulate the thickness of the red brick along the edge of the roof line, create rectangles 1/8" thick and then change their color to reddish brown using the previous methods.
The basic footprint is in place. The remaining part is optional and can contain as much detail you wish to create. You can use the graphics tools just as you would use the tools in XTrkCad to create track sections and curves. Use of these tools should be straight forward, So use the line drawing tool to create the ribbed roof on the smaller rectangle. Draw a line down the center of the rectangle. Draw ribs 1/8" apart perpendicular to the center ridge line. Exact dimensions are not important as we are approximating the roof detail. Use the Filled Circle tool to add more roof detail by adding some vents. You can change the color of these features if you like. The final drawing is shown below.
Saving the Structure
To save the structure click on Edit from the main menu and click on Select All. Next click on Manage from the main menu bar and then select Group. Enter the name of the Manufacturer (e.g. Walther's) in the pop up dialog box, enter a description and the part number. Click OK. To write the structure into a Parameter file, click on Manage and select Custom Management. Locate the structure in the Pop up menu and select it. Click on Move To and enter a file name. For this tutorial enter "Tutorial-n" (where "-n" is the scale) for the file name and click Save. A pop up menu may appear. If it does, then enter a name descriptor for the file (this is not the filename). You can repeat these steps to add other objects into the same file if you wish.Go to part 2
Edited on 2007-05-16 11:50:20 by MartinFischer
Additions:
To save the structure click on Edit from the main menu and click on Select All. Next click on Manage from the main menu bar and then select Group. Enter the name of the Manufacturer (e.g. Walther's) in the pop up dialog box, enter a description and the part number. Click OK. To write the structure into a Parameter file, click on Manage and select Custom Management. Locate the structure in the Pop up menu and select it. Click on Move To and enter a file name. For this tutorial enter "Tutorial-n" (where "-n" is the scale) for the file name and click Save. A pop up menu may appear. If it does, then enter a name descriptor for the file (this is not the filename). You can repeat these steps to add other objects into the same file if you wish.
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To save the structure click on Edit from the main menu and click on Select All. Next click on Manage from the main menu bar and then select Group. Enter the name of the Manufacturer (e.g. Walther's) in the pop up dialog box, enter a description and the part number. Click OK. To write the structure into a Parameter file, click on Manage and select Custom Management. Locate the structure in the Pop up menu and select it. Click on Move To and enter a file name. For this tutorial enter "Tutorial-n" (where "-n" is the scale) for the file name and click .Save. A pop up menu may appear. If it does, then enter a name descriptor for the file (this is not the filename). You can repeat these steps to add other objects into the same file if you wish.
Edited on 2007-05-16 11:49:30 by MartinFischer [Added Link]
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Go to part 2
CategoryUser
Oldest known version of this page was edited on 2007-05-16 11:35:59 by MartinFischer [Ralph Boyd's Structure Tutorial Part 1]
Page view:
Creating XTrkCad Structures
Introduction
This document is a tutorial on how to create structures using the graphics tools in XTrkCad. The methods described here are not a comprehensive list. However as a starting point, these methods should help you to become creative in your use of the graphics tools in XTrkCad. Whether you want to design very accurate and detailed structures or just approximations of their basic footprint, the main purpose of structures on your XTrkCad layout is for alignment against track and other structures. By creating the various industrial buildings, rural and urban structures, vehicles, and roadways, you will be assured there is sufficient room for these features and they will be properly aligned to your scale.Selecting a Structure
The first step in designing a new structure is to choose an object which has a shape with known dimensions. You may already have a built-up model or a kit which contains a drawing with actual dimensions. However, in most cases during the design stage of your layout you may not have decided what kind of structures you will be placing on your layout. The Internet is an excellent way to help you select the type of buildings and structures you want to incorporate on your XTrkCad design. By browsing let's select a Modular building kit from Walther's as our project for this tutorial. If you use your Internet browser and go to www.walthers.com you can find the following Modular Kit by searching their website. (Author's note: Since the Web changes from time to time, the web site may move or remove pages, so you may not be able to find this page in the same location). This kit is a Modular which can be constructed in various shapes. Let's choose one of the 3 designs in the advertisement. For this tutorial, we will create the "Two-Story Factory with Large Loading Addition" as depicted in the top center of the AD. The footprint is shown below and to the right of the image. The reason we have chosen this structure is that it displays some rooftop detail. For this tutorial, we want to approximate the roof image so this particular building is a suitable choice. We will refer back to this image many times during the lesson, so you may find it necessary to scroll back to this page. Now let's begin.
Using the Graphic Tools
The first step in creating a new structure is to open up a new workspace. Click on File/New. Now zoom in to the maximum display size and use the map to place the (0, 0) coordinate in the lower left corner. You should now have an enlarged image of the workspace with a scale in inches along the x and y axes. We will use these scales to layout the basic footprint with the proper dimensions of the Two-Story Factory. There are two methods for creating structures. A simple line drawing will suffice if all we want is a basic footprint with only a little detail. The second option is to use the "filled" tools to create shapes filled with colors to display a more realistic image of the structure. For this tutorial, we shall follow the second option.
The Two-Story Factory is an L-shaped building that can be constructed from 2 "filled" rectangles adjacent to each other. Select the down arrow next to the box icon
and select the "Create a filled box" from the drop down menu.The largest dimension of the building is 7-3/4" x 5-1/4". This is the "full" footprint for the factory. The drawing does not give the actual dimensions for the L-shaped section, so we will have to estimate it. This is not a problem since the full footprint is all we need for alignment purposes. Looking at the Two-Story Factory footprint in the Walther's Ad, we can estimate that the L-section is a rough ratio of 1/3 the length by 1/2 the depth. Therefore the rectange in the lower left part is approximately by 5.167" x 2-5/8". You can use a calculator to get the first dimension (7.75 x 2/3 = 5.16666...) or just estimate it. Now draw this rectangle by placing the x-y cursors on the axes scales on the origin (0,0), left click and hold, and then move the mouse while setting the x-y scale indicators on X(horizontal) = 5.167" and Y(vertical) = 2 5/8" (2.625). (Note: Use the x-y dialog windows in the bottom status line and set the x and y values as close as possible. The values may not be exact) Release the left button and a black rectangle will appear.
Click on the select tool
and select the rectangle. Then click on the icon and click on the Color button on the Polygon (T1) pop up dialog window. Pick a color for the Color pop up menu and click OK. For this tutorial chose the color Gray since that is the color of the roof in the Walter's Ad.Draw the larger rectangle by placing the cursor on the upper left corner of the rectangle, left click and hold, and drag the mouse to position the cursor at 7-3/4" x 5-1/4. Then use the previous method to change the color of the larger rectangle to gray.
Now we need to create the upper walls of the roof. To simulate the thickness of the red brick along the edge of the roof line, create rectangles 1/8" thick and then change their color to reddish brown using the previous methods.
The basic footprint is in place. The remaining part is optional and can contain as much detail you wish to create. You can use the graphics tools just as you would use the tools in XTrkCad to create track sections and curves. Use of these tools should be straight forward, So use the line drawing tool to create the ribbed roof on the smaller rectangle. Draw a line down the center of the rectangle. Draw ribs 1/8" apart perpendicular to the center ridge line. Exact dimensions are not important as we are approximating the roof detail. Use the Filled Circle tool to add more roof detail by adding some vents. You can change the color of these features if you like. The final drawing is shown below.
Saving the Structure
To save the structure click on Edit from the main menu and click on Select All. Next click on Manage from the main menu bar and then select Group. Enter the name of the Manufacturer (e.g. Walther's) in the pop up dialog box, enter a description and the part number. Click OK. To write the structure into a Parameter file, click on Manage and select Custom Management. Locate the structure in the Pop up menu and select it. Click on Move To and enter a file name. For this tutorial enter "Tutorial-n" (where "-n" is the scale) for the file name and click .Save. A pop up menu may appear. If it does, then enter a name descriptor for the file (this is not the filename). You can repeat these steps to add other objects into the same file if you wish.