Hi Dave I've found a way to get the helix to connect in the correct direction each time. After you construct the first level you construct the second and subsequent levels at a different starting angle - any angle will work it just needs to be a few degrees offset from the first level in the direction that you want the levels to line up.. Once the second level is complete you offer it up to the first for connectin and hey presto it aligns itself perfectly every time. Hope this helps to cure the frustration :). Peter
To make the layers join the previous layer properly I attach a straight flex to the entrance to helix on the layout layer. The new layer then attaches to the correct part of the previous layer. When you have finished the helix you can delete the straight flex or use it to connect to the main layout.
Peter, thanks. I hate to admit this, but as soon as I read your comment, I realized I discovered that out when I was practicing the method and then forgot to include it in the video. Blame old age. Or the fact that there was a bout two weeks between the practicing of the method and when I wrote the script and recorded it. I guess old age again. Take care, Dave
Further to my last note I have found that you can offset in any direction by a few degrees and the new level will snap in to the correct position every time. Peter
Very good, Dave. I tried a similar technique but using the Helix tool to create each level. I find the Helix tool a little quicker to use. Then I use the Smooth tool at the end if I need the exit at a different point (i.e. an angle that is not at a multiple of 90 degrees).
Hi Bob, I tried your method and it works just fine. I suspect that there may be as many methods to solve this problem as there are users of AnyRail. Maybe I'll gather the responses and put them all in a future update. I'm trying to get a first draft on a new layout design but I'm making a lot of compromises in this design. Why is it that we model railroaders always need one or two feet more in both directions to design that layout properly? Oh well. Take care, Dave
Hi Dave. After a few tries I managed to create a double helix in the manner you demonstrate in this video. I am looking forward to the next video where you show your latest helix design. I also have a question. When I view my helix in 3D and add ground in, the ground rises with the helix but not in any organized fashion. Do you know of a way to clean this up?
Hi Michael, Sorry I missed your question. As far as I know, there is no way to clean up the ground in the 3D view. I think I read somewhere that AnyRail is working on improving the 3D side of things but don't quote me on that. Think I saw it in the forum somewhere a while back. Dave
Hi Dave I've found a way to get the helix to connect in the correct direction each time. After you construct the first level you construct the second and subsequent levels at a different starting angle - any angle will work it just needs to be a few degrees offset from the first level in the direction that you want the levels to line up.. Once the second level is complete you offer it up to the first for connectin and hey presto it aligns itself perfectly every time. Hope this helps to cure the frustration :). Peter
Hi Peter, thanks for the info. I will include it in my next video on a two level layout I was considering building. Dave
To make the layers join the previous layer properly I attach a straight flex to the entrance to helix on the layout layer. The new layer then attaches to the correct part of the previous layer. When you have finished the helix you can delete the straight flex or use it to connect to the main layout.
Peter, thanks. I hate to admit this, but as soon as I read your comment, I realized I discovered that out when I was practicing the method and then forgot to include it in the video. Blame old age. Or the fact that there was a bout two weeks between the practicing of the method and when I wrote the script and recorded it. I guess old age again. Take care, Dave
Further to my last note I have found that you can offset in any direction by a few degrees and the new level will snap in to the correct position every time. Peter
Peter, I am bad at answering. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll work it into a video soon. Dave
Very good, Dave. I tried a similar technique but using the Helix tool to create each level. I find the Helix tool a little quicker to use. Then I use the Smooth tool at the end if I need the exit at a different point (i.e. an angle that is not at a multiple of 90 degrees).
Hi Bob, I tried your method and it works just fine. I suspect that there may be as many methods to solve this problem as there are users of AnyRail. Maybe I'll gather the responses and put them all in a future update. I'm trying to get a first draft on a new layout design but I'm making a lot of compromises in this design. Why is it that we model railroaders always need one or two feet more in both directions to design that layout properly? Oh well. Take care, Dave
Hi Dave. After a few tries I managed to create a double helix in the manner you demonstrate in this video. I am looking forward to the next video where you show your latest helix design. I also have a question. When I view my helix in 3D and add ground in, the ground rises with the helix but not in any organized fashion. Do you know of a way to clean this up?
Hi Michael, Sorry I missed your question. As far as I know, there is no way to clean up the ground in the 3D view. I think I read somewhere that AnyRail is working on improving the 3D side of things but don't quote me on that. Think I saw it in the forum somewhere a while back. Dave