Junctions?

[Heavy Chevy]

Good day folks.

I just wondered if it is possible to swap automatic switches for manual ones? Can this be done easily or does each piece of track need to be deleted and re inserted as a manual junction? If you were to change around 20-30 switches is there an easier way than one at a time.
Thanks in advance for the input.

[GreatNortherner]

Hi,

I think the safest way to swap switches might be to do it one by one in the route editor. It shouldn't take so long if only a few dozen switches need to be replaced. It *might* be possible to hack the tracks.bin file (I don't know), but anyway this certainly isn't recommended by RS.com

Before you start, check what track rule is in use on the soon-to-be-modified track portion (use the track highlight tool over the switch, see the track rule in the right-side flyout window). Then select the very same track rule in the editor's track laying properties flyout (lower left) window.

All you need to do now is to select and delete the turnout track segment. Then enable the "snap to track" and "manual switch" radio buttons and put the turnout track section back in again. A good idea might be to also set the correct speed limits of the track before adding the replacement switch, but this can be done later too (track highlight tool).

IF there are any signal links on the track section you are going to delete then the signal will be deleted too. This whole situation is quite unlikely though, signal links shouldn't be placed on switch track segments anyway.

Hope all this makes some sense.

Cheers,
Michael

[Bananarama]

I regularly edit the TrackRules file I'm working with to swap-out one switch stand for another. You can create a batch file to do the conversion from BIN to XML and back, or place a copy of the SERZ.EXE file from the Railworks folder into the TrackRules folder you're using, then drag the BIN file to the SERZ.EXE program to convert, edit the file, then drag the XML back over SERZ.EXE to convert back.

[spec5sx]

There's an easy way to change the switch type at a junction without hacking bin files.

Here's how you do it:









The best part is there are no negative effects and it doesn't interfere with the track rule you are using to lay your track. you are simply changing the switch stand reference from one to another.

Don't forget to change back to your original track rule in the lower left fly-out before laying more track.

[PapaXpress]

I think BNSF did a youtube on this as well.

[SMMDigital]

Sorry i'm a bit late on this post...

If you like tinkering "under the hood" of Railworks, swapping junction types is quick if you use RWTools to edit the tracks.bin file for your route. I switched all tracks and switches on my route from the default SB&B to ScaleRail, in less than hour, using the the search and replace function in RWT. Keep in mind this method isnt for the faint of heart and may take some time to master - back-up copies of your tracks.bin file are a must!

[RedRiverTransfer]

Thank you on that . I've had to delete track, lay new just because I didnt look to see if it was auto or man switches



RRT

[Toripony]

All you need to do now is to select and delete the turnout track segment.
Cheers,
Michael

Actually, there's no need to delete track. Just cut (Split tool) the junction at the point, select the track rule you want to use, select/deselect the Manual switch type as desired, and then re-weld the junction. It only takes a few seconds to do.

[emdsd90mac]

Ok, in response to SMM's Digitals reply to this post. Exactly how do you change the switch stand style? In your route, I noticed you went with a lower profile type stand and that is what I would like to do in certain sections of my route I am building; especially the upcoming yard section. I would like to be able to have several different styles to choose from to use on my route if this is possible. I am not worried about being prototypically correct for it's a fictional route, I just want it to look good. I am getting more comfortable with "tinkering under the hood" as Jerry put it, so I would like to have a crack at it if you are willing to share your knowledge. Thanks a bunch.