Difference between revisions of "CAD Tools"

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[http://bluebrick.lswproject.com BlueBrick] (by Alban Nanty) is an excellent open source software tool for designing Lego® based layouts.  This tool allows you to arrange baseplates, track, and other items into any desired layout configuration.  You can assign different drawing layers for each item, generate parts lists, add text annotations, and much more.  BlueBrick comes pre-installed with many different parts libraries, including Lego® track from the 4.5V era up to current 9V/RC track.  Since the introduction of new alternative track items from ME Models, we can now build layouts with new curve radii options of 56, 72, 88, and 104 studs.  Below, you can download additional component libraries to expand the possibilities of layout design using BlueBrick.
 
[http://bluebrick.lswproject.com BlueBrick] (by Alban Nanty) is an excellent open source software tool for designing Lego® based layouts.  This tool allows you to arrange baseplates, track, and other items into any desired layout configuration.  You can assign different drawing layers for each item, generate parts lists, add text annotations, and much more.  BlueBrick comes pre-installed with many different parts libraries, including Lego® track from the 4.5V era up to current 9V/RC track.  Since the introduction of new alternative track items from ME Models, we can now build layouts with new curve radii options of 56, 72, 88, and 104 studs.  Below, you can download additional component libraries to expand the possibilities of layout design using BlueBrick.
 +
 +
Since v.1.2, the schematic track library has been split into two parts:  one for RC/plastic track components and another for 9V/metal track components.  This makes each library a more manageable size and the grouping of similar components makes track elements easier to find.
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{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
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# Make a new subfolder under the BlueBrick library folder, e.g. <code>..\BlueBrick 1.8.0\parts\Schematic RC</code>
 
# Make a new subfolder under the BlueBrick library folder, e.g. <code>..\BlueBrick 1.8.0\parts\Schematic RC</code>
 
# Copy and unzip the <code>SchematicRC.zip</code> file into the new sub-folder
 
# Copy and unzip the <code>SchematicRC.zip</code> file into the new sub-folder
−
# Launch BlueBrick and verify that the new track components are contained in a new category with the same name as the sub-folder you created, e.g. "Track Schematic"
+
# Launch BlueBrick and verify that the new track components are contained in a new category with the same name as the sub-folder you created, e.g. "Schematic RC"
 
| rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | 1.2
 
| rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | 1.2
 
|-
 
|-
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# Make a new subfolder under the BlueBrick library folder, e.g. <code>..\BlueBrick 1.8.0\parts\Schematic 9V</code>
 
# Make a new subfolder under the BlueBrick library folder, e.g. <code>..\BlueBrick 1.8.0\parts\Schematic 9V</code>
 
# Copy and unzip the <code>Schematic9V.zip</code> file into the new sub-folder
 
# Copy and unzip the <code>Schematic9V.zip</code> file into the new sub-folder
−
# Launch BlueBrick and verify that the new track components are contained in a new category with the same name as the sub-folder you created, e.g. "Track Schematic"
+
# Launch BlueBrick and verify that the new track components are contained in a new category with the same name as the sub-folder you created, e.g. "Schematic 9V"
 
| rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | 1.2
 
| rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | 1.2
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[http://www.brickdimensions.com/resources/Schematic9Vv.1.2.zip  Download 9V Schematic Track Library v.1.2]
 
|[http://www.brickdimensions.com/resources/Schematic9Vv.1.2.zip  Download 9V Schematic Track Library v.1.2]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="2"| [[File:BTLibThumb.png|100px|link=]]
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| rowspan="2"| [[File:BTLibThumb.png|200px|link=]]
 
| '''BrickTracks Track (Dark Bluish Gray)'''<br/>BlueBrick library which includes the BrickTracks R56, R72, R88, R104, and R120 curves.  
 
| '''BrickTracks Track (Dark Bluish Gray)'''<br/>BlueBrick library which includes the BrickTracks R56, R72, R88, R104, and R120 curves.  
 
| rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | 1.0
 
| rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | 1.0
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|[http://www.brickdimensions.com/resources/METrackBlackv.1.2.zip  Download ME Models Track (Black) v.1.2]
 
|[http://www.brickdimensions.com/resources/METrackBlackv.1.2.zip  Download ME Models Track (Black) v.1.2]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| rowspan="2"| [[File:SchLibrary.png|200px|link=]]
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−
| '''Schematic Track Library'''<br/>This library contains a complete selection of track planning resources illustrated as symbols so that you can create track schematic drawings.  This library has the following features:
 
−
* '''Universal:'''  includes 9V and RC track from LEGO®, ME-Models track in both plastic and metal, and a range of custom track components
 
−
* '''Colour Coded:'''  elements are colour coded for easy identification.  Red elements represent track products from LEGO®, orange elements are custom parts, and ME-Models components have different colours for each unique curve radius. 
 
−
* '''Plastic and Metal rails:'''  RC/plastic and 9V/metal track elements are differentiated by colour saturation so that metal and plastic track can easily be combined in a plan, yet easily identified.  Furthermore, metal track also include a small energy bolt icon to indicate that it is powered.
 
−
* '''Custom Elements:'''  a range of customized track elements are included such as single element stub switches (in both RC and 9V) and compound track arrangements such as pre-made/aligned crossovers (LH/RH in both RC/9V)
 
−
* '''Complete:'''  all track elements are properly identified by colour and part number (where applicable).  This will be especially helpful when generating a parts list since it will itemize all unique parts.
 
−
It is recommended to install this library into a new sub-folder of the BlueBrick <code>..\parts\</code> folder.  To install and use this library:
 
−
# Make a new subfolder under the BlueBrick library folder, e.g. <code>..\BlueBrick 1.8.0\parts\Track Schematic</code>
 
−
# Copy and unzip the <code>TrackSchematic.zip</code> file into the new sub-folder
 
−
# Launch BlueBrick and verify that the new track components are contained in a new category with the same name as the sub-folder you created, e.g. "Track Schematic"
 
−
| rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | 1.1
 
−
|-
 
−
|[http://www.brickdimensions.com/resources/TrackSchematic-v.1.1.zip  Download Schematic Track Library v.1.1]
 
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|-
 
 
|}
 
|}
  

Revision as of 19:38, 14 August 2017

There are many useful and practical software tools available to the LEGO® fan community. These tools can be used to build models, plan layouts, illustrate instructions, and much more. In this section, you can find libraries, extensions, data files, etc. specifically related to LEGO® trains for some of these software tools. These resources can be downloaded from the categorized tables below.

BlueBrick Add-on Libraries

BlueBrickScreen.png

BlueBrick (by Alban Nanty) is an excellent open source software tool for designing Lego® based layouts. This tool allows you to arrange baseplates, track, and other items into any desired layout configuration. You can assign different drawing layers for each item, generate parts lists, add text annotations, and much more. BlueBrick comes pre-installed with many different parts libraries, including Lego® track from the 4.5V era up to current 9V/RC track. Since the introduction of new alternative track items from ME Models, we can now build layouts with new curve radii options of 56, 72, 88, and 104 studs. Below, you can download additional component libraries to expand the possibilities of layout design using BlueBrick.

Since v.1.2, the schematic track library has been split into two parts: one for RC/plastic track components and another for 9V/metal track components. This makes each library a more manageable size and the grouping of similar components makes track elements easier to find.


BlueBrick Add-on Libraries
Preview Description Rev
RCLibThumb.png RC Schematic Track Library
This library exclusively contains plastic track components illustrated as symbols so that you can create track schematic drawings. This library has the following features:
  • Universal: includes plastic track elements from LEGO®, ME Models, BrickTracks, and other vendors
  • Colour Coded: elements are colour coded for easy identification. Red elements represent track products from LEGO®, orange elements are custom parts, and components have different colours for each unique curve radius.
  • Custom Elements: a range of customized track elements are included such as single element stub switches and compound track arrangements such as pre-made/aligned crossovers (LH/RH)
  • Complete: all track elements are properly identified by colour and part number (where applicable). This will be especially helpful when generating a parts list since it will itemize all unique parts.

It is recommended to install this library into a new sub-folder of the BlueBrick ..\parts\ folder. To install and use this library:

  1. Make a new subfolder under the BlueBrick library folder, e.g. ..\BlueBrick 1.8.0\parts\Schematic RC
  2. Copy and unzip the SchematicRC.zip file into the new sub-folder
  3. Launch BlueBrick and verify that the new track components are contained in a new category with the same name as the sub-folder you created, e.g. "Schematic RC"
 1.2
Download RC Schematic Track Library v.1.2
9VLibThumb.png 9V Schematic Track Library
This library exclusively contains metal/9V track components illustrated as symbols so that you can create track schematic drawings. This library has the following features:
  • Universal: includes metal/9V track elements from LEGO®, ME Models, and other vendors
  • Colour Coded: elements are colour coded for easy identification. Red elements represent track products from LEGO®, orange elements are custom parts, and components have different colours for each unique curve radius.
  • Custom Elements: a range of customized track elements are included such as single element stub switches and compound track arrangements such as pre-made/aligned crossovers (LH/RH)
  • Complete: all track elements are properly identified by colour and part number (where applicable). This will be especially helpful when generating a parts list since it will itemize all unique parts.

It is recommended to install this library into a new sub-folder of the BlueBrick ..\parts\ folder. To install and use this library:

  1. Make a new subfolder under the BlueBrick library folder, e.g. ..\BlueBrick 1.8.0\parts\Schematic 9V
  2. Copy and unzip the Schematic9V.zip file into the new sub-folder
  3. Launch BlueBrick and verify that the new track components are contained in a new category with the same name as the sub-folder you created, e.g. "Schematic 9V"
 1.2
Download 9V Schematic Track Library v.1.2
BTLibThumb.png BrickTracks Track (Dark Bluish Gray)
BlueBrick library which includes the BrickTracks R56, R72, R88, R104, and R120 curves. 		1.0
Download BrickTracks Library v.1.0
MEAllColours.png ME Models Track (All Sleeper/Tie Colours)
BlueBrick library which includes the ME Models R56, R72, R88, and R104 curves as well as the half, standard, and double length straights. This library includes track elements in all available sleeper/tie colours of dark bluish gray, reddish brown, dark brown, and black. To install and use this library:
  1. Download one or more library zip files using the links in this table.
  2. Copy and unzip the METrack.zip file to the BlueBrick library folder for track components, e.g. ..\BlueBrick 1.8.0\parts\Track depending on your installation.
  3. Launch BlueBrick and verify that the new track components are in the "Track" section of the library selection window.
 1.2
Download ME Models Track (All colours) v.1.2
MEDarkGray.png ME Models Track (Dark Bluish Gray)
BlueBrick library which includes the ME Models R56, R72, R88, and R104 curves as well as the half, standard, and double length straights. This library only includes track elements illustrated in dark bluish gray. 		1.2
Download ME Models Track (Dark Bluish Gray) v.1.2
MEReddishBrown.png ME Models Track (Reddish Brown)
BlueBrick library which includes the ME Models R56, R72, R88, and R104 curves as well as the half, standard, and double length straights. This library only includes track elements illustrated in reddish brown. 		1.2
Download ME Models Track (Reddish Brown) v.1.2
MEDarkBrown.png ME Models Track (Dark Brown)
BlueBrick library which includes the ME Models R56, R72, R88, and R104 curves as well as the half, standard, and double length straights. This library only includes track elements illustrated in dark brown. 		1.2
Download ME Models Track (Dark Brown) v.1.2
MEBlack.png ME Models Track (Black)
BlueBrick library which includes the ME Models R56, R72, R88, and R104 curves as well as the half, standard, and double length straights. This library only includes track elements illustrated in black. 		1.2
Download ME Models Track (Black) v.1.2

LDraw Components

mlcad.gif

Many useful parts specific to trains have been designed by the community for use with LDraw software tools such as MLCad, Bricksmith, LPub, etc. In this section, you will find categorized LDraw component bundles to add to your LDraw library installation.

Additional LDraw Parts
Preview Description Rev
MELDraw.png ME Models Track
LDraw parts library which includes the ME Models R56, R72, R88, and R104 curves as well as the half and double length straights. Ronald Vallenduuk has generously contributed his LDraw implementation of the ME Models track components. You can download a zip file containing the latest release of this library here or visit Ronald's github repository directly for more detail. The revision number shown here refers to the github commit hash code. 		ef24bd6
Download ME Models LDraw Parts

nControl Track Planner

nControl-1.png

4DBrix offer the free nControl software with some unique features specifically aimed at LEGO® train fans. It provides track planning, simulation, and automation. Its automation supports operation of the 4DBrix track switch motor. Support for additional components such as detection and signalling is coming soon. You can get a copy of nControl using this link.

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