Just like when exporting single tracks a file with track information is saved. In this case more layouts may be contained in this file. Apart from that you can choose to save the layouts exactly as they were planned (including the track system(s) that was/were used) or track system independently (uncheck the option “Save Track System”).


Track system independent libraries are used to exchange layouts between SlotMan-Users who own different track brands. The layouts are stored in a generic format

Example:

If the scale 1:32 is given in the track system configuration and the length of a standard straight is 400mm, instead of “Straight/Half Straight/Straight” the information “Straight length 32000” is stored. (=32*(400+200+400)). Curves are stored in a similar format. If the track library is loaded again, the sections are added to meet the stored information as closely as possible. For the example above, the sequence “Straight/Straight/Half Straight” would be generated. So the layouts aren´t copied identically.

If the above library would be loaded in a slotman.dat file that is configured as follows:

Scale 1:43, Length of standard straight 330mm, no half straights, 1/3 straight 110mm, the following sequence would be generated:

Straight,Straight,1/3 Straight

The reason for this is: Length = 32000/43mm, this length can be used for 2 standard straights, 84mm are left. These 84mm are being approximated using a 1/3 straight.

Whenever possible sections from the FIRST track system are used. The sections from the track systems 2 & 3 are only used, if these track systems share the same track- and slot width with the first system and if the sections are matching better than all sections from the first system.


The idea behind this way of exchanging layouts is to be able to share layouts between totally different scales and track brands. The resulting layouts are not intended to be perfect but should give a very good starting point for editing.


To export track layouts, a filename must be given and the layouts to store must be selected from a list. You can select more than one layout by using the standard Windows-machanisms for selecting multiple lines in a list.

After clicking “OK”, the library is saved in the given file.


Note: Track libraries are not intended for saving layouts for backup purposes etc. All layouts are stored in the slotman.dat file automatically and precisely.



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