Connect Tracks

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# 2.2.3 Connect Tracks

This command is frequently used with Sectional Track. But it can be useful to reattach ordinary track which has become disconected or split.

When in this connect, ends of tracks that can be selected are highlighted with a blue arrow. With Shift added, ends that can be tighten are highlighted with a blue "X".

There are three modes,

- a Left click on a track near a disconnected end-point followed by a second on a close-by disconnected end-point on another track will try to join two tracks
- a Shift-Left click on a connected track will "Tighten Tracks" moving other tracks connected to this track to reduce any small distance or angle differences
- Selecting a set of tracks followed by a "S" key or using the Context menu will prompt for confirmation that all selected tracks with unconnected endpoints should be joined to nearby selected track at an unconnected end point. This mode allows for an entire layout to be reconnected after a Select-All.

Notes for two track mode: Occasionally pieces of sectional track do not line up exactly, especially when creating figure-8's or passing sidings. When laying out the actual track you can compensate for this by adjusting the individual tracks to provide a bit of slack. This command simulates that process.

Click on the endpoint of each track you're trying to connect. XtrkCAD will move the tracks slightly in an attempt to overcome the gap. If the gap is too large, the connection will fail. If this occurs, try using other track pieces in your layout.

XTrackCAD adjusts the positions of tracks connected to the tracks up to a track with more than two connections. See the Demo for details.

If one (or both) the selected tracks is an adjustable section (such as Kato's Adjustable Track #20-050) then the length of the track is changed to fill the gap.

You can undo the effect of the Connect command by splitting (Section 2.2.17.2) the track to disconnect it then using the Shift+Left-Click Connect command on the unconnected endpoints to tighten connections between the tracks.