Why can't I draw a Tunnel Opening across a track from the Library Track

[karel3]

I am trying to draw a model railroad plan using tracks from the Standard Library using Backmann EZ Track. On my plan I want have my track go through a Tunnel which would be along the back part of the layout. The tunnel would start on a curve part of the track and end at a straight part of the track. I drew up my plan and had terrain added and then tried using Tunnel Opening with Perpendicular to track to make my tunnel opening, but it doesn't work -- all I get is a ping when I press the left button on the mouse.
I can make a tunnel opening on a curved part of track if I use the Flex Track procedure to model a layout, but I do not intend to use Flex Track. What do I need to do to use the tunnel with track from the Standard Library?????

I would appreciate any help I can get on matter.

[DaveInGA]

Re: Why can't I draw a Tunnel Opening across a track from the Library Track

The Tunnel Tool does not work with sectional track. The Tunnel Tool process includes an automatic slicing of track at the tunnel opening, but sectional track can not be conventiently sliced so the program does not attempt to do so. You have done nothing wrong. The program is operating as intended when it rejects (PING) the operation.

There is a technique to draw your tunnel. Lay that part of your route using *sacfificial* flex track. Configure the terrain mesh above and around the tunnel. Draw and cut the tunnel openings. Delete the flex track. Then lay in sectional track as needed. Try to configure your sections so that track joints fall at the tunnel openings. Then set the Properties of track sections within the tunnel to Tunnel Track to prevent confusing the program during any future terrain mesh configuration operations.

If anything here is not clear please do not hesitate to ask again. Enjoy!

[Randy]

Re: Why can't I draw a Tunnel Opening across a track from the Library Track

An alternative it to simply ungroup the sectional track piece, which lets the program know it can be modified. In general, 3rd PlanIt prevents you from modifying sectional track to avoid accidental errors.