The "other" industrial layout...

[DKS]

Not to belabor the point, but just to create a new document in AI, one is faced with this daunting dialog box:



Sorry, but this is not the most user-friendly thing for a new user to face...

[Chris333]

That looks like the color pallet on Inkscape, there is a billion combinations, but it's hard to just pick the color box you want like in Paint.

Took me about 5 min to make this sign with autoCAD:
https://picasaweb.google.com/ErieChris333/2X4NScaleLayout#5827529483431995634
But it is simple black and white.

[LKOrailroad]

Not to belabor the point, but just to create a new document in AI, one is faced with this daunting dialog box:

Yes, however the default will work fine for Chris. Clicking OK is all that is required in this dialog box.

Chris, export from autoCad in SVG format. Import into Illustrator or Inkscape to color the shapes.

[peteski]

Chris,
DKS explained it nicely. While both CAD and publishing apps, such as Corel, are vector based, each one is designed for a different purpose and has a different interfaces.  Programs like Inkscape are designed for graphic artists , not for mechanical engineers. 

I have been playing with Corel Draw since early 1990s and to me it is all very intuitive. But I only use very small subset of its capabilities and I often still learn new tricks which I didn't know could be done.

As far as CAD apps go, I've played with Computervison's CADDS 4X, back in the 80s, and recently with SketchUp (which I don't consider a real CAD app.) I just bought a copy of TurboCAD and I'm planning on learning how to used it (to design my own parts I have 3D printed).  One is never too old to learn a new skill (especially if it is useful in one's hobbies).

[TrainCat2]

I guess I am the oddball using Illustrator to do ALL of my design and layout work. To me, AI is a CAD when you know how to do things.

[Chris333]

The Great Tom Mann (aka  )  Has somehow resurrected the artwork he graciously created back in 2005 for my original building. So for now things are all well in the kingdom.

I guess any program works for someone who knows how to use it.

[LKOrailroad]

Chris, were you able to export/import? Did you color and print your CAD drawing?

I guess I am the oddball using Illustrator to do ALL of my design and layout work.

Two oddballs. I am an Illustrator addict too. Like anything, once you are familiar it becomes easy to make anything you want.

[wcfn100]

I guess any program works for someone who knows how to use it.

Except every other version of Corel. 

Jason

[DKS]

Except every other version of Corel. 

QFT

Although I still prefer Corel over Adobe.

And I use Corel the same way Bob uses AI. Thankfully it's the platform of choice for some lasers and metal etching services.

[LKOrailroad]

My day job is corporate communications, specifically digital media, doc paste-up and graphics. In this environment Adobe is a Godsend because of the tight integration across In Design, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects, and Dreamweaver. Corel, while a fine set of programs in themselves, is not even in the same league as Adobe CS when it comes to professional business applications.

I realize this doesn't mean beans to the average model railroader looking for a drawing program. However, I just wanted to point out there is a world of difference between Corel and Adobe if you plan on venturing far with digital media creation. My now professional career began 25 years ago as a fun pastime. I did not go to college specifically for graphic arts or even marketing yet here I am many years later gainfully employed doing every day what was once a hobby for me. So it is possible to turn making railroad signs into a nice career. Familiarity and experience with Adobe products played a key role in preparing me for the professional world.

I'll get off my Adobe soapbox now as we return to model railroading. 

[DKS]

My day job is corporate communications, specifically digital media, doc paste-up and graphics. In this environment Adobe is a Godsend because of the tight integration across In Design, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects, and Dreamweaver. Corel, while a fine set of programs in themselves, is not even in the same league as Adobe CS when it comes to professional business applications.

Allow me to add that I have shared the same careers for many years, and found that Corel was more than adequate in an enterprise environment. So to say Corel "is not even in the same league as Adobe CS when it comes to professional business applications" is not reflective of reality. Corel may not have the same breadth in their suite (and frankly, Adobe's suite is bloated with a lot of borderline useless fluff), but what they have brings comparable power to the table. And in some instances, I'd found Corel technically superior, as well as having a better interface design. In addition to the above, I've been an application developer and, later, an interface design/usability consultant, so I do have a bit of cred when it comes to UIs, particularly with respect to usability by computer-challenged users.

[/ Corel lecture]

[Scottl]

A full page of the Adobe vs Corel beakin', back to the modelling...  This thread and the JCI are fantastic to follow.

[TrainCat2]

Back to modeling . . . . everyone.

Hey Chis, where is the Erie Team Track Crane going ?

[Chris333]

Bob, I hope you understand that I wasn't sure I'd be able to buy another crane. I am using one on my larger layout right next to a freight station:
https://picasaweb.google.com/ErieChris333/NewLayoutSpace#5866543271471971250

[svedblen]

Sorry to continue this off topic conversation, but how about old reliable Windows Power Point? One minute (and then 25 minutes figuring out how to upload the file to my ftp server, which I have not used since I switched from XP to Windows 7