Geometry import tool in OpenRail Designer supports importing alg files from v8i products, that includes horizontal, vertical and cant information. Result of the import process includes geometry created by the placed turnouts, but not the turnout object itself. There can be cases where you need to also have the turnout object such as reporting, annotation and topology creation. Below you can see how this can be accomplished using geometry tools.

Importing ALG file

First step is to import existing alg file.

Method #1 : For annotation and reporting, basic placement

This method includes only placing the turnout to the right location. No connection to existing complex geometry is made. Vertical geometry can also be added to the placed turnout. This method is sufficient for annotation and reporting purposes but not for topology related workflows.

• Mark the location of turnout .1 points using lines. That is usually the start of the geometry. Other points can also be used, such as .0 or .2 points.
• Use place turnout tool to select the correct turnout definition.
• Place the turnout using .1 point.

Method #2 : For topology creation

This method includes adding placed turnouts into the existing complex geometry. This replaces the geometry part of the existing turnout with the new one that references to new turnout object. Geometry preserves existing vertical and cant information. Model then can be used for topology creation, to be used for workflows such as overhead line design, signaling or rail equipment asset registry.

• Place the turnouts using the same process explained in the Method #1.
• Use complex redefine to incorporate turnout into the complex.
• In cases where complex redefine cannot solve the geometry, remove the existing, turnout related PI point from the geometry, using Delete Vertex. Use the complex redefine afterwards.
  You can also remove all vertex from the geometry so that the geometry starts/ends at the heal of the turnout and use Append Element command to add the turnout to the geometry (not that it is the method to use in 2023 release)
• Adjust start station if needed.
• Adjust cant information if needed. Cant is preserved but new turnout geometry may introduce new cant values at the turnout location, that is at the beginning or end of a geometry.

Method #3 : For more

It is the case if you are migrating project that are still work in progress. You may want to add rules to the design so that it is more consistent with OpenRail Designer workflow and easier to understand for users who will edit the file.

This method is also using Complex Redefine, but with a litlle preparation to create a part that is the "ruled" link between turnout and alignment.