@errror404 Keep a duplicate copy of the straight version before you bend it. Then you cab use that later ? There's nothing to 'undo' the bending...

@TIG That's it!! thanks, and I already had it installed too. Thanks!

@errror404 You really ought to use the Extension Store tool to find and install extensions. It's easier than downloading the extensions and installing them with Extension Manager. It also means that when extensions get updated you can get an alert and update them quickly, and of course build your bundle to make migrating to a new version of to a new computer easier.

First thing I would do after importing is run TIG's Default Layer Geometry to set all edges and faces back to Layer 0. Then I would purge unused layers. That should reduce the number of layers you need to deal with. Next I would hide all but one remaining layer leaving just the components you want to apply the material too. You could select all of those components and apply the material to them in one click. If you want to have the material applied to the faces instead of the objects, use the Instance to Faces option in the Material Tools extension.

Good deal on the version. BTW, please complete your profile with SketchUp version, operating syste, metc. That information helps us help you.

@dave r said: Hard to say exactly without seeing the .stl files you are starting with. Very likely it is a small size/tiny face issue. You might be able to get around it by setting the import units to meters before importing. By their nature, .stl files will have lots of shorter edges due to the triangulated nature of the file so you get to deal with that. Right after I posted, I figured out there's a way under options to change the units from mm to meters when importing an stl. I did a quick test and 2 of 3 models imported as solids... thanks for the feedback

@errror404 said: Thanks for the tip about working on large scale... I'm already aware of that potential issue (forgot the name of the technique where you make a component and then scale it 10x or 100x larger to work on the larger component). I think you are referring to what has become known as "The Dave Method". @errror404 said: I think my problem is not the tools or the plugins, but the fact that I want to twist my track too quickly and it creates some bumps in the road that would derail the cars. I think you would see a similar issue in the real track, too.

THANKS TIG!!! that was pretty awesome!

@cjryan said: I've had great results with my ASUS Republic of Gamers G750JH-DB71 17.3" Notebook , it's heavy, and the power block is the size of a brick. But it rocks SU. I'm not that familiar with "Lumion", but I also use it for renders, and I'm a heavy PhotoShop user. It handles everything I throw at it. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/983611-REG/asus_g750jh_db71_i7_4700hq_24gb_1tb_128ssd_x2_windows_8_64_17_3.html For what it's worth... Chris This laptop is def on my wish list, Ive had the G74sx for the last 2 years and its done a great job.

http://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=DM_ProfileBuilderFree_v.1.1.0 ???

When talking about BIM you need to ask yourself what you're looking for. Take the words "Building Information Modeling"- What does it mean? It means Information about a Building through [the interface of] a Model. By that definition, SketchUp is BIM software. Software companies like to confuse the issue when talking about features of their software, such as parametric modeling, room areas, scheduling, etc. They give the strong impression that anything else is not BIM. This is total deception. Don't get me wrong, these features are hugely advantageous for massive greenfield modular projects, but where one-off buildings are concerned you need to seriously question the return on investment where your platform requires you to create bespoke parametric elements for every single object in the model. How is SketchUp BIM? Surfaces contain area data. Groups & Components contain volume data. Objects can be programmed (including parametric and other features) SU exports data to spreadsheets. SU supports energy analysis, cost analysis SU Pro creates construction documents (when you know how- Nick is a great exponent of this process) There are a vast and growing number of automated plugins for ease and speed of virtual construction (e.g. 1001bit tools, Buildedge, etc.) SU files are now accepted by Tekla BIMsight. SU interacts very nicely with Google Earth. There are several add-ons for rendering SU models. I don't know what your requirements are and maybe you are right to go for the above packages- but I just question the need for parametric-only software for bespoke limited/ one-off building design & construction.

@box said: I believe it is related to how the faces are created and their orientation to the global axis. If you redraw the line you are erasing from the other direction you will get the other texture. I just tried... You are right on target. Not too useful tough

As an Civil engineer, I have started to use Sketchup as a CIM tool. We are using it to present conceptual designs, along with cost from the site takeoff. We are now using Sketchup for site construction sequencing. I just did a site take off on a conceptual design from a PDF sketch. If I can be of any help, Please feel free to contact me. Mike

Pretty awesome plugins!!! thanks guys...

I've already posted this wish in the wish list... @frederik said: 5.) Page numbers - and a date field. I know it has been on the wish-list since v.2, but I really miss this function. 6.) Ruby API in Layout. Back on September 2010 I saw Bjanzen posted this... @bjanzen said: you could encourage us to do ruby API in LayOut, and that's probably how that and man other features will get implemented. By that Mr. B was referring to page number and date.

Does that mean you've solved your problem? Why don't you edit your profile and add your OS and SketchUp version?

@unknownuser said: I haven't checked because it's not an issue for me, but have you tried saving the setting with your preffered template? It doesn't work... I tried that already @tig said: It's hard coded. This was discussed a while ago... On a PC only... if you write a script that auto-loads and runs itself that includes some WScript calls to make key-strokes it can be done, but it's a cludge... http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=39837&p=352123&hilit=wscript+circle#p352123 Hmmm... Thanks for the link! it makes sense

i think the best is http://www.smustard.com/script/FlightPath2 for only 7$

Just another option Make a new layer called Lines >>> go to wire frame mode >>> Select all the lines you want to hide >>> Then with the Layer dialog put them on the layer called lines >>> now return to shaded with textures or what ever style you want >>> then turn off (un-check visibility)for the Lines layer... The nice thing about this method is that the lines are not actually hidden just the layer. This will give you more flexibility and ease of use since you can turn the lines on and off easily by just selecting the visibility of the lines layer. Just my 2 cents worth.