I have my layout built and all my track laid, now I want to print out my layout for turnouts and signaling. I looked at SCARM but it seems to complicated, is there any other programs that will do what I want.Thanks Jim.
Please define “Print out your layout for turnouts and signaling”
Do you just want to print 1:1 scale with symbols for signals and turnouts?
Or do you want to import your signal and layout symbols into something like JMRI’s panel pro so you can have automated control from a computer?
Or do you just want to create a layout plan?
Other choices include Anyrail and 3rd planit
RailModeler on a Mac, if you’re of that persuasion, is very easy to use.
I want to print it out for my signals and switch machines but manly for my yard turnouts. My yard is about 45 feet long and 16 tracks wide so it is just a little hard to keep it all working with out any collisions. The turnouts are all controled by tortoise machines. I want to put up a panel with leds so I know what turnous are open or closed. I am also using the linux system on my computer.
So it sounds like all you need is a basic drawing program. Many folks have used powerpoint or something similar on Mac and PC for control panel drawings. Open Office Draw or Impress would be alternatives for Linux, but there are probably many others.
Atlas has a new version of Right Track freeware available on their site.
Jim
Xtrcad for Linux might work. You can design the layout and put a train on it to animate.
anyrail does contain a CTC/Panel track set which will allow you to quickly draw a yard into a panel. The trail version allows up to 60 pieces. You can print this out and use it as a template for your control panel.
But you’ll need to run WINE or something equivalent. Otherwise XTrakCad might be your only choice.
This might also help:
http://www.building-your-model-railroad.com/control-panel.html
A friend and model railroader uses ViaCAD for his layout drawings ($40). I’m a long time CAD user (30+ yr) and his drawings look very good to me. He told me that it wasn’t a difficult program to learn, I haven’t looked into it so don’t have any first hand experience.
There are tutorials for ViaCAD on YouTube.
Mel
Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
SCARM can easily do simple control panel diagrams and even more complex station and yard plans by use of the Symbols library as explained here:
How To Make Control Panels and Diagrams for SCARM Track Plans
And a very simple diagram example:
Of cource, it can be printed without the square borders and connection arrows. Signals and indicators are also easy do be drawn. If you need assistance, I can help.
Mixy
Going to try these and see how they work, thanks for all the input.