I know Atlas has free track planning software but their website is shutdown until next week. Where else can i get my hands on track planning software?
dmac730,
Give it another try. They seem to be open again for business…
Website: http://www.atlasrr.com/
Registration page for RTS: http://www.ismax.com/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/ismax/start.cgi/hostapps/atlasrr/max_emailer/add_freeware_main.html
Tom
Atlas website working again I downloaded the software last night.
I will say it is rather hard to use, click on getting started to go through a tutorial that will help. Track hard to distingush at the 1 inch width they sugest.
Good Luck,
Dan
That Atlas planning software is quite a challenge. I just gave up on it.
True, the RTS software does take a little getting used to. And, granted, it’s a bit limited in what it can do. But…it’s FREE. And, if play around with it enough, it’s a pretty handy and helpful little program. I’ve used it to try out numerous ideas for my layout. I like to be able to keep a copy of them on my computer.
Tom
RTS is difficult to master. It takes practice like any new thing. It is quite useful for trying new ideas before tearing up track and scenery. I tried everything on the BRVRR in RTS before I put down the first piece of flex track. While a little clumsy, even the structures portions are useful for checking clearences and comparing sizes etc.
Although limited, RTS is free and boon to those on a budget.
I also used the RTS. It took a bit of getting used to, but I had no previous experience with Paint or similar programs so it was a totally new experience for me. It worked well for the small layout I have. And, has been pointed out, the price was right.
One thing I did was to print out all the help pages (for each command) and assemble them into a small binder. Maybe I’m just more hard copy oriented but I liked being able to read through an explanation of each of the commands, and have the manual handy for reference. Yeah, I know the idea of having on-line help is that you don’t need the hard copy, I’m just that way. I prefer my magazines in hard copy format too.
iirc, there’s also a small tutorial lesson included. Following along with that helps aquaint you with the basic commands.
It’s not that the whole Atlas site is shut down, just that the forums are locked to prevent new registrations or posting during their vacation period.
Regards
Ed
I downloaded it last night. It is counter intutive in many places and sometimes ackward using the mouse to perform tasks. But I finally got the hang of it after funbling for about 4 hours. Now I consider it a useful tool.
I used another that was worse by the way.