Since can’t draw a straight line much less a cruved line is there any kind of free software to help me design a layout?
Jerry - NR5A
Jerry,
I can’t draw either. I tried a couple of the free track planning programs and could not get any to work. Apparently they are writen for the computer literate and I am not. I gave up and went to graph paper and a soft pencil. I did a lot of sketching. When I thought I was close, I laid the whole thing out, full size, on the floor with blue masking tape. I left the tape on the floor until the bench work was done and the risers and sub bed were laid. Later when I added the 4x8 yard table made of 2" foam for the yard and turntable, I did the same thing untill I had what I wanted.
If you can make the computer work, more power to you. If you can’t there are other good ways.
Jerry,
There are a couple of ‘free’ track planning software packages. Be aware that the ‘learning curve’ for the free ones or the premium ones is quite steep. If you have experience with CAD/CAM software packages, it will seem pretty basic to you.
- XTrkCad - This one has a lot of features and most commercial track patterns are available. Here is the link:
- Right Track Software - This is the Atlas ‘freeware’ software package. Be aware that it only has Atlas trackage in the track libraries, and there is no way to create or import other track objects. That said, the learning curve is not too bad. Again, here is the link:
http://www.atlasrr.com/righttrack.htm
Try them out, and do not get too frustrated. It will start to make sense at some point. Use the sample tutorials - You will learn a lot from them.
Jim Bernier
XTrakCad is available here:
This is a more sophisticated program than Atlas RTS from the first reply. But, it’s also got a steeper learning curve. I used the Atlas program myself, and it did a good enough job for me. I expected something that would let me draw the plan and visualize the layout, and Atlas gave me that. I had to work out the grades for the over/unders by myself, but that didn’t bother me.
Then, my computer died, and I loaded up XTrakCad for further design work.
I believe Sillub stopped developing XtrakCad a few year ago. The current version can be downloaded from:
http://www.xtrkcad.org/Wikka/HomePage
Smile,
Stein
Stein beat me to the link for XtrkCad, but you may also find this link to be of value.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/XTrkCad/
One good thing about XtrkCad is that it is available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
I hope this helps.
Vernon
How BIG and complicated are going to get? Sometimes the free stuff is worth what you pay for it.
There are some you must purcahse and that would be the correct way if you are doing any large layout. In a back issue of MRM there was the use of the Railroad simulator to draw a track plan. Someone might remember that and send you in that direction.
I used 3rd planet to do a 1,600 sq. ft. plan and it was great to able to run the train in virtual to find the problems. Still did not catch them all.
Has to be kinda small, no larger than 32" x 60" or so. Was orginally going 2’x4’ but got gready. That is max size I can go, with everything in this tiny 9’x8’ room.
Jerry - NR5A
9x8 feet doesn’t sound half bad.
You can fit quite a bit of model railroad into a 9x8 feet room,and still use most of the room for other purposes as well, if you instead of doing a rectangular do an around the walls shelf layout.
As an illustration - this is the layout I have in my 6 1/2 x 11 1/2 foot hobby workshop (about the same floor area as your room - mine is 74 square feet vs your 72 square feet).
A 32" x 60" layout gets you about 13 square feet of layout in your room (a layout area to room area ratio of about 18%). I have 42 square feet of layout in my room (a layout area to room area ratio of about 56%).
And I still have full use of the room for storage and a hobby workshop (above and below the layout) - except for the 20" high and 9-24" deep band around the walls that my layout uses.
Main disadvantage with my layout - I have to put into place a bridge in front of the door when I want to run trains (I can just duck under it when going in or out of the room during a session):
And I had to put up some simple metal shelf brackets on the wall to hold the layout. No more complicated than putting up a regular bookshelf.
Might not be what you want, but for me, it works pretty good. Of course - I
Boy Art that sure makes me feel better! I have used both Atlas 7.0 and 8.0 and so far the 8.0 worked the best. With the 8.0 I can get the bench the shape I want it and Tie Flex Track into a knot![:(!][8D]
My self, drink beer, play some Mozart or ZZ Top and have at it.[:D]
Cuda Ken
WARNING Learning curve ahead.
Stein thanks for the answer and the photos. I have 2 benches in my room on opposite walls. One is a hollow door and it holds my ham gear with 2 shelves above it. On the end of it is a bookcase that goes almost to the ceiling. On the opposite wall is another bench the same size and 1/2 of it is for ham radio, the other half workbench for building RC Planes, at the end of it is also a bookcase. With shelves all the way to the ceiling. So my walls are all used up.
I would prefer to be able to run a train contionusly, so that puts a big damper on a shelf layout. Not to mention I have to figure out what to do with all the stuff on the shelves.
Then too I could do a U shape and two legs would be almost 7 ft long and then connected at one end to make the U. But that way I could probably get more track than with a 2x4 layout.
Your have given me more major problems and something to think about, geez I have a headace now. Thanks for the sugguestions, I will think about it.
So if I have one main track how do I turn it around to make it run contuniously with out taking up a lot more space?? I’m confused.
Jerry - NR5A
Well, I would start by thinking about what you feel you must have (or else you don’t want to build a layout at all), what you’d prefer to have, what limitations are absolute, and what could be changed.
Some things that possibly could be changed: doing N scale (1:160), chosing a time period and location where short engines and cars that could do really sharp curves were normal, think about whether you could cut a small “tunnel” portal into the side of your ceiling height shelves and run throught the bookshelves along the back of one shelf or …
For some inspiration about really small layouts, have a look at Carl Arendts web site http://www.carendt.us
I used the Atlas Right Track program and found it easy to use. The instructions leave alot to be desired, but if you play with it you can figure it out.
It was a lot easier to learn than Photoshop. [(-D]
I like Atlas RTS, I’m an AutoCAD user, and I found 3rd planit the best MR CAD software out there. Right now I’m designing a rather large layout to be built as an atraction for a local recreational facility. The plus about Atlas RTS is that it is very easy to use, it is free and the tools are very helpfull (as long as you’re not trying to do anything complicated). The cons are that beacuse of it ease to use it is very limited and prone for mistakes. The Flex track tools are quite simple and “anything” can be done. Only Atlas sectional track can be used (no curved turnouts or 3-ways) . But hey, it’s free, and well, for the price is quite good for small, and not very complicated designs.
Fortunately MR Cad isn’t that costly (about US$ 150-200) compared to “real” Cad software like AutoCAD or Catia that may cost tens of thousands of dollars.
RedLeader-At the risk of sounding like I own the company from my continued recommendation of their product, give Anyrail a shot. It’s only $59 and well worth it! (IMHO)
http://www.anyrail.com/index_en.html
They have a full functioning free demo you can download.
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Smile,
Stein
Very nice, I’ll give it a try! Thnx