I am having a hard time finding a template to help me draw my layout on a grid paper I as informed it was no longer able to get. HELP Thanks old_fart61
Do you mean one that has all the various sectional track sections? What scale/gauge are you looking for?
You know that a ruler and compass are just-as or possibly more effective.
… well, you must be using a computer, so why go through the trouble of looking for a template to draw track plans on grid paper? That´s what I did 30 years ago - just like we build “mountains” with plaster-cloth on wire mesh. Today, it´s track planning software (much easier to incorporate changes) and foam board! [:D]
Seriously, the Atlas RTS track planning software is free of charge, easy to learn, but restricted to Atlas track. There are others like XtrakCad (also freeware), AnyRail, WinRail (like RTS, but a complete library). Try it, you´ll like it!
I just saw track planning templates online at a couple of different suppliers. Don’t remember which ones though as I was looking for something else. Try a few online supplers or Google it. Re: planning software, I’ve only used RTS since it’s free but I can draw a layout with a template more quickly than I can draw one using the Atlas software. Maybe I just need more time messing with the software but I find it clunky.
Well, the Atlas software is clunky, but what do you expect for a free product. AnyRail is a $60 investment, but it’s a great little program with a shallow learning curve. The various CAD programs, even the free one (XTrkCAD) are more powerful, but with a MUCH steeper learning curve, which for me isn’t worth the time invested, since the track plan is only a plan, and it’s making the finished product – the layout – which is the most fun. But no matter what, any software is going to require some time invested on your part to learn how to use it.
My personal problem with the templates is that it’s too easy to fudge and make things line up where they really don’t, which causes no end of troubles when you go to actually build the thing. The computer keeps you honest (although I’ve never been able to go right from paper to layout without a little tweaking).
CTT Inc used to make templates which were sold through Walthers (and probably elsewhere) but they may be out of business. They’re not selling through Walthers anymore, at least.
Since I’ve “graduated” to the computer age, I have an N and an HO scale template gathering dust in a drawer that I would be willing to part with. PM me if interested.
I see the HO template is available here.
- Jeff
There are some really good templates in a Kalmbach book called “Track Planning For Realistic Operation”, by John Armstrong. I copied them from the book, resized them with my copier for 3/4" = 1 foot and laminated them. I don’t want to sound like a Kalbach salesman, but this book has been a great scorce of information about laying track properly. I have referenced this book with every layout I have built. Track laying software works really well, but it also requires a big learning curve. To me, it was more enjoyable to draw it out on paper.