Hey Everyone,
I just wanted to know what software you guys use to design your and what the price is, or if it’s free and where ya guys got it from. Also, what are some good free layout desgin software out there, Tried atlas and really didn’t like it and not very good with the paper and pencil so any help will be nice.
Thanks,
Taylor
Any track planning program will help you draw a track plan, but not design it.
I am quite happy with WinRail, which is essentially RTS from Atlas, but with an extended track library. It takes some time to get used to it, but once you have the knack of it, it works nicely.
Just a few examples:
This is all drawn in WinRail, with a little enhancement in Paint.
There is also XtrkCad, a free software, but it requires even more learning, at least for me. Just to name a few others, there is 3rd Planit, AnyRail, Templot - but those you will have to buy.
Here is a link to a list of CAD programs compiled by Byron Henderson. I strongly recommend to read his page on CTSS
Taylor
You didn’t say why you didn’t like RTS or drawing by hand. Is it because you don’t want to create a design in your head? As Sir Madog, said the computer can only draw what you design, not design the layout for you. Or is your dislike due to some other issue?
I grew up in an age where computer drawing software didn’t exist, so learning to draw by hand was required. In my naval architecture classes, we used the computer to do the analysis calcs after taking measurements from our drawings. So breaking out a sketch pad to draw my idea, and then a piece of graph paper to move the sketch to a scale drawing seems perfectly natural.
For me, RTS had about a 15 minute learning curve with the tutorial. Since then, I have been able to remember enough to use it quite successfully whenever I wanted to test an idea. My big issue with RTS is that is limited to Atlas track libraries - but that’s why Atlas gives it away. Regardless, RTS is still my favorite due to ease of learning and use. I do like the slider set up with the radius windows
Hey Everyone,
I have an idea in my head about the track design its just that I can’t draw it on my paper. I didn’t like the atlas because I wasw very confused with it and didn’t like how it was so limited. Thanks for your suggestions on the XtrkCads software.
Thanks,
Taylor
Since the CAD is only a tool, pick one that is easy to learn and does what you need. I tried AnyRail from their FREE download and loved it. It took about 15 minutes to become familiar with it and it doesn’t limit you to set radii, you can use flex track and shape it any way you want. Also, it has a very good track library from Atlas, Walthers/Shinohara and Peco plus bulidings. The free download is limited to 50 items and the purchase price is somewhere around $50-$60. Try it before you buy any other software. Good luck.
Bob
RTS is limited to Atlas track, but does include flex track, which you can shape any way you´d like. You can pre-determine any radius, you can build in transition curves, you can set any track length - so where´s the limitation?
Like with all programs, you need to invest some time to get acquainted with all the features it offers. I still find it much easier to use than any other program.
May I ask why you can’t draw it on paper?
The answer might give us a clue about what functionality you are looking for in a track drawing program.
Stein, just curious
I agree with those who advise to at least start your conceptual thinking with paper (preferably graph paper) and pencil before advancing to CAD. The CAD will give you a more accurate test of your concept, especially regarding the integration of turnouts and connections and transitions and curves without introducing kinks.
If you are fortunate enough to have a Mac, try the Empire Express free demo. The purchase price is rather low, if I remember correctly, and the tutorial is clear and easy. It doesn’t have many bells and whistles but does all the basics of layout rather well.
Dante
not quite true,
It is the main reason John Armstrong invented drawing by squares 50 yrs ago. His book Track Planning for Realistic Operation is still a must.
In 102 realistic trackplans Andy Sperandeo added a page or two about it.
There is a learning curve to anything, even to drawing plans by pencil on paper.
not needed at all…for the very same reasons.
One of the important issues for planning is not to go for the ultimate use of space…the moment you transfer your plan into building you will be glad having some allowance.
My generation had to learn drawing by hand, it was the only way. When you get the hang of drawing by squares, it’s dead easy, you can draw reliable plans on the back of an envelope; even without a compass or ruler.
paul
My worse three-figure hobby investment was for such software. Best to use paper, compass, straight edge, pencil and eraser.
Mark
My recommendation goes 1,000,000 times to XtrkCAD.
The learning curve can be a bit steep, (for some, I found it pretty easy to figure out) but it is well worth it. It has a vast amount of track as well as structure libraries, a few great tools, (such as the helix calculator, easment creator, custom track designers* and others) as well as a flex track designer that is far superior to the one in RTS.
While it doesn’t give you a 36" length of track and allow you to bend it every which way, it does allow you to precisely plot non-sectional track runs. Instead of just eyeballing an S bend consisting of a left turn, a straight section, and a right turn, you design your left turn as a single piece, then your straight section, and then your right turn. Now your S-turn is smooth, the radius is consistent, and you actually know what your trains will be running through. That, and the custom track designers are what sold me. [:)]
*Allows you to create custom length/radius/angle straight, and curved pieces of track, as well as turnouts of all varieties.
If you’re on a Mac, I recommend RailModeller from MacRailSoft.com. $50, but I found it well worth it.
Limitless upgrades and excellent and responsive tech support from its developer in Germany.
Rick Krall
XtrkCad is open source, and a free download. It is available for Windows (XP and later), Linux, and Mac (later systems only, I don’t recall details). With all the libraries being kept up to date by volunteers, XtrkCad seems to be the most universal package.
I’m loathe to pay much for a tool I don’t use very often, and can do without if need be. How many layouts do I design in a year? Perhaps 2 or 3 in a busy year. So RTS and XtrkCad - both free - are what I use for trial fits of sketches or ideas in my head. And I can share my output electronically with others if I choose. Both packages certainly do what I need, and a whole lot more that I will probably never use (parts lists, train running, etc).
Fred W
Oh, but it is quite true.
I am possibly of an even older generation than you and a retired architect who has spent his academic and professional life drawing accurately by hand. And I don’t disagree with the practice of allowing some tolerances in your plan. And I am familiar with the Armstrong squares.
But a decent model RR CAD program will force you to refine your design with accuracy and especially without the distortions and kinks in connections between track elements that can creep into plans drawn by hand and that will prove undesirable or even unworkable when actually laying the track-squares or no squares and graph paper or no graph paper. (By the way, graph paper will facilitate drawing those Armstrong squares.)
Dante
Hey Everyone,
I have tried drawing and am afriad that It did not come out to well. I’m 16 so I have been on the computer my whole life and am not a very good drawer. Thanks for all your answers, I really appreciate it. I have a pc by the way and it has windows 7.
Taylor
When I was 12 and 13, at public school boys were required to take wood and metal-working classes (and the girls home “economics”). At least two-thirds of the time was spent drafting (drawing plans) on real drafting boards/tables as opposed to using hammer and nails, drill press, etc. Is public education now worse than I thought?
Mark
Taylor - welcome to model railroading. I’ve been at it since a bit younger than you (I’m 67), although you may not be just starting, either.
Some of the others have recommended that you spend some time learning to draw track plans with pencil and paper. I agree with this idea. It’s like this: if you cannot do math without a calculator, you will never understand math, regardless of what your teachers say (this from a 25-yr aerospace engineer VERY familiar with math, physics and computers). Likewise, if you cannot bring yourself to draw things like layout plans by hand, at least at first, you will never be able to understand what the computer is doing. You will make mistakes you could have avoided by some simple sketching beforehand.
This is NOT to say you need to draw all your plans by hand forever. But you do need some familiarity with hand-drawing, just to see why the computer is better able to integrate switches, crossings, etc.
Most young people will not, sadly, see the value of this advice.
‘Good judgement comes from experience; unfortunately, most experience comes from making bad decisions.’
Dick Chaffer / Bozeman
This graph paper I got at Staples. 1 inch = 1 foot, all done with my high school geometry set. I am 53.
Time to get your hands dirty. The computer is not going to build it for you. Learning to do things by hand will only benefit you in the long run.
Good luck.
Brent
Mark the shops are now replaced with huge computer labs that get new computers every two years.
Long gone are the days of kids building tree forts and go carts. None of my kids friends could hammer a nail if their life depended on it. It will be interesting to see self reliance in action if we ever get a natural disaster that unplugs our modern amenities. [sigh]
Brent
Taylor: I came across that free XTrackCAD and did the 5 or 6 tutorials (about 10-15 min each) and that got me going. The tutorials use Atlas track but the principles are the same. For the price it is a great bit of software. I particularly like the ability to print the layout in 1:1 scale (meaning full scale) and testing that out on my bench. Awesome, found some issues that were not obvious in the design stage. Btw, I’m using Bachman EZ track and Walthers structures. They are all in the libraries. When I first downloaded it, I put it on my iMAC and it worked OK but a few things didn’t seem to work jsut right. So, I then loaded it onto one of my PCs with Win XP and it worked much better. Just invest the time on the tutorials and you’ll be fine in a very short time.