Layout Designing Software

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I’m sure this has been asked many times, but I’m going to do it anyway:

What is the best designing software for a first timer? I’ve tried the free software from Atlas, but that one dosen’t give you a choice of number 4, 6 or 8 turnouts, it only uses right and left snap switches. I want to find something that is compatable with HO and N scale.

Any info will help, Thanks

2

In the Atlas program, go to ‘Elements’, and ‘load library’. The HO code 83 library has 4, 6, & 8 turnouts. However, if you want to get a turntable, you will have to go to the HO code 100 library and use that one, but it will work with the 83 stuff on the drawing.

3

[#ditto] On the Atlas elements.

Here’s a program that’s real EZ to use. Not much learning curve. They have a free trial version and it’s well worth the money.

http://www.anyrail.com/index_en.html

4

I use, and like, Xtrkcad. http://www.xtrkcad.org

Some swear by it, and some swear at it. It is free. It has a bit of a learning curve. I alsways recommend doing the demo/tutorial, then working with it a few hours, and then repeating the tutorial. Lots of things make a lot more sense the second time around.

In my mind it does everything I need. It will not do a 3-D rendering, but it does keep track of elevations and grades. It also allows you to create any elements that may not exist in the libraries. There are additional libraries available in a Yahoo! group.

5

I use 3rd PlanIt and really like it. http://www.trackplanning.com/ It does pretty much everything and you can place a train on your virtual layout and watch it go around the track.

6

What’s the name of that Yahoo group? I’m looking for some additional rolling stock elements for XTrk

Thanks!

7

Cleverly enough, XtrkCad!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/XTrkCad/

8

I found it. Great, and thanks again!

9

[yeah] Ditto to all Jeff said. XtrxCad is the way to go. One thing he didn’t mention is that you can create a 1:1 (actual size) print-out of your perfect dessign, use carbon paper to trace it onto your layout and you wind up with a flawless, derailement-free, perfect layout. Spend the time to learn it.

10

I gave up on LDS. The earning curve is too long, and LDS doesn’t have all the capabilities I want. I returned to paper, pencil, protractor, compass, and erasure. Then I proceed with full-scale templates (like FastTracks) in the critical areas to see how things fit. Seeing how everything really fits (or doesn’t) is a revelation.

Mark