Layout software program

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Is there a favorite program to use when designing my bew layout?
I would like something that allows me to choose my scale and show a 3d view of the finished design.
Thanks in advance,
Bruce in the Peg

2

Bruce,

I use 3rd PlanIt layout design software. You can download it for a trial run, but it works best with the license key. I have been using it since November 2004 and have really enjoyed the results.
Web sites for the program:
http://www.trackplanning.com/index.htm
http://www.trackplanning.com/3pi.htm

Below is an example of a track plan I created in the program:

3

Hey Ryan. Thanks for the receipes.

Is that your existing or future layout. It looks great.

Bruce I am using Atlas RTS mainly because its free and I am cheap if I can be. [:D] Works ok, flex track is interesting but all the rest is easy to use.

Tim

4

Hey, Bruce,

How is Winterpeg?

Check CadRail software out at

http://www.sandiasoftware.com

I think it will show elevation but I haven’t used it at all.
http://www.sandiasoftware.com

5

Is there something like 3rdPlanIt but free or less than $10

6

Atlas has a free program on their website – I think it’s called 'Right Track".

7

Also free is the XTrkCad program.

SouthForkRR

8

Here is a layout I created with XtrkCAD. I started using the Atlas RR and found it to be very counter-intuitive. I was all set to spend a heap of money on CADRail, but this one is also CAD based and has just gone open architecture. It has a learning curve, but there are animated tutorials to take you through it. One feature I like is that when you create elevations, it calculates grade for that section of track.


If it doesn’t enlarge:
http://www.vitaconnect.com/RD02.jpg

9

Tim,

You are welcome, and I hope you try out a few of them.

That is my future layout plan, I’m still working on painting the walls of the room and plan to lay the ceramic tiles this weekend. Baby steps you know!

  • Ryan