I’ve been using the Atlas freeware for a couple weeks and I figure I know it. It is just plain hard to work with and slow.
I downloaded 3rdPlanit and tried it out–it seems so intent on being easy that it makes things difficult. That is a snap decision because the demo will not save and I have to start over each time I try to learn it.
I have not tried CadRail. It looks powerful and versatile. They say it has a steep learning curve, but if you know computers (and CAD) it should not be so bad. I’ve not had CAD, but I done vector drawings with CorelDraw.
Last night I downloaded XtrkCAD so it’s too soon to evaluate it. I was able throw up a small loop of track with a few Peco turnouts on it and run a train in circles within a few minutes of fiddling. Probably should look at the demo but it seems pretty intuitive.
It has turnout libraries from a number of manufacturers, so in my opinion is well on its way to making the Atlas program obsolete for serious users.
It is also a free program now. Why not add it to the poll?
Have used the old Apple Draw many times with great results have the Atlas and have never got it to work reliably for me.
Pencil and paper with 40 year old drafting tools from High School work best for me.
I have used both CadRail and 3rdPlanit and I have to say that CadRail is a better program although it has a longer learning curve. CadRail is well worth the extra effort it takes to learn. Most people seem to like 3rdPlanit better because it is easier to learn but I found it a little cartoonish looking in some aspects.
I use the RR Track v.4 software because it was the only one that accommodated EZ Track (Bachmann) plans. I took a near fatal fall about four years ago, and several surgeries later I still can’t do any “serious” trackwork… so EZ track has to come to my rescue. RR Track v.4 offers 3 D viewing, structures, and a lot of other neat features.
Railmodeller (http://www.railmodeller.com/), because it’s the best one available for Mac OS X. It also has a very sexy 3D OpenGL powered renderer, and it’s super easy to build your own trackage. And it’s only $30. Did I mention it’s updated constantly with new features and library elements?
It’s pretty cool for us Mac guys. Between that and JMRI, my iBook always lives near the trains.
I started using CADAM in aerospace and went to CADRail when it became available and my home computer would support it. While I have not tried other packages I can say that CADRail does have steep learning curve but once you get the hang of it, it goes fairly easy. Since it is a vector based CAD program you can use for more than just RR design. I used it to lay out the room I’m finishing and drop ceiling I’m putting in the train room and accurately located all of the HVAC ducts, floor joists and anything else that might get in the way. Everything came out perfectly.
Thanks for posting a Mac Solution ! I’ve been wondering what is out there. I finally got around to buying a new Mac, so I’ll have to try it out on the new iMac!
I’ve used CARAIL and ATLAS booth were a;;right but I found that neither were easy to use or master so I’ve gone bacck to the old fashioned free hand drawing and drafting more time consumming but ultimatly cheaper. TB
3rd PlanIt and Cadail are both pretty much equivalent. They BOTH have pretty steep learning curves, but both are full-featured vector CAD packages that can be used for a lot more than just laying out your track plan.
3rd PlanIt might be a bit easier to get started with, but it really takes some practice with to get the real hang of it - there are just SO many features it isn’t funny.
Any program that does more than just let you click together pieces of sectional track is NOT going to be super simple, especially if you don’t have CAD experience. The concepts of a real CAD program are somewhat alien to users who are used to maybe the basic Paint program in Windows. Not impossible, just a bit differet and it takes some playing around to get comfortable.
I have tried both CADRail and 3rd PlanIt. Yes, both have steep learning curves; but I think 3rd PlanIt is easier. Also, have DL’ed Atlas’ RightTrack but have not had time to really check it out.
Definitely prefer 3rd PlanIt!!! [^] Still learning it! When I first installed 3rd PlanIt and needed some clarification about a section of the tutorial, I called and was pleasantly surprised to speak directly to Randy (the Developer). [:)] He was extremely helpful and very service oriented answering my question quickly and efficiently. After that he continued and walked me through a few steps of the tutorial and kindly probed me about my knowledge of CAD (which wasn’t much). He then gave me a few pointers to get me off to a great start with his software. Customer oriented tech support like that can’t be beat!!! It was worth every dime I spent and then some; I’m sold & am going to update my subscription shortly. [:D]
My experience with the other CAD software was disappointing… It was 1992 and had just bought my first computer and knew little or nothing except how to use a couple of programs at work – a basic word processing program and financial software. All of which had been installed by the IT Department. Excited about my new PC, the first program I bought was MRR CAD software. This time I had a question about installation. I called! Apologized and explained that I was new to the my own PC and did not understand a point in the installation program and could it be clarified (I also explained that 22 years prior I had done a stint as a COBAL programmer – I wanted the person on the phone to know that there was a little technical bent to my personality and would catch on quickly). To my shock, chagrin, and surprise…[:O] I heard a very loud groaning sigh (as if they were bored)… was given a rather abrupt answer, after which, to his credit, he walked me through the installation. The walk-through was appreciated…[:)] though after spending nearly $100… the attitude was not!! [V]
The debate between which is better - CadRail and 3rdPlanit! has been going on for years. Which one is better depends on how you like to work.
If you have an engineering type of mind, you likely will prefer CadRail.
If your mind works more like a graphic artist’s, you’ll probably like 3rdPlanIt! better.
Bottom line - they both (and other software as well) will get you where you want to go. So the question isn’t really getting to the destination - it’s what sort of journey you want to take on the way.