Hi everyone.
I am about to start a new layout but would like to build a layout on my computer first. This way I could have a better idea for track layout and building placement. Just wondering if anyone was using anything out there now that they really like and found wasn’t to hard to use.
thanks
Hey,
I recently purchased 3rd planit and it seems to work really well so far. It has a LOT of bells and whistles that I may or may not use, but it has the option which is nice to have for the future. For info on it go to trackplanning.com.
I’ve heard some people say that it’s a tough program with a steep learning curve, but I don’t see the problem.
Also, others have asked this same question…so do a forum search and a bunch of threads covering this same subject will pop up.
Marc
If you have a Mac, I’d recommend EmpireExpress, for $34.95 from http://www.haddonsoftware.com/
They do have a free trial, so you can see if it’s worth it. But it doesn’t do Windoze or Linux.
Kutter,
I use the Atlas RightTrack software. Currently it is at version 7 and it is free on the Atlas website.
Here’s the Atlas link: www.atlasrr.com/
It is not as capable as most of the commercial layout design software available but I have found it adequate.
I actually preferred the earlier versions, because they were a little easier to use. In any case it is free, what have you got to loose?
I’ll second Pondini’s “motion!”
Depending on how accurate you want to be you could always try Trainz.
Plan it, build it, run it, see if it works operationally. Use buildings, scenery, ballast, signals, you name it they have it. There’s a huge amount of additional dowloads available for free (need the programme though).
Model Railroader magazine did a write up in their special issue Model Railroad Planning 2007 called ‘Test-running your model railroad in Cyberspace’, page 28-33. It was a good write up and accurately described the programmes abilities. There were a lot of photographs shown depicting the writers cyber-layout. I have used Trainz for years and especially for testing out my track layouts for operations etc. The great joy of it is you can sit in the cab and operate in DCC or drive it yourself.
Trainz is an Australian programme and well worth the money.
trainz is a really neat program , but if the intention is to design a model railroad to fit a certain space and to see if everything fits , then it isn’t the best program for the job . now if you want to lay everything out and see if it’s fun to operate , yeah it’s great for that . some people have done very realistic recreations an area and set up very detailled schedules etc . it can be a complete hobby on it’s own though
The other free possibility is XTrkCad. Some people don’t like it, its interface isn’t exactly what most are used to. But if you do the tutorial, you can learn it pretty quickly. You can find it at XTrkCad.org, or at http://www.winsite.com/bin/Info?27000000038012 (the older version, I have not used the newer), or at the Yahoo! XTrkCad group. Use the free registration info, and you’ll get all of its functionality. And to re-emphasize, do the tutorial!
I have used 3rd Planit to design my large (24 x 46) HO railroad. It does have somewhat of a steep learning curve but it is not overwhelming. I didn’t use the scenery features because I was just interested in getting the track plan. What you draw is what you will get. I was amazed how accurate 3rd Planit was when I planned my big classification yard. When I came to laying the track it was dead on. You can’t cheat. If you try to squeeze something in that shouldn’t go, 3rd Planit won’t let you. There may be other good CAD programs out there. I am just sharing my experience with the one I used.
Steve B.
cadrail for me. had it for years, not got the latest version but it does more than i can use as it is.
Well thanks for the help guys. I’ve been looking at 3rd planit lately. Maybe I’ll see if I can get a hold of it. Thanks again