layout software

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Hi,

I’m plainning a new layout (027) and was thinking of using some layout software to help me. I saw an ad for RR-track software (CTT) and was thinking of getting it. Has anyone out there ever used it? THere also must be more out there, just don’t know were to look. Any help would be gratefully accepted.

Tiger

2

Atlas has a freebie program but is limited to thier brand of track. MTH has a RR-track lite program packaged with thier sets however it only has track for MTH, the full blown version of RR-track I hear is pretty good though.

3

I’ve used RR Track software for several years and I’m very pleased with it. If you do purchase it, I strongly recommend that you go through the tutorial part of the program, then have fun playing around with it. One caveat - while it is very good software, it’s not 100% foolproof. You may find that an actual layout you build from a plan may need some adjustment with different track pieces. Overall, though, I think it’s great software.

4

[#ditto]

5

[#ditto] I have used it for both the indoor, O Gauge, and outdoor, G Scale, layouts. It also runs on MS Vista.

6

[#ditto] I also have RR-Track. Nice program, lots I would change - but since I’m not on their development staff there is little I can do. It is good for getting a general feel for how things are going to look.

What I don’t like:

  1. No way to change the color of the landscape (would be nice for winter layouts, dessert, etc)
  2. No way to create your own accessories
  3. No way to create multiple bases (would be nice for multi-level layouts)
  4. When viewing in 3D there is no way to raise and lower the layout (it stays centered on the screen and this does not give you a good perspective.

Other than that it is great. I’ve used it design a number of layouts.

7

I, too, have used this software for a while. It’s probably the best out there. One issue I have with it is I have never been able to get it to print the 3D scene. Either my version does not have that capability or I just never learned how.

The main complaint I have is downloading upgrades. The upgrades were free the last time I tried it, but it is the most involved, complicated upgrade process I have had to deal with. I have yet to do it successfully. Each time I tried to upgrade, I lost function of the entire program. Luckily, I had the factory CD to reinstall the original.

Bill

8

Hi

you might want to go to the Atlas site, as previously suggested, download the free copy of the software they offer. it is a stripped down version of WinRail. You can play with it using the 0-27 tracks etc. then if it is what you thought it would be and are comfortable with the ‘work’ of creating a layout, i’d get the rr-track, a package with most components costs about $100…in the end, that will be the cheapest way to go…if you buy it piecemeal, you will end up paying double that.

ralph

9

Tiger,

Do you have a clue as to which track you might be using?

I have used:

  • the free MTH RR-Track Lite that comes with their annual club membership and their sets

  • the free to download Atlas software

  • and have purchased the Ross and Lionel Modern Accessories Libraries directly from RR-Track.

If you plan on using either MTH or Atlas track, you can use their free software. If you plan on using other track, purchasing the RR-Track would certainly be a good bet.

One upside is that if you use the RR-Track product (not the MTH Lite version) there is 3-D rendering which doesn’t exist with the free Atlas software.

Jim

10

I would like to thank everyone for their comments they are every helpfull .

Ralph,trying something for free first is a good idea (atlas) I’m using it now.

Jim, I have a lot of lionel track, so I may use that if I have enough.

Thanks for the heads up on buying the software in a bundle.

Tiger