Hi all
It’s been at least 15+ years since I was into model railroading and I would like to know if there is any software that would let me design a layout and then run a virtual train on it to see how it looks, from a 3D camera viewpoint?
I was thinking of getting either the latest version of Trainz or Railworks for their layout tools, but I have downloaded a demo of AnyRail4 and it looks really good, but not sure if you can test the layout or not?
Thanks all!
I dont know of any of these that will let you run trains in 3D view with a demo version or a free version. I use XtrkCAD, which will let you run trains on a correctly assembled layout. It can give you an idea of the usefullness of this or that, that you build into the design. It can also help you plan for siding lengths and what not. As for 3D view, sorry. Train player does 3D in the paid versions and they have 2 levels of pay but I dont know if the cheaper one does 3D train rides.
Massey
3rdPlanIt (ad in MR) will do what you want. I believe their website has a free demo. It’s a neat feature.
Lance
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3rd Planit may or may not be a good layout software program, but the web site really falls short when it comes to trying to learn the capabilities of the program.
I am considering building a new layout and sophisticated software would help to determine the feasibilty and placement of specialty track such as a wye, crossing, 3-way turnout, double slip, etc. You are left to take it on faith that this software can handle these specialty track issues.
Rich
Or download a FREE trial copy and test it for yourself to find out definitively.
By the way, I’ve designed a hundred or so track plans with 3rd PlanIt and all of the elements you mention work. The program has templates for many different manufacturers, so the particular components you wish to use are probably included.
It’s a complex program – expect to spend a good amount of time with the tutorial and just messing around to get the hang of it. For a person planning just one layout for themselves, it might not be worth the time to learn any CAD program, but the program is very full-featured.
One can also join the 3rd PlanIt Yahoo Group and ask specific questions.
Byron
Neither of those allows you to design a scale model railroad with any accuracy for construction. If you intend to build it in real life later, you’ll need something else.
Designs planned in AnyRail can be imported into another software product called TrainPlayer for an overhead style view (though not rich 3-D as in a simulator such as Trainz or Railworks). TrainPlayer also imports from WinRail and Atlas RTS, a free limited custom version of WInRail.
Even the fully-featured CAD programs such as 3rd PlanIt and CADRail don’t have the richness of 3-D scenery as the simulators.
So are you planning to build this layout in real life or just enjoy it as a simulation?
I’ve been using AnyRail for about 5 years now after becoming frustrated with the learning curve of more complex programs 3DPlanit among them.
My kids already had TrainPlayer installed, so I was able to export my designs without any additional software. I find AnyRail remarkably easy to use, and very powerful, and if you have any familiarity with drawing software, very intuitive. The testing that you’re able to do in TrainPlayer is fine. If you want to run 3D virtual worlds, look elsewhere, but if all you want to do is test the operational capabilities of your layout, this combination is hard to beat.
Byron, that is good to hear.
My point is that the web site is not at all informative in that regard.
Rich