I’ve been planning my future layout for a few years now,buying most of my trackwork (Peco code 55) and I finally have the space to start designing it.I’ve downloaded the Cadrail demo and started toying with it a little.From what I can see,it seems a pretty potent software that I can slowly get the hang of.However,when consulting the track libraries,it seems that Cadrail doesn’t handle Peco turnouts.I like this program but before buying it,I’d like to know if I could expect satisfactory results using some other library and still have only minor divergences or is it that this software simply won’t fit the purpose?If so,any suggestion?Thanks.
I have used CadRail through many upgrades and there is no more complete design software that I have tried. It will automatically do spiral easements and with a little work a three D view and allows running a train to test the feasibility of the design.
Using the CadRail provided switch design is a must or the train will not navigate a switch made by just butting two tracks together. It has a module that lets you design your own switch from a known set of dimensions. If you have a Peco switch you can measure the various points required for input and then you will be in business.
Now If I could just get them to provide the means of designing curved switches I be a very happy fella.
I’m not sure what you mean by “Cadrail doesn’t handle Peco turnouts”, but I’m using CADRAIL 8.02 and it has both HO and N Peco track libraries (including turnouts). However, even if there is a turnout that isn’t in the library, a library element can be built very easily. Draw 3 straight lines intersecting at the same point (two of them will be at 0 degrees releative to each other for a standard straight thru/one diverging turnout) with the third one at the correct length and angle to match the angle of departure from the straight thru side (this is a lot harder to write than to do). Group the lines as a Figure and then use the Properties editor to assign it as a switch. This may sound confusing, but I can generate a new turnout library element (including making the measurements to define it) in less than 5 minutes. This is if you have the actual turnout and a couple of sections of straight track to use as an aid in determining the diverging angle. If you are still confused, e-mail me off-line and I will walk you through the steps.
I have used CADRAIL since Version 3 (maybe before, but I remember version 3 for sure) and do all my planning with it. I also have 3rd PlanIt but I generally do my track and structure layouts in CADRAIL and then import it into 3rd PlanIt to play with the 3-D aspects (CADRAIL will do 3-D but it is not quite as “arty” as 3rd PlanIt, in my opinion ----however, having said that, I must be fair and say that I consider CADRAIL much easier to use for track and layout design to). I have generated HO footprints of virtually all the Walthers Cornerstone kits (at least up through a year or so ago) to use in layout planning. I put my entire collection in the CADRAIL users forum file sets a couple of years ago. However, if you have the measurements, you can generate a footprint to use in less than 5 minutes.
John
Jacktal,
I think I understand what you mean. I, too, use the Cadrail demo and after some playing around with the different tools, I figured out how to use it half decently. The question about your turnouts is interesting though. I wasn’t even able to access any of the libraries with the demo version, but it is possible to make turnouts your self using one of the tools. The one problem is this. I am not sure about yours but most Peco Turnouts have a curved diverging lead, as in small, medium, and large radius turnouts and Cadrail’s turnout tool doesn’t support a curving lead. What I do, especially with curved turnouts, is I would just use the line and circle tools. I connect the two (visually, NOT with the auto alignment tool) until the turnout looks right. The best way to do this with your turnouts (if you have them) is measure the length of the straight lead, the radius of the diverging lead, and the degree of curvature. You can punch all of this information into the properties panel of the specific part of the turnout (Straight lead and diverging lead) to get a turnout you need. This is not an exact template, but it is can be really close with practice. When you are satisfied with your turnout, I suggest copying the entire turnout (both the straight and curved leads) by dragging your cursor around the two objects and using the copy tool. Put the copied version off to the side for later. Whenever you need it, just select it and press the copy button. You can then move the turnout copy just like a regular object.
I certainly hope that was understandable!
Ghonz
I’ve been using CadRail since version 3 or 4 (ancient times, when I had to use an abacus to run it). I’ve got version 8.02 and have Peco track in the library. I didn 't create it, so it must have come with the software.
As the others have said, creating turnouts and figures is pretty easy. You just need a couple of dimensions and it will do the rest. I’ve built some Atlas code 55 turnouts.
If you get CadRail and for whatever reason you don’t have the Peco turnouts, drop me an email and I’ll ship you my file for them. The Atlas, too, if you need it.
Thank you all for your kind answers.I have barely started playing with the demo yet,but before I did purchase the software,I wanted to be sure it would get the job done.Searching the tutorials didn’t allow me to find anything about Peco anywhere in their libraries,so I presumed that these files didn’t exist and didn’t know that there was another way to go by with the turnouts.
I’m thinking about buying the software as I guess there has to be some advantages in doing so,and you all pretty much convinced of it’s worthiness as a tool.Thanks again.