Anyone know of software out there that lets you easily make a layout plan ?
When it comes to track planning software, “easy” is a very relative term.
There are two free download ones that aren’t too bad, but with both you have to register the software to get all the abilities enabled, and you have to do the tutorials to get the most out of it.
There’s the Atlas RTS 7.0 software ( http://www.atlasrr.com/righttrack.htm ). It’s the most basic, but also the easiest to learn. The flex track tool is the goofiest part of it, but you’ll get the hang of it. This one does ONLY Atlas brand track.
And then there’s the XtrakCad program ( http://www.sillub.com/ ). It’s far more powerful and contains most of the major brands of track, but the learning curve is more steep.
Thats the two I know the most about. Maybe others will have more options!
I’ll add a vote for xtrkcad. If you try it, expect to spend a couple hours viewing the demo and practicing the techniques for building yard leads, etc. It’s accurate and works quite well. I haven’t had good luck finding specific track component libraries. I ended up measuring and entering my own custom turnout designs to represent the Atlas Code 83 customline #4 turnouts.
Jim
If you have a Mac, Empire Express is a good, basic system at a moderate price. Not many bells or whistles but you can easily add your own track and building components. Learning curve is relatively short because of a good tutorial (and, of course, because it is Mac-based). If you have any experience with even simple computer drawing programs, it should be an easy program for you. I believe that a free demo download is available. Dante
Another one that’s been touted on other threads is 3rdPlanit, though I have no experience with any of these. 3rdPlanit isn’t free, either(? about $100 as I recall). You’re able to do elevations and nice scenery detail with 3rdPlanit also. Since XtrkCad is free, I plan on trying it first.
Jim
Xtract definitely has a learning curve. I downloaded it last night and I’m not sure if I have the time to try and learn it. Since the other only lets you use atlas track that seems pointless to use.
Last summer I decided I needed some higher quality track planning software so I down loaded 3rd Planit. It was difficult to use the “flex track” won’t connect to commercial turnouts, but it seems more flexible than the RTS I was using. I figured I was doing something wrong and would soon learn. So, I made the mistake of purchasing it. Since I paid for the software the author has stopped answering e-mails. The “support” group on yahoo is pathetic and everyone is having the same problems. I highly highly do NOT recommend 3rdPlanit.
Just because a plan is made with Atlas track does not mean it has to be built with Atlas track. The difference in an Atlas #4 and a Walthers #5 is hardly worth mentioning. And besides that flex track is flex track. I’ve done more useful work with the Atlas product than any of the others. Still prefer it over 3rdPlanit.
Anyone used the one from www.trackplayer.com ?
I assume you mean www.trackplanner.com . Trackplayer is a gambling site. Bob A. (rha90272)
oops yeah that’s the one!
jjryan,
I encourage you to make a cup of coffee and spend 2-3 hours going through the xtrkcad demos. It has it’s oddities, but seems pretty powerful. I even found it easy to put in specific track pieces like my turnouts.
Jim
My layout track wise is pretty basic. I wanted to use a program mainly for the scenery and street layout, etc. Is this program worth the time to also do that?
to the above typo I actually meant www.trainplayer.com
I was in the same situation about 3-4 weeks ago when I decided to take apart my old layout which was just a learning thing when I first started which is basic and a mess. And I thought may be software can help me do better planning especially when I have a Bachmann system already. Like everyone, I asked around, searched all over the web and found RTS and then Xtracad. It’s a great idea but at the end of the day, what I draw and what’s on the table is always different. So I decided to just go back to the basics, hand-drawings for brainstorm, then more detailed drawings again by hand and found myself saving heaps of time then mucking around with the CAD program…I might give the Xtracad a second look when I decide to build another layput after completing this one but for now, the good old freehand seems to work best!
I’m glad that works for you Iceman, but the reality for many of us is that we tend to draw things that don’t actually fit. It’s kind of the same problem you have, only in reverse. We draw it and it doesn’t work, we use a program with it’s templates and everything, and while some tweaking may be involved when it’s actually laid, it basically fits like it should.
More power to you though if you can make the mighty pen bend to your will! My hat’s off to you Sir!
I use Atlas Right Track software. The price is right (download it free from Atlas Web site). I use atlas Code 83 track on my layout. JIM
jjryan,
xtrkcad can include structures and shapes, but I didn’t use it to add those to my track plan. It’s power, for me, was the ability to draw track with accurate radii, etc. that could actually be built. Then I transferred coordinates of turnouts, etc. to the table top and knew exactly where each track should be.
Jim
I would recommend 3rd Planit… I purchased one of the first editions a few years back and found it most difficult… BUT I then purchased a later update and found that it invaluable.
I worked on my layout laying out grades, bench work, plus track work… It does a lot more than I need and it does take time to work through some of its quirks…
That said, I am most happy with it. I have used it almost daily for over a year doing my fine tuning. It is excellent in providing 3D perspectives including scenery.
If you opt for this or other design software, be aware that they all have a learning curve… If you have not had any auto-cad experience it might take a while but the results are worth it.
I believe that it is better to create on a computer before swinging a hammer and having to redo a mistake…
Software allows you to try various designs and operations…
I don’t think you can go wrong and the cost is negligible in comparison to the returns.
best regards,
Roger
RTS 7.0 works well. I used it to plan my last expansion and I use Peco switches. I like the fact that you can print out a full size template. Warning: You will use a lot and paper and tape if you do this
I’ve also tried several of the software packages mentioned above in designing my new layout. They all have some sort of learning curve and do alot of nice things. I’ve also used the pencil and paper method (with a track planning template that I purchased).
Ultimately, what I’ve done is used both. Since for me the pencil is a bit faster than CAD, I sketch some ideas out with some scaled graph paper and the template. This lets me get a bunch of thoughts and ideas down quickly. After choosing an idea, I take it and enter it into the PC using the track library I’ll use on the layout. This gives me the reality check I need and a chance to refine it a bit if needed. For right now, I’ve settled on using XTrkCad Version 3.1.4. It’s an older version, but it I like many of it’s rich features - plus the tutorials are nice - getting me up to speed quicker.
Certainly there are other methods and packages, this is just what works for me - and have fun in the process - because that’s what it’s all about.