track design

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

hi all, i was wondering if anyone knew of some free easy to use track design software i could download? I would like to create a simple track plan of part of my layout to show all of you to get some ideas on changing a few things. I know all of you out there always have great ideas. Thanks

Keep tracking on

2

There is no easy to use track planning software. As with all CAD programs, there is a learning curve to them.

If you plan on using Atlas track, you can download RTS from there homepage:

Atlas Layout Software

SCARM is also a free software, with a library of track systems covering most commercial track systems.

A third free software is XtrkCAD - I find it a little difficult to use.

3

You could sketch it by hand, scan it to your computer, place it in a photo hosting site like Flikr and then post it here. Probably easier than climbing the CAD learning curve unless you plan on using CAD in the future.

4

I started using SCARM recently, and I can promise that it is a very good program. The learning curve is the smallest that I have yet seen, and they have good youtube tutorials.

5

I used XTrackCAD and liked it. But do the tutorial if you try it.

6

If you have a Mac, try Empire Express by Haddon. Very easy to learn and although 2D without a lot of bells and whistles, it is accurate.

Dante

PS. It isn’t free but is inexpensive.

7

Hi,

I used AnyRail 5 - pretty easy to use and good results.

Mike,

8

Thanks everyone i think i am going to stick to pencil and paper and then scan and copy it to a photo site. I really dont want to take the time to learn a new program. Once i get the part of my layout on paper i will post it for some feed back.