I am interested in advice about selecting track planning software. I am considering Sillub Technologies, CadRail, or 3rd Planit for a 12’ x 20’ N-scale layout. Accurate, measureable, plans (particularly contours) rather than fancy 3D views, is importrant to me. Any reccomendations or bad experiences out there?
I used Atlas Right Track software to plan my previous layout which was 6’ X 12’. worked very well. I am now building a 22’ X 23’ layout and was unable to get Right track to produce an acceptable result. I bought one of the more sophisticated programs (I can’t remember but I think it was Abracadata) and the learning curve was just too steep. I resorted to the old fashioned pencil and template method. I am very pleased with the results.
I recently used a free version downloaded at the Atlas site of the Right Track Software to design a large layout. I thought it was adequate for developing the plan (overhead) view of the track, but I don’t think there is anything like a 3D component for this software. I don’t know anything about the other programs.
As an aside, I wouldn’t trust software dimensions to be exact. I know that sounds funny, but I have laid alot of complex track and it never comes out exactly the way it is on the plan. The deviations won’t be great, usually a quarter inch here or there, but it always happens. Just don’t box yourself into a spot where you absolutely can’t make these small adjustments. I always test fit the actual track in these complicated locations, measure them and transfer the dimensions to the roadbed.
I wouldn’t worry about it when building a large layout. It is the smaller layouts that need precise planning.
Good Luck - Ed
I purchased a program called TRAINZ. http://www.auran.com/trainz/default.htm
It was also at CompUSA and BestBuy.
It is Virtual ModelRailroading. There is a ton of downloads on their website - rolling stock, engines (diesel and Steam), industries, layouts, movies,etc.
It will allow you to design in any scale.
then drive and actually simulate the entire layout.For example when I take my empty coal cars back to the coal mine, they can be switched with the full cars, and then the empties are automatically filled up for the next trip.
Hi Bill,
I used 3rd PlanIt to plan my 18’x8’ HO layout. I found the software great for planning track. I was able to apply grades and easements, and flex as well as sectional track. The library is very strong in terms of track, and superficial in all other means. I didn’t use the program to do 3D modelling - my PC was not up to it. The program produced very good prints which were invaluable during construction. I didn’t have any problem with the ‘learning curve’ - but I work with engineering software all the time so I have a pretty good idea what should be possible.
Short answer - when I build my next layout I will likely use 3rd PlanIt (or its equivalent) again.
Hope this helps.
Dwayne A
Thanks for the feedback!
I used the ATLAS RIGHT TRACK SOFTWARE, and am very, very pleased with it.I recomend it. Only thing is, it’s a little hard to learn, but not very much. Best of all, though, is it’ FREE from their website! (WWW.ATLASRR.COM)
I can attest to the fact that Ed indeed work with a large trackplan.
In fact, in my honest opinion, Ed is “the man” when it comes to designing track plans!
Anyhow, I have reviewed the 3rd Planit software, and I DO feel that it is a nice package. The learning curve might be a little high though unless you have fooled with CAD software in the past. 3rd Planit does much more than just design your layout though. That is why I feel it is useful to me, and I am going to shellout the bucks for it.
Abracadata’s 3D Concept and Design, from what I tried to do with it, was too difficult to use and did not do all the things they say it did. In fact, not much information could be found on their website about it, other than the download page. I could not even get the 3D aspect to work correctly, though this was demo software.
The 3rd Planit worked perfectly, even in 3D, and I was able to learn to run trains and test the layout I had designed to make sure everything ran smoothly, both in 2D and 3D modes.
Ed is correct though. You have to allow for variations from the computer to the actual track.
In my opinon though, 3rd Planit is worth the price.
If you do not need 3D, then RTS is the best! It will allow you to print out the trackplan in 1:1 scale, so you can actually lay the track using the sheets you printed out, plus you since you can create the printout of the trackplan in any size, you can also create a CTC panel with RTS.
RTS also allows you to do wiring diagrams and do floorplans and maps of your structures and kits, with actual dimensions. The price is nice too…FREE.
-Wolv33
CEO Midwestern Double-line Railroad
http://members.fortunecity.co.uk/wolv33/mwdlrr.html
Are there any layout planning programs out there for Macs? I’d like to design an N scale layout, place structures and hopefully operate the layout on the computer before building it to test ideas. I have one very simple program demo, but it caters more toward HO than N, and doesn’t have the testing ability. Any suggestions?
John
There is a free bundled program for Mac OSX called omnigraffle that would be a great inexpensive design tool. All I need is a library of track components. Actually, photos from above in scale would work as the program can use photos as stencils.
Does anyone know of scale drawings or photos of individual track components that I could use, or do I need to set up a camera and tripod and photograph them?
David
In 1994, I used a purchased copy of the Atlas Right Track software, before it became a free download, to design the Cochise & Western Model Railroad Club’s 20x40 foot HO-scale layout (http://users.ssvecnet.com/cacole). When actual tracklaying commenced, minor modifications to the printed plan had to be made because the software’s scale grid wasn’t accurate in calculating curve radiuses. Someone mentioned Trainz, a model railroad simulation program from Australia. I own it, but don’t know if it would be suitable for designing an actual layout. It is similar to Microsoft’s Train Simulator software.