I need some trackplanning software, what do you recommend? I want to build the benchwork in it for a start.
Peter I’ve been using XTrakcad it’s free here http://www.sillub.com/
I think it’s better to build mainline track first, keeping in mind where the benchwork edges will be, then make the benchwork fit around the track.
Ken.
really good link there
I liked Design your own train, but I like now CADRail now., a bit different on use, just a learning curve, but has 3D view, and I need that.
XTrakCad is noice as well.
(free iz noice tooooo)
I like Xtrk cad as well. Esp now that its free. I have Right track 5.0 7.0, Cadrail, 3rd Planit, and I have found Xtrk cad the easiest to use of them all. Granted it doesn’t have the features that cadrail and 3rdplanit have but what do you expect for free. With a little thought you can do everything in it except the 3D scenery that you can do in Cadrail & 3P.
It does have the ability to “run” a train on it, (I know it does at least three at a time) and that is very useful for checking engine/car clearences and also will find everywhere you forgot to connect the tracks.
Click on the link and you will go to another forum where you can see the main level of the layout I’m starting.(Its at the bottom of the page.) There is another layer of 2 staging yards below this one and another level above. Its designed stricly for operation. The only option for continous running is the Crescent Limited holding track. Otherwise its point to loop, (staging yards) or point to point (main line, up branchline via the nolix). On the two "long " sides, there is a three foot aisle for getting around the layout for maintaince and access, At the top is a five foot aisle and at the bottom are the two garage doors which will still be used, so I have four sided acces to the layout.
http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=815&page=2&pp=10
Looks great CJ, I’m struggling with where to put yards, industries etc. I might post it and see who blows it up!!
Ken.
Glad you like it Ken.
Its actually an earlier variation on a concept that I have been planning on for about fifteen years. I have since made a few changes but the overall plan is still the same. On the second level above this one I have another interchange with the Frisco. The overall concept is of a shortline that actually runs on the prototype Southern tracks through central Alabama where I was born and raised. The town names, sidings and spurs are real places on the tracks and only some senic features are changed/moved to give more operating interest.
Can you adjust Xtrk to fit O gauge??
Is there any other FREE planner out there??
Xtrk Cad uses what are called parameter files for the track, structures etc. If you are looking for O gauge 3 rail the only one there that I saw was Gargraves. The may have been others but I can’t say. If two rail NMRA was there.
Other trackplanning freebies I am aware of is Atlas RTS. It does have 3 rail track as well as two rail O gauge libraries.
It can be downloaded from http://www.atlasrr.com
Its on the left side of the webpage under browse.
Thanks Ken
I have it successfully downloaded, and it look great…