I have built two small layouts (2 x 4 and 2.5 x 7 ft) in N scale and I am now ready to embark on something a little more adventurous. Both of the earlier layouts were design “on the fly” in my head. But thhis time I want to prepare a properly documented plan because I wont be the only one working on it. Both my wife and daughter are quite keen!
What layout software have you had success with?
Why did you choose it?
And what do you really like / dislike about it?
And the first person who suggests AutoCad gets the booby-prozie as we are a SolidWorks office here!
XtraCAD is a free open source program that is quite robust and intuitive.
I like 3rd planit because of 3d rendering, but it is not as intuitive and I don’t recommend it to anyone because the paswords that people are getting whne they buy the program are not working and there is no way to contact the company.
I don’t recommend the Atlas RR. It is quirky and you are limited to altas products. I have no expreience with CADrail.
Another vote for XtraCAD. The tutorial/demo is really helpful. The only negative for me has been the lack of a 3-D view. That means you have to be careful about vertical clearances, it won’t find the problems for you. But it isn’t hard to use, will generate easements, has a substantial library, will allow creation of custom/new items and it’s free.
I have downloaded XtraCAD, but have not used it yet (another interest of mine is computer geek stuff). I still lean to graph paper, compass, and pencil for my small layouts. Also, laying some critical pieces of sectional track out full-size on a table works well.
I have used the Atlas product. It is frustrating at times, but gives a good sanity check on my attempts to cram too much into a given space. By being limited to Atlas products and their limited geometries, I know that if it will fit with the Atlas software, it will fit with my handlaid track. I generally don’t bother filling in the flex sections between the critical areas (crossings, turnouts, minimum radius curves, and their inter-connections) in the software - the software plan is just a sanity check, not a time waster. The other tip would be to use whatever structures that are in the library in the plan. Again, the purpose is to avoid overcrowding.
Interesting George, the interface to AutoCad or TurboCad does nothing for me, as I mentioned we use SolidWorks for all our 3D. Mainly so it can go direct to machine shops or toolmakers.
But I suppose I could be convinced if the software is good enough! I will go and take a look at 3rd Planit.
Before you do, take a look at the 3rd Planit User Group on Yahho. All they have been talking about is that the passwords that they are getting don’t work and they have paid for something that won’t function. This is a one man show and he is incommunicato.
If, 3rd planet, is playing take the money and run, I am sure there are folks who HAVE the keys to help those people unlock what they paid for. I got mine when it was supported by them. thaink I will drop in on that group.
EDIT:
I visited that group, they are talking about someone doing what I said. Guess the programmer has lost interest.
2nd choice is ? I am using AutoCadd 2000 .
The ones I’ve tried are:
The one from Atlas.
XTrkCAD from Sillub Tech.
Altas’ offering leans towards Atlas products (of course) and I find the interface to be frustrating at times. But I don’t think there is a very high learning curve and it is free.
XTrkCad - I have found to be a little more flexible - It’s open source, has quite a few libraries (you can also create and submit your own). Quite a few for NSale. And the look and feel is more like a CAD program. Plus You can’t beat the price!
I’m currently building a little C55 test track (With more to come later). I’ve been playing with both of these packages and Atlas’ freeware is about to lose out to XTrkCAD on my machine. Put in the track plan for my last pike into both and XTrkCAD was a clear winner. IMHO.
If you use Solidworks there should be a 2d drawing package. Get Atlas RTS and dxf them out of that software and into the solidworks and draw in 2d. I have done that with ProE. Real CAD software works better than the model railroad software.
I’ve used RR track to design several layouts, both in O and N scale. It’s a pricey program, but it is a very good one. It has 3D rendering, you can add scenery, etc. I’ve used most of the programs that are out there, IMHO RRtrack is the best.
HTH
Well, despite the fact that I basically live at my computer, I still have a pad or book of 5mm graph paper (5 to the inch for you gosh darn 'mericans) in front of me all day, and I still keep my lab and/or bench notes in a hand written notebook, usually in pencil following the habits of over 30 years.
Even when I am using the very latest in 3D or solid modelling programmes, or some truly monumental simulation or modelling package I will often work things out on paper more so than on screen.
One thing that really ticks me off these days is that it is rather hard to get notebooks with old fashioned ruling any more. For many years I used an imperial size which is about 12 3/4 x 8 inches, faint blue ruled on watermarked wove paper. Ideal for handwriting. Sadly I cant buy them anywhere any more, but at least in Canada I can get nicely bound A4 size notebooks instead of those strange little 8 1/2 x 11 things I had to put up with living in the US! (Sorry folks!)
And on the subject of erasers, doesn’t anybody sell gum erasers (the crumbly pale browbn ones) these days? I haven’t seen anythingother than vinyl in recent years. Or do I need to look in the UK next time I am there?
I have to admit you are right. A little sketch to get a feel for an idea is easier on paper. But to get accurate dimensions, and a useable drawing that anyone else can look at, I have to resort to the computer!
I use a program called Drafix Cad - no longer made as the company got bought out by Auto%$^& who promptly culled it’s best features and released it a Autosketch.
Mainly because I work in the building industry and i’m familiar with the package.
What generally happens with any CAD package is that you get used to it’s features (and bugs) and to swap and change to another involves a learning curve.
I tried XTrkCad but I find it easier to work with a general CAD package I know rather than learn a rail specific one…
Mind you I could always develop turnout libraries etc for use with Drafix - shouldn’t be too hard…