Where can I find a free layout design download.

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Where is it that I can find what everyone else is using to design layouts and posting them for critique here?

Thanks all.

2

atlasrr.com has Right Track Software 8.0 available for free download. This software is not the best/easiest/most capable program, but it is better than nothing in my opinion. Many of the postings seen on this forum are done with better programs that are available at a cost.

-Miles.

3

I use XTrackCad mainly because it supports mac osx users. I assume you have windows. Give XTrackCad a try, it has somewhat of a learning curve but play around with it and see how you like it.

Heres a link to XTrackCad’s website, where you can download it for free.

http://www.xtrkcad.org/Wikka/HomePage

  • Cahrn
4

hi

these are drawing programs, the design is made by your brains. Both programs have a learning curve, it took me about a month to get some presentable results. Drawing by hand or even better by squares is the way to go first. Invented by John Armstrong a 50 years ago, Andy Sperandeo is giving a good introduction on page 24 in 102 Realistic Track Plans, published by our host. A book worth to have anyhow.

This forum speeded up my learning curve, every question was answered nicely. TNX and TNX

keep having fun and keep smiling

Paul

5

Atlas Right Track (download at http://download.atlasrr.com/RTS8.zip) isn’t that bad; it’s primary limitation is that you can only use Atlas track for the layout. You may want to check out the manual first. There is also the paid version from WinRail, it like XtrackCad below supports multiple track brands.

I personally find XTrackCad frustrating to use. It does have a learning curve; however, it does support multiple brands of track and more structures.

6

For the effort to do graphics by hand, you can translate the concepts into using RightTrack or XTrackCad.

RightTrack, for example, has 24in radius track sections (Armstrong’s conventional curve) and No 4 (4.5) switches which are also used extensively in his designs (have his Track Planning for Realistic Operation which I consider essential reading.) You can easily change the grid size to match his squares.
Both programs support layers so the room layout can be accurately drawn and used as per his concept.

I also save specific small track design for later use as “templates”, for example, yard ladders, passing tracks, curve segments, crossovers, etc.

Alan

7

Instead of starting with “how to draw plans”, start with “how to do layout design”. For that you do not need software, just your brain and a little patience.

A few good places to start on the net:

The bible on track planning is John Armstrong’s book “Track Planning for Realistic Operations”. Can be bought from our hosts here, from Amazon, and from many hobby shops.

Other good books on track planning is by Ian Rice, Tony Koester and many others.

Kalmbach also publishes a series of annual special issue magazines called “Model Railroad Planning” that contains a wealth of information on layout planning.

Learning a bit about layout planning, so you can come up with a workable plan is far more important than to learn how to draw a poorly thought out plan nicely.

Please do consider taking the time to at least read the LDSIG page and the two blog post series by Byron above before you spend too much time on learning to use some track drawing package.

Smile,
Stein