Being N-scalers, we have some issues which some software companies don't account for. None of these are big issues, but some can make an application less than desirable. Does anyone have a suggestion for a good layout design computer program? Cost and complexity are not an issue for me. Ability of the application to reliably generate a viable layout is an issue.
XtrkCAD is the only answer to this question. Xtrkcad.org - it's hard to get to grips with, but the best in my opinion - and FREE!
I agree with the above suggestions. I use the free XtrkCAD version that runs on the free Linux Ubuntu operating system. Here is my small brewery layout plan: Jacques
3RDPlanit Software is another possibility. however it does cost about $129 if you download it direct from their website. It is an excellent track planning software package. http://www.trackplanning.com/index.htm
I have been using TurboCad for quite a few years now. I ended up measuring and drawing the items I needed for layouts. The thing I like is that I can use it for anything; trackwork, benchwork, R/C airplane parts, magazine article illustrations, etc. I downloaded the free version and then upgraded when they have their $50 upgrade offer to the full version (usually once a year sale).
3rd Planit's probably the best pkg out there but it costs. I know people that are very happy with XtrackCAD and since it's free it's really a no-brainer to at least give it a try... If you just have to have the Cadillac, then I would say that's "3rd Planit". I've used both and found 3rd planit has more nifty little tools for shortcutting tasks, has an impressive track, and structure library, and an has a very impressive 3D modeling environment that allows you to build up your own detailed library elements. The 3D terrain modeling capabilities in 3rd Planit are second to none! However, since XtrackCAD is freeware, it's developing a huge following very fast. It's likely to become the defacto standard pretty soon (if not already), and I'm sure there will be scads of libraries available for it. Both packages allow you to run virtual trains on a 3D rendering of your plan. Don
