Advice Please: CAD for this Sketch using Bachmann EZ track?

Chops Mar 20, 2022

  1. Chops

    Chops TrainBoard Member

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    Never used CAD before, but I am pretty sure, like anything, it can be learned. My questions are thus:

    1. What is a user friendly CAD brand?
    2. How much does it cost?
    3. Can it be used to plan out the above sketch using Bachmann EZ track components? (And yes, that is a double track main line utilizing two groupings of eight diamond crossings, not one line. Two parallell rail lines.

    These are the baseboards: They form a rough "C." I am aware that the side, all twelve feet of it, will need to come away from the wall for access. (Or maybe, once the scenery is in, maybe not. My experience with EZ track on this scale is that it works so extremely well that having immediate and easy access to every square foot is not so much of an issue).

    Thanks in advance for advice/commentary.

    I do know there are methods of baseboards that utilize more finesse, but simply put, that's not my bag. I like to run trains, not spend endless hours trouble shooting track laying issues.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. wvgca

    wvgca TrainBoard Member

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    uh, i don't think you want cad ... rather just a track layout design program . like scarm or something
     
  3. CSX Robert

    CSX Robert TrainBoard Member

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    Probably the three most popular track design software packages are currently XTrackCAD, SCARM, and AnyRail. SCARM and Any Rail are both very easy to learn, but also cost money. XTrackCAD is completely free, but has a steeper learning curve. Here are a couple of recent threads discussing them:
    https://www.trainboard.com/highball...yrail-scarm-or-xtrackcad.143060/#post-1217045
    https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/new-to-track-plans-again.142610/

    Two other options are that I don't have any personal experience with are Cadrail and 3rd PlanIt. They are both quite a bit more expensive than the other options, but they do appear to be more powerful as well. All of the packages that require purchasing do have downloadable demo versions you can test out.
     
  4. Shortround

    Shortround TrainBoard Member

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    Seems like I'm not the only one asking these questions. I think for now I'll stick to the t-square, triangles, circle templet and compass. And of course other peoples great plans that get posted and in books. And the enjoyment of the pics and videos of others work.
    Best wishes Chops.
     
    Sumner likes this.
  5. Chops

    Chops TrainBoard Member

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    Thank you. I am hearing Anyrail has EZ track in the system, so that sounds like just the ticket. Cheaper than trial and error, and the crossing junctions will require exactitude.
     
  6. CSX Robert

    CSX Robert TrainBoard Member

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    Both SCARM and XTrackCAD also have E-Z Track libraries, so I wouldn't let that be the deciding factor. Are you planning HO or N-scale? The reason I ask is if N-scale I would opt for Kato or Tomix over E-Z track, for multiple reasons that I won't bother going into unless you indicate you are in N-scale.
     
    BigJake likes this.
  7. Chops

    Chops TrainBoard Member

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  8. Chops

    Chops TrainBoard Member

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    Someone whipped up the track plan I was looking for, now I just have to obtain all the track!
     
    in2tech likes this.
  9. in2tech

    in2tech TrainBoard Member

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    Which track plan is it?
     
  10. Chops

    Chops TrainBoard Member

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