I googled "ho layout software" and found a large number of track planning programs out there. If anyone has used any of them, please share your opinions.
ExtraCad is free and it is a very good program. I settled on using Cadrail, for $59.00 not bad and it allows me to create my own track sections, buildings, trees etc. Good luck with your choice.
I have played with the Atlas "Right Track" system. And also some with the XTrkCad. Both are free. The Atlas is tied to their products. So limited in use. XtrkCad is used by a lot of people. Doesn't have the scenic frills, etc., that the 3-D styles you must buy possess. But it's tops of the free programs. XTrkCad It's been a while since I used mine. Sort of drifted back to good old pencil and paper.... Boxcab E50
I use the Atlas software and it works well for me. It seems to be easier to use and more intuitive. I just don't want to sit down and learn XTrkCad but many people like it too.
for me, its xtrkcad or nothing. I;ve used all the free ones at one time or another, but xtrkcad just kinda 'clicked' with me. The atlas software I found to be a little flakey, reliability wise, but its basically a good product. Xtrkcad is rather more robust, with a much larger track inventory (especially for HO and N)...theres even a yahoo group for it. 3D is definitely something xtrkcad needs, or some other program needs to be able to read the xtc files (plain text) and interpret them into a 3D image...THAT would be neat..... Some people are using 3d plannit, which tends to turn out a good 3d image, but the 2d stuff is nowhere near precise enough compared to xtrk.
I'm a newcomer to the hobby. I've used XTrkCad only, so cannot compare it to others, but have to say that it is very easy to use even for someone like me (never used another cad programme). It is goog for a newcomer like me, mostly to see what truck can fit in a given area. Also it helps a novice like me to try some switching with locos and cars with its play trains function, so to know how the layout could operate. Kiriakos
In all cases start with paper. Sketch and resketch your space and ideas. I use MS Paint. It is crude but gets the job done for me. I don't recomend except for small basic types of layouts and all you want is a basic sketch. One of the reasons it works for me is because i only use Unitrak which I can adjust, then re adjust massaging what I drew into what it will be.
Thanks all for the info. I tried XTrkCad today and found it quite user friendly...and the price was right too! Thanks again.
I use DPSrail a freeware program that I enjoy using. Was able to plan a layout for a room that is 10' x 17' with it.
I may have to give software a try again. I've taught myself everything else I know about computers so this shouldn't be any different. Maybe it's time for all this nifty drafting stuff to be sold off and fully embrace technology
I have 3rd Plan-It. It took some getting used to, but after awhile I like it. I have gotten to the point of using keyboard controls to select the tools I need . You can also use the mouse to click on wanted item, but since I know the key strokes, it makes it quicker for me. Right now I am working on the process of adding terrian features to the layout. The layout that will never be built. I tried XTRAK, I did not care for it, but everyone has their own opinions. adios Wyatt
Wyatt: I have all the confidence in you. I'm sure that layout will come together for you. Take care my friend..... Stay cool and run steam.....
Personally I lean towards the Atlas RTS program, for no other reason than I learned that one first, and can't really be bothered to switch. I think if I did try another, it would be 3rd Plan-It. I really like the idea of being able to test out the layout in a 3-D, controllable fashion. Way cool! LayoutDepot.com has a bunch of files for the various software packages that you could download and use as a starting point as you test out the various tools. Good luck, and be sure to share your designs!
I still have all my stuff from high school and college. Hard to not use it, as it's very comfortable to just grab a compass....... Boxcab E50
Yes - but not so easy to get the switches etc drawn accurately to scale - which is why "back of an envelope" ideas rarely work out. XTrkCad Rules! Shortliner(Jack)away up here in the Highlands
What do you think of WinTrack or WinRail? I have used Atlas and Xtrkcad. Atlas was easy to use and worked exactly like I thought a layout program should. However, it is limited to Atlas products. Planning a layout using secional track works for me, I certainly will build with Flex, but working out the radii and layout is nice with sectional track. Xtrckcad was Very hard for me to learn. I have yet to build a reasonalbe layout with it and I have given it more than enough time to grow on me. I am about to put it in the same category as JMRI Decoder Pro, you get what you pay for. I'll take a look at 3rd Planit. Please fellows (or gals as the case may be) your opinions, please. Thanks,
I am partial to 3D Concept and Design. Though I really don't use the 3D part of it. I bought this software in 1999 and had a hard time with it and used Atlas RightTrack back then. In or around 2002 I started messing with the 3D Concept and Design again and got comfortable with it. I now like it very much. The biggest downside now is that there has been no new libraires for quite some time. For my needs that is no biggie as I just make a plain box for the structure or whatnot that I need.
I tried XtrckCad and found it extremely difficult to use. I just wanted to update the additions I made to my original trackplan and found it impossible to use. I'll go back to the old tried and true method of graph paper and pencil. Then I'll use my laser printer and make a final copy. The scenery is already on the layout so that doesn't have to be added. Maybe (Mark) Fotheringill can show me how to use the program. He seems to have gotten it down pat for his new proposed addition using Unitrack. Stay cool and run steam.....