I was reading the MMR Janauay 2000 article about 3-D track planning software mainly comparing CADrail, Abracadata's 3D Railroad, and 3rd PlanIt Softwares. I read the article, but I would like you hear any of your opinions and the pros/cons of the software. Have you had better success with other software(s)? Thanks!
I downloaded the 3rd planit demo and it made me, a computer literate type go back to a pencil and paper, actually MS Paint! I want an intuitive software, with normal drag and drop operation. I Don't want to take classes to learn how to use their cryptic software. I will probably never try another piece of layout design software again! ------------------ Robert Ray The NP & UP N-Scale Railroad
i downloaded 2 demos.... didnt think much of either, and as PRAY59 said, I dont wanna have to go do a course to learn it..
I purchase Abracdata 3D RailRoad Conecpt and Design. I think it is an excellat appplication. I have used to help me create the benhwork design for my up and coming layout. I am in the process of adding the track plan. There are a few things I do not like about the application though. One, elevation chages can be a real pain in the large fatty area on one's back side. Two, Multilevel layout plannind is also a HUGE pain in the that same place. It takes some time to sit down with and figure out how it works. It is not brain surgery. Then again I am a MCSE Network Engineer and have worked in the computer industry for a few years now. Dowload a trial version and play with it. If you have questions, the folks at Abracadata are very friendly and are willing to help as much as possible. (and no, I have no vested interest in saying that ) Worse case, just buy it. It is not that expensive. However, do not buy it directly from Abracadata, you can find it online cheaper elsewhere. I bought mine from Outpost.com Happy hunting. Matt
I demo-d RR-TRACK Lite. It worked better than a couple of others I tried. I would suggest the demo routine. I'm am a programmer for a living and some of the demos were more complicated than I wanted to try. I think there is a webring for model rr soft ware. Happy hunting