I am looking for recommendations on track planning programs. I have tried playing around with Atlas's free planning software and found it to be difficult to figure out. I am planning on using Atlas track products. Is there a program with an easy interface good for beginers? One of the hardest things about the Right Track program was that there was no info as to what track pieces are needed to work with other pieces. Things like turnouts. What curved piece do I need to bring a branch line parallel to the main after the switch. What curved sections match the radius of a turnout. Any suggestions? Thanx:tb-err:
Track planning software I use "Anyrail"............it is not freeware, but it is the best I have found, and is easy & intuitive to work with. It can be found by "googling" ( anyrail software ). :tb-cool:
MRH did a very nice 3 part how to use series (with videos!) for 3rd Plan It. 3PI is about $100 but well worth it. You can download the full version to try for free to see if it's for you. http://www.trackplanning.com/ You can download the 3 part series, and all MRH editions, free starting here http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/mrh2009-01/download ratled
I use XTrackCAD. It does have a learning curve when you first start using it, but if you go through the tutorials first and learn the basics it's not too bad. And it's free. Will work on PC's and most Macs (except mine).
I tried one once - I'll happily give details in a pm if you send me one - but it was dreadful. I didn't get on with it at all, and it was a complete waste of £50! Regards, Pete Davies
Another vote here for XTrackCAD, which is free and widely used. The learning curve seems steep at first, but the Beginner's Tutorial will get you started. Did I mention that it's free? It is worth downloading to give it a try. - Jeff
I use Cadrail. I had a steep learning curve and now I am pretty comfortable using it. I like the precision Cadrail brings to the design phase. The 3-D view and simulation are fun, especially the cab view. Cadrail has extensive track libraries. Cadrail takes all the guesswork out of the design. I can print the plan to any scale. I will print the plan 1:1 on legal paper, tape them together and use it as a pattern when I am ready to build.
Edit: First and foremost: Do lots and lots of free hand sketching. That is the best way to generate iterations of ideas. It is far faster than using layout software for testing ideas of variations. ---------- I use MS Paint that comes with Windows. I don't really recommend it. While it has a few advantages unless you have a desire to develop an advanced proficiency and are satisfied with "almost to scale" I wouldn't use it. I had other purposes for Paint so it worked out for me. Here is the largest plan I have ever done: It gives a pretty good idea of how the layout will fit into the space available, track density, scenery options and such. Every turnout is within an inch or two of where it truly is or will be. For me the biggest limitation is the compound curves. Each end of the ovals is comprised of at least 3 different radii which is not reflected in the smooth curve. Oh well, works for me. ------ Edit: The main point is that - anything - is probably better than MS Paint for this job.
Any set of design tools; even a pencil, straight-edge and compass; can get the job done. Computer Aided Design (CAD) speeds the process, and makes it more accurate. Even the most basic freeware programs give you the biggest advantage in CAD.. saving, saving, and re-saving; even if it's just an accurate drawing of your space. I'm old enough to remember taking many hours to accurately sketch the space, and then running down to the library to 'Xerox" a hundred copies of just THAT.. lol. Now we can save at will, compare subtle changes against eachother.. merge, delete, over and over and over. ANYway.. if you're building an empire large enough to warrant meticulous plannning.. the cost of payware CAD is miniscule.. and is endless entertainment in its own right, as you build 'dreams', or even help others. I can burn a whole day roughing a track-plan for.. "what if I had a 40X80 basement to play in".. :tb-biggrin: Once you get up the learning-curve, programs like CadRail are priceless. Features like auto-align, auto-trim, figure-editing, and being able to monitor radii while custom fitting.. or automatic track-spacing, multiple layers, selective visibility, material reports, flexible printing; are worth the cost/effort... and then some.
