track planning software part 2

[Anonymous]

I've been having a lot of fun using the Atlas RS track software, and I'm ready for something more.

I looked on a couple websites and found this list of available track planning software Many of these web sites contain a place where you can download a copy of the program, either demo or full version.

Atlas RTS
Right Track FreeWare will allow you to design a layout of just about any size (up to 100’ x 100’) using Atlas N, HO and O scale Super-Flex track, sectional track, switches, bridges and buildings, as well as buildings from other manufacturers. When you are finished designing, you can print out the plan and use it as a blueprint while you build your railroad

CadRail
Cadrail has all the extra features that will satisfy advanced users. Beginners can pick it up quickly and grow into the harder parts of railroad design. You get a rock solid, all around drawing tool for all your drawing needs. Design railroad layouts, buildings, benchwork, schematics or anything else you need.

WinRail WinRail provides a very full set of features for covering every aspect of layout design. Track work can be drawn in great detail, with or without roadbeds (or track underlay). Pointwork of all descriptions can be shown, and connections between track units can be easily made and unmade.

3rd Plan It!
Version 6 offers you unparalleled design capabilities for your railroad layout. Built on a strong, innovative set of design tools, the new 3D terrain and landscape features let you really visualize your layout like never before. Its powerful Dynamic Design Tools™ let you quickly build precise track of any design. And a comprehensive suite of 3D Object Design Tools let you craft buildings, rolling stock, equipment, automobiles, cranes, boats and just about anything you can imagine.

3D Railroad
3D Railroad Concept And Design™ version 2.0 for Windows includes all the tools and functionality found in previous versions with some fantastic upgrades. Now, in addition to the accurate drawing tools, list compilers, custom benchwork, extensive catalog listings and libraries of manufacturer products, and stunning 3D graphics, we have added ideas and functionality as requested by model railroad enthusiasts.

RR-Track
This software is the answer for all your toy or model train layout design headaches. No more templates to struggle with, no messy erasing and scribbling, no emergency table extensions propped on sawhorses, no last second hacking of the Xmas tree, just pop up the menus off this fully graphical software in the gauge of your choice and plan away.

Empire Express Empire Express is the easy-to-learn model railroad design program for the Macintosh

XTrkCad XTrkCad is a CAD program for designing Model Railroad layouts. XTrkCad supports any scale, has libraries of popular brands of turnouts and sectional track (plus you add your own easily), can automatically use spiral transition curves when joining track and has extensive on-line help and demonstrations. XTrkCad lets you manipulate track much like you would with actual flex-track to modify, extend and join tracks and turnouts. Additional features include tunnels, 'post-it' notes, on-screen ruler, parts list, 99 drawing layers, undo/redo commands, benchwork, 'Print to BitMap', elevations, train simulation and car inventory.

RailModeller
Layouts are built by simply dragging the tracks from the library to the layout. Tracks magnetically snap to free track-segments on the trackplan, automatically rotate to the correct angle and can optionally be colorized automatically to match the color of the segment.





RRtrack seams to be what Neil uses in the CTT layouts. But I also like the looks of the 3rd Plan It software.

Does anyone have some insights they'd like to share?

[Frank53]

I use RR-Track. In my opinion it is FAR superior to the free Atlas product.

However, I also think it is tired. It appears to be a DOS program with a windows tolerant shell. It needs a toolbar where you can pick off track as opposed to using a pull down menu for every track you place. For a post war Lionel layout it works very nicely, but it seems with the programming advances out there, this could be brought into this decade.

[jwse30]

RailModeller is also available for the Macintosh OS 8.6 up to at least 10.2. This might not be the same program you're talking about, but I thought I'd toss it into your list.

J White

[Anonymous]

I like the neat 3d layout that actually let's you run trains in the 3rd Plan IT software. But RRtrack seams to be the old standby.

Has anyone used this 3rd Planit software?

[Jumijo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jwse30

RailModeller is also available for the Macintosh OS 8.6 up to at least 10.2. This might not be the same program you're talking about, but I thought I'd toss it into your list.

J White

I just tried Railmodeller's free sample download and I liked it. A heck of a lot easier than the way I was doing my track plan!

Jim

[FJ and G]

I design the terrain first and then survey the route I think would be most appropriate and realistic for a railroad. I then bend and spike the rails to fit the survey.