RR Track software for Fastrack

[mistyk11]

I know that several members use the RR Track software to help design your layouts. I would like to know if anyone has used it with Fastrack (they now have some layouts on their website) and how easy was it to use? The reason I ask is that my son and I are trying to design our layout and just when I think I have found a layout that will work, the pieces just don't fit together in a usable way (or the son decides he wants something added or taken away). Of course, by this time, my hands are sore and black (and yes I've tried using the gloves as well) and my patience runs out....We only have the 8x4 layout at this time but will be adding to it when our new room gets done. Any opinions/suggestions are welcomed!

[Anonymous]

Hi Misty,

I use RR Track software and purchased all the track options with it.  At the time I wasn't certain which direction I was going to go with track type.  I've since decided to go with Atlas track...but the software functions pretty much the same regardless of track type you are going to use.  It's simple and quick.  You first start out and provide the dimensions of your space and next you can create your benchwork.  Next you just start laying track.  When you select the Fastrack track option you'll see all the different track parts listed in the drop down menu (straights, curves, turnouts etc. etc.).  It's just a matter of clicking on the piece you want from the  menu then clicking again to join it to the next track piece on your layout. 

Hope this helps. 

Jerry

 

[Dr. John]

Misty, first the good news - the Fastrack library for RR Track is just as simple to use as the other libraries. Now the bad, unlike tubular track with its "fudge factor" the Fastrack plans you develop with RR Track may NOT work out exactly. This is from numerous reports on multiple forums. The software will give you a good idea of how the track can fit in an area, but you may need more or less short filler pieces than the software shows. Still, I think it's a great tool to get a general idea for layout plans and would save wear and tear on your hands.

[mistyk11]

Jerry and Dr. John:

Thanks to both for your input. I saw the examples that was on their website and loved the different ideas they had, especially for the 8x4 layouts. My space is limited to that at this time and every time I try to come up with something, other than a plain oval track, my mind goes blank. I was hoping that the software would at least, if nothing else, give me some ideas and help with the appropriate track pieces. I see that on their website, I can purchase the examples and it comes with a reader version of the software. I'm looking at that to start with and then perhaps moving up to buying the actual working version of the software when we move or layout to the new room and add to it. It sounds like the software is simple enough to use but I was quite puzzled by the different sizes such as O45, O36, etc. Is this just the degree of the turns?

[dwiemer]

Misty,

I have the RR Track program and I used it to build my fastrack layout.  It was very usefull, especially building a larger layout.  Great part is that when you get the plan you want, it will give you a list of all the track to build that plan.  As Dr.John stated, you will need some filler pieces.  I suggest you order a few of each size of the small pieces.  As to O36, O48, etc, that would be used for the curve pieces and for the switches.  I would go with the largest curves your room/layout table will take.  This would allow you to run larger engines as some have minimum curves.  As to using the program, it is easy, but better if you read through and watch the tutorial.  A good point about this, is that you can show your son several track plans and see what he likes, before you put the first piece of track down.

Dennis

[mistyk11]

Well, the layout is one of the last things left for us to figure out. We are currently building the Devil's Tower (or at least our best attempt at it), the hubby went and bought the new board and supports for it, and I have figured out what I'm going to do with the wiring now. At least with the software, I can use it over and over again, especially when we go bigger with it. I was worried that it wouldn't really do a lot for Fastrack but you all have changed my thoughts on it. I believe I will take a closer look at ordering it with the RR software instead of just the examples. Thanks Dennis, for your information as well as everyone elses. It's hard to figure out what is useful and what is just a waste when it comes to products listed on the web. This software sounds like it would make things easier on me, and my poor hands!

[riverrailfan]

I found RR Track very use full with Fastrack. I designed my layout and assembled it on the floor and it fit like a glove. You will find that you will work with 1.75, 4.5 and 5 inch pieces to make connections. Don't be surprised if you use multiple pieces of 1.75 to get the track to connect. It will show if the track connected when you use the RR Track software. It's better than making multiple trips to the hobby shop to buy pieces of track to experiment. When you are done with the layout, it gives you a complete list of all the track pieces you will need and cost.

This my Fastrack layout I'm working on that I designed with RR Track

 

[mistyk11]

I found RR Track very use full with Fastrack. I designed my layout and assembled it on the floor and it fit like a glove. You will find that you will work with 1.75, 4.5 and 5 inch pieces to make connections. Don't be surprised if you use multiple pieces of 1.75 to get the track to connect. It will show if the track connected when you use the RR Track software. It's better than making multiple trips to the hobby shop to buy pieces of track to experiment. When you are done with the layout, it gives you a complete list of all the track pieces you will need and cost.

This my Fastrack layout I'm working on that I designed with RR Track

 

Wow, that looks great! And you're able to place the bridges, etc in there while designing the layout?

[dbaker48]

Misty - Been watching the tread, and didn't want to just duplicate what everyone else has said.  All in all I think the RR software has been one of the Best investments I have made.  Even those plans that don't work are a lot easier to disprove on the software.  One tip - Pay attention to the layer capability.  And don't be afraid to make additional layers I use lots!  I can take my basic plan and superimpose different concepts.  And seperate out buildings all kinds of things.  The layers really makes a big difference.  Just like using transparency overlays that can mix and match or apply in different sequences.  You will like it!!

[mistyk11]

Well it looks like I will have to crack open the wallet (again) and purchase the complete software for it. I sat looking at the track last night trying to come up with ideas and I was totally blank. I keep falling back to the basic oval since that is all we have had (and all I've seen other than layouts on the computer). I realize the software is something I can keep using over and over, especially when I start the bigger layout in the future. Thanks again to everyone for their input. Its nice to get some information from people who have actually used it with the Fastrack and it was especially helpful to see the layout that riverrailfan posted...I'm sure I'll be hollering for help when I get it and get started!