Can anyone recommend track planning software for Windows that is user friendly and cost effective? I don't have an advanced degree in CAD or computer engineering, nor do I desire to pursue either. Not looking to spend an arm and a leg. A bonus would be preloaded O gauge track and Lionel/Plasticville accessory libraries. Has anyone individually or w/CTT ever done a side by side grid comparing price, features, etc. of multiple programs?
I have used SCARM with some success. I am not super tech savvy and this software was just right for me. Easy to understand, lots of track libraries, ability to do several layouts at once, and free for the asking. Can't beat that!
Hi and thanks for asking your question.
Please contact me at Classic Toy Trains so I can try to help you.
Hi Aross,
I don't believe CTT has ever done a comparison of software. I talked to Kent Johnson, former CTT staff member, about what he uses. He likes RR Track: https://www.rrtrack.com
It uses libraries are requires no CAD knowledge. Note that, from what I could tell from their website, that you will receive a CD ROM in the mail. I could not find a download option.
Rene Schweitzer
Classic Toy Trains/Garden Railways/Model Railroader
I'd recommend RR Track. In fairness I need to admit I've not tried SCARM, so I'm not suggesting it is not good. Many people like it, as suggested above.
RR Track is not necessarily "super simple" for doing advanced things like grades that show nice flowing berms between levels and advanced things like that, but it does have a nifty set of tutorials that come with it to walk you through how to do most everything and then you can adapt what you learn to your own layout plans.
I'd look over their site and see what Libraries you will need/want and then figure out if all the capability you will want is a good value for you or not.
-Dave
https://www.railmodeller.com/news-en.html
Rene Schweitzer Hi Aross, I don't believe CTT has ever done a comparison of software. I talked to Kent Johnson, former CTT staff member, about what he uses. He likes RR Track: https://www.rrtrack.com It uses libraries are requires no CAD knowledge. Note that, from what I could tell from their website, that you will receive a CD ROM in the mail. I could not find a download option.
I use RR Track because it can calculate grades and clearences. I have the MTH version. It will crash on occassion so always use the auto save.
Notice Rene mentioned the CD. More and more computers are being purchased without CD/DVD readers. Don't do anything dumb.
Here is an old RR Track layout, that Fife didn't like.
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