Good track planning software?

[jackn2mpu]

Jackn2mpu - you said "if I had an Intel Mac, then I could run Winblows XP and either of the two programs I mentioned above".
I'm just a basic Mac user - can you tell me what would it take for me to run XtrkCad on my 512MB MacBook?
TIA - Gerhard

Assuming the MacBook you have has an Intel processor in it, you'll need either Boot Camp or another program that will allow you to run Windows, a legitimate copy of Windows XP (home or professional), and preferably a memory upgrade to at least a gig of ram (it will help speed things up tremendously). If you're running Leopard, Boot Camp is included in that OS version. If you're running Tiger, you'll need Tiger version 10.4.6 or later. 1 gig of ram from Crucial is $28, 2 gig is $48; WinXP Professional is $274; XP Home is $94 from Provantage. You don't need XP Pro. Boot Camp is available from Apple. Hope this helps.

[BlueHillsCPR]

can you tell me what would it take for me to run XtrkCad on my 512MB MacBook?
TIA - Gerhard

 As Jack says if your macbook is based on the Intel CPU rather than Motorola you can use software to allow you to dual boot between the mac OS10? and a flavor of Windows, letting you install and run Windows based software on your mac...what sacrilege!

Also as mentioned with XP if you want to do too much beyond look at it you might want more RAM...although It should work fine with 512 if you are not multitasking etc. 

[gerhard_k]

Jack - Thanks for your helpful reply. Really the major reason I would want Windows is just to run XtrkCad., although I may try the demos of 3rdPlanIt or CadRail, too. Sounds like it's a feasible thing, I plan to do it. I have been meaning to up my memory anyway. Thanks again - Gerhard

[Re 4/4]

I cannot find 3D viewing in XTrkCad,  is this the case?   RTS has 3D viewing but as previously mentioned it's libraries are limited.  

Am I correct that Trainz is not "track planning" software, but simulation software?

I am about to purchase 3rd PlanIt but XTrkCad may do the job, for $0. and am curious about Traninz.

thanks 

[BlueHillsCPR]

I cannot find 3D viewing in XTrkCad,  is this the case?   RTS has 3D viewing but as previously mentioned it's libraries are limited. 

I think the only thing XTRKCAD has is the profile command.  Check the Help section under demos.

 

Am I correct that Trainz is not "track planning" software, but simulation software?

Correct.  Trainz is sim software that lets you layout track, create scenery, add structures, etc. etc. and run trains on it.  It is cool...maybe one of the best trains sims available, but I'd rather work on the layout than sit in front of the computer.  It is great for times when a guy has no layout though I suppose. 

[Re 4/4]

I cannot find 3D viewing in XTrkCad,  is this the case?   RTS has 3D viewing but as previously mentioned it's libraries are limited. 

I think the only thing XTRKCAD has is the profile command.  Check the Help section under demos.

Thanks Kevin,

I cannot find anything in the help or demos, anyone else know for sure? 

[BlueHillsCPR]

Under the CHANGE menu, PROFILE command.

Described in the Demos and help section. 

In XTRKCAD 4.02, under the help menu, in demos/elevations and Profile/Profile.  That is the extent of the 3D as far as I know.

From the Help contents. 

"The Profile dialog draws a profile showing elevations, distances and grades for a path on the layout."

 "Once you have defined a few elevations, you can display the Elevation Profile for the layout along a path of connected track segments. The Profile display shows the length of the track, the elevation of each defined elevation point and the grades between them. You can even adjust the elevations directly on the Profile display."

"Profile - display the elevation profile of a definable stretch of track (Section 2.2.10)"

 

[dante]

Jackn2mpu - you said "if I had an Intel Mac, then I could run Winblows XP and either of the two programs I mentioned above".
I'm just a basic Mac user - can you tell me what would it take for me to run XtrkCad on my 512MB MacBook?
TIA - Gerhard

If you don't have an Intel processor in your Mac, there are (or were) software programs that allow the use of Windows and programs requiring Windows.  Sorry that I don't recall their names, but should be easy to find. 

 

[Vail and Southwestern RR]

I cannot find 3D viewing in XTrkCad,  is this the case?   RTS has 3D viewing but as previously mentioned it's libraries are limited. 

I think the only thing XTRKCAD has is the profile command.  Check the Help section under demos.

Thanks Kevin,

I cannot find anything in the help or demos, anyone else know for sure? 

There is no 3-D rendering in XtrCad.  It does do elevations and grade, and can generate an elevation profile.