Unfortunately due to a recent move I had to dismantle my layout and had to take it out in sections! On the bright side I now have approx. 142 sq ft for partial reconstruction of the previous layout with some new additions I would like to add.
As I am in the earlier planning stages I would like to know what layout planning software is out there to proceed with the new layout! I tried the free Atlas software which fails after the first inputs so its now gone! Does anyone us ANYRAIL V6 or what other software is out there that I can use to get started?
I bought a copy of 3rd PlanIt quite some time ago and I really like it.
https://www.trackplanning.com/
However, if I was looking for a CAD program today I would start with the free programs. There are much more comprehensive programs available for free than the Atlas one.
One such program that has received many positive comments it SCARM. I have no experience with it but Ulrich (SirMadog) has produced some pretty good plans with it:
http://www.scarm.info/index.php
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Honestly, I wouldn´t waste any precious model railroading money on buying a track planning program, Unless they have a complete library of structures incorporated. Most of them don´t.
As Dave has mentioned, I use SCARM and found it pretty easy to learn. It´s a freebie and there are some nice video tutorials available on the Web.
Try XTRAKCAD. I have used it and like it and its free. Excellent help section including some animated demos. Large selection of brands of turnouts and crossovers.
markie97 Try XTRAKCAD. I have used it and like it and its free. Excellent help section including some animated demos. Large selection of brands of turnouts and crossovers.
+1 for 3rDPlanIt. I did my original layout on it after trying Atlas (limited) and XtraCAD (hard). Yes it costs $ but I thought it saved me more than enough time to justify the cost.
Do read the article on CTSS by Byron Henderson ... CAD does layout it does not think for you. clearly this isn't your first time, but I thought I would mention this anyway.
NP
Thanks for SCARM Tip! I been doing some practice for a couple of days now but I am unable to find or get the context menu to come up when I right click as explained in the blog and videos! I'm using windows 10 with Firefox,if that make any difference.
XTRAKCAD, in my opinion, has a long learning curve. I use SCARM and have used the Atlas software and both are more intuitive than XTRAKCAD. I have no problems running either on Windows 10 with Chrome.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
Just to show what you can do with SCARM, with just a little bit of practice:
This is the 3D view of a small, mini-modular N scale layout set on top of a cabinet. SCARM does not yet support modular layouts, but with some "magic" I "persuaded it to draw the assembled modules.
For a freebie, that´s super!
bearmanXTRAKCAD, in my opinion, has a long learning curve. I use SCARM and have used the Atlas software and both are more intuitive than XTRAKCAD.
I have never tried SCARM. By the time I heard about it, I was way down the XtrackCAD road. I did not find it difficult to learn. I also believe 3D is overrated. It produces cute pictures, but for me they don't add any value to the planning process.
I do find the full size print capability of XtrackCAD to be useful to get complex track arrangements right.
I have the right to remain silent. By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.
carl425I also believe 3D is overrated. It produces cute pictures, but for me they don't add any value to the planning process.
I completely disagree!
3D views are a lot more than just cute pictures!
I think that the scenery should get as much attention in the planning process as does the track plan. A 3D visualization helps you check on how the layout will look, which eventually may even lead to a change in the track plan.
For me, the chance to see my planned layout in a 3D rendering is actually the only reason I go through the pain of using a track planning program. If I just want to have a track plan, paper, a pencil and a fresh eraser is all I´d need for the rather simple layouts I plan.
Oh, btw, SCARM also allows 1 : 1 prints.
CPbuff Thanks for SCARM Tip! I been doing some practice for a couple of days now but I am unable to find or get the context menu to come up when I right click as explained in the blog and videos! I'm using windows 10 with Firefox,if that make any difference.
The cursor has to be on the object you want to work with.
For Mac folk, I have been well served by RailModeller. Even the free trial version, limited to 50 objects, is useful for a small layout such as my 4x6. It offers 3D elevations and 1:1 printing. The full version is not too expensive, either.
Has anyone used SCARM on a Mac? Thoughts for a Mac friendly planner? Preferrably a free one...
I used the Atlas software tool. It's free and provided a lot of options without a steep learning curve. Others correctly pointed out that there's no need to purchase any track software.
Regardlless of what you use, one of the largest challenges is shifting from an 8x11" sheet of paper to an actual layout. Have plenty of time on your hands and don't be afraid to alter your layout. Goodness knows I did that even after seeing how much (little) space I had for structures.
MR recently talked about avoiding cramming industries in a small space. I agree b/c seeing a train go from different areas is really more appealing (to me) than being blocked by tons of structures.
Good luck!
kasskabooseI used the Atlas software tool. It's free and provided a lot of options without a steep learning curve. Others correctly pointed out that there's no need to purchase any track software.
The Atlas track planning software is made by SCARM and therefore identical, but limited to Atlas track, whereas the SCARM track library includes a whole bundle of different track systems and is regularly updated.
Did I read that SCARM is only compatible with Windows, or can it easily and realibly be used with a mac?
jmnienab Did I read that SCARM is only compatible with Windows, or can it easily and realibly be used with a mac?
Sorry, SCARM does not run on Mac`s!
I've been using 3rd PlanIt for years. Well worth the money. I tried XTRACKCAD and was able to draw a decent plan with it, but that missing 3D aspect when trying to design a layout that had an up and over in it really made things more difficult. The full 3D view in 3rdPlanIt is great for visualize how the layotu fits in the space. Quite useful to walk around your layout before the first stick of wood is even in place. I've also used it for other things, like designing the plan for my workbench which I then built and looks just liek the 3D design.
I did give SCARM a try for a little while, but it's enough different that I just did a basic oval and set it aside. Maybe if I wasn't already well-trained on using 3rd PlanIt.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I am pretty sure I would not have proceeded with my current layout build without the 3D visualization capability in 3rdPlanit.... It has a fairly steep learning curve, but it's great for complex design and it doesn't let you 'fudge' your way into thinking the track design in your head will work in the real world.
Modeling an HO gauge freelance version of the Union Pacific Oregon Short Line and the Utah Railway around 1957 in a world where Pirates from the Great Salt Lake founded Ogden, UT.
- Photo album of layout construction -