I've had pretty good luck with XTrackCAD. You can download it here:http://xtrkcad-fork.sourceforge.net/Wikka/HomePage
Research; it's not just for geeks.
starmanI never found AnyRail easy to use, but I managed. Is AnyRail still the way to go or are there newer drawing programs for layouts that are easier and better?
Hi starman,
I love my 3rd PlanIt software and I have done a ton of work with it. I designed a 20' x 25' layout for my old club and I have designed a couple of layouts for myself. The first never happened, but the second is under construction as I speak.
I find 3rd PlanIt easy to use. I will qualify that by saying that I have been using it for probably 16 years so obviously I should have caught on by now. However, I don't recall ever being unhappy with, or severely challenged by, the program.
As far as 'better' goes, I can't really comment because the only other track planning software that I have used was Atlas's old free system. Definitely 3rd PlanIt is vastly superior to the Atlas system. However, I can comment on how 'good' 3rd PlanIt is. When my old club was building the layout, 3rd PlanIt allowed me to calculate the exact size of every piece of benchwork and exactly where it fit, including making sure that the framing members didn't interfere with Tortoise placement. It also allowed me to plot the position for every piece of track including easements, and for every turnout. The only problems that we had were caused by people deciding to modify the locations of track sections without telling me what changes they had made.
3rd PlanIt is not free but personally I feel that it has been a great investment. In fact, I have purchased the program three times as the free update periods expired.
https://www.eldoradosoft.com/
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
there's Scarm, fairly new, free for up to ??? sections, then a small fee for larger, will do 3d, elevations, etc ..
I used free XTrackCAD in 2012 but did not compare it to others. Do the tutorials if you try it out. I had a couple of things I could not figure out how to do, but got my questions answered readily.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
I've been using 3rd PlanIt for what seems like forever. Has to be close to 20 years now. In fact I just recently paid to upgrade to the latest version, I was several behind. Never had a problem witht he one I was using, but as hard as it is to believ,e this is basically a one man band application and in cirrent times I'm sure he appareciates any revenue. I tried whatever else was available at the time and 3rd PlanIt was the most natural.
I did try XTrackCAD a few years ago, but I guess I am so used to the way 3rd PlanIt works that it wasn't all that appealing. And I've gotten use to the 3D aspect because it sure makes planning grades and overpasses much easier when you cna actually visualize them. Sure, you can set elevation on XTrack, but you can't see how it's going to look.
Plus 3rd PlanIt is hugely versatile, I've used it to draw several things besides layout designs. Which also makes it fairly easy to draw the benchwork under the layout as part of it.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinkerPlus 3rd PlanIt is hugely versatile, I've used it to draw several things besides layout designs.
Absolutely! I have used 3rd PlanIt to design scratchbuilt structures, gardening plans, deck designs, property diagrams and I even helped my son to use it for drawing diagrams for his high school science experiments.
I will also mention that the program is being constantly updated and improved, and the improvements are free for a couple of years after you buy the program.
As a final argument in favour of 3rd PlanIt, I will say that it is just plain fun and rewarding to use! I get a real sense of accomplishment when I have been able to refine a design several times in order to get it right, and the fact that it is fun and easy to use is a bonus.
A second final argument for 3rd Planit
A few releases ago he added a feature called "layout splines" that will export a file for a CNC router to cut your subroadbed. He also provides a service where he'll cut them for you.
Here's Randy's CNC machine cutting my subroadbed cookies:
Here's the results:
Look closely and you can see the track centerlines that the machine put on them.
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.
If you're looking at programs you have to purchase as well as free ones, look at CadRail. It's a professional-quality CAD package (and I'm talking industrial CAD programs, like CATIA and ProE) at a budget price. It has a learning curve, but it's very capable. More of a technical base than a "pretty pictures" base; it gets the job done.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
I've used 3rd PlanIt to design a couple of hundred layouts for others and recommend it.
But for folks just designing one layout for themselves, the biggest investment in any model railroad CAD program is the time spent in learning it. So if the Original Poster already understands how to use AnyRail, the shortest path to being productive might be paying to update that license and continue using AnyRail.
3rd PlanIt is more powerful than AnyRail, in my judgement, so is not easier to use. But either 3rd PlanIt or AnyRail are easier to me than XTrackCAD or CADRail (both fine programs) because 3pi and AnyRail have a more-familiar Windows-like user interface.
Good luck with your design and layout.
Byron
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
Don Z and others - Before I jump into a $125 program like 3rd Planit, I thought I would give XTrackCAD a try. I have downloaded the program but have been unable to register. Everytime I try I get the message that it does not recognize my name. Any suggestions of registering? Any number I could call to talk with a help desk? I certainly can't try it if I can't register. Thanks!
If I remember correctly, you do not need to register. Let me check, if I can!
I believe I was correct. Perhaps you downloaded a very old version, you used to need to register, but it has been years. Go to xtrkcad.org
dry_heatI believe I was correct.
I also believe you were correct. I've been using XtrackCAD since 2013 and have never been asked to register.
Did you download and install it? Under Help there is an option for Demos which show you how to do things, starting with the basics of moving around and then adding track and so forth.
If you didn't get it downloaded yet, on the home page, click on Download under User Documentation, you have to wait a few seconds for the SourceForge ad, then the download should start. It's not very big. Then run that, and it will install the program. I just did it.
There are also some tutorials under User Documentation.
carl425 A second final argument for 3rd Planit A few releases ago he added a feature called "layout splines" that will export a file for a CNC router to cut your subroadbed. He also provides a service where he'll cut them for you. Here's Randy's CNC machine cutting my subroadbed cookies: Here's the results: Look closely and you can see the track centerlines that the machine put on them.
Nice!
LINK to SNSR Blog
starman Thanks Randy. I have downloaded and installed the program. I am on the homepage and I see the tutorials, but what do I click on to actually start drawing a layout? Thanks for your help.
You have to launch the program that was installed. The default screen that shows up is set for a 4x8 layout space. Your best bet is to go through the tutorials or at least the demo inside the program, which will walk you through the process. It's not as simple as simply clicking and drawing a line.
At least start the tutorial, or you will quit before you have given it a chance!
My apologies for not responding to your questions; I've been on a grueling work schedule of half days, then going in at 10:30 and working until around 7 am, then another half day at the desk before repeating again tonight.As stated, follow the tutorials and demos and that will answer a lot of your questions for you.
Regards,
Don Z.