Track Planning software

[JOHNTUDEK]

Has any compared the the different company track planning software since MR did so several years ago?

[mwalther]

I haven't heard of any and would be interested in it also. MR could provide a service to all if they would do a periodic objective review. Certainly in this forum there will be plenty of experience and personal preferences and opinions of software users, but we need an objective comparison between all the available software, not just ones experience with a particular kind. Most of us have not had experience with more than one if at all. Try Atlas's freeware for a look at a basic program. I'm sorry, as I type this I can't give you their site address, but search for Atlas Model Trains and you will find it. I did my initial planning with it which forced me to confront reality with more accurate turnouts and curves in my space.

[cuyama]

There's a brief comparison of the various model RR CAD programs on my site.

Byron

QUOTE: Originally posted by JOHNTUDEK

Has any compared the the different company track planning software since MR did so several years ago?

[BRVRR]

John,
Welcome to the forum. You will enjoy the people here.
I have tried a couple of the various demonstrator programs for layout planning, but I use Atlas RTS on the BRVRR. Its free and serves my purposes. The cost of the various 3-D programs scare me. With my limited application I can not justify the purchase. I try everything on RTS before I make changes to the BRVRR.
The link for the Atlas site is:

http://atlasrr.com

You can download their software from there. Sorry, I don't have links for the various demonstrator programs here at work. Someone will probably post some of them later today.[:D]
Good luck,

[Anonymous]

I can't find any track planning software with a library for Bachmann N Gauge.
Any idea why that is?
Am I the only one in the world running Bachmann??

[Anonymous]

am looking to purchase some software for ho scale layout. Any suggestions as to where to buy or what would be the best to get

[Bennekers]

I downloaded the Atlas free software about 2 years ago, I did not like it, too many bugs. Maybe it is better now. I went back recently to using a template and pencil, the KISS approach. Worked fine for me.

[Anonymous]

Hi Guys.
I've tried to download the Atlas RTS program but can't. You are asked to give your email address and they then send you a reply with download instructions. At least, that's what is supposed to happen. So far I have received no reply from them. My email address is not accepted as it has not been registered, even though the screen tells me that I am registered. Any ideas? Could it be they don't accept British email addresses?
BTW I've read their FAQs about spam etc.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kaysievert

I can't find any track planning software with a library for Bachmann N Gauge.
Any idea why that is?
Am I the only one in the world running Bachmann??

I run Bachman trains. I have an N-scale explorer train set from Bachman

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jrheavner

QUOTE: Originally posted by kaysievert

I can't find any track planning software with a library for Bachmann N Gauge.
Any idea why that is?
Am I the only one in the world running Bachmann??

I run Bachman trains. I have an N-scale explorer train set from Bachman

It's good to know that others are running Bachmann as well. [:)]

Now I just need to find a layout program for Bachmann N-scale.

[BRVRR]

John,
You have to register separately for the RTS program. Being registered for the Atlas Forum doesn't count. Try again. I think I had to do it twice before I finally got through. If you continue to have trouble, send Atlas and e-mail with your problem. They usually respond within hours. On a weekend, try to post your problem on the Atlas Forum. I know there are British, Australian, German, ad infinitum, members on the forum.
Hope this helps[:D]

[Anonymous]

Thanks again BRVRR but it was the RTS program that I was registering for. Still no emails from them with the download instructions.

[Anonymous]

BRVRR,

Sorry for posting twice but I should mention that my name is Dave, not John. Just recently joined the forum and enjoying an excellent read from all the EXPERTS. I've picked up lots of hints and tips which should help when I finally get my layout underway.

[skerber]

I personally have used the Atlas RTS 5.0 freeware to redesign my small layout. It took me a while to figure out how to use the program. Once I figured it out, it was a joy to use. The track came yesterday, so now I get to place my design into reality!

Here is Atlas' website: http://www.atlasrr.com/ Just look on the left side of the webpage under "Browse" and click on "RTS download."

[MisterBeasley]

pisces5483 - I had the same problem. Something in the water, I guess, because I'm a Pisces as well (March 9th.) The problem is that the link provided in the e-mail is non-standard, and simply clicking the link does not work. You need to copy the link from the e-mail to the address bar on your browser, and then go to it. You'll end up at the right place that way. FYI, I'm using Comcast's e-mail program that comes with the service.

I found the Atlas program adequate for basic track planning. It suffers greatly from not being able to draw free-form objects like lakes. I've now reached the point where I have printed out the track plan and I'm drawing in the rest with colored pencils.

[JimRCGMO]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cuyama

There's a brief comparison of the various model RR CAD programs on my site at:
http://www.modelrail.us/id14.html

regards,

Byron
Jan. Newsletter now online
http://www.modelrail.us/news

Byron, another software program on the Macintosh is RailModeller (by MacRailSoft - you could easily find it by searching for either). Shareware (when you pay the fee you get to save and print your creations) and pretty good - I've been using it a couple of months, and my only complaint so far would be that some of the libraries are only in metric units. Generally worthwhile to check out.

Jim in Cape Girardeau