Computer layout planner for the Mac

[Anonymous]

What 's out there in the market , and which one is the best bang for the buck and the most user friendly. I'm planning a small N scale 9X5 ping pong table layout on 2 separate modules which will reside under the table when not in use. [e-mail]

[Anonymous]

3rd Planit (trackplanning.com), CadRail (cadrail.com), and Right Track (atlasrr.com) are apparently only available for the PC. But you probably know that already. I do not know of any that are available for the Mac. I wonder if MS Trains or Trainz (manufacturer name escapes me right now) are available in Mac compatible forms? Trainz at least supports the capability of running a layout sized simulation.

Andrew

[Anonymous]

(My first post!)

Bernhog, I have had a copy of 3D Railroad Concept and Design, Mac version, from Abracadata.com for several years. It's sort of OK but it has never been up-graded. Doubt it would work on OS X. I don't have a lot of patience for it.
And then, three days ago, I saw an ad on page 178 of MR, Jan 04 for "Empire Express" by haddonsoftware.com
I down-loaded the free demo but have only had a quick peak. It's very simple but $35 sounds real good

[kabperc]

sherwinh.
I just saw the add for Empire Express in MR's Planning 2004. Have you had a chance to try it out?
Kent.

[Anonymous]

Hi,
Dont have a definitive answer either, just comments.
Neither of above is particularly 'intuitive' or up to OSX much.
They're both limited access so to test 'em you have to cheat a screenshot to get a print out.
Even basic d&d is limited, and scaling etc can be a problem. Whilst I've looked at both a few times I cant really justify the expense for something that doesnt scream along...
happy to beta test if they want help tho.. eh ?
even if I still use an Indigo 366 iBook,
regards, [e-mail]
[8)]

[Anonymous]

I've used Empire Express v1.0 for a while and find it easy and stable on OS 9. There is a newer version, 1.5, with an OS X version available too. Also check out RailModeller at www.railmodeller.de. I found the curves in this looked more like arcs and they don't give the radius when using flex track so I think it needs a bit more work.
The Abracadata software I found to be very unstable.
I've only seen magazine advert pictures of what the PC software can do so can't make any comparisons there, but suspect they are a bit more sophisticated.
cheers
Bryce

[kabperc]

Well then it sounds as if I will stick to the paper and pencil drafting for my new layout. This is something I am comfortable with and certainly don't need to spend money on and unknown software at this time.
BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD.
Kent.