Software for layout of track and building

[cuyama]

QUOTE: Originally posted by galexanders

Dear all,
are any body knows about software for designing the layout ?
Can you give me advice or suggestion for using the software and complete library ?
Thanks

Most of the programs offer a free download and that's definitely worth your time once you narrow your choice down to a couple of programs.

For folks who are only going to design one layout, paper and pencil can be an excellent choice as well, given the long learning curve for any of the full-featured CAD programs.

I own 3rd PlanIt and CADRail but now use 3rd PlanIt exclusively. There's a brief description and links for those two and five other programs that I demo tested at:
http://www.layoutvision.com/id14.html

Good luck!

Byron
Model RR Blog

[Anonymous]

galexanders,

There is an on going question about Cadrail and 3rd Plan it in the General Discussion under the "3rd planit or Cadrail? Which is a better buy? " heading. I'm looking for some more info on this also. As of right now I am leaning towards Cadrail. I hope this may help a little.

[schmaman]

Another suitable program is Raily
You can download a demo ( or purchase) http://www.enigon.com/products/raily/english/indexhtml.htm
I used version 3 but version 4 is now available.
Very easy to learn and supports just about every type of commercial track on the market
Does not have all the features of some other programs but probably easier to learn to use.

Cedric Schmaman
Nature Coast
Southern NSW
Oz

[Anonymous]

I used the RR Track in the MTH train set box. It is old. No library options available. Only MTH track. But it works in terms of track, grades, and creating a 2 dimensional grid.

[Anonymous]

I like 3rd Planit - www.trackplanning.com.
It has a Maerklin library, and the author supports it very very well via a Yahoo list

Kim
greetings from sunny Queensland (Australia)

[GerFust]

Also check out Cadrail (http://www.cadrail.com/). I've tried the demo downloads of most of these, as well as Atlas RightTrack, and settled on the pencil and paper method to be the best. I uses a 1/12 HO template from the local hobby shop. I am currently transferring it to "life size" paper and making corrections as necessary.

For a large layout, I see the value of the software, but I would still lay it out "life size" on the basement floor before began building benchwork. For a small layout using the template is preferred, in my opinion.

-Jer

[Anonymous]

You should look at a program from the UK called WinRail. Web site is www.winrail.com. Its libraries of commercial track include Marklin. I've used this program with great success.

[Jetrock]

No, the Atlas software is only appropriate for those using Atlas track. There is another package called 3rd PlanIt (http://www.TrackPlanning.com) that can build librarires of different track geometries. The Atlas software is also kind of limited...3rdPlanIt has more features but costs $100 to register.

[Anonymous]

Is Atlas software compartible with Marklin product ?

[nfmisso]

http://www.atlasrr.com/ click on RTS Download on the left side of the screen.

[Anonymous]

Dear all,
are any body knows about software for designing the layout ?
Can you give me advice or suggestion for using the software and complete library ?
Thanks