Does anyone have a free downloadable track planner program? I've been using "AnyRail," but the free version only lets you place 50 pieces of track...
Atlas and Xtrkcad are both free, but I'll bet dollars to donuts you'll be disappointed with both after using Anyrail!
I agree. For the use I've gotten out of it --- and it's spectacularly shallow learning curve -- I'd call it a bargain at $55.
For me, that works out to around $0.55 an hour, and dropping all the time. Best entertainment value out there, I'd say.
Connecticut Valley Railroad A Branch of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." -- Henry Ford
Does anybody have a link to the site where I can download Xtrackcad. I can't seem to find it using google. And you guys are right about the fact that AnyRail is MUCH better than Atlas.
This link should get you there:
http://www.xtrkcad.org/Wikka/HomePage
If you really want to deal with the hassle of a CAD program, be my guest.
http://www.atlasrr.com/righttrack.htm
Here's the Atlas if your going to use their track.
I purchased a copy of the Atlas Right Track Software before they put it up for free download, and found it to be extremely user hostile and difficult to learn.
I understand it has been improved, but my layout is finished and I don't need it now.
Well, I don't NEED to use layout planning software, either... but it's so much fun I can't resist just designing new ones just for the heck of it.
I really hope you can whistle up the $55 for Anyrail, but I understand that times are rough. I actually used Christmas money from my in-laws for my copy.
I have read several posts that talk about the easy to use anyrail software. The name Anyrail seems to be a misnomer, or did I miss something in the advertising. I am modeling is S gauge and did not see that as an option for this software. Any one try using this for a S layout design?
Thank you,
George
George-Good point on the S scale. Never looked for that in the library. You might try to contact them. Them may have it as a download.
Anyrail does not appear to support S scale. There are no track libraries for it.
Is it possible that this is because Anyrail is a Dutch product, and S scale is generally limited to the US?
There's no easy conversion, but I'd imagine you could adjust the settings to conform (instead of setting the grid to 12" or 24", set it to 8.5" or something like that). Would that work?
CTValleyRR,
That sounds like a possibility, I never thought of that. I will try to download the demo and try a test.
By the way I lived in CT most of my life, have been in NC for 9 years. I enjoy reading your posts and responses to others questions. How is the Essex Steam train doing?
Thanks for a geat idea.
NTrainGarageThanks for the links to Xtrkcad and Atlas! Even though they are free, CTValleyRR was right, AnyRail is the best. I can't afford the $55 price tag, so I've resorted to making several different 50 track layouts, printing them out, and taping them together
From the far, far reaches of the wild, wild west I am: rtpoteet
Xtrackcad is about the best for the price its free. You can also design your custom building there too. I have several of my scratch built building in there for building placement for it too. My newest layout was done on it.
4x8 are fun too!!! RussellRail
I can't for the life of me figure out Xtrkcad I can't seem to figure how to get track connected into a layout.
Been using Xtrkcad for a while. Check this thread out, it will get ya started and don't forget to use the tutorial. http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=106277
Let's fix that URL - forum software is mangling it for some reason:
Loco Been using Xtrkcad for a while. Check this thread out, it will get ya started and don't forget to use the tutorial. http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=106277
Smile,Stein
Which is why I like Anyrail! Tutorial? Mmmwwwwaaaaahaaahaaahaah!
CTValleyRR Loco Been using Xtrkcad for a while. Check this thread out, it will get ya started and don't forget to use the tutorial. http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=106277 Which is why I like Anyrail! Tutorial? Mmmwwwwaaaaahaaahaaahaah!
Tutorial? It ain't got no tutorial. IT DON'T NEED NO STINKING TUTORIAL!!
loathar CTValleyRR Loco Been using Xtrkcad for a while. Check this thread out, it will get ya started and don't forget to use the tutorial. http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=106277 Which is why I like Anyrail! Tutorial? Mmmwwwwaaaaahaaahaaahaah! Tutorial? It ain't got no tutorial. IT DON'T NEED NO STINKING TUTORIAL!!
Exactly, it's like riding a bike. Just hop on and start pedalling! Learning curve is nearly zero.
I tried XtrakCAD, but I don't have the patience. I'd rather spend my time designing layouts (that I'll never build).
Hey, send me the $50 and I'll do it !!!
Guess I might have to at least give it a look see eh?
Loco Hey, send me the $50 and I'll do it !!! Guess I might have to at least give it a look see eh?
No offense, but if I had an extra $50 lying around, I would already have spent it on trains!
Some years ago, I bought a track planner called WinRail, which was about a third of the price of WinTrack. As my business is a victim of the global financial crisis, I do not have any extra cash to be spend on model railroading. So I just plan layouts which will most likely never be build -but it is still fun. Some sort of new arm chairing in the cyber age!
Guys,
Been skimming over this topic. Does this track plan accommodate Peco & Hornby HO gauge design?
If not, can someone suggest a track plan design program for this. Happy to pay if the product is right and the price is right too.
Stets
StetsDoes this track plan accommodate Peco & Hornby HO gauge design?
WHICH track planner? We've been discussing a few. AnyRail has track libraries for 6 different G/I scale product lines, 7 for O gauge, 27 for HO / OO (including OO Hornby Standard and Peco Settrack Code 100, Streamline Code 100, 83, and 75; and Peco OO Code 80), 2 for TT, 12 for N, and 3 for Z. There are also signals, a Walthers turntable and roundhouse, and some rudimentary scenery. The drawing tool allows you to create virtually any building you desire as long as you can find (or guess at) the dimensions.
Like Prego -- It's in there. The only notable omission is S guage.
You can download a free version which allows you to play around for a bit... but you're limited to 50 pieces, even ones you've deleted. You can see all the libraries, though.
And, because I just noticed that the question was from Stets from Down Under -- it has both metric and English measurements (in fact, it's a Dutch product, so the default is metric).
I agree that AnyRail is a dream to use for straight layout planning. No, it's not as many extra features as some of the other programs (benchwork, structures, etc), but the part about actually putting track together is very intuitive. And I love how flextrack is implemented. Way better than XtrkCAD. What I'm not as crazy about is the implementation for easements - too "math-y". XtrkCAD does this better. If this part was redesigned I'd say there'd be nothing wrong with AnyRail as a track layout tool.
Does Anyrail have 3D views?
- Harry
Does the program have a feature where I input the table dimensions I will be laying my track on?
Ie. I have a table already made up and want to know if the track I have hand sketched will fit on that table dimension I have. Eg 2.4metres x 1.8metres
Harry, it does not.
Stets, yes you can create a line drawing that represents your layout size and then place the track on that space.