layout planning software.

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Anonymous

Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 10:08 AM

I tried the Atlas software. Downloaded it and went to install. Got message corrupt installation detected...and it was never installed yet....[V]

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Anonymous

Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 23, 2004 8:17 PM

I have been using RailModeller from rail soft for a coupel weeks now and it works well for what I am doing - which is designing a railset of HO slot car (e.g. Tyco) track to plan a layout involving both slot car and train. I believe the $30 registration is primarily related to the RailSet portion of the application - which you only need if there is not an existing RailSet for your application. My RailSet (that's what they call the librry of components) should be posted on their site soon. - One limiation - unless I just ahven't figure it out yet - is elevation - RailModeller seems to be a 2D only app (at least for now).

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piemandan64

Member since
December 2003
From: N. INDIANA
34 posts

Posted by piemandan64 on Thursday, November 18, 2004 4:46 PM

It works fine for me also on Windows XP.

Anonymous

Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 18, 2004 4:11 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by LeisurePursuits

I tried running the Atlas software but got a message from Windows XP that it was unable to run this 16 bit application. I assume people running this app are not using XP. True?

I had some installation issues with XP Pro, but as I do it all day at work, I piddled at home and fixed. Make sure you have the installation program set to run as emulating Win98 (NOT 95 or NT).

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trollw

Member since
July 2002
From: Richardson, TX
136 posts

Posted by trollw on Monday, November 15, 2004 2:39 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by richhotrain

Nobody mentioned Sandia Software. Is it any good?

CADRAIL is made by Sandia Software. I have used it virtually from the beginning (now have version 8.02). I wouldn't think of using anything else - I have used it for landscaping plans, house plans, house remodeling plans, layout plans, etc.
John

Regards,

John

"You are what you eat," said a wise old man. Oh Lord, if it's true, I'm a garbage can.

PennsyHoosier

Member since
October 2004
From: Northern Indiana
1,000 posts

Posted by PennsyHoosier on Saturday, November 13, 2004 9:27 PM

The Atlas software is okay. However, it has it glitches.

When you move up to the other programs, however, it gets very expensive very fast. Sure would be nice to have something in-between.

Lawrence, The Pennsy Hoosier

richhotrain

Member since
September 2004
From: Dearborn Station
24,281 posts

Posted by richhotrain on Friday, November 12, 2004 6:47 AM

Nobody mentioned Sandia Software. Is it any good?

Alton Junction

Anonymous

Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 9, 2004 10:33 AM

QUOTE: Originally posted by LeisurePursuits

I tried running the Atlas software but got a message from Windows XP that it was unable to run this 16 bit application. I assume people running this app are not using XP. True?

It works fine for me on Windows XP, on several different computers.

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tstage

Moderator

Member since
June 2003
From: Northeast OH
17,249 posts

Posted by tstage on Sunday, November 7, 2004 4:10 PM

LeisurePursuits,

Yep. I'm running Windows 98 on my computer. Do you have an older computer that you might be able to run the software on?

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

Anonymous

Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 7, 2004 10:04 AM

I tried running the Atlas software but got a message from Windows XP that it was unable to run this 16 bit application. I assume people running this app are not using XP. True?

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Anonymous

Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 7, 2004 9:38 AM

Cuyama

I did find a site that has a Mac OS X version, it's a shareware, www.railmodeller.com I am not sure if i want to kick $30.00 US to them but may, what's thirty dollars now a days? As for the Linux yes OS X is a BSD build so may I can try the CAD software, pretty good at picking up on new software usage, we used to do reviews on software for the Mac.

I appriciate to feedback.

Dave

QUOTE: Originally posted by cuyama

[Dave,

Unfortunately, the options for the Mac do not compete well with the best on the PC. Some people claim to have coaxed 3rd PlanIt or CADrail to work with a PC emulator package on the Mac, but that's never been successful for me -- and I gave it a good try. If you are running Linux on the Mac, XtrakCad might be worth exploring.

I've placed a brief report on the various packages on my website:
www.modelrail.us/id14.html

If you are only planning to design a single layout, you'll want to balance the learning curve of any CAD software vs. the undeniable benefits. I design a lot of layouts and use 3rd PlanIt -- for me it's worth it -- but the learning curve was long and steep, and I still would not say that I have mastered the program at all.

regards,

Byron

quote]Originally posted by dthurman

Jumping into the hobby again after many years of absence I am looking at the software route to design a new layout. Does anyone know of a decent track planning software application that works on the Mac OS X platform? Unfortunately (or fortunately on how you feel:) the OS X Apple computers are all I have on hand here at home and at my business.

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tstage

Moderator

Member since
June 2003
From: Northeast OH
17,249 posts

Posted by tstage on Saturday, November 6, 2004 10:27 PM

mirrodie,

Go download the ATLAS RTS software from http://www.atlasrr.com. Try it out and see if that is the way you want to go. (Doesn't cost you a cent other than your time. There's still nothing wrong with using pencil and paper.)

As has already been mentioned, ATLAS's RTS is limited in what it can do but will give you a feel for drawing in CAD. The other software packages are more sophisticated and will definitely give you more variety and realism as you design your layout. (Some even have a simulator to check out your design for flaws.)

The Atlas software has been good for me so far, giving me the ability to quickly bang out my new layout ideas and to understand how pieces of track fit together and what combinations work and don't work.

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

ckape

Member since
August 2004
232 posts

Posted by ckape on Saturday, November 6, 2004 9:16 PM

My club's layout was designed in 3rd planit and we've all been surprised by how close the actual trackwork came to the plans. I haven't been able to use it myself, since I run linux and I couldn't get the demo to run under WINE. The club member who did most of that work says it's an amazing program, but that there's a rather steep learning curve.

Right now we're working on designing our yard, and we actually got to test-run some trains on it in software before we even have the benchwork in.

cuyama

Member since
December 2001
From: Northern CA Bay Area
4,387 posts

Posted by cuyama on Saturday, November 6, 2004 5:55 PM

[Dave,

Unfortunately, the options for the Mac do not compete well with the best on the PC. Some people claim to have coaxed 3rd PlanIt or CADrail to work with a PC emulator package on the Mac, but that's never been successful for me -- and I gave it a good try. If you are running Linux on the Mac, XtrakCad might be worth exploring.

I've placed a brief report on the various packages on my website:
www.modelrail.us/id14.html

If you are only planning to design a single layout, you'll want to balance the learning curve of any CAD software vs. the undeniable benefits. I design a lot of layouts and use 3rd PlanIt -- for me it's worth it -- but the learning curve was long and steep, and I still would not say that I have mastered the program at all.

regards,

Byron

quote]Originally posted by dthurman

Jumping into the hobby again after many years of absence I am looking at the software route to design a new layout. Does anyone know of a decent track planning software application that works on the Mac OS X platform? Unfortunately (or fortunately on how you feel:) the OS X Apple computers are all I have on hand here at home and at my business.

Layout Design Gallery
Layout Design Special Interest Group

Anonymous

Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 6, 2004 2:29 PM

Jumping into the hobby again after many years of absence I am looking at the software route to design a new layout. Does anyone know of a decent track planning software application that works on the Mac OS X platform? Unfortunately (or fortunately on how you feel:) the OS X Apple computers are all I have on hand here at home and at my business.

TIA

Dave

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Anonymous

Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 6, 2004 12:59 PM

I have used both AutoCad, CadRail and 3rdPlanit and strongly recommend 3rdPlanit. It is easy to use, has a very complex layout checking routine that checks radius, elevations, clearances etc. Much better to know this at design time! Only problem I had with 3rdPlanIt was stiching together two terrain sections, never could get this to work. I have also found 3rdPlanIt very responsive when it comes to support, ask a question and the answer is there within a day or two.

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trollw

Member since
July 2002
From: Richardson, TX
136 posts

Posted by trollw on Wednesday, October 6, 2004 3:01 PM

I use CADRAIL and wouldn't think of using anything else -- use it for layout work, structure plans, home remodeling, and laboratory layouts. Anything that needs an accurate plan.

John

Regards,

John

"You are what you eat," said a wise old man. Oh Lord, if it's true, I'm a garbage can.

WHartman

Member since
February 2001
From: US
20 posts

Posted by WHartman on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 7:08 PM

I have been using XTrkCad from Sillub Technologies and am very happy with it.

StillGrande

Member since
September 2003
From: Alexandria, VA
847 posts

Posted by StillGrande on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 2:35 PM

I've stated before that I use 3rd Planit and agree with rexhea that it is worth every penny. After running through the tutorials I was able to draw a room sized, 2 level layout in less than an hour. I find myself trying different ideas in the same space, and can even run trains and see how the set-up will operate. It is also nice to be able to really see how many cars will fit in the sidings (rather than the old fudge factor on paper). You can print out the plan any size up to 1:1. You can set your minimums for curves, inclines, clearances, etc and then the program will check what you do both while you work and when you are done to be sure the plan lives up to them. I was using template and paper. Would never go back (well, sometimes in boring meetings I do doodle, but the good doodles are tried out on the computer).

Dewey "Facts are meaningless; you can use facts to prove anything that is even remotely true! Facts, schmacks!" - Homer Simpson "The problem is there are so many stupid people and nothing eats them."

jwmurrayjr

Member since
February 2002
From: US
517 posts

Posted by jwmurrayjr on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 1:38 PM

I used the Atlas RTS for my layout and it worked out fine. It got the basics done: A scalable track plan and a list of track needed for the layout.

Both were close enough for a modest layout. I think that I might have spent too much "engineering" time if I had use some of the more advanced track planning software. If I ever build a large layout I may try something else.

http://www.trainweb.org/silversanjuan/Page2/Page2.html

Jim Murray The San Juan Southern RR

ClinchValleySD40

Member since
June 2001
From: Holly, MI
1,269 posts

Posted by ClinchValleySD40 on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 1:22 PM

I tried all the free demos and settled on 3PI. I'd suggest trying them all, usually a free download off the web. Whichever feels good, get it.

Larry

http://www.youtube.com/user/ClinchValleySD40

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52481330@N05/

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php/cat/500/page/1/ppuser/8745/sl/c

rexhea

Member since
July 2004
From: Southeast U.S.A.
851 posts

Posted by rexhea on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 12:55 PM

3d Planit gets my vote. I have had it over a year and continue to get the results I need. Very accurate and has a very good step by step tutorial. The included book is easy to understand and complete. I am always making changes and adjustments as I go along and it's so easy with this software. Many extra drawing tools and features to use including 3d.
$99.95 and worth every penny.

http://www.trackplanning.com/

REX

Rex "Blue Creek & Warrior Railways" http://www.railimages.com/gallery/rexheacock

cacole

Member since
July 2003
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
13,757 posts

Posted by cacole on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 10:56 AM

A big problem with the Atlas Right Track software that I encountered is the question of accuracy of scale. I used RTS to design the Cochise & Western Model Railroad Club's 20x40-foot HO scale layout. We soon discovered that what appeared on paper didn't necessarily fit when actual track was laid -- radiuses that looked right on screen and on paper didn't fit, so a lot of modifications to the plan had to be made as we laid track.

Anonymous

Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 9:32 AM

It's pretty decent, but of course it doesn't have anything other than Atlas track in its database. I tried it, but since I needed to use some curved and other size (#5) turnouts, I tried both CadRail and 3rd PlanIt (both have free demos you can download). I ended up going with 3rd PlanIt, and I'm not sorry I did -- it has less of a learning curve than CadRail, and made it pretty simple to do multiple iterations of the layout before I settled on a plan that worked for me.

Another nice feature the high-end programs have that I didn't find in the Atlas software is the ability to define the sub-roadbed, show it on the screen, and more important print it out on a 1:1 scale so you can use it as templates for cutting the wood if you're using open-grid benchwork.

So the best advice is to download all three, try them out, and see which one you like best.

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Anonymous

Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 9:28 AM

Brett,

Too funny! I've played around with RTS and it really isn't that bad. It's a cheap way to see if computer planning is something one wants to get into. While it has plenty of limitations, the learning curve needed to successfully use the program isn't that bad. I would think that if a person finds RTS difficult to use, then the others would be also.

Dave

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bsteel4065

Member since
January 2001
From: United Kingdom
552 posts

Posted by bsteel4065 on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 9:28 AM

Hi bcammack
Is the free Atlas software any good?

bcammack

Member since
December 2002
From: US
403 posts

Posted by bcammack on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 9:17 AM

Atlas RTS is a free download from www.atlasrr.com

You get slightly more than you pay for. [:)]

Regards, Brett C. Cammack Holly Hill, FL

Anonymous

Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts

layout planning software.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 5, 2004 9:05 AM

for years, I have always drawing, with pencil, what I wanted in terms af a layout.

I want to now try using layout planning software. Can anyone suggest some good software?

thanks, MJC

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