Cadrail - anyone used it?

[Anonymous]

i am just starting to learn cadrail..and the learning curve does not seem too extreme...i just keep doodling and learning as i go

[robengland]

CADRAil has the best CAD features, is best for drawing track plans. 3rdPlanit seems to be better at the 3D sim stuff.

[Adelie]

BJ, I've been a CadRail user for about 10 years, and love it. I've designed several layouts with it, and built one to completion. I liked the fact that, for the first time, the construction actually matched the plan (never did with pencil, paper and templates). That was important, since the layout was for my Godson, and had to be built while I was visiting him. His dad built the benchwork from the plan, and I managed to cut subroadbed, lay roadbed and track (with DC wiring) in a week. So, I didn't have time to improvise or correct mistakes in planning.

Current project is a 40 x 14 N-scale empire.

If you are used to CAD-type programs, you will pick up CadRail easy enough. There are things in the user interface I would change about it if I could, but overall it is a keeper.

[claycts]

Take a quick look at 3rd Planet. My link goes to some of the images. It is CAD FOR DUMMIES. I taught AutoCADD and 3rd planet interfaced very easy with the big brother. Saved as a DWG file and imported like a champ. I have cad rail and it looks like a robust cad program but this is a hobby and I did not feel like going back to school to run it. That is just my $.02 aas an alternate.

[trainmasterg]

I've been using Cadrail version 6 for what seems like forever.
I've designed quite a few layouts with it, even our clubs layout.
I love it. It certainly does take tons of patience though.
I've been using version 6 foreven and haven't updated it.
I probably should because I'd like more printing options.
Good Luck with the layout.

[bsteel4065]

Thanks for that joeh
Yep, I'm OK with patience with software and I'm very aware of Autocad. My layout design is goverened by the limitations of my attic and I need to take into account rafters and a sloping roof. I have now downloaded the demo and it is very 'Autocad' like. Here goes!

Thanks again.

[DSchmitt]

QUOTE: Originally posted by joeh19012

The one caveat I have is that Cadrail and any of the other track planning programs are meant to be used by people who have the desire and patience to use them. If you are more the hands on, get in there and get started, trial by error type, you may lose patience with learning how to use any of these programs--even some of the "simpler" ones.

Good luck with your plans.[8D]

[#ditto]

[joeh19012]

I've used Cadrail for a number of years. I think it's a really good program, particularly if you have experience using other CAD programs like AutoCad or the like.

It's really good at the top-down view--the typical layout planning view. I don't have the latest version, but it should work a little more intuitively and from what I've seen, some of the operations should be easier than in previous versions.

One of the things I like about Cadrail is the way it handles the various elements (curves, straights, etc.). You can define your borders, and then start playing with where to place the turn around and 90 degree curves by placing circles in the corners, for example. You then tell Cadrail to place a tangent line between those circles, and instantly you have the beginnings of an oval, dogbone, or whatever.

The one caveat I have is that Cadrail and any of the other track planning programs are meant to be used by people who have the desire and patience to use them. If you are more the hands on, get in there and get started, trial by error type, you may lose patience with learning how to use any of these programs--even some of the "simpler" ones.

Good luck with your plans.[8D]

[bsteel4065]

Ive ripped out my old layout and I'm starting over.
Has anyone used CAD? I notice CADrail has a downloadable demo (12Mb) to try. Anyone out there downloaded it? Is it any good?
Thanks in advance guys.
BJ