CAD Model RR Planning

[WHartman]

I have had a good experience with XTrkCad from Sillub. I have it on my laptop and can use it while waiting in airports, etc. It seems fairly robust and I like the 1:1 printing capabilities. I've been using it for about 10 months and have several complete layouts drawn as options for the same room.

[WHartman]

I have had a good experience with XTrkCad from Sillub. I have it on my laptop and can use it while waiting in airports, etc. It seems fairly robust and I like the 1:1 printing capabilities. I've been using it for about 10 months and have several complete layouts drawn as options for the same room.

[fiatfan]

I used to try copying and/or modifying existing plans. Every time a new plan came out, I would rip up the old and start over. Then I downloaded several demo track planning packages trying to come up with my own ideas. I decided they weren't for me. Granted you can get everything to line up very nicely but for me it's hard to visualize the completed plan. This time, I am simply setting structures around the layout and then laying track to each as appropriate. I just started doing this so I don't know if I will like it better but maybe I will be able to get a more complete system built this way.

[fiatfan]

I used to try copying and/or modifying existing plans. Every time a new plan came out, I would rip up the old and start over. Then I downloaded several demo track planning packages trying to come up with my own ideas. I decided they weren't for me. Granted you can get everything to line up very nicely but for me it's hard to visualize the completed plan. This time, I am simply setting structures around the layout and then laying track to each as appropriate. I just started doing this so I don't know if I will like it better but maybe I will be able to get a more complete system built this way.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by pennGG1

For you guys using AutoCAD how are creating your easements? I'm a vetern AutoCAD user but for the live of me can't figure out how to create an easement. I generally try and use the same methods surveyors use but I haven't been to track down that info either.

See my thread under easements and go to the web site listed there.

Here's a thread I posted at The Gauge:
http://www.the-gauge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5905
I don't actually draw the easements when designing, just make sure the tangents and constant-radius curves are correct. Then I use the "bent stick" method described in the thread when laying out the full size plan.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by pennGG1

For you guys using AutoCAD how are creating your easements? I'm a vetern AutoCAD user but for the live of me can't figure out how to create an easement. I generally try and use the same methods surveyors use but I haven't been to track down that info either.

See my thread under easements and go to the web site listed there.

Here's a thread I posted at The Gauge:
http://www.the-gauge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5905
I don't actually draw the easements when designing, just make sure the tangents and constant-radius curves are correct. Then I use the "bent stick" method described in the thread when laying out the full size plan.

[trollw]

CADRAIL. It is very accurate and has a lot of flexibility (used it to redesign several rooms in my house). Also, it will do easements for you AUTOMATICALLY.

[trollw]

CADRAIL. It is very accurate and has a lot of flexibility (used it to redesign several rooms in my house). Also, it will do easements for you AUTOMATICALLY.

[ClinchValleySD40]

3rd PlanIt. I assume you are asking because you want to use a program. All of the model railroad CAD programs offer free demo downloads. Try them all and see which one you like.
Model Railroader magazine did a review of the available programs a year or so ago. Check their archives and you should be able to order a copy of the article from them.

[ClinchValleySD40]

3rd PlanIt. I assume you are asking because you want to use a program. All of the model railroad CAD programs offer free demo downloads. Try them all and see which one you like.
Model Railroader magazine did a review of the available programs a year or so ago. Check their archives and you should be able to order a copy of the article from them.

[mbshaw]

Does anybody know if Walthers would have their turnouts and crossings in DXF format for use with AutoCAD or other CAD programs? That sure would be nice if they did.

[mbshaw]

Does anybody know if Walthers would have their turnouts and crossings in DXF format for use with AutoCAD or other CAD programs? That sure would be nice if they did.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by preceng

Use AutoCAD 2004. Great if you know how to use. You need to draw every line by hand (so to speak). UPSIDE: The accuracy is outstanding. I use it to design track layouts, wiring schematics (great reference when something breaks), my control panel layout, etc. I use it to design kit-bashed and built from scratch structures. The DOWNSIDE: $3500.00

I have not used other software.

For those who use AutoCADD, and Bachman EZ Track (HO Scale). I have all track components as AutoCAD 2000 blocks.

ALSO:
Benchwork (table) designs for 4'x8' w/ 2'x3' wing. My current track layout w/ control panel schematics. Atlas swiches, and More.

If you ask, I will supply

Good Luck

Hey, would it be possible to get a copy of your components. I have been out of the hobby for about 13 years and am looking to get back into it now that I have my own house. I am a new product designer by trade at just end up wasting my lunchhours here at work and figure this would be a good "waste of time" project for lunchs.

Thanks,
FASTRAKR

Probably should add email address: [e-mail]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by preceng

Use AutoCAD 2004. Great if you know how to use. You need to draw every line by hand (so to speak). UPSIDE: The accuracy is outstanding. I use it to design track layouts, wiring schematics (great reference when something breaks), my control panel layout, etc. I use it to design kit-bashed and built from scratch structures. The DOWNSIDE: $3500.00

I have not used other software.

For those who use AutoCADD, and Bachman EZ Track (HO Scale). I have all track components as AutoCAD 2000 blocks.

ALSO:
Benchwork (table) designs for 4'x8' w/ 2'x3' wing. My current track layout w/ control panel schematics. Atlas swiches, and More.

If you ask, I will supply

Good Luck

Hey, would it be possible to get a copy of your components. I have been out of the hobby for about 13 years and am looking to get back into it now that I have my own house. I am a new product designer by trade at just end up wasting my lunchhours here at work and figure this would be a good "waste of time" project for lunchs.

Thanks,
FASTRAKR

Probably should add email address: [e-mail]

[Anonymous]

For you guys using AutoCAD how are creating your easements? I'm a vetern AutoCAD user but for the live of me can't figure out how to create an easement. I generally try and use the same methods surveyors use but I haven't been to track down that info either.

See my thread under easements and go to the web site listed there.

[Anonymous]

For you guys using AutoCAD how are creating your easements? I'm a vetern AutoCAD user but for the live of me can't figure out how to create an easement. I generally try and use the same methods surveyors use but I haven't been to track down that info either.

See my thread under easements and go to the web site listed there.

[Anonymous]

I use 3rd Planit. I think it is very powerful. It has not been easy to learn how to make sophisticated alignments but they can be done. It will allow you to plan benchwork, terrain, or anything else you have the patience to learn how to draw. The greatest benifit of using special RR CADD programs is that the good ones include libraries of track components and have "intelligence" in that track components must connect together properly. For example, if you draw a ladder track and some body tracks, you can drag the whole thing over to another track and when it snaps to the end of that piece, the whole thing automatically rotates so there are no kinks in the alignment. Less sophisticated programs don't serve you well if you design a plan with kinks or somethig else that can't be built. Another example in 3rd Planit, it will check all your grades and curves to make sure you haven't violated required clearances or made the curve radii too tight.

I also "doodle" at work using Microstation testing out some ideas before coming home. If you are willing to create the track components, there is nothing you can't do in Microstation. It is the most powerful CADD program I have ever used. I have very little first hand knowledge of Autocad but we use it in our office.

Good Luck - Ed

[Anonymous]

I use 3rd Planit. I think it is very powerful. It has not been easy to learn how to make sophisticated alignments but they can be done. It will allow you to plan benchwork, terrain, or anything else you have the patience to learn how to draw. The greatest benifit of using special RR CADD programs is that the good ones include libraries of track components and have "intelligence" in that track components must connect together properly. For example, if you draw a ladder track and some body tracks, you can drag the whole thing over to another track and when it snaps to the end of that piece, the whole thing automatically rotates so there are no kinks in the alignment. Less sophisticated programs don't serve you well if you design a plan with kinks or somethig else that can't be built. Another example in 3rd Planit, it will check all your grades and curves to make sure you haven't violated required clearances or made the curve radii too tight.

I also "doodle" at work using Microstation testing out some ideas before coming home. If you are willing to create the track components, there is nothing you can't do in Microstation. It is the most powerful CADD program I have ever used. I have very little first hand knowledge of Autocad but we use it in our office.

Good Luck - Ed

[Anonymous]

Transitions can be done this way for HO.
!. Orthag on Draw a vert line -24".
2. Off set (2) lines to the right 1/2" apart.
3. From the right line draw a line to the right equal to the rad of your track.
4. From the end of this line draw an arc from 0° to + 90°.
5. From the top of the left line strick an arc 9" rad. ccw intersecting your track rad and the left line.
6. Construct a three point arc using the following 3 points.
A. Track intersection point.
B. Top of the middle vert line.
C. Intersection point on the left line.
The arc you just constructed is your transition curve for the given Rad track. Construct offset for parallel track. Easy ain't it. [:)]

[Anonymous]

Transitions can be done this way for HO.
!. Orthag on Draw a vert line -24".
2. Off set (2) lines to the right 1/2" apart.
3. From the right line draw a line to the right equal to the rad of your track.
4. From the end of this line draw an arc from 0° to + 90°.
5. From the top of the left line strick an arc 9" rad. ccw intersecting your track rad and the left line.
6. Construct a three point arc using the following 3 points.
A. Track intersection point.
B. Top of the middle vert line.
C. Intersection point on the left line.
The arc you just constructed is your transition curve for the given Rad track. Construct offset for parallel track. Easy ain't it. [:)]

[Anonymous]

For the number of years they have been in business 3DRR is at best a "Primative Pete" system. No DXF in or out ( no plotting ability), no orthogonal drawing as in ACAD. Tracks are connected by their end points, not their centers. Can not do transition curves. This software obviously was design by Graphic Artists not those of us who have built RR layouts. In short it's a bad investment![:(!][V]

[Anonymous]

For the number of years they have been in business 3DRR is at best a "Primative Pete" system. No DXF in or out ( no plotting ability), no orthogonal drawing as in ACAD. Tracks are connected by their end points, not their centers. Can not do transition curves. This software obviously was design by Graphic Artists not those of us who have built RR layouts. In short it's a bad investment![:(!][V]

[mbshaw]

For you guys using AutoCAD how are creating your easements? I'm a vetern AutoCAD user but for the live of me can't figure out how to create an easement. I generally try and use the same methods surveyors use but I haven't been to track down that info either.

DOWN with Microstation!! AutoCAD forever.....

[mbshaw]

For you guys using AutoCAD how are creating your easements? I'm a vetern AutoCAD user but for the live of me can't figure out how to create an easement. I generally try and use the same methods surveyors use but I haven't been to track down that info either.

DOWN with Microstation!! AutoCAD forever.....

[Anonymous]

I second (or third or whatever) the QuickCAD vote. I got version 6.0 quite a while ago, at Menard's, believe it or not, and have used it exclusively ever since.. Some CAD or drafting experience is nice but not necessary. What I really like is the ability to use it for something other than layout design. You can, for example, draw up a plan for a tunnel portal and print it out full size to use as a template/cutting guide (a project done last weekend).

[Anonymous]

I second (or third or whatever) the QuickCAD vote. I got version 6.0 quite a while ago, at Menard's, believe it or not, and have used it exclusively ever since.. Some CAD or drafting experience is nice but not necessary. What I really like is the ability to use it for something other than layout design. You can, for example, draw up a plan for a tunnel portal and print it out full size to use as a template/cutting guide (a project done last weekend).

[Anonymous]

There are quite a few software "packages" available. 3rd PlanIt has been mentioned. Also there is XTRackCad (Sillub Technology), WinRail, RR-TRACK For Windows (R. & S. Enterprises) and 3D RAILRAD Concept & Design (Abracadata).

If you want a great screensaver check out www.iit.bme.hu/traffic.indexe.htm or http://traffic.hu for a downloadable program called "Traffic"

[Anonymous]

There are quite a few software "packages" available. 3rd PlanIt has been mentioned. Also there is XTRackCad (Sillub Technology), WinRail, RR-TRACK For Windows (R. & S. Enterprises) and 3D RAILRAD Concept & Design (Abracadata).

If you want a great screensaver check out www.iit.bme.hu/traffic.indexe.htm or http://traffic.hu for a downloadable program called "Traffic"

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Chessie7

Poll: If you used a CAD computer program to design a layout, which one was it? Perhaps CAD RAIL, or 3rd Planet... Let me know which one you used! Thanks.

I use CADRAIL. Good package, Instructions could be better. It sure kept me honest about what I could fit into my space