pcarrell wrote: Another free download of track planning software is XtrakCad ( http://www.sillub.com/ ). Its a lot more powerful, but more difficult to use.
Another free download of track planning software is XtrakCad ( http://www.sillub.com/ ). Its a lot more powerful, but more difficult to use.
I disagree. It is a tad more difficult to learn--takes an evening of watching tutorials--but once you get it, it is far easier to use than Atlas.
For instance:
I can build a yard in 20-30 seconds. Erase it. Then build another with a slightly different angle in another 20-30 seconds.
You can create a parallel curved track with one click.
And of all the design programs out there it is the most intuitive. If you think something should be able to be done, it probably can and easily.
BigHead
If I haven't mentioned it before, there's a beginner's guide to layout design in my signature. Take 5 minutes and give it a read. It may save you a bunch of time and money.
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
I use mostly the Atlas RTS 7.0 program thats a free download ( http://www.atlasrr.com/righttrack.htm ). It's pretty limited, but it gets the job done, and its relatively easy to use. I then import the image as a bitmap into MS paint and make it "pretty" and convert to a jpg. Then I upload to my hosting site and post it.
Whichever of these programs you use, you have to register them (also free) in order to unlock all of the capabilities.
Some other links you might find helpful are:
http://ldsig.org/wiki/index.php/Category:Primer
http://home.earthlink.net/~mrsvc/index.html
http://www.trainplayer.com/Site2/Kalmbach%20Plans.html
http://www.trainplayer.com/Site2/User%20Track%20Plans.html
http://www.trainplayer.com/Site2/Baustert%20Gallery.html
http://carendt.com/microplans/intro.html
http://www.nmra.org/
http://www.naisp.net/mfischer/m_train2.htm
EDIT: Oh yeah, I forgot Chip's (Spacemouse) excellent tutorial. (Sorry Chip)
http://www.chipengelmann.com/trains/Beginner/BeginnersGuide01.html
Reality...an interesting concept with no successful applications, that should always be accompanied by a "Do not try this at home" warning.
Hundreds of years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...But the world may be different because I did something so bafflingly crazy that my ruins become a tourist attraction.
"Oooh...ahhhh...that's how this all starts...but then there's running...and screaming..."
SpaceMouse wrote:Instead of "hijacking" this thread, Zandoz, you really should start your own. That way the focus of the thread is not split.
Sorry. I did not realize asking about 4x5 layouts in a thread about 4x5 layouts would be hijacking.
Bighead, I almost forgot, I have this one too.
Zandoz, You're welcome to look at all of my plans to get some ideas if you like.
http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j319/pcarrell/Track%20Plans/
Another potential 4x5er here...but in N scale. Any leads on plans I could look over for inspiration would be appreciated.
Oh yeah...Continious running, and curves sufficient for 85' passenger cars not to look too bad on the main are my general requirements...and I'm not big on grades (past HO horrors still haunt there).
yes TZ is right.
TZ, you're probably right on the humor.
Texas Zepher wrote:The only thing I think I would change would be to add a curved turnout and switchback on the siding inside the loop.
Hey, that's good!
pcarrell wrote:Conincidently, I designed a 5x4 HO layout for a friend ... here's what we ended up with.
Conincidently, I designed a 5x4 HO layout for a friend just last fall! There's not much room to work with, but here's what we ended up with.
Your space is limited but not impossible, but I don't know of any published plans. If you want a good design, you will have to do it yourself--because only you know what you want. YOU have to start with a few basics. Start by Choosing your road name.
Road name determines possible locations.
Locations determine landscape and industry.
Industry is limited by available models or your scratch-building skills.
Available models determine trackwork requirements.
Because of your available space, you will have to make a few compromises.
I have written a primer for starting your design. You can access it in my signature.
hey everyone,
i'm new here just started and was wondering if anyone had any planes for a turn of the century layout for a 4X5 area. i have been playing around with my track but really haven't come up with anything good yet. any tips or comments will be welcomed.
-bighead