What software does MR use to draw track plans?

[Ray Dunakin]

I really like the look of the track plans in the magazine. What software do they use to create those?

[Attuvian1]

Ray Dunakin

I really like the look of the track plans in the magazine. What software do they use to create those?

 

Ray,

 

This issue gets raised every year or two.  If I recall from past responses, the MR track plans are in-house productions of the artsy folks at Kalmbach and not from commercially available software.  I also recall some saying that there are occasional issues regarding things like incompatible or commercially unavailable turnouts and clearance issues should they be transposed precisely to something functional.  As I say, this is all based on recollection.  At my age, that's dodgey at best! 

 

[EDIT:  Well, I was half right, maybe a quarter (see below).  Hey, that's still better than I do remembering stuff daid by my sweetie!]

 

I will say that you can't beat the attractiveness of the MR plans.  They really fire up the imagination and they are excellent for concepts and overall design.  Many have used them as the basis for all sorts of home and club layouts.  What I'd really like to see is our club's pike done up in a drawing of the same type and quality.  It might help me visualize better where my trains go when they disappear into its many tunnels! I've been known to quick-step to one part of the room to pick it up coming out there - only to wonder if the delay is due to an out-of-sight derailment.  Lo and behold, here comes my consist sneaking up behind me!  

 

John

[gmpullman]

It was a while back when I made the same inquiry and at that time the answer was Adobe Illustrator. They may have found other programs (or are they apps these days?) since then.

Regards, Ed

[Steven Otte]

Our talented staff artists use Adobe Illustrator, with some in-house-developed plug-in extensions, for track plans. Other illustrations are either drawn or enhanced with Adobe Photoshop.

[Mark B]

My layout-the Ashland and Iron Mountain- was published in June 2021. My drawing of the layout was a bit rough. I had all the dimensions correct along with all the sidings and buildings in the right spots with the correct labels. When I saw the published version I was blown away by it's accuracy and overall appeal. The MR staff had done a great job interpreting my scrawls, notes, arrows and I was very pleased. Thanks MR

Mark B.