The free XtrackCAD program available through the reputable SourceForge.com site allows you to upload a "background" .gif, .pdf and other formats. You can upload the plan as background and then fool around with the scale settings in the Manage>Layout command untill you get the size to fill your space. You can screen it down to half intensity and then using the track commands add track over top the background plan. It has libraries for many manufacturer's track components as well as the abbility to add flextrack and non standard curves and straight track. You can also add benchwork over the track plan and then send it to the back to see how to build it. I have a lot of fun with this program also doing mechanical drawings for things like abutments and shacks. Good luck with your project and have fun!
Thanks for the replys. I like the plan and it fits as is nicely in my space so I plan on building it very close to his design. When you say "just taking the plans" I assume you mean tahe the PDF on Trains.com and replicating in a CAD software tool. I've played with 3rdPlanit and I see it has a powerful 3d capability which might work nicely with that plan since it has a lot of elevation. Any other thoughst woul dbe appreciated, thanks again.
To echo Kevin, most pre-loaded trackplans in track planning software is stuff that is made from sectional track that is either sold as an entire plan, or recommended by, sectional track manufacturers like atlas. Are you looking to modify that track plan or just build an exact replica? If you are just looking at a replica, I'd recommend just taking the plans and replicating them upward - no track plan survives first contact with the benchwork anyways, so some innovation will be needed regardless.
I would recommend some considerations for modern preferences - some staging track would be nice on that layout, and maybe some more industry - the trackplan really just has the small yard, the mine, and the one oil dealer.
If you're a trains.com unlimited/MRVP subscriber, the early episodes of "Back on Track" have a pretty good coverage of using track planning software, but filter that with the fact that Gerry Leone doesn't plan anything besides the mainline with that software, and just cuts in turnouts and such where he wants them as he goes along.
I have never heard of a track planning software application having pre-loaded track plans from magazines.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I'm interested in building out Dave Frary's Pennsylvania RR plan featured in the Jan-Sept 1993 publication of Model Railroader and I was wondering if anyone is aware of any software design programs that have that plan pre-loaded. Any insight would be much appreciated.