layout planning software

[Anonymous]

As many of you know, Im going to start over on my layout. I have the atlas RTS software and have used it successfully to plan my modules and a switching yard which will be incorporated into the new layout. It just isn't very good in my opinion for planning an entire empire. I'm looking for a more sophisticated track planning software. A free download would be preffered of course, but any suggestions will be considered and appreciated.

thanks.

[Anonymous]

You can get a free download of XTrkCad at Sillub Technology. You can see a plan I came up with using it at my photo site in my signature.

[Anonymous]

Seems like a great software. However in order to plan for a layout as large as mine it requires a $65 registration fee. And I dont have $65 lying around... Any other suggestions?

[claycts]

Follow my picture link and you can see what 3rd Planet looks like.

[bcammack]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JPM335

Seems like a great software. However in order to plan for a layout as large as mine it requires a $65 registration fee. And I dont have $65 lying around... Any other suggestions?

Click on the "News" link on Sillub's home page. They've "Open Sourced" it and provide a free registration number, so you don't actually need to have that $65 lying around after all. [:)]

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by up_santafe

You can get a free download of XTrkCad at Sillub Technology. You can see a plan I came up with using it at my photo site in my signature.

I have been using XtraCAD and I like it. I got the free open source download and it works just spiffy.

[Anonymous]

one problem I have with the XTrakCad is the fact that not all the options are enabled on it.... I can't seem to get the darn thing to do elevated track or anything like that. As well as having to manually rotate pieces and connect them... I can't seem to find an eisier way.

other than that the program is great.... it takes a little time to figure out but it's well worth the free download,

Now if someone had a full version of this and had the registration code that would be awesome. the open registration version doesn't seem to have all the options enabled.

[rexhea]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JPM335

As many of you know, Im going to start over on my layout. I have the atlas RTS software and have used it successfully to plan my modules and a switching yard which will be incorporated into the new layout. It just isn't very good in my opinion for planning an entire empire. I'm looking for a more sophisticated track planning software. A free download would be preffered of course, but any suggestions will be considered and appreciated.

thanks.

JPM,
If you are looking for free software that will do it all, I don't know of any. However, I highly recommend 3d PlanIt for a complete software package that offers everything you can possibly need for planning/building your layout. It is easy to learn and you can start with your benchwork design and progress to track placement, elevations, helix construction, parts inventory, and on and on. It also has 3D where you can run a train on your track design to see if it is what you want. Yes, it cost $99.95, but you won't be sorry you purchased it and you will use it as long as you are in MRR. Get a Demo at http://www.trackplanning.com/3pi.htm

REX

[claycts]

JPM,
If you are looking for free software that will do it all, I don't know of any. However, I highly recommend 3d PlanIt for a complete software package that offers everything you can possibly need for planning/building your layout. It is easy to learn and you can start with your benchwork design and progress to track placement, elevations, helix construction, parts inventory, and on and on. It also has 3D where you can run a train on your track design to see if it is what you want. Yes, it cost $99.95, but you won't be sorry you purchased it and you will use it as long as you are in MRR. Get a Demo at http://www.trackplanning.com/3pi.htm

REX

[cheese3]

Go to www.just kidding- This is really high tech but only costs a couple of cents. This is what you do get a pencil, paper. straight edge, and a compass. you can plan any thing you want here for a really low cost. Well it works for me!

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by brclem

Now if someone had a full version of this and had the registration code that would be awesome. the open registration version doesn't seem to have all the options enabled.

Go back and look at the site. They have gone open source and have a registration password posted.

[Anonymous]

I have used that registration code and I am still not able to use the elevations and a couple other things.

[SpaceMouse]

Sorry, it worked for me.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the tip on the free registration. Time to plan a layout![:D]