layout design/simulator programs

[Anonymous]

Just tto add to what NA posted about Trainz, you sould know that laying track and building a virtual railroad with Trainz is incredibly easy. They have some short videos (like half a minute) on their web site you can download. Each coveres some aspect of building a layout. The slogan that accompanies each lesson is "That's all there is to it." And they are right. It's that easy.

Cheers,
Al

[Anonymous]

I purchased a program called TRAINZ. http://www.auran.com/trainz/default.htm
It was also at CompUSA and BestBuy.
It is Virtual ModelRailroading. There is a ton of downloads on their website - rolling stock, engines (diesel and Steam), industries, layouts, movies,etc.
It will allow you to design in any scale.
then drive and actually simulate the entire layout.For example when I take my empty coal cars back to the coal mine, they can be switched with the full cars, and then the empties are automatically filled up for the next trip.

[Anonymous]

By far the best package today is 3rdPanit from eldorado software. www.trackplanning.com
Tech support is practically instantaneous.
K

[Anonymous]

A couple...

3rd Planit and Abracadata's 3D Railroad Concept and Design. If you get it directly from Abracadata, you get a price discount when you purchase the bundle 3D RRC&D and 3D RR Master. Plus, I think for a limited time they are throwing in their bundle of Train Teasers for free with the purchase of the 3D bundle...

www.abracadata.com

-Wolv33
CEO Midwestern Double-line Railroad

[Anonymous]

Are there any 3D programs out there that will let one design a layout realistically (track,rolling stock,scenery,etc.) and then be used as a simulator to operate the layout (railroad)?