Track Planning Software

[Arto]

I had been using an old version of AutoCAD from the 1990’s (Release 14). Obviously this version no longer runs on current Windows OS. I no longer have a Windows XP PC, and therefore cannot access my model railroad layout files that were created in AutoCAD.

 

Does anyone know of any layout software that will import these AutoCAD R14 drawing (.dwg) files? I have Google Sketch, and was able to import my .dwg files to some extent, but a lot of info is distorted or not present.

 

As an alternative, I could use a virtual machine version of XP but so far it looks like that will only work with Windows 7 Pro.

 

[rrinker]

3rd PlanIt can import DWG files, but I have no idea how good it is for that. You need to use the 32 bit version of 3rd PlanIt and I installed the 64 bit version on my machine so the option is unavailable, so I have no way of even getting a file from someone and seeing what happens when I import it.

 You can run XP as a VM anywhere - you just can;t use the XP Mode that was for Windows 7, you have to do an actual install. If you have Windows 10 Pro, anyway. Install Hyper-V and you can make VMs for any OS. I have an XP machine running so I can use VB6 without worrying about the mods you need to make to otherwise have it run on Windows 10 (it will, but running it under a supported OS like XP gives me a baseline to make ure any issues aren;t caused by the unsupported OS).

                               --Randy

 

[Arto]

Thanks Randy!

So, just to be clear, I need to upgrade one of my Windows 10 PC to Windows 10 Pro?

--> stupid question (I think I know the answer). Win 10 Pro is $200 from MS as a download. There are versions of this on eBay for $50. Good idea or not? 

[RR_Mel]

I use DesignCAD 2D version 18, it will import and export AutoCAD files and it runs $50.  Its pretty close to AutoCAD.

 

https://www.turbocad.com/designcad/designcad-2018.html

 

 

It will run on Windows 10 Home or Pro.

 

I finished the drawing below on the 14^th.  It’s a Mel design brass frame for a Rivarossi Cab Forward.  I had a couple for minor errors in my earlier drawings.

 

 

I corrected the errors in this drawing.  I start building the frame tomorrow.  This will be my fifth Rivarossi brass frame. 

 

EDIT:

 

The reason for the brass frame is so that I can install two Canon EN22 Motors.  With dual motors and an additional 10 ounces of weight they will pull the paint off the walls.  5.8 ounces of drawbar.

 

Mel

 

Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

 

[Anonymous]

There is a CAD software from progesoft.com: progeCAD professional.

The have a freeware for personal use: progCAD Smart 2009. It isn't supported anymore and it isn't guaranteed that it runs on Windows 10: 
http://www.progesoft.com/en/products/progecad-smart/

As it is free it might be worth a try.
Regards, Volker

[rrinker]

 If you have Windows 8 or 8.1 Pro you cna also use Hyper-V and make an XP VM. I only mentioned Windows 10 because you said the XP VM only works with Windows 7 Pro and I figured why would you upgrade from WIndows 7 to anything but 10. If you currently have an XP machine, ifit's old enough that it came with XP when new, or is even older - that it has XP because you've upgraded it once or twice already - definitely consider a new machine. And anything new will have Windows 10. If you know how - build your own. For the price of a consumer grade machine from the store, with Windows 10 Home, you can build a commercial grade machine with Windows 10 Pro.

                                               --Randy

 

[Arto]

I was considering upgrading the old PC (original Win7) I use for the model railroad from Win10 to Win Pro10 in order to use VM to get AutoCad R14 running.

I tried Mel's suggestion - DesignCad 2D 2018 for $50. It does the trick. All my home's drawings are on AutoCad too (not a practicing architect anymore - Acad is $$$). So this salvaged a whole bunch of drawings I need. Thanks Mel !!

[RR_Mel]

Arto

I tried Mel's suggestion - DesignCad 2D 2018 for $50. It does the trick. All my home's drawings are on AutoCad too (not a practicing architect anymore - Acad is $$$). So this salvaged a whole bunch of drawings I need. Thanks Mel !!

 

 

Your welcom Arto

 

I’ve used DesignCAD or its predecessors since 1984 when I got my first IBM PC. Remember those days when the processor speed was a whopping 4.88mhz?  Back then it was ProDesign.  It has changed owners several times in 34 years.  The price hasn’t increased very much since 1984, I think I gave $29 for ProDesign I in 84 and I and kept up with the upgrades.  I think they’re truing to phase it out in favor of TuborCAD which is more money.  As far as I’m conserned DesignCad is as good as AutoCAD.

 

 

 

 

Mel

 

Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

[mrrdad]

do a google search for draftsight. its free and is just like autocad.