Well, I don't NEED to use layout planning software, either... but it's so much fun I can't resist just designing new ones just for the heck of it.
I really hope you can whistle up the $55 for Anyrail, but I understand that times are rough. I actually used Christmas money from my in-laws for my copy.
Connecticut Valley Railroad A Branch of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." -- Henry Ford
I purchased a copy of the Atlas Right Track Software before they put it up for free download, and found it to be extremely user hostile and difficult to learn.
I understand it has been improved, but my layout is finished and I don't need it now.
http://www.atlasrr.com/righttrack.htm
Here's the Atlas if your going to use their track.
This link should get you there:
http://www.xtrkcad.org/Wikka/HomePage
If you really want to deal with the hassle of a CAD program, be my guest.
Does anybody have a link to the site where I can download Xtrackcad. I can't seem to find it using google. And you guys are right about the fact that AnyRail is MUCH better than Atlas.
I agree. For the use I've gotten out of it --- and it's spectacularly shallow learning curve -- I'd call it a bargain at $55.
For me, that works out to around $0.55 an hour, and dropping all the time. Best entertainment value out there, I'd say.
Atlas and Xtrkcad are both free, but I'll bet dollars to donuts you'll be disappointed with both after using Anyrail!
Does anyone have a free downloadable track planner program? I've been using "AnyRail," but the free version only lets you place 50 pieces of track...