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Layout Design Software

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  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: Tewksbury, MA
  • 49 posts
Layout Design Software
Posted by rmbarry on Monday, August 29, 2005 12:13 PM
Does anyone have any recommendations for a layout design program other than 3rd Plan It by El Dorado software? I purchased 3rd PlanIt this past January and have not yet received a registration code, thus I cannot save my work. Even though this program looks to be an excellent design tool, it is of not much use if you cannot save your design!

I am looking to purchase a program from a company that will actually send me a registration code to use the software. Can anyone provide me with info on a layout design package that I can purchase and actually use?

I have read the reviews in an old MR article, but what I need to really know is how the customer service is and did anyone have trouble purchasing, registering or getting the software to work.[?]
  • Member since
    May 2005
  • 1,168 posts
Posted by dgwinup on Monday, August 29, 2005 12:44 PM
Have you tried to contact El Dorado? There is often an on-line procedure for registration and they should be able to help with that.

Darrell, quiet...for now
Darrell, quiet...for now
  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: AIKEN S.C. & Orange Park Fl.
  • 2,047 posts
Posted by claycts on Monday, August 29, 2005 12:47 PM
Have you gone to the HELP pulldown in the program and clicked on "ABOUT 3rd PLAANET" Randy Pfeiffer is the owner and if you go to the website there is a phone number to reach him.
"You can download the software from:

http://www.eldoradosoft.com/drivehog.htm

Your serial number will be sent to you by e-mail shortly, generally
within 24 hours of placing your order. This will enable the Delete
and Open File features.
"
You should have received this from them also to go and get your information. Was your Credit Card charged?
Take Care George Pavlisko Driving Race cars and working on HO trains More fun than I can stand!!!
  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Monday, August 29, 2005 12:49 PM
I sent you an email. Look for it. It has a solution for your El Dorado problem.

But, The XtraCAD is a better program for free. It just does not have the 3D capabilities, which I find very useful.

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: Tewksbury, MA
  • 49 posts
Posted by rmbarry on Monday, August 29, 2005 12:55 PM
The phone number listed on El Dorado's web site goes to a voicemail box that cannot accept any new messages. Emails sent to El Dorado go unanswered. I also joined the Yahoo Group for 3ed PlanIt users and posted a query that resulted in several postings that from others who had not been able to receive their registration number via email so I know that I am not alone in this problem.

I was hoping that there might be another 3D design package out there besides 3rd PlanIt.
  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: Tewksbury, MA
  • 49 posts
Posted by rmbarry on Monday, August 29, 2005 1:00 PM
Thank You SpaceBall - You suggestion worked!
  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: AIKEN S.C. & Orange Park Fl.
  • 2,047 posts
Posted by claycts on Monday, August 29, 2005 1:03 PM
Chip ALWAYS has the answers! I think I know what it was. Another win for SPACEMOUSE or is it SPACEBALL now?
Take Care George Pavlisko Driving Race cars and working on HO trains More fun than I can stand!!!
  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: Tewksbury, MA
  • 49 posts
Posted by rmbarry on Monday, August 29, 2005 1:42 PM
My appolgies SpaceMouse, the movie SpaceBall was on the back of my mind as I was typing my last reply!
  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Monday, August 29, 2005 2:15 PM
I got a good laugh out of it.

(I like Spaceballs too.)

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Monday, August 29, 2005 2:45 PM
They've gone to plaid!

Actually, every time I see SpaceMouse, I think SpaceMOOSE - warning, do NOT look that up, it is a VERY lewd internet comic and not suitable for children (and some adults).

Back on topic, I remember a year or two ago on the 3rd Plan-It Yahoo group there were some discussions about Randy having health and family issues directly related to his commitment to the program, and doing whatever it took to answer each and evry question, as well as continuing to add new features. Believe it or not,t he whole thing is a one-man operation - astounding in this day and age for a program of such complexity. Yes, it IS possible to be TOO successful. I do hope all is well and he is merely taking some time away to take a breather, although that doesn't help anyone trying to buy the program today.

--Randy

Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Rimrock, Arizona
  • 11,251 posts
Posted by SpaceMouse on Monday, August 29, 2005 4:27 PM
Randy, you know I had to look it up.

Chip

Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.

  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: AIKEN S.C. & Orange Park Fl.
  • 2,047 posts
Posted by claycts on Monday, August 29, 2005 4:45 PM
FYI GUYS:
ftp://ftp.calweb.com/business/eldoradosoft/temp/3PIDXF.exe

I'll charge you tomorrow. I'm a one-man-show and treat the evenings as
personal time.

Randy


> -----Original Message-----
> From: lrpweb [mailto:LRPWEB@BELLSOUTH.NET]
> Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2003 9:33 PM
> To: El Dorado Software
You see the date, He had it ready on Monday of that week. As Randy R. said I hope he is OK, that is a haeck of a program for a one man show!
Take Care George Pavlisko Driving Race cars and working on HO trains More fun than I can stand!!!

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