CAD Model RR Planning

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Chessie7

Poll: If you used a CAD computer program to design a layout, which one was it? Perhaps CAD RAIL, or 3rd Planet... Let me know which one you used! Thanks.

I use CADRAIL. Good package, Instructions could be better. It sure kept me honest about what I could fit into my space

[claycts]

Well I guess I am on the outside looking in. I have Autocad 2000 Autocad R14 with softdesk and 3rd Planet. Due to my NOT THINKING since I TEACH Autocad I am using 3rd plant. It was easier to do than the block design BUT I guess it was the 3d and the other effetc that made it MORE FUN to play with.

[claycts]

Well I guess I am on the outside looking in. I have Autocad 2000 Autocad R14 with softdesk and 3rd Planet. Due to my NOT THINKING since I TEACH Autocad I am using 3rd plant. It was easier to do than the block design BUT I guess it was the 3d and the other effetc that made it MORE FUN to play with.

[Anonymous]

I HIGHLY reccomend Autodesk Quick CAD 8.0
You can buy it online via Amozon for $37 and it is a very full featured CAD program that should do all you need without going to a full blown AutoCAD package.

I started (and finished REV 1) of the layout I am currently building using the Atlas right track software. That was good - but was hard to put in the "things" around the basement (furnace, wall studs, etc) that really helped in the benchwork phase.

A CAD package allows you to use "layers" that you can turn "on" and "off" so you can see only the benchwork, or the trackwork, etc. that you want to at that time (GREAT for keeping benchwork away from future turnout motors).

I was lucky in that my modeling buddy had already created the elements for #5 and #6 turnouts and gave them to me. We hand-lay our track, so these may not match commercial turnouts exactly. I have also created an element for the Walther's turntable and roundhouse. I'm happy to share - Contact me at [e-mail] if needed - HO scale.

Quick CAD 8 comes with a great "CAD for Dummies" type lesson book to get you going quickly if you have never used a CAD package before.

Note that you can't get the "virtual view" of the layout like in the layout design packages, but that didn't interest me, personally. Also QC-8 is a 2D package, so you have to figure your elevation changes manually.

-Bryan

[Anonymous]

I HIGHLY reccomend Autodesk Quick CAD 8.0
You can buy it online via Amozon for $37 and it is a very full featured CAD program that should do all you need without going to a full blown AutoCAD package.

I started (and finished REV 1) of the layout I am currently building using the Atlas right track software. That was good - but was hard to put in the "things" around the basement (furnace, wall studs, etc) that really helped in the benchwork phase.

A CAD package allows you to use "layers" that you can turn "on" and "off" so you can see only the benchwork, or the trackwork, etc. that you want to at that time (GREAT for keeping benchwork away from future turnout motors).

I was lucky in that my modeling buddy had already created the elements for #5 and #6 turnouts and gave them to me. We hand-lay our track, so these may not match commercial turnouts exactly. I have also created an element for the Walther's turntable and roundhouse. I'm happy to share - Contact me at [e-mail] if needed - HO scale.

Quick CAD 8 comes with a great "CAD for Dummies" type lesson book to get you going quickly if you have never used a CAD package before.

Note that you can't get the "virtual view" of the layout like in the layout design packages, but that didn't interest me, personally. Also QC-8 is a 2D package, so you have to figure your elevation changes manually.

-Bryan

[preceng]

Use AutoCAD 2004. Great if you know how to use. You need to draw every line by hand (so to speak). UPSIDE: The accuracy is outstanding. I use it to design track layouts, wiring schematics (great reference when something breaks), my control panel layout, etc. I use it to design kit-bashed and built from scratch structures. The DOWNSIDE: $3500.00

I have not used other software.

For those who use AutoCADD, and Bachman EZ Track (HO Scale). I have all track components as AutoCAD 2000 blocks.

ALSO:
Benchwork (table) designs for 4'x8' w/ 2'x3' wing. My current track layout w/ control panel schematics. Atlas swiches, and More.

If you ask, I will supply

Good Luck

[preceng]

Use AutoCAD 2004. Great if you know how to use. You need to draw every line by hand (so to speak). UPSIDE: The accuracy is outstanding. I use it to design track layouts, wiring schematics (great reference when something breaks), my control panel layout, etc. I use it to design kit-bashed and built from scratch structures. The DOWNSIDE: $3500.00

I have not used other software.

For those who use AutoCADD, and Bachman EZ Track (HO Scale). I have all track components as AutoCAD 2000 blocks.

ALSO:
Benchwork (table) designs for 4'x8' w/ 2'x3' wing. My current track layout w/ control panel schematics. Atlas swiches, and More.

If you ask, I will supply

Good Luck

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ken_heaps
I am very proficient at AutoCAD 2000 and many times I have started designing my layout on it. I have run into the same problem though: the components. I would think that with all the people using AutoCAD for their layouts, there would be components prebuilt on the web somewhere for download.

Otherwise, my problem is, where can I find the measurements for the components? Do I just need to get one and then measure it all out?

Also, if you want to share your templates, maybe I can offer something in return...

Thanks,
Ken

Yes; if the mfg doesn't provide the data, get the component(s) and measure and try. Print a 1:1 scale of your CAD model and lay the component on it to check your accuracy. I find that using a very thin centerline to represent the track works better than a thick line or line pair to represent the rails.

Another nice CAD feature is the ability to print 1:1 scale on several sheets. Cut the sheets to slightly less than their boundaries and tape in place on your layout in the corners of the sheets, measure with a rule to ensure any printer error is 'fixed' by the small separation between the edges of the sheets. Then slip a piece of carbon paper, or tracing paper from a fabric shop, between the paper and the wood through the gaps between individual sheets, and using a pointed instrument trace the pattern onto your layout.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ken_heaps
I am very proficient at AutoCAD 2000 and many times I have started designing my layout on it. I have run into the same problem though: the components. I would think that with all the people using AutoCAD for their layouts, there would be components prebuilt on the web somewhere for download.

Otherwise, my problem is, where can I find the measurements for the components? Do I just need to get one and then measure it all out?

Also, if you want to share your templates, maybe I can offer something in return...

Thanks,
Ken

Yes; if the mfg doesn't provide the data, get the component(s) and measure and try. Print a 1:1 scale of your CAD model and lay the component on it to check your accuracy. I find that using a very thin centerline to represent the track works better than a thick line or line pair to represent the rails.

Another nice CAD feature is the ability to print 1:1 scale on several sheets. Cut the sheets to slightly less than their boundaries and tape in place on your layout in the corners of the sheets, measure with a rule to ensure any printer error is 'fixed' by the small separation between the edges of the sheets. Then slip a piece of carbon paper, or tracing paper from a fabric shop, between the paper and the wood through the gaps between individual sheets, and using a pointed instrument trace the pattern onto your layout.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by gchenier

You need to measure turnout frog angles and lengths if not already known, then create the pattern for your CAD to use. Not a big deal, but no built-in 'library' of track sections etc until you build your own CAD models of them. Gives the freedom of cutting rail to exact length required for any configuration.

I am very proficient at AutoCAD 2000 and many times I have started designing my layout on it. I have run into the same problem though: the components. I would think that with all the people using AutoCAD for their layouts, there would be components prebuilt on the web somewhere for download.

Otherwise, my problem is, where can I find the measurements for the components? Do I just need to get one and then measure it all out?

Also, if you want to share your templates, maybe I can offer something in return...

Thanks,
Ken

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