I am about to start construction on my control panels for my layout. My railroad construction plans are all hand drawn on graph paper. I am curious as to what software or computer program everyone uses to create the track diagrams for their control panels. I appreciate your help. Thanks!
Joe
I used Atlas RR RTS (Real Track System), but it's no longer available. If you'd like a copy of the installation program, send me a PM, and I'd be glad to send it to you. The downside is that the widest curved radius is 24" for their code 83 library, and they have NO curved turnouts.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
I hand-draw a schematic, with horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines, no curves. I use "shower liner" material, which is masonite coated on one side with plastic. I draw the diagram with pencil and ruler, drill the holes and then apply the black lines with automotive pinstripe tape.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Like MisterBeasley I draw mine by hand. I use white styrene sheet (.020 or .030) laminated to 1/8" hardboard and draw the lines with Sharpies--black for main line, other colors for sidings, runarounds, stups, etc. For labeling industries, etc. I print them with my computer onto standard address label stock using MS Word, then cut them down to size for placing on the panel.
Edit: oops, answered the wrong question. For control panels, I have used Powerpoint with good results, but it was already on the computer.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
Inkscape would work well. It's free.
https://inkscape.org/en/
Steve S
Assuming you have a windows computer, Paint is the first one that comes to mind since it's free. Otherwise, whatever you own a copy of (Powerpoint, Visio, Corel Draw...) will work fine.
I have the right to remain silent. By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.
I've drawn control panel diagrams using CADrail. You can get different colors, and exact measurements for hole placement is easy. I draw them 1:1 in CADrail and then select 1:1 in the printing options menu so they print at full size. No scaling necessary and it gives a nice clean look.
S&S
Modeling the Pennsy and loving it!
cuyama Edit: oops, answered the wrong question. For control panels, I have used Powerpoint with good results, but it was already on the computer.
I also use Powerpoint with good results.
Here is one of my older control Panels. I design all my panels in Powerpoint. I then print them on a laser printer (ink won't run if they accidentally get wet) and Sandwich them between two pieces of lexan. I don't use acyrlic because it tends to break when drilling. Lexan is much easier to drill.
Here is what it looks like straight out of PowerPoint.
Colorado Front Range Railroad: http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/
I followed the approach in a eary 2012 MR article. The control panel is on a sheet of aluminum, ordered on the internet to size desired. I drew the desired diagram on graph paper. Then used a nail to poke a dent in each angle and turnout junction points. Then drilled holes for the toggles that would go into turnout spots at the junctions, plus holes about 1/2" into each junction for an LED. Then primed. Then painted white. Then used pinstriping tape between the angles and to mask for the diagram. Then painted black, which showed the desired diagram in white when the pinstripe masking was removed. Then added toggles and LEDs. Then added dry transfer lettering. Then sprayed with satin clear finish. I modified this twice, not a problem with additions (but deletions might leave some holes to fill).
I'll add a photo shortly.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
I use Visio, but like Bryon with PowerPoint, I already have this. Too expensive to buy just to make control panels, but there are free drawing programs. In fact early versions of this I was just doing in Paint, but it's much harder to get the lines right.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I used RTS for the control panel, too. It will print out the schematic, for you. My control panel(s) have 1/8" Masonite for the top. With the smooth side up, I paint the top white. After that is completely dry, I use the schematic printout to make the lines with 1/8" auto pinstriping tape. When I have the tape set down to my satisfaction, I paint it a darker color (I chose dark brown). When the paint is almost dry to the touch, I pull of the tape, pulling back at a sharp angle.