I'd reccommend Atlas' RTS or Sillub's XtrkCad. They're both free.
RTS - http://www.atlasrr.com/
XTrkCad - http://www.sillub.com/
RTS is far simpler that XtrkCad, although it isn't as robust IMO. It focuses mainly on Atlas products, whereas XtrkCad has a fair selection of most major manufacturers of track.
-Dan
Builder of Bowser steam! Railimages Site
NeO6874 wrote: I'd reccommend Atlas' RTS or Sillub's XtrkCad. They're both free. RTS - http://www.atlasrr.com/XTrkCad - http://www.sillub.com/ RTS is far simpler that XtrkCad, although it isn't as robust IMO. It focuses mainly on Atlas products, whereas XtrkCad has a fair selection of most major manufacturers of track.
I prefer the XtrkCAD myself. It has a tutorial that wil show you how to use the program. My only dislike about it is you have to keep selecting the tool you want after each use. It needs to allow you to continue using the last tool used until you pick a new tool. All and all good stuff.
A Veteran, whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve, is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life."
I've always used Cadrail 8 to design my layouts. Because I'm not trying to design a very large layout I just stuck with the demo version available here- http://sandia.stores.yahoo.net/cadrail7demo.html
The demo only lets you create a max of 30 objects so it can be a little frustrating. If I ever have to design a large layout I will pay the $59.95 for the full version. Cadrail is a CAD program so it has a steep learning curve, but after watching the tutorial and playing with it for a while I was laying track and having a lot of fun. The great thing about Cadrail is that it is VERY precise. You can also print out the plan in 1:1 scale and tape it to your benchwork for easy track laying. Here is my trackplan created by Cadrail.
I hope this helps!
-Ken in Maryland (B&O modeler, former CSX modeler)
Actually, I think there's a "sticky command" option somewhere in the preferences menu which allows you to choose commands that will remain active after one use. I haven't used it yet, and am not sure how it works. Will have to check it out when I get off work and have access to my own computer.
Dan Stokes
My other car is a tunnel motor
stokesda wrote: I prefer the XtrkCAD myself. It has a tutorial that wil show you how to use the program. My only dislike about it is you have to keep selecting the tool you want after each use. It needs to allow you to continue using the last tool used until you pick a new tool. All and all good stuff.Actually, I think there's a "sticky command" option somewhere in the preferences menu which allows you to choose commands that will remain active after one use. I haven't used it yet, and am not sure how it works. Will have to check it out when I get off work and have access to my own computer.
Yep! It's under Options-Sticky. You can choose which commands you want sticky and which you don't.
Jeff But it's a dry heat!
CSXFan wrote: I've always used Cadrail 8 to design my layouts. Because I'm not trying to design a very large layout I just stuck with the demo version available here- http://sandia.stores.yahoo.net/cadrail7demo.htmlThe demo only lets you create a max of 30 objects so it can be a little frustrating. If I ever have to design a large layout I will pay the $59.95 for the full version. Cadrail is a CAD program so it has a steep learning curve, but after watching the tutorial and playing with it for a while I was laying track and having a lot of fun. The great thing about Cadrail is that it is VERY precise. You can also print out the plan in 1:1 scale and tape it to your benchwork for easy track laying. Here is my trackplan created by Cadrail. I hope this helps!
BTW, since it is a full function CAD program you can do plenty of things with it besides track plans if you want.
I have tried out several different layout planning programs, and my two favourites are XtrkCad and WinTrack:
http://www.wintrack.de/
Both programs have pros and cons, it all depends on what you are looking for. They are also two totally different programs to work with, I haven't found one single command they have in common (with the exception of standard Windows commands).
WinTrack:
+ Easy to use, your first (small) track plan could be finished within an hour+ Full 3D, with lots of extra 3D-models available for free download, and a separate program to design your own models+ Large selection of track manufacturers in several scales, works fine with both sectional and flex track, and you can design your own turnouts and save for future use+ 20 different layers to work with
- Not freeware, but the demo is fully functional (Save and Print are disabled, I use the PrintScreen key and save the image as JPG to keep my plans for future reference)- The English version has some bugs, I have both English and German versions installed and I use the German version even though I don't understand the language
XtrkCad:
+ Freeware+ Large selection of track manufacturers in several scales, you can alter existing elements or design new and save for future use+ Very flexible when using and altering flex track+ You can run your trains to test your layout before you build it
- Quite steep learning curve, but a nice tutorial- No 3D
Anyway, this is my opinion. I suggest you try it out for yourself, and go with the one that best fits your need. And don't forget, have fun!
CSX_road_slug wrote:Another popular one that's NOT freeware is 3DPlanIt. Not cheap at $125, but it's very powerful and has full 3-D capability.
What Ken said!
It has quite an upramp at first, but once you learn the "tricks" you can just about create any 2-D or 3-D design you want. I even use it to make non-layout drawings, once I drew a plan when I built my swing gate for crossing the aisleway.
Cheers,
Ryan
Ryan BoudreauxThe Piedmont Division Modeling The Southern Railway, Norfolk & Western & Norfolk Southern in HO during the merger eraCajun Chef Ryan
wcu boy wrote:I know that many of you have had numerous experiences with computer train layout planning software programs. I am considering purchasing one to plan my next layout. Could any of you share about your favorite computer software layout planning programs? What are the pros and cons of the software that you use and enjoy? I am totally a novice when it comes to these programs. Any help of leading this model railroader on the right course to make a good purchase would be greatly appreciated.
I've been happy with Xtrakcad, for several reasons:
Example of drawing from xtrakcad - this is a corner of a layout I worked up tonight, as part of a discussion in a different thread on this forum:
Whatever you decide to get - get started using it as soon as possible. And use it a lot - not just to design "the layout" - use it to see if you can duplicate layouts from magazines, things you've seen on the web and so on and so forth - the way to get experience is "just do it" :-)
Smile, Stein
In my opinion, the best layout design software is not software but Track Planning Tools. Yes I am bias since my company makes the product, but it really is a great set of tools. It does a lot for the money: turnouts, complete curves, even does easements with automatic offsets very quickly. Unfortunately, most software have quite a learning curve. With Track Planning Tools you take it out of the package, and it is so intuitive, you're ready to start designing.
I've talked to a lot of model railroaders, and the vast majority us want to: 1. try out new ideas before we build, and 2. be sure what we think up is going to fit in the space we have available. Track Planning Tools does that. www.kissmethodinc.com
And it also does it in less time. By the time you get proficient enough to start using the software to design your layout, you could be building your layout if you had used Track Planning Tools. It is to scale. It is created to be used in O, HO, and N scale. And if you are skeptical on how easy it is to use, there is a Demo. Video available. Track Planning Tools gets my vote.
Hi all,
For those using Macintosh computers, there are only about two major choices (and one that's sort of planning software...) that I know about. One is Empire Builder, whose demo I've tried but found not very intuitive to use. That might change as they improve and add features to it.
http://www.haddonsoftware.com/
a second program I've not had a chance to try yet is 3D Railroad Concept And Design, (which used to be sold through Abracadata) now found at The Liquid Ate Her (yeah, that's their name, I guess):
http://www.theliquidateher.com/3drrconceptanddesign-macintosh.html
From what I'd seen of their marketing previously, this program appears better for train simulations, and not as strong in the practical design approach (which I would favor). A downside of 3D RR Concept & Design is that it only runs under Mac OS 9 or the Classic environment (and must have printer drivers for that). No Mac OS X version so far.
The third program - which I've been using (and bought) - is RailModeller, found here:
http://www.railmodeller.de/
It runs under Mac OS X, and is shareware (I recall that the demo/unlicensed version won't save or print, but has all other features available to try out). For $30 (or 30 Euros) you get a license key, and they use Kagi to handle the payment.
RailModeller comes with a variety of railset libraries (various scales, including track, some basic structure shapes, some turntables, scenery, and even slot car library for those into that. The measurements can be displayed in English or metric units, though the Railset editor (where you can make your own libraries with special elements like your buildings, different turntables, etc.) currently only takes metric measurements. I'm hoping they'll add English measurements in a later edition. The elements (like straight section, turnout, curved section, etc.) can be placed and you can add elements onto the ends (they can be set in preferences to snap within 30 or 45 degrees of the end) of the elements. The latest version can make 1:1 printouts for laying down on your benchwork. Railmodeller isn't perfect, but the company has been improving it (since I bought my license 1-1/2 years ago, there've been two or three updates -free).
And no, I don't work for them.
Hope that helps Mac users looking for planning software.
Blessings,
Jim in Cape Girardeau
All of the railroad CAD programs will greatly enhance your layout planning skills. We are all guilty of imagining too many turnouts in a given space only to find that it will not fit. By saving various renditions of the track plan you are able to see how different tweaks will fit and work. The learning curve is steep but the tutorial included does ease the pain.
Most have the capacity to run a train. This will let you test a track plan before you build it.
I am still using RailCAD version 5. With the more powerful computers now available the 3D options may be worth exploring.
ILL
If you are a Mac user, I highly recommend the RailModeller program. It has a wide variety of track sets in all the major scales. I have tried both the Empire Express and the 3D Railroad programs and I like the RM better. The RM also has an export function which has allowed me to test my layouts in the TrainPlayer Program. TrainPlayer also has a Windows version.
For my last two layouts I have used Atlas RTS for three major reasons:
1) It is free.
2) I found that it is very rare that a layout upon completion (speaking here of the track laying process only) will be exactly like the computer generated paper layout.
Therefore, extreme accuracy of the software, at least for me, is simply a waste. The ATLAS RTS is more than adequate for almost all layouts. Why spend a lot of money for software. Buy more RR equipment.
3) I am interested in getting my layout completed. You can fiddle with computer versions of your layout forever. This is why some people never get a layout started. Let alone finished.
I have used the Atlas RTS for three different N-scale layouts, now. The thing I like about it is that it is fairly accurate. The thing I don't care for is the Atlas only track library; I have to fudge in a Peco curved turnout. The one thing you have to watch out for is that some of the Cornerstone library items are way off base, like the ADM grain elevator, which appears on your plan about the size of the rail car shed portion of the structure. I also ran into a problem early on with the layout general size part, which is done on an X-Y grid. So I just make my own table shapes using the line tool. I also like that I can just try out some ideas if I fee like it. Yes, it's slow, but for a non-cad guy like me it works great.
Oh, by the way, I downloaded the Rt-55 freeware, which didn't have one of the X-Y coordinate tracers. To get that to operate would have meant buying the the program. Like the high spikes on their code-55 track, I chose not to invest. There are other alternatives.
ardenastationmaster
Both my adult son and I have designed and built/are building layouts designed with 3DPlanIt. We are more than happy with the program and using it. My son is a consultant/designer using CAD programs all day and as I said, is very happy using 3DPlanIt.
I liked being able to try out the running of the railway before even the benchwork was started.
I am still using Cadrail 6, mainly for drawings of structures, once you get used to it the time saved is considerable. I have also used it for track planning with favorable results.
Roger Aultman
Dear WCU Boy,
If I may offer a somewhat contrarian view, I use either TurboCAD or AutoCAD. Unless you are a professional designer, AutoCAD is way too expensive, but TurboCAD can be had for a reasonable price if you shop around. They also have a great forum where you can ask questions and get civilized answers right away.
The reasons I favor CAD programs are:
1. There is a nasty learning curve to most design software. You might as well learn something you can use for a multitude of projects. At least in my experience - and I use five CAD programs professionally - I have found they can all kick your behind from time to time. I'm not claiming model railroad-dedicated software won't be easier to use initially; I'm suggesting that after you get over the initial hump there is a good deal more you can do with a good CAD package. The good news is, once you know CAD, you tend to use it more than you might imagine.
2. You can use them to design everything, from the layout room to the lineside structures. In fact, I often model proposed structures in 3D, render them, and then print orthographic views that I can cut out and tape together to test the building's appearance and mass on the layout. Believe me, they can stand in for a finished structure for a LONG time.
3. You can use them to create signs, billboards, false building interiors, etc. you might need to complete scenes.
4. Something relatively new and rather exciting is the availability of job shops producing 3D models. By this I mean actual copies of a part you might create in the virtual world of the computer. The level of detail is generally quite good (to outstanding), and can be a great way to create parts that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to create by scratch-building. A good example might be a car body. These parts can then be used as is, or used to as a master to cast additional parts through common resin casting methods.
I loved "AnyRail" but, don't think it is around anymore.
You're off to a good start, satch, this is the second 17 year old thread that you have resuscitated.
Rich
Alton Junction
I too suggest using Atlas. It's easy and very forgiving. I like how it has a grid included to go to putting it on the layout.
satchman I loved "AnyRail" but, don't think it is around anymore.
If you're going to resurrect a 17-year old thread, you should get your facts correct. AnyRail is going strong and is among the most popular model railroad CAD programs available. In my experience with it in the last 3 years or so, it gets updated with new track sections at least once a month. The AnyRail forum, too, is very active and current (probably a lot more active than this one).