You may not need a scanner at all:I got solidworks so I can 1 layout my train, 2 so I can make printable 3d models at any scale. 1/35 HO, N,
Trying to find an affordable 3d scanner so I can custom pose figures for the 1/35 diorama crowd. I will be printing in resin.
I tried
AnyRail is a track planning program that is free, and their are others you can use.I live in a small town. Its amazing what people and construction people dump in trash containers. You could build a neat layout from all the lumber and board from only 1 tour around (that is in 1 day).
I just started a tutorial for the FreeCad program. Anybody has experience with this? I don't want a printer but designing parts like ends and small parts must be fun. I would like to buy them from a company in the USA or Canada, but shipping to Europe is expensive with the risk of customs opening the package and me paying an unrealistic amount of tax. You could order $50.00, pay 20$ postage and tax. No fun anymore.
I do not have any experience with any track planning program.
Todd, I just watched part 1 of a beginners course (youtube) 20 times and finally I can draw something, watch the project from all sides and save the project. When you know anything about dimensions, I think you can do it. Don't even think there is 1 person out there that can open a new blanc page, draw a project in 2 minutes and print a super project. But to build anything or enjoy our hobby you don't need to use this.mara: Ya, love the small town dumps - used to come back with more than we took! Now days we can not 'salvage' anymore. Never did figure out why.
I have been scratching the surface of FreeCad. So far I like it although it has a somewhat steep learning curve. Could be just me though.
Lots of track planning software out there. I use XtrackCad ( free ) and have for quite a few years. Has a learning curve although if you follow a few of the examples, pretty easy after that. Tried 3rd PlanIt and Cadrail of which I had problems with both of them - probably because of the way stuff is setup in the menu's and what you needed to do just to create elements in the drawing. That was before I found Xtrack. Others probably will chime in on the software they use, even the pencil and paper ones AND the ones that head plan.
Later