Layout diagrams and sketching

[GMDX70]

Hello Gents and Gals,

I am new to the list and am in the process of sketching out my layout. What I am looking for is to see if someone could direct me to a link or have an idea of a program that I could sketch or diagram onto?

Any help would be great.

Cheers,

Chris aka GMDX70

 

[DaWolf85]

XtrkCAD is great. Takes a little bit of getting used to, but...
This thread discusses trackware programs a bit.

XtrkCAD Page -- Download here
It's free. Once you've downloaded it, try this guide.

 

[GMDX70]

Thanks for this DaWolf85. I will check it out.

 

[tankist]

i use anyrail. perhaps not as robust but simpler to work with from the start.
i use the trial version

 

[Selector]

I would also advise the person to use3/4" masking tape and depict your track plan in situ on the floor. It sticks to cement and to rugs, so lay it all out and see what it looks like. Stand where you expect to stand and try a typical restrained reach without bending hardly at all at the waist. How did you make out? You may be surprised.

-Crandell

 

[DaWolf85]

i use anyrail. perhaps not as robust but simpler to work with from the start.
i use the trial version

AnyRail is good too.
EXCEPT: It doesn't, to my knowledge, have any way to cut track down to a certain length, and while it does have flextrack, the fact that you can't cut it sort of limits your options. Plus, you can't custom-build turnouts either, and on the trial version you can't put in more than 60 track elements.

 

[tankist]

AnyRail is good too.
EXCEPT: It doesn't, to my knowledge, have any way to cut track down to a certain length, and while it does have flextrack, the fact that you can't cut it sort of limits your options. Plus, you can't custom-build turnouts either, and on the trial version you can't put in more than 60 track elements.

i guess you missed it. after you add piece of flex track and before co connecting to anything you can do "adjust flex". you have 3 options either streight, curve or easement. you adjust key in you length or in second case radius and angle and it takes shape accordingly. i find working with flex there amazingly easy.

correct on the turnouts. anyrail is just a big library of various sections by different manufacturers.
as far as trial limit they have a point other wise they wouldn't get paid.
i broke down my layout into several sections and modeled them separately. (i don't believe i use it as much to justify the $)

 

[DaWolf85]

i guess you missed it. after you add piece of flex track and before co connecting to anything you can do "adjust flex". you have 3 options either streight, curve or easement. you adjust key in you length or in second case radius and angle and it takes shape accordingly. i find working with flex there amazingly easy.

That's not what I meant...
I know you can bend it. You just can't make it any other length than what it is originally and still connect it to anything. In other words, you can't cut it, you can't make it any length you want. You're limited in that regard.

 

[tankist]

^^^^^
confused.

when you do "adjust flex", chose streight and adjust the length how is that not "making any length you want" ?

 

[DaWolf85]

^^^^^
confused.

when you do "adjust flex", chose streight and adjust the length how is that not "making any length you want" ?

Somehow I missed that part of your post...