Whatcha using for planning?

[kbkchooch]

Hey Gang,
I've beem looking to get some better track planning software, but what to use? Admittedly, I'm an idiot with track planning. I know in my mind what I want to do, but cannot get it to paper. I've had Cadrail 3 (several years ago) and some version of Atlas track planning software, but both wound up getting deleted after my frustration level hit the proverbial ceiling.
So I guess what I am asking is there an idiot proof, easy to use planning software that might work for me??? (Other than a stencil,pencil, and eraser?)

 

[NZRMac]

XTrkCad, free, easy to use.


http://www.sillub.com/

Ken.

 

[Dominick]

I second the XTrkCad under the help menu are some nice demos that visually
walk you through it.

 

[IronBeltKen]

...and, XtrkCAD is even easier to learn if you download and read their Beginners Tutorial first.

 

[Dominick]

...and, XtrkCAD is even easier to learn if you download and read their Beginners Tutorial first.

Something I did not do lol now I see why somethings did not make sense

 

[brubakes]

I'm still a total newbie when it comes to DCC, but I am trying to use JMRI and XTrkCad. They will interface with my NCE USB interface on my laptop.

 

[kbkchooch]

...and, XtrkCAD is even easier to learn if you download and read their Beginners Tutorial first.

Looked over the tutorial,,,,,I may try it, after all, looks so easy even a cave man could do it!

Thanks!

 

[Dominick]

I'm still a total newbie when it comes to DCC, but I am trying to use JMRI and XTrkCad. They will interface with my NCE USB interface on my laptop.

http://jmri.sourceforge.net/community/connections/XtrkCadReader/index.shtml

 

[D&J RailRoad]

I just use my minds eye. Get the basic idea in mind then build the bench work and work out the details.

 

[RexHea]

I have to go along with these guys. I started with 3dPlanit and still use it, but after experimenting with XtrxCad, wish that I had saved my money and used it.

 

[jwmurrayjr]

Hi,

I used the free Atlas software (RightTrack?) and printed scale plans and cut them out to make a 3-D scale model of the layout (ala Dave Frarie).

The model let me find several "bugs" before actually starting the layout. Also it was a fun "finally getting started on the layout" project.

I'm sure that there is better software out there but RightTrack was free
and it worked fine for me.

Have fun,

Jim Murray
The San Juan Southern RR

 

[UP2CSX]

Very nice job on that 3-D model, Jim. You and Dave may have been the only ones ever to have actually constructed a 3-D model.

 

[jwmurrayjr]

Thanks Jim,

Something about "great minds run.." or maybe it was "Only two minds..."