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Looking for some suggestions on track planning software. I tried searching on here but the posts I found were over 10 years old and many of the links provided no longer work.
I'd like a program that I can build my current layout in and then use it to draw out ideas for any modifications and/or expansion.
I'm fairly good with a computer but of course ease of use is always a plus.
I'd be willing to pay but cheaper is always better!
Thanks!
I used Any Rail. Pretty sure it's still available. I started with a free version which only allows you to use a limited number of track pieces but it was great to get the hang of it.
About 8 years ago I think I paid $60 or $80 for the full version.
Looking for some suggestions on track planning software. I tried searching on here but the posts I found were over 10 years old and many of the links provided no longer work.
I'd like a program that I can build my current layout in and then use it to draw out ideas for any modifications and/or expansion.
I'm fairly good with a computer but of course ease of use is always a plus.
I'd be willing to pay but cheaper is always better!
Thanks!
I used AnyRail to set up my layout. You can try a sample of it with so many pieces of the type of track you want to use. If you purchase the program you have unlimited resources for your layout with all different manufactures of track . Very easy to use.
I used AnyRail to set up my layout. You can try a sample of it with so many pieces of the type of track you want to use. If you purchase the program you have unlimited resources for your layout with all different manufactures of track . Very easy to use.
If you purchase the program you can either design the layout in 2D or 3D viewing. I did not use the 3D so can't offer advice to that.
Thanks, I'll check that one out.
I use Scarm, it's not free but it has a 3D render mode which I like.
XtrackCad is also one I tried which is totally free (FOSS) and has plenty of features and a big track library for most brands too.
XtrackCad is also one I tried which is totally free (FOSS) and has plenty of features and a big track library for most brands too.
Danny: Have been an Xtrack user for many years. It does have a learning curve. If you decide to keep with it, go through the examples on the wiki which should help ya. I still learn something from it every once in awhile. One of the better things I found out about it is how their 'layers' work. I have two levels and most of the time I want to only view one of the levels. I use 'lower' and 'upper' in the layer number descriptions. Then when I wish to view the lower layer, I un-click the upper layer button, then click the lower layer button. Layers are way more capable than that - just giving you an idea.
Have been hearing rumors that either Xtrack or a 3rd party is working on 3D for it. I don't really care about the 3D stuff, but it might be worth a go if so.
Later
Scarm does have a free version also, although I think it limits you to 50 items. I've used it and worked just fine for track planning. The 3D render capability is nice too.
I have used the free ATLAS software needles to say it is kinda limited to that but works well enough to get ya some kinda plan together, the only other i have tried was SCARM. It lets you do up to 100 items free. You can upgrade it to unlimited if needed, right Now there having a Black Friday offer i think $35 USD.
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