I am interested in opinions regarding the layout design CAD software on the market. I have recently moved and I plan to buy one of them to plan my proposed outdoor G scale layout and my indoor HO, On30, or S scale layout. In the early 90's, I successfully used Cadrail. My copy of it is for Windows 95 or something like that which no computers in my home have, so I need to update in some fashion. I have also seen products called 3rdPlanit and XTrkCad advertised in various places. Any opinions or suggestions on which of these or of some alternative layout design software to buy? Thanks
How about Atlas Right Track, Its Free!!! Seems to do a very good job on track plans too.Harron(Corey Lynch) Helped design my layout using RTS.Doesnt have all the fancy 3d stuff, but does an excellant job of the important things.
Texasdon, There a good chance the verision of cadrail you have will work under the latest window, but to be sure there is an Cadrail yahoo group ask there to see if it compatiable, if not upgrade it to v8.0, this would be you cheapest route. I have both cadrail and 3rdPlanit and I like 3rd planit the best and it gets good support by its developer and other users check it out at website or it's Yahoo group . Also there is a resource site maintain by current users with structure, rolling stock and etc. check it out at http://3pi.info Good luck!!
3rd Planit has worked well for me. Now that I am building however, I would have to say that the time spent going into details with track plans are not worth the effort. Use the software to design your layout, but allow the freedom to deviate from the software. Case in point - I just designed a 3' x 4' section for my layout. I used the software to help visulize different ideas I had, but I didn't bother to line up each turnout etc. I then started building the section using the software plan just as a guide, not a true 'blueprint'.
Barry, I agree with your approach of using the CAD program to play with ideas but then allow flexibility to modify on the fly during construction. That is exactly what I will be doing. It is a question of the value of time spent in design versus cost and time spent in field rework which I struggle with every day in my job as a chemical engineer. Since my layout is for fun, I intend to accept more field rework than I could possibly accept building a chemical plant. My intention is to use the CAD system as a way to play with different ideas until I find one that seems to work relative to my interests and available space. I expect to do a lot of this on my laptop during a prolonged project trip in late October and early November. I do appreciate everyone's comments.
I'm curious about the track planning software that lets you run the layout to see if it's what you want. I forget the name of it. I imagine it doesn't work on a Mac. Someone gave me an older PC, so I'll have to give that a try.
