Took a look for threads on this but most seemed a bit old. Working on my current track plan in Auto Cad LT (because I have it and have used it for years). Also have Sketchup and Draftsight on one of my computers but not as familiar. The issue is modeling the grades etc in Auto CAD LT (2D) is not all wonderful. Sketchup seems better but still a little problematic. PLus creating lots of blocks for track items is a bit time consuming. Just wondering thoughts on inexpensive software for track planning, ideally less then $50 but max $80. I downloaded SCRAM and Atlas but not in love with either so far. I have access to PC's and chromebooks so either would be fine.
Try Anyrail. The trial version had a 50 piece limit when I had it. I've bought it since then. I think it was around 50 dollars to unlock the full version.
Thanks I will try them out. I have kept going with Autocad but worried some of my switch geometry might be a bit off.
XtrkCad will do anything you want. It does have a little bit of a learning curve, but the tutorials help a lot. The biggest issue learning it is that the interface is a bit non-Microsofty. Since you are familiar with AutoCAD, that might not be a big issue for you, if I recall correctly, from many years ago. You can set up grades, and it really isn't very hard. What it doesn't do automatically is make sure you have clearances, so you have to check by looking at the calculated grade values. It also doesn't generate the prettiest pictures, but it will generate good 1:1 output that you can pretty much lay your track over.
Started using XtrackCAD was going to try Anyrail but I picked Xtrack up quick so I'm running with it. Some of my grades and switches in Auto cad were a bit off and It's easier to see in Xtrack.
