Is there any OpenSource or Freeware layout software available? If so, could you throw a url my way? Thanks!
Xtrkcad Can be found Here:http://www.xtrkcad.org/Wikka/HomePage Xtrkcad is a very good program but is takes awhile to get used to, It took me about a day to learn the basics, and I am still learning some of the more advanced stuff.
I'll be the fourth in a row to recommend XtrkCad. If you get XtrkCad here's a tip. Install the Unitrack library and plan using the Unitrack sectional pieces. Planning goes much much faster and easier. Then when you're ready for construction, simply choose your track of choice and follow the center lines.
... and just to offer another option there is Right Track on the Atlas RR site... http://www.atlasrr.com/righttrack.htm :tb-nerd: :tb-nerd: :tb-nerd: :tb-nerd:
Seconding the vote for Right Track, which is a free version of WinRail I believe. Though I will add, I tried Xtrak and couldn't figure it out.B ut I love the Atlas program. Others who swear by the Xtrak swear that Atlas is written in a dead language dating the prehistoric man...
Right Track is not bad - I used that in the early days. One of the reasons I (grudgingly at the time) made the time investment to learn XtrkCad is its ability to simulate train movements. You can actually run your trains on the layout plan with it. When designing any layout involving more than a modicum of switching, that is an invaluable aid. For simpler layouts, Right Track is fine.
I do believe that the guy who put xtrkcad out there for us to use is looking for someone to take over the project. Can you still get the help files? I find it very frastrating to use. I know its just a matter of getting use to it kind of like office 2003 vs office 2007. I use Abracadata 3D Concept and Design and maybe that is what tainted me on the others. Not free. It will build your benchwork for you and you can add backdrops, fascia, move camera angles while trains are running. Its just fun, but there is a learning curve with it to.
XTrackCAD and its basic support and tutorial files will remain available at the program's web site. The Wiki for XTrackCAD has been closed, so I'm not sure if the program will continue to be developed in the future. It's darn good as is. For more info, there is a fairly active Yahoo group devoted to XTrackCAD. There is a decent collection of track plans and parameter files available from the Yahoo group -- definitely worth joining if you use XTrackCAD. And this link will take you to some additional tutorials for XTrackCAD. I believe these tutorials refer to an older version of the program, but they still may be useful. Also referring to an earlier version but still useful are the tutorials in this blog. A Google search for xtrkcad tutorial will turn up quite a bit of help scattered around the web, some of it right here on Trainboard! If you wish to start using XTrackCAD, be sure to get the latest version: 4.0.3a. There are some older versions of the program floating around the web, but you'll want the most recent version.
Looks like great info but I am having trouble getting the "get the latest version:4.0.3a" to open. I keep getting cannot open page.
It does, and after looking at what i already have on my system I see that I already have the latest release. Now I need to take some time and learn it.
I apologize for the typo in the link. I've fixed it in my original post. Thanks to Justin for posting the correct link. - Jeff
I found that the Demos found under the "Help" menu helped tremendously – much more than the standard text-based help files.
This is a very basic "get you started" tutorial written by me - it does refer to the last "official" version - before it became open source - but it is still valid as a learning tool - the program hasn't changed to a large degree although there are one or two changes to the menus. Just remember - play with the program - if you don't save your results you cannot break it! RMweb View topic - Basic XTrkCad Tutorial
