Converting published track plans for unitrack?

Ski Dec 4, 2010

  1. Ski

    Ski TrainBoard Member

    96
    0
    23
    Any tips on converting track plans to unitrack? Specifically I am looking to use the Mohawk Valley and / or Naugatuck Valley N scale layouts from Model Railroader magazine. I had built a HCD layout before and was so frustrated by too big of ambitions and derailing locos and cars that I gave up on all of it. It's been at least three or four years with everything packed away. I am ready to try again, but I am planning on using all unitrack this time so my 9 year old can help and so both of us can actually run a train. I would like to avoid the expense of buying lots of track and "winging it" only to find out I don't have the right pieces to create the plan.

    Thanks for any help in advance. I must say that of all the webforums out there, this really seems to be one of the best no matter what the subject.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 4, 2010
  2. jdetray

    jdetray TrainBoard Member

    656
    135
    24
    One method would be to download the free XTrackCAD track planning software. It comes with a UniTrack library, so you can create layouts of any size with UniTrack pieces.

    You may find, as I and many others have found, that published track plans are often tricky to duplicate using sectional track such as UniTrack. So be prepared to adjust the track plan.

    XTrackCAD has a fairly steep learning curve, but it's worth it to avoid the frustration of buying a bunch of track and discovering that things don't fit like they do on those beautiful magazine track plans!

    - Jeff
     
  3. Ski

    Ski TrainBoard Member

    96
    0
    23
    Downloading xtrackcad as I type...thank you!
     

Share This Page