Hi, I am brand new to this. Is there layout software available to use as a planning tool that will allow you to experiment with different configurations? Thanks, what a great resource this site is.
Greenshirt, First, welcome to Trainboard! Second, yes there are several software programs out there- the easiest one is Atlas' Right Track Software, which is available for download from the Atlas website as freeware. Others, such as CADRail, are available for a price- the best bet is to check out the model railroad magazines for price and availability of these programs. Personally, I use Atlas' RTS not only because it's free, but because I'm simply looking for a decent design- I can always add the scenery and structures later.
Greenshirt, As stated in the previous post, there are a number of good ones out there. But you need to know that the learning curve can be steep with these programs, and many have given up on them. If you are a CAD user at work then the programs will be easier for you to master. If you are going to carry on with layout design as sort of a sub-hobby of building a layout, then by all means purchase one. But for one layout, the CAD programs might be overkill.
Thanks for the answers so quickly. What I would really like to do is build a first layout that is set up so it is easy to expand when I'm ready to without rebuilding the whole thing, is that feasible?
Hi Greenshirt, welcome to our family here on the TrainBoard! I thought you would like it here! Basically it all comes down to money, time and desire. If you have the money, DCC might be the way to go, it would take less time now that many fine engines are available to run already equipped for DCC. It also depends upon what you want your railroad to do. With your knowledge of R/C control, DCC should be a snap for you. As an experienced modeler, trains are no more complicated than the airplanes or boats. We like trains because you can go somewhere with them and carry something along, or bring something else back. Yes it can be done if you prepare for it in advance. Think it out. What will your next addition need to be? Will it be an extension along the 8' side, or continue out from the 4' end? That sort of decides about what the track needs to do on the 4x8 slab you start with. [ 10. January 2003, 09:05: Message edited by: watash ]
I'm a big fan of 3rd Planit. If you have some CAD background, the learning curve is not very steep. If you have little or no CAD experience, then the learning curve is very steep. http://www.trackplanning.com/3pi.htm There is a demo - as with any software, it's best to try before you buy.
I've had good luck with XTrkCad. As with the others, it takes a little time to learn, but it's got playable demos to show you how to do the cool stuff.
3rd Planit has been great. Don't be intimadated by CAD. The basics are easy, and it comes with a good manual and a good yahoo.com support group. The more you use it you will find yourself learning it more and more. It's been great for me. But I must admit, now that I am laying track, I am only using the plan as a guide. I'm stilll hand drawing easements, etc.
