Which computer layout program would you recommend for designing a layout? It should be able to lay track as well as buildings, shrubs, trees and differentiate heights I am now ready to start planning expansion around the room and integrate my existing 4x6. My HO brother in law Trainboard member will go in halfies with me so planned cost can now be $400 or less. Also, I am thinking about using metal benchwork. I have read the article on it in one of the magazines. Can anyone give pros and cons?
You could try XTrkCad. It's free.... If satisfactory, the unused purchase $$$ could be spent on trains. Boxcab E50
I downloaded the XTrkCad. I could not figure out how to make it do what I wanted it to do. I've used the Atlas Right Track Software (RTS) quite a bit over the years to sketch out ideas. There are libraries of "footprints" to scale, for many of the popular building kits, but only Atlas track components. The file created can be manipulated in MS Paint. RTS trackplans: Arizona Pacific Lines in 30"x60": Arizona Pacific Lines expanded to 36"x80" with scenic details added in MS Paint: Atlas RTS has a number of drawbacks, but I'd still recommend it as a test shot to get used to drawing in CAD-like environment. The model rail press has offered comparisons of track-CAD programs in the past, but like anything for your PC, the reviews may have been outdated by the time they were published.
Mark: Metal benchwork is a great idea. Speak to Espeeman about the metal benchwork. He's building his layout with it. Stay cool and run steam.......
Is there a basic skills tutorial anywhere? Atlas RTS has a short lesson session, where you draw a simple trackplan following their stepwise instructions. I need something like that to get going. Neither product is intuitive for me.
As a Mac and also a long-time CAD user, I use ordinary architectural packages. There's a bit of a learning curve, though.
Then again, there is what I do in MS Paint. Crude but _for me_ effective. Or the olde fasion way with a straight edge and a compass.
Pete- Learning curve??????????????????????????? Remember the guy who can't use a ruler and didn't know he had to take the plastic tips off a voltmeter?
There's 3DRailroad, pretty nice, not free though. Oh, and one annoying thing, the default track is HO! It does have libraries of almost all track types and many building types.
What is th URL to down load XTrkCad? I did a search on Google and came to a site for Sillub. When I click the link, I get a "Can't find your page" error. Thom
There's 3rdPlanIt. I have one of the earlier versions. Since then there have been quite a few updates with more options(i.e. track drawing library, rolling stock library, and more 3D options). The learning curve is sort of steep, but once the basics are learned its rather easy. I'm satisfied with what I've planned then built.
