Track planning software

Les,



I'll try . . . /DesktopModules/NTForums/themes/mls/emoticons/crying.gif



Freeware, but not easy to use: XtrkCad http://www.xtrkcad.org/Wikka/HomePage



Easier to use, but not cheap: RR-Track http://www.rrtrack.com



Both allow you to freeform curves so you can go below standard sectional curves.



Dave

I did this on RRTrack Ver 4. It is fairly simple with a fast learning curve. This only scratches the surface of what the program can do.



I did this one for a friend who wanted to know how much he could squeeze in for his given area (around the pool in the center). Note that it labels all the track pieces and even tallies and gives costs (though the prices are now outdated).

Posted By toddalin on 07/23/2008 1:53 PM
Les, you should include your bio stuff (location, etc.). " border=0> If you are local to me (Santa Ana, CA) you can come over and use my RR Ver. 4 software and I'll even step you though it.
Todd




I've been meaning to do that. My daughter was supposed to come over and help me out--I'm not much of a computer guru--and it hasn't happened. When it does, I'll have my mugshot, addr et al.

I'm in Florissant, MO, in the SW corner pocket where the MO and Miss meet.

Thanks for the kind offer, however.

Les

I'll add my 2 cents. I use RR-Track and can agree that it is designed primarily for those who use sectional track, but it does provide adequate tools for creating custom curve and custom straight sections. The custome curve tool is a bit clumsy and is mainly trial-and-error but it does work effectively in the end. You just have to guess at the radius to use it but that isn't too difficult after you have used the sectional curves and can visualize different radii.
On then other hand, who says you have to *use* sectional track to build the layout just because you *designed* with sectional track? You could use the design to establish spacing and overall fit, grades, scenery, etc. But then you could use 100% flextrack to build the layout and make adjustments on-the-fly to enhance any part of it or get a better fit.
The comment about RR-Track being good for grade calculation is mostly accurate. However I have found that to create a grade your section of track cannot include any turnouts with branch lines or sidings, although it's possible I don't know how to use the product optimally.
I have posted a few of my RR-Track layout designs in MLS and other forums would say that toddalin's example is very typical, but it does not show you the 3D view feature which is *really* helpful to visualize the finished layout.
I think current cost can be found here: http://www.rrtrack.com/html/online_bundles.html . Personally I would recommend the $99 bundle. That gives you both Piko and Pola buildings as well as the more popular large scale track libraries (LGB, Aristo, Llagas Creek etc).
Al

I agree with you, Doug. I bought RR-Track, but it's really designed for an indoor layout using sectional track. Building a railroad outdoors is something completely different. It's easy to accurately measure a basement room; outside it's a bit more difficult to locate existing plants and accurately figure the grades.
Using RR-Track soon became an exercise in frustration, especially since I was using flex track.
Quite frankly, for "sketching" purposes, I like the track planner in Trainz. It allows you to stretch a curve and move things around a LOT easier. Unfortunately, it's not very good at accurate dimensions. It's helpful for designing an operational layout as you can run your train around the proposed "layout" and see how things might work out in an operations session.
While I did do my plan in RR-Track, my plan did not survive contact with the outside. Changes were frequently made as I saw how the track moved through the environment.
If I had to do it all over again, I think I'd just use my garden hose to experiment with various ideas. I'd use my digital camera to "record" the various ideas and then just edit the photos with colored lines to indicate where I wanted switches and buildings.

Bruce, Doug & all who were kind enough to take time to reply:

I went to the RRTrak site and read the stats. I will have 3 NG's on my layout: Fn3, Fn2 (I believe that is O gauge @1:20.3, I'm new enough that the numbers don't stick well, yet. Sadly, I'm old enough that they may never stick! And whatever "S" NG is called when built to the same scale.) In other words, one scale, three gauges. Anyway, I read all the data on the page. It seems to me that I have to buy a package for all three gauges which puts the price out of reach. Also, I don't like 'fiddling' with software because I'm no computer expert. And to do what I wanted with what they offered appeared to involve a lot of tweaking. I'll be handlaying all track.

The size of my layout isn't fixed to a final dimension, which is why I have a bit of leeway and wanted to see how things might be massaged. For that, a compass and a pencil will do with a much shorter learning curve.

What brought the question to mind is, the benchwork will be a deep 'U' shape. I was wondering if, by selective compression of widths, it might be made with a middle leg. (An 'E' shape). I doubt it due to the radii of the G gauge track, even though I intend to run short engines and rolling stock.

The layout, as presently envisioned, will consist of a lead mine (S NG), a logging operation (Fn2 plus dual trackage with the Fn3, a feature that's always intrigued me). The final site will be a RR yard. Lastly, after the actual track is laid, I hope to include a light rail line somehow. However, that last is far in the future. Perhaps impossible.

I sincerely thank those of you who took time to express your opinions.

Les