computer track plannign software, does any of it work?

I use XtrakCad on Windows.... works fine... easy to learn.... rotatable parts... FREE!... just google it...

I've used it for Fastrack, Realtrax and O-27 layouts, including my 12' x 12' (gigantic!) train room layout.

Ed

ps. the best part is knowing which pieces of track to buy ahead of time.

Opticsguy,

Up until version 10 the RTS software was pretty good for a free track planning tool. Version 10 is a disaster. I hope that Atlas will realize that their marketing tool for their track is severely lacking and quickly release Winrail's version 11. This assumes that version 11 is cleanup of version 10.

Hi opticsguy,

I've tried several track planning suites over the years. There's a lot of variability based around scale and type of track used in each scale. For O the hands down winner is RR-Track. In O people mostly use sectional track and switches. RR-Track has highly accurate and extensive libraries of sectional track for most lines of track ever offered in 3-rail O.

The learning curve with RR-Track is pretty steep. You need to become familiar with the pull down menus to make it work. If you just sit down and start playing with the software it's VERY difficult to learn. However, RR-Tarck has an excellent tutorial that takes you through designing a basic layout step by step. Once you've worked through the tutorial layout you'll be able to design for yourself with confidence. When I was learning RR-Track a built exactly what the tutorial showed about half way through. Then I went back and built a layout for a specific project. I finished the tutorial by applying each new feature to my own layout.

There are some bugs in RR-Track because it is a fairly old program that has been steadily updated for new operating systems. However, the bugs are pretty minor for the most part.

I'm a full time layout builder and use RR-Track almost daily. I keep trying other programs as they come out, but RR-Track still gets my nod as the best. If you have ever purchased an MTH starter set or if you join the MTH club you get a "Railware" CD which includes a copy of RR-Track with the MTH Realtrax library. Even if you intend to use another brand of track it's a cheap way to test drive the software.

quote:

Originally posted by opticsguy:
... I am reading about significant problems RR Track's version 10 on these forums.

...

I think you're mixing metaphors here. RR-Track's latest version is V5 -- just recently released. So if you want track-planning software that has worked for YEARS (I've been using it since the mid-1990's) and only continues to get better, go with RR-Track.

Best of luck!

David

It's the Atlas Right Track software version 10 that's got a big problem. see the thread in this forum if you haven't already. I like to use the RT program as i can do a design rather quickly, then go to RR-track and do it over with the accessory libraries---

Another vote for RR-Track.
I have been using it since 1995 and I have designed quite a few layouts with it over the years.
As Dave said it takes some time to get conversant with it. But once you do you will be amazed how quickly you can design a layout or make change to an existing one.
Have you ever loaded up a completely foreign new piece of software and been up and running with it in 5 or 10 minutes? Me neither.
If you want to enjoy the benefits of what this software can do for you, you need to pay your dues first.

Rod

I have a background in accounting software design and can work with almost any accounting software. I'm no longer involved in technology on a day-to-day basis but use a top notch accounting system designed for our industry. I find it lacking in many ways because it wasn't designed for "me" but it does the job quite well.
I have been working with RRTrack now for about three years. The learning curve was a bit steep but I really enjoy using it now. I'd never be able to commit a layout to paper or just start throwing down track. The point is some of us will really be able to utilize and enjoy track layout software; others won't. I've tried on a number of occasions to use various highly rated photo software packages. Each time I give up in frustration after a few hours. Is the software faulty? No - It's just me - I'm not designed to think that way!

Steve

I like XTrackCAD, primarily because of the price (free). But, then again, I haven't tried RRTrack. Primarily because of the price ($50 ain't bad, but I am cheap. And poor).

If you use XTrackCAD, life will be so much better if you go through the demos first. That made all the difference for me.

Regards,
Jonathan

RR Track to me was by far the best... I also think its not terribly hard to use in most cases... though ... for me.... elevations give me fits

They were on V4 for years and years but 5 came out but its really just a modest upgrade IMO and not very worthy of an upgrade on my part... depends on what you want that V5 might have or not.

I like the fact that you can lay out all of the accessories etc..

Dan

This is a timely thread for me. I am considering a CAD program for track design, just not sure I would get $79 worth of use RRTrack w/GarGraves costs. Plus, not fond of learning another CAD program. (Sigh.) Hmmm.

However, I sat down earlier tonight with my trusty ol' template, paper n' erasers... and it just wasn't happening. Sooo... I'm now reading this thread.

Does XTracCAD do GarGraves sectional?

Andre

If you need to do accurate curves and want easements and curves that have proper decreasing radius, then RR-track will save you tons of time. It's slightly difficult to use, but no more so than any other CAD program. Also, the accurate Ross libraries for numbered and curved switches make it a must. I don't know of any other track planning software that models these turnouts. Accuracy of planning was very important to me because I did an around the room layout, and ran the track to within inches of the walls.

Mike

I have used CadRail for over 15 years for designing my layout plus also for doing engineering design projects. I have had no problums with it, but I should say I'm a bridge engineer who has used cad softeware since 1988.
The attachment is the track plan for the two rooms.

Sherward

This JPG shows the town of Granville above the Rutland yard.
The track is complete, trains running using DCS, and layout is 90% senic.
CU, Sherward

quote:

Originally posted by Sherward:
I have used CadRail for over 15 years for designing my layout plus also for doing engineering design projects. I have had no problums with it, but I should say I'm a bridge engineer who has used cad softeware since 1988.
The attachment is the track plan for the two rooms.

Sherward

Does CadRail have objects for Ross switches? Does it support the automatic generation of easements? Minimum radi on flex curves? I'm always interested in new programs just because I like to plan almost as much as build.

Thanks,

Mike

Yes, CadRail has a Ross Custom O library, among many others:

http://www.cadrail.com/library.htm

CadRail has the best support for flex track that I've seen. You can
set the minimum radius and interactively drag the end of the flex
track around, and the track turns red should you bend the flex
beyond your minimum specified radius. Easement generation is
not automatic, but it's extremely easy to add easements to existing
curves.

CadRail is well worth the effort to learn it, and the demo version
is FREE.

-Mark

I stared my layout planning with the Atlas software since I was planning on using atlas track and switches, and it was a free download. However after some bugs that were annoying, I switched to RR track.

Yes is cost a few dollars, and is more than a free system, but compared to what you spend on track, switches, and so forth, not even counting engines, a drop in the bucket. For me it was money well spent.

I used AutoCad on my first CAD designed layout and it was very easy for me. I created libraries for switches and sections of track. Every accessory was drawn from scratch and it was time consuming.
A few years ago I received RR Track software for Christmas and I couldn't believe how easy it was. The library is extremely complete with Lionel, Atlas, Gragraves and MTH track along with Lionel postwar and modern accessories. The library also includes MTH accessories.

After doing my last layout 'on the fly' I bought RR track before starting my new layout. I spent a lot of time learning the program and developed a track plan. Once my bench work was done I placed track to mimic my RR track plan which gave me a great starting point. Now it is 'on the fly' fine tuning. So I guess my answer is to use software and trial and error.

I use the Atlas free ware, and it isn't so difficult after you pick up a couple of the simple techniques they fail to explain.

Optics, if you are still struggling, pop me an email and we can work thru the issues. The arrow and tool bar on the top of the page takes some explanation, but then it turns out to be no different than any other

ralph

Anybody want my RR program just come and take it out of my computer
Clem

I've been using the RR Tracks software for almost a year now. If I can learn to use it, anyone can....trust me. You must use the "How To" and "Tutorials" sections in the help menu. Go through them and practice as you go along. It's really quite easy to use after reading through that stuff and applying the applications. Of course if you don't use it for long periods of time, you'll have to go refresh yourself on some things but it all comes back quickly.

So is RR Track a CAD program?

Does it have dxf support?

Since the forum updated when I posted this I'll ask again.

 

Is RR track technically a CAD program? Does it have dxf capabilities?

 

RR Track is technically not a CAD program. It will not create a .DXF or .DWG file. The saved file has a .RRT extension. You can export a file but the only option they give you is a Windows Bitmap.

If you want to create a CAD file of your layout, you can purchase TurboCAD at your local office store like Staples. It is a fraction of the cost of AutoCad.

Another question I have:

 

Does RRtrack allow you to make accesories that are not already in the system?

 

For instance 'None of the milhouse products are in there. Bowser only goes up to 32 for there turntable, so if you get the 34" you don't have an ability to use it.

 

Any 3drd plan users out there want to talk about it?

Thanks the "clutchguy" I was looking at cadrail for this reason, as its useful ness would be beyond the hobby.

 

RR Track is great software. I have been using it in N and O scale for 4 years. I started with V4 and just upgraded to V5. As to ease of use. When I bought my first MTH RTR set, it was about 8PM a few days before Christmas ( I remember, because we closed the Hobby Shop with our purchase and I can still here Marvin telling me that I should get PS2... Shoulda listened). The old Lionel had an issue and we wanted trains running. A free version of RR Track (RealTrax only) came with the set. I went home, loaded it up and recreated the figure 8 that was under the tree, so we didn't have to move the village. It is great. Grades, flex track and such were a bit tricky to learn. I am hoping V6 or V5.x will do more and that was a factor in buying the upgrade. It is a pretty niche product, I dont mind helping upport it, so I have future benefit.

I think one of the biggest benefits to RR-Track is being able to exchange track plans with others here.  I know there are other good tools but it seems to me that the majority of people are using RR-Track.

 

For me there are a couple of caveats that aren't directly related to the "track planning" functionality...

1. Take a while to think about what libraries you want and consider a bundle that includes more than what you are currently using.  Purchasing additional libraries adds up in a big hurry.
2. Take extra care not to misplace your disks or their packaging.  I was unable to locate mine in a timely manner and was unable to take advantage of upgrade pricing even they knew exactly when I purchased the software.

 

I would echo what others have said about learning curve.  It is fairly steep.  I'd start with the tutorial as Dave says and go on from there.

The biggest problem I run in to is finding a program that works well with Mac. I know I can mirror it if I want to buy Windows for my Mac, but I don't know or want to do that.

can understand where your coming from Iam not to swift useing computers but I do havefriends that understand rrtrack and will help with layout design Iam new on the forum have been reading it for awhile I enjoy seeing pictures of layouts in progress I will be takeing my old layout down hopefully by march Iam retired and inspired

There's a good program for Mac called RailModeller. google it, They did have a free trail version... I used it a few years ago on a Mac laptop until I found XTrackCad for windows.

 

Ed

@slipperybrain:

 

Look into WINE. It is a free windows emulator. I used it when I was running Linux.

 

You could run RR track via mac that way.

 

A good tutorial:

http://www.davidbaumgold.com/tutorials/wine-mac/

Is the RR track software that's included with the MTH subscription the same (full) version that is on the RR track site.  Also, specifically does it include the Scaletrax library?  Just wanted to make sure that it wasn't a trial version that would expire... if not it's a no-brainer, I'll buy the MTH subscription.

It's been a while since I used the MTH version so I checked the RRTrack site. It doesn't appear that the MTH version supports ScaleTrax. Here is the link:

 

http://rrtrack.com/html/mth_edition.html

 

Steve

I have used both RRTrack and CadRail for years. Designing and redesigning layouts plus many other projects.

I've used CadRail to design train layouts (had to roll my own library for Super "O"), church organ speaker chambers (multi-story), wiring diagrams, and workworking projects. My use of it has demisished some over the past year.

I've used RRTrack to design train layouts (Christmas tree layout for several years), office train storage shelves, computer system layouts and workworking projects. It is my primary CAD tool.

I've had TurboCAD for several years and have never designed anything with it. The big difference from CadRail and RRTrack? I worked through the tutorials for CadRail and RRTrack, and never have for TurboCAD.

 

If you really only want to design just track plans I can certainly recommend RRTrack. I particularly like the 3-D display capabilities (3-D design rather difficult).

One thing I wish RRTrack would add is the ability to create custom cut fitters in FasTrack.

For some unknown weird reason they are unwilling to add this feature. Very annoying if you use FasTrack. Otherwise it is a great track planning tool.

 

Rod

I'm still on the fence between Right Track (Atlas) and RRtrack Atlas library).In my not necessarily humble opinion....  

 

Version 10 of Right Track - 

> Some shaky track issues in this release. If a connection is a bit short it has the tendency to twist the entire layout to close the gap.

>The tool set (especially the flip and flex tools) seems a bit easier to use than RRtrack.

>Picture is still worth a thousand (text) words! The track 'pics' in their own banner area is a full win....just seems a lot easier than sifting down through menus and numbers.

>The short circuit feature seems to be a hit or miss.

 

RRtrack V5-

>Has some stability problems, at least in Vista 32. I have to say this is the ONLY program on my system that has ever blew out....and has now done it a number of times in a handful of days. There is definitely a specific click sequence to cause it when coming out of the simulation tab. Vista users - - Hit SAVE very frequently!

>The constant left clicking to recall the last piece used can wear thin. I think RRtrack would also benefit by following more closely some of the Windows standardized conventions such as scroll bars (horz & vert), drop down buttons, and for dialogue boxes - specifically the measure dialogue box. YIKES! It's a fine line between author creativity and scary!

>The 3d feature is really nice!

 

Both have their pros and cons. Right Track is free so that does kind of take the thunder out of its issues - but at $70 for a RRT base install w/ just the Atlas library, RRTrack needs to get on the stick.