Cheap Layout Planning Program

Since you didn’t mention what software you tried, there is AnyRail, SCARM and RR-Track for Windows and RailModeller Pro for MAC. There’s also XTrackCAD for both that I believe is still open source and free. I used XTrackCAD a long time ago, moved to RR-Track in 2013 and have mostly used SCARM the past 4-5 years.

Thank you for the suggestions. I am currently using AnyRail. 

There is Trax which is free and web-based.  It is slow compared to the other programs.

Jan

If you plan to use Atlas track, or just want something close; Atlas has free software.

Atlas track planning software

Depends what you mean by cheap, freeware generally is limited.  I finally got railmodeller pro to work for me on my mac and it was worth it.   I would get the freeware program (if available) and see what you work with best, then buy it, will save you a lot of grief.  If you can't afford the full program at this point, then use the freeware version you like to learn how to use it, then if you can afford it ,buy the full version when you have the resources to build a layout, you will save more using the software, both in time and money, than doing it the old fashioned way, won't overbuy track, won't find the design you came up with won't work, etc. 

Oman posted:

If you plan to use Atlas track, or just want something close; Atlas has free software.

Atlas track planning software

Good point. It’s SCARM limited to the Atlas track libraries.

I didn't get that for a second. Then I noticed the Atlas support page went to SCARM. So it is another limited form, but maybe not piece limited.

You can also build in layers/sections, each layer having one or two common pieces. photoshop layers together for a crude 2d.

As Dave said; limited to Atlas track. But size wise; no limit.

Thanks guys. I tried XtrackCAD,  and it confused me. The Atlas one was helpful, but does have a size limit (larger than AnyRail). Thanks again.