Layout Software for Macintosh

I suggest you run Parallels on your Mac especially if you can segment the boot. That will allow you to run Windows compatible software.  Over the years I've transitioned off Mac because so many of my hobbies and interests run in Windows, not in OSX.

Doug, are you sure they’re incorrect or does Railroad Modeler Pro just not make you add the 1 3/8” makeup pieces?  SCARM doesn’t either and I always forget that. RRTrack forces you to add the makeup before it will let you connect another track. The 1 3/8” pieces go on both tracks on the turnout end of the switch. The switch comes with a piece with no roadbed and 2 pieces with half roadbed. When you add the latter to the switch they form a complete roadbed. You can still connect other tracks, but you’d have to cut the roadbed. Note the pieces I circled and the piece on the switch that fill in the roadbed.

I have used RailModeler Pro on my Mac - though its been a while.  I recall having a couple of issues with the software (I really don't recall exactly what it was - I'd have to dig way back into some old emails to try to suss it out) and the folks at http://www.IsleOfTheKakapo.com (the developers)  were very helpful.  If you haven't already, you might try contacting them via this link and see if you can get them to resolve the problem - it sounds like its a more generic issue that just something you are doing.

RailModeler is really the only layout planning software I've used - likely because its built for the Mac - so I can't really compare to other track planning software.  They've added a lot of bells and whistles to it - and there's always the advantage (at least most of the time) of being familiar with the software as opposed to learning something new.

Rich;

Thanks - I'll try that link to see if they can provide some advice on how to resolve the length discrepancy on the switches.  I sent an email to their contact/support email but never heard anything back. I'll try the link and hope for the best.  I wish the SCARM software was available on the Mac as it seems to be the choice product.

Thanks again,

Doug

Dave;

Thanks for that suggestion. I'll try adding the two 1 3/8 extensions and then check the length against a 10" and 4.5" track section to see if that corrects the problem. Hopefully that will correct the problem.

Thanks again and best regards,

Doug

Bruce;

Thanks for the suggestion on Parallels - that's something I might try

Appreciate the suggestion and input.

Best regards,

Doug

I thought there was something free, Wine. You might check recent posts in the SCARM thread.

https://wine.en.softonic.com/mac

I've used RailModeller Pro quite a bit. My latest Fastrack plan (see below) translated from the SW to my benchwork perfectly. I will echo @DoubleDAZ's comment that you have to add the 1 3/8" isolators to 060 and 072 switches you place. I personally like this flexibility as it allows me to use a single one for crossovers or other places where two switches meet. I use the inventory feature of RailModeller, so I use the 1 3/8" pieces w/o roadbed to indicate the ones that come with switches and differentiate from the regular 1 3/8" isolators with roadbed on both sides.

I ran SCARM on my Mac using PlayOnMac, it got be all but the 3D stuff, which I didn't need.  There is also Empire Express which is an old layout software that has been updated recently for the Mac.  I messed with it years ago and thought it was great.