We recently purchased someone's train collection and he used MTH Realtrax. We would like to know what design software you would recommend to start designing our layout. I understand there was a CD that came with their sets but we do not have the CD.
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The program included on the MTH CD's was called RR-TRACK (http://www.rrtrack.com/).
The version included was exclusive to MTH and included only the RealTrax library (earlier versions also included layout buildings and transformers). I Think the latest version included on the CD was 4.2.
You can purchase the software from the link above and you'll get much more than what was included on the original CD version.
If you are using a Windows PC, there are a number of software packages that will work for you. The ones used most often here are SCARM, AnyRail and RR-Track. They all have the RealTrax library, assuming that's the track you want to use, and they'll all work after a bit of a learning curve. SCARM and AnyRail have trial versions that allow full use for up to 100 tracks/objects while RR-Track doesn't have a trial version and it's not part of MTH. Ken-Oscale uses AnyRail extensively and searching his posts will show you some of his work. I started with the CD of RR-Track, upgraded to the full v5, but now almost exclusively use SCARM. Many others also use SCARM, probably because it was free during years of beta testing. AnyRail is arguably the prettiest and SCARM has the best 3D simulation. I suggest you take some time to play with the trial versions to see which will work best for you.
I would also like to mention another, completely free, track planning software which is not frequently mentioned or used here. XtrakCAD is available on-line and is available for Windows, Linux and MacOS systems. Honestly, it may be a little more difficult to learn to use, but help is available on-line and how can you beat limitless use for free?
Chuck
I used XtrakCAD back when it didn’t have many O-scale track libraries. It was okay and had a simple simulation feature somewhat like RR-Track’s. I got the free RR-Track when I bought my MTH Christmas set and left XTrakCAD behind. Had someone here asked for help with it, I would have kept up, but no one ever did.
I recently purchased a few pieces of rolling stock, Real Trax and a switcher loco from a local hobby shop that was closing, couldnt beat 60%-70% off. I contacted MTH by phone and explained what I did and asked if they could send me the RAILWARE CD, I called last Friday and it came today. When you open it up on your computer, it gives you the option to buy the upgraded version if you would like. I have a 5X10 setup that I am working on and the free one worked great for me. Hope this helps!
Bob's Dad
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