I used to use Atlas-O track planning software when I designed my previous layout, but now I am thinking of using RCS/Gargraves on my next layout. What track planning software to you recommend and why?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I have used RR-Track through many versions. I have grown accustomed to the somewhat non-intuitive and antiquated UI of many of the functions so I keep using it - inertia, I guess. I have pushed it to its limits on layout size with dimensions up to 100 ft and lots of objects and details. I also save frequently because of the occasional crash. That said, it serves me well every holiday season when I'm designing layouts. Basic layouts with a mix of track (tubular, Ross, FasTrack) can be quickly drawn. Fastrack designs fit when its time to assemble. I work with modules but RR-Track's module feature is not usable for me. I use Visio to design modular layouts using a library of modules I have created.
SCARM is the other alternative that I need to try. From the documentation, it still doesn't handle modules.
I have RR-Track, but some of the functions are so obtuse that I'm not a fan of that software. I also have Anytrack, it doesn't have the full range of capabilities of RR-Track, but it's MUCH easier to master.
I personally use SCARM for my Track Planning Software. It has libraries for Ross and Gargraves. Biggest downside is if you want more than 100 objects on the layout you will need to purchase the license for it.
I do not recommend RR-Track because besides the initial software purchase, you may to make additional purchases for different track libraries, and the developer/seller doesn't provide much assistance if something goes wrong.
I would recommend downloading and trying both Anyrail and SCARM, both of which are Windows only. Neither are totally free for complete use, but both have trial usage allowed and both include all their track libraries for users. SCARM is my favorite primarily because the developer listens to complaints and suggestions for modifications and can be reached through this forum.
Finally, a totally free to download, but way more difficult to use, track-planning software for Windows, Mac and Linux systems is XtrakCad. Despite its initial difficulty to learn and use, it has on-line tutorials, an on-line community, and provides developer access for questions for which you just can't find the answer. However, I don't think I've ever seen anyone on this forum use XtrakCad.
Chuck
I agree with others about RR track software, it is non intuitive (to me) and has a really clunky interface even for basic things like laying out the table, and the tutorials they have on you tube, to be honest, are pretty minimal. I ended up doing it on my mac laptop with railmodeler pro, for whatever reasons I has able to use it to design a layout. I tried scarm on my pc and I had trouble with it, too, others seem to really like it. RR track unfortunately doesn't have a trial version, scarm and other packages do, it likely is going to be how it works for you.
ANYRAIL worked well for me in designing my L-shaped layout and the many revisions I made to my track plan. It's easy to learn and use, which is a significant benefit to me as a non-tech person! I began with the FREE trial version and soon upgraded to the licensed version because I needed more capacity for track sections. The online instruction manual for ANYRAIL is thoughtfully prepared and well illustrated. I began years ago with VERSION 4, and the company has provided free upgrades to VERSION 6 with occasional mini-upgrades. Also, there is an online User Forum, from which you can get tips from other hobbyists who use ANYRAIL. Very helpful, since that info is provided by those who have "walked in your moccasins."
The track libraries in several gauges and several brands provide more options than I'll ever need, since my layout is O-gauge with Lionel tubular track and K-LIne O42 switches. Further, ANYRAIL offers the option to save a track plan as a JPG file, so you can send that file to others as an e-mail attachment for comments; a handy feature for your advisors who may not have ANYRAIL in their PC.
Carry on, regardless ...
Mike Mottler LCCA 12394
mottlerm@gmail.com
I have and use RR-Track, but it does have its weak points:
- Printing. The functionality was OK in version 4. Printing in version 5 is totally counter-intuitive.
- Grades are tricky to use.
- Help facility isn't really very helpful.
I've written the developer (I've developed plenty of software in my career) about it and got crickets in response.
That being said, I like it and know enough to get around in it.
George
@Chessie posted:I used to use Atlas-O track planning software when I designed my previous layout, but now I am thinking of using RCS/Gargraves on my next layout. What track planning software to you recommend and why?
I currently use SCARM. Full version is about $40. I could never put enough time in to learn autocad, but this is reasonably easy to work with "out of the box". The get started tutorials are short and decent enough to get you started. I would never have been able to do my current layout without some sort of software, too many elevation changes. Has entire library of track manufacturers so is relatively easy to switch between Ross switches and track and Gargraves flex or fixed track. Easy to line up track and snap together. A bit tricky with elevation changes as you have to match elevations when completing a circle or it won't snap. The 3D view is really a nice feature, fully rotates so you can get an idea on profile look. Tunnels and bridges are a bit lame. The simulator is also kind of fun to see an engine run around an un-built layout. It is a bit more challenging when you want to redesign a section.
The current Atlas software is a product restricted version of SCARM. I am currently using SCARM for most of my designs but started out with RR-Track. There are things that I wish SCARM would do that RR-Track handled easily. The big plus for SCARM is that it includes virtually all the existing track libraries.
I do all my new work in SCARM and only use RR-Track with my older designs or with plans that others have posted.
Jan
You won’t go wrong with SCARM or AnyRail. Like Jan said, RR-Track does some things better, but support is virtually non-existent and it’s the most expensive. The SCARM developer is a member here and responds quickly. While I don’t know anyone from AnyRail, there are users here, so you get plenty of help with it and SCARM. Both have free versions limited to the number of tracks, but otherwise fully functional. I recommend SCARM, but mostly because I have it and RR-Track and just didn’t need a 3rd package, so never bought AnyRail.
The guys at Anyrail have responded quickly to stuff I've sent. They even added the 23010/23011 switches to the Lionel track library with all their variations when I asked. I was suitable impressed with their response.
The key is their response to the customer needs.
Jan
Thanks to all who have responded. Sounds like SCARM is the software I need. I'll get a trial copy and see how it goes.
Thanks !
RRTrack finally added the standard gauge rail sections we introduced in 2009, but insists on including them in the "Lionel-Rydin" track library, instead of properly labeling them as products of USA Track LLC. (Neither Lionel or Rydin ever offered the wide radius sections we manufacture, and both have been out of production for decades.) They continue to omit the fine standard gauge switches made by Ross Custom Switches, the best ones made for operators of standard gauge trains.
Frustrating!
Kirk Lindvig, USA Track LLC
