What cheap program would you suggest for planning a standard gauge layout at 1in = 1ft scale? I want to enter the TCA contest, and I don't know what to use.
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You will have to define cheap. Many of the train dedicated track planning software packages are pricey. An inexpensive solution would be to purchase a version of TurboCAD from OfficeMax or Staples. It should run about $40.00. It is a general CAD program and not dedicated to trains, however you can create your own symbols and templates to make the layout creation a little easier.
As far as a track planning software program is concerned, I personally like RR-Track.
atlas has a free version on their site
$60 will get you a license for AnyRail. I've been playing with it for about 5 months and it's pretty good IMO. Click and drag a piece of track to your layout. It has features that let you change the scale on the fly. It will then give (allow you to print) an inventory of what pieces you have placed in the layout. I tried some cad type software but you have to have templates for the various pieces of tracks. AnyRail has nearly all (if not all) every piece of fastrack. Plenty of other mfg's as well. You can download a trial edition and use it for free forever but it does limit you to 50 pieces of track. I see where some are using RRtrack so if you find a need to post your layout than only those with AnyRail will be able to view it.
I purchased the program RR-Track and recently had the program was up-graded to version 5.0. Easy ro use, and with the added libraries for different manufacturers track and accesories, you can create a fairly good layout in a fairly short amount of time.
I don't see any standard gauge in AnyRail, but other than that, I like it a lot.
If you decide to go with RR-Track, it is CRITICAL to keep track of your CD AND the serial number/package. While some companies are willing to "look you up" and verify that you bought the software, Russ is not one of them. I had to learn this the hard way and hope to keep others from having to do the same.
That being said, there are a lot of good things about the product. There are some annoyances like no provision for custom cut FasTrack, but it is a solid choice.
There was another thread on this subject.(do a search)
I tired a lot of programs. RR-Track is as easy as anyrail (if not easier). It also has the accessory libraries and the graphics are pretty good, which means the 2D and 3D views are good to get an idea of what you are making. The track libraries are not as comprehensive in anyrail -- so be aware of this!
I think RR-Track is the best choice for O guage.I think it is pretty good for other scales as well. An n-scaler I follow on the internet says this as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k89qPTv5UEg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLF_ExIhdnk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7EiJZPKLUU
If you use a mac, Wine works fine and you don't have to purchase a Virtual machine or a version of windows
