Track Planning Software

what about "any rail"?

Have you looked into SCARM? Google it and it will take you to the web sight for a free download. I've played with it and it works pretty well.

Dan

I did check out SCARM, but I thought it said it only works with Windows applications.  I'll check it again though.

I'm not familiar with "Any Rail," but I'll check it out.  Thanks.

Have you considered running a Windows emulator?  Many folks solve the Mac compatibility issues that way.

Rail Modeler works pretty good, has a lot of libraries and is pretty cheap. Never used the other

Not sure what you mean about  RR Design software not being compatible with the Mac. Sure running an windows executable on a Mac will not work unless you have a Windows emulation program like Parallels or similar. But are you saying you have the emulator and tried to use it?  I know there is a problem with RR-Track 3.0 and new versions of Windows, but if you are using an emulator on the Mac you can install an old version of Windows like Win 98 or XP and it should work OK for you and allow you to use the old software

I had never heard of a Windows emulator until today on this Forum.  You gave me a brand name -- Parallels -- I'll check it out.  I checked on the other programs suggested to me -- Any Rail and SCRAM (did I get it right?) and neither one supports Mac.  

I'll check out the Parallel, but if you say Rail Modeler works pretty good, if it were you would you rather work with Rail Modeler, or go with the simulator program?

Thanks.  I checked on SCRAM and it works only in the Windows environment.  I'm going to check on the Parallel software.

I would go with Rail Modeller, besides needing an emulator like Parallels, you need a full version of windows to install. If you are only doing a fairly simple layout Rail Modeller will be fine

There is also Boot Camp which is part of the Mac package.  You still need a version of Windows, but you can pick that up dirt cheap in OEM versions.

"Boot Camp"?  I know so little about the Mac, I'll have to check that one out, too.  We bought the Mac when we retired because our kids kept telling us it'd be simpler for us to operate.  Only one or two plugs.  True, but all the software I have in a box is for the PC.  Although I haven't needed to use it for a few years, this is one of those times when I'd like to still have the PC.  

For years we ran the Polar Express around our Christmas tree -- and kept extending it into the living room.  We retired and kept it simple the first year because I had shoulder surgery making it difficult to get under the tree.  The attached photo is the "simple" train we did while working around a rotator cuff sling.  (The only thing simple was the size.)  Last year we skipped both the train and the tree, but this year we're eliminating the tree and just going with the train.  My husband is planning on 8x12 feet this time, with a 4x4 extension -- if we can move the piano somewhere else.  We don't have room for a permanent train, so this is our once a gear hobby.  It's the end of August and time to begin.

Someone in your group published a layout for the Polar Express with the mountain climb I've been wanting to do since we saw that Tom Hanks movie.  I suspect his plan is HO and I need O, but if I can do something similar and he doesn't mind a copy cat, I'm going to try to get scary mountain track in this year.  I found a website discussing ghost engines.  I need to investigate that -- we could build it into one of the Polar Express cars in the middle of the train if we need more power.   

Sorry to bore you.  

or come back to the dark side and just buy a cheap PC

$35 for software is better than the cost of even a cheap PC.

stsaun,

Parallels and VMware are commercial virtual machine software. This enables you to run a genuine installation of windows within the Mac you have.

If all you want to do is run the railroad track planner, then you can try VirtualBox by Oracle. Parallels and VMware will cost you for the program, If you are not heavy into gaming, then VirtualBox will work fine and its free.

I have run 4 instances of windows at the same time with VirtualBox without a hitch.

https://www.virtualbox.org/

stsaun,

For the best performance of any software, you try to use one that is native to the OS.

Another words, since you are using a MAC, then try to use software made for MAC.

I intentionally didn't mention Boot Camp, its ones of those things that sort of works, but is almost not worth the problem

Use RailModeller, it will be fine

Polar Express mountain in OGauge

http://youtu.be/sLQVF5b-5Z4

Thanks for all the responses and help.  I appreciate all of it.

Really!?  That's terrific.  Ever since I saw the movie I've been asking for that mountain on our Christmas layout, but under a tree it would have been a little hard.  Also my husband kept telling me there's no way to get back down the mountain.  I played with it for a long time trying to get back down the same way we went up without success.  Your solution was so simple and we were so dumb.  If we can fit the size into our space, would you mind if we copied it?  There are a lot of ifs attached to that, but I'd really like to try.  

That isn't my video, its just one I found. Looks like a great plan. I seem to remember a plan for the mountain being published somewhere a few years ago but I do not recall where

I also found an earlier YouTube on this Forum for a train running on a similar layout.  My husband wants to have a second track around the base to run a second train with switches so both trains can access either track.  I've started building a track layout on Rail Modlier (did I get the software name correct?), but there's a learning curve to using it and learning where things are.  I tried contacting the company to pay for it and ask questions, but only got a page saying they're closed for the month of August.   I'll keep playing with it and try them again in September.  By then I should have lots of questions.  

In looking through the threads on this Forum I found some really amazing layouts members have posted.  Some are so intricate they amaze me.